Cabletron Systems 2E43-51 User manual

9032251-04
2E43-51/2E43-51R
SmartSwitch 2100
User’s Guide
65
LINK 1
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LINK 1
12
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12
ENET 1
ENET 3 ENET 4
ENET 2
E3
E1
E4
E2
2E43-51 COM
PWR
CPU
RESET

2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide i
NOTICE
Cabletron Systems reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information
contained in this document without prior notice. The reader should in all cases consult Cabletron
Systems to determine whether any such changes have been made.
The hardware, firmware, or software described in this manual is subject to change without notice.
IN NO EVENT SHALL CABLETRON SYSTEMS BE LIABLE FORANY INCIDENTAL,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS MANUAL OR
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN IT, EVEN IF CABLETRON SYSTEMS HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF, KNOWN, OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN, THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES.
 1998 by Cabletron Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 5005, Rochester, NH 03866-5005
All Rights Reserved
Printed in the United States of America
Order Number: 9032251-04 September 1998
Cabletron Systems , LANVIEW , QuickSET , S
ecure
F
ast
, and SPECTRUM are registered
trademarks and SmartSwitch is a trademark of Cabletron Systems, Inc.
All other product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies.
FCC NOTICE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment uses, generates, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed in
accordance with the operator’s manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the user
will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
WARNING: Changes or modifications made to this device which are not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Only qualified personnel should perform installation
procedures.
Printed on Recycled Paper

Notice
ii 2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide
INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE
This digital apparatus does not exceed the ClassA limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables
aux appareils numériques de la class A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique
édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.
VCCI NOTICE
This is a Class A product based on the standard of the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by
Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). If this equipment is used in a domestic environment,
radio disturbance may arise. When such trouble occurs, the user may be required to take corrective
actions.
CABLETRON SYSTEMS, INC. PROGRAM LICENSE AGREEMENT
IMPORTANT: Before utilizing this product, carefully read this License Agreement.
This document is an agreement between you, the end user, and Cabletron Systems, Inc. (“Cabletron”)
that sets forth your rights and obligations with respect to the Cabletron software program (the
“Program”) contained in this package. The Program may be contained in firmware, chips or other
media. BY UTILIZING THE ENCLOSED PRODUCT,YOU ARE AGREEING TO BECOME
BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH INCLUDES THE LICENSE AND
THE LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY. IFYOU DO NOT
AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, PROMPTLY RETURN THE UNUSED
PRODUCT TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A FULL REFUND.

Notice
2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide iii
CABLETRON SOFTWARE PROGRAM LICENSE
1. LICENSE. You have the right to use only the one (1) copy of the Program provided in this
package subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement.
You may not copy, reproduce or transmit any part of the Program except as permitted by the
Copyright Act of the United States or as authorized in writing by Cabletron.
2. OTHER RESTRICTIONS. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the
Program.
3. APPLICABLE LAW. This License Agreement shall be interpreted and governed under the laws
and in the state and federal courts of New Hampshire. You accept the personal jurisdiction and
venue of the New Hampshire courts.
EXCLUSION OF WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
1. EXCLUSION OF WARRANTY. Except as may be specifically provided by Cabletron in
writing, Cabletron makes no warranty, expressed or implied, concerning the Program (including
its documentation and media).
CABLETRON DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED TO
YOU BY CABLETRON IN WRITING, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO THE PROGRAM, THE
ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS, AND ANY ACCOMPANYING HARDWARE.
2. NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL
CABLETRON OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER
(INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS,
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR RELIANCE DAMAGES, OR OTHER LOSS)
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS CABLETRON PRODUCT,
EVEN IF CABLETRON HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, OR
ON THE DURATION OR LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, IN SOME
INSTANCES THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO
YOU.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS
The enclosed product (a) was developed solely at private expense; (b) contains “restricted computer
software” submitted with restricted rights in accordance with Section 52227-19 (a) through (d) of the
Commercial Computer Software - Restricted Rights Clause and its successors, and (c) in all respects
is proprietary data belonging to Cabletron and/or its suppliers.
For Department of Defense units, the product is licensed with “Restricted Rights” as defined in the
DoD Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulations, Section 52.227-7013 (c) (1) (ii) and its
successors, and use, duplication, disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in
subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at
252.227-7013. Cabletron Systems, Inc., 35 Industrial Way, Rochester, New Hampshire 03867-0505.

Notice
iv 2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide
SAFETY INFORMATION
CLASS 1 LASER TRANSCEIVERS
THE FE-100F3 FAST ETHERNET INTERFACE MODULE, FPIM-05 AND
FPIM-07 FDDI PORT INTERFACE MODULES, AND APIM-29 ATM
PORT INTERFACE MODULE USE CLASS 1 LASER TRANSCEIVERS.
READ THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE
INSTALLING OR OPERATING THESE MODULES.
The Class 1 laser transceivers use an optical feedback loop to maintain Class 1 operation limits. This
control loop eliminates the need for maintenance checks or adjustments. The output is factory set, and
does not allow any user adjustment. Class 1 Laser transceivers comply with the following safety
standards:
• 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (FDA).
• IEC Publication 825 (International Electrotechnical Commission).
• CENELEC EN 60825 (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization).
When operating within their performance limitations, laser transceiver output meets the Class 1
accessible emission limit of all three standards. Class 1 levels of laser radiation are not considered
hazardous.
SAFETY INFORMATION
CLASS 1 LASER TRANSCEIVERS
LASER RADIATION AND CONNECTORS
When the connector is in place, all laser radiation remains within the fiber. The maximum amount of
radiant power exiting the fiber (under normal conditions) is -12.6 dBm or 55 x 10
-6
watts.
Removing the optical connector from the transceiver allows laser radiation to emit directly from the
optical port. The maximum radiance from the optical port (under worst case conditions) is
0.8 W cm
-2
or 8 x 10
3
W m
2
sr-1.
Do not use optical instruments to view the laser output. The use of optical instruments to view
laser output increases eye hazard. When viewing the output optical port, power must be
removed from the network adapter.

Notice
2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide v
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council Directive(s): 89/336/EEC
73/23/EEC
Manufacturer’s Name: Cabletron Systems, Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 35 Industrial Way
PO Box 5005
Rochester, NH 03867
European Representative Name: Mr. J. Solari
European Representative Address: Cabletron Systems Limited
Nexus House, Newbury Business Park
London Road, Newbury
Berkshire RG13 2PZ, England
Conformance to Directive(s)/Product Standards: EC Directive 89/336/EEC
EC Directive 73/23/EEC
EN 55022
EN 50082-1
EN 60950
Equipment Type/Environment: Networking Equipment, for use in a
Commercial or Light
Industrial
Environment.
We the undersigned, hereby declare, under our sole responsibility, that the equipment packaged
with this notice conforms to the above directives.
Manufacturer Legal Representative in Europe
Mr. Ronald Fotino Mr. J. Solari
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Full Name Full Name
Principal Compliance Engineer Managing Director - E.M.E.A.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Title Title
Rochester, NH, USA Newbury, Berkshire, England
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Location Location

Notice
vi 2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide

2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide vii
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Using This Guide.........................................................................1-1
1.2 Structure of This Guide................................................................1-1
1.3 2E43-51 Overview.......................................................................1-3
1.3.1 Connectivity ....................................................................1-4
1.3.2 Full Duplex Switched Ethernet........................................1-4
1.3.3 Auto-Negotiation.............................................................1-4
1.3.4 SmartTrunk.....................................................................1-5
1.3.5 Runtime IP Address Discovery.......................................1-5
1.3.6 Management...................................................................1-6
1.3.7 Switching Options...........................................................1-6
1.3.8 Standards Compatibility..................................................1-6
1.3.9 Year 2000 Compliant......................................................1-7
1.3.10 LANVIEW Diagnostic LEDs............................................1-7
1.4 Optional Features........................................................................1-7
1.4.1 Fast Ethernet Interface Modules.....................................1-7
1.4.2 High Speed Interface Modules .......................................1-8
1.5 Document Conventions...............................................................1-8
1.6 Getting Help.................................................................................1-9
1.7 Related Manuals........................................................................1-10
CHAPTER 2 NETWORK REQUIREMENTS
2.1 SmartTrunk..................................................................................2-1
2.2 10BASE-T Network .....................................................................2-1
2.3 100BASE-TX Network.................................................................2-2
2.4 100BASE-FX Fiber Optic Network ..............................................2-2
CHAPTER 3 INSTALLATION
3.1 Required Tools............................................................................3-1
3.2 Unpacking the 2E43-51...............................................................3-2
3.3 Installing Options.........................................................................3-2
3.4 Installing the 2E43-51..................................................................3-3
3.4.1 Tabletop or Shelf Installation ..........................................3-3
3.4.2 Rackmount Installation ...................................................3-4
3.4.3 Connecting Power to the Devices...................................3-7
3.4.3.1 Connecting Power to the 2E43-51 .................3-7
3.4.3.2 Connecting Power to the 2E43-51R...............3-8

Contents
viii 2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide
3.5 Connecting to the Network...........................................................3-9
3.5.1 Connecting Cables to ENETs 1 Through 4.....................3-9
3.5.2 Connecting a UTP Segment to the FE-100TX..............3-11
3.5.3 Connecting a Fiber Optic Segment to the
FE-100FX and FE-100F3..............................................3-14
3.6 Completing the Installation.........................................................3-16
CHAPTER 4 TROUBLESHOOTING
4.1 Using LANVIEW...........................................................................4-1
4.2 FE-100TX LED.............................................................................4-4
4.3 Troubleshooting Checklist............................................................4-6
4.4 Using the RESET Button .............................................................4-7
CHAPTER 5 LOCAL MANAGEMENT
5.1 Overview......................................................................................5-1
5.2 Local Management Keyboard Conventions.................................5-2
5.3 Management Terminal Setup.......................................................5-3
5.3.1 Console Cable Connection..............................................5-4
5.3.2 Management Terminal Setup Parameters ......................5-5
5.3.3 Telnet Connections .........................................................5-6
5.3.4 Monitoring an Uninterruptible Power Supply...................5-7
5.4 Accessing Local Management.....................................................5-8
5.4.1 Navigating Local Management Screens..........................5-9
5.4.2 Selecting Local Management Menu Screen Items........5-11
5.4.3 Exiting Local Management Screens..............................5-11
5.5 Device Menu Screen..................................................................5-13
5.6 Device Configuration Menu Screen ...........................................5-15
5.7 General Configuration Screen ...................................................5-17
5.7.1 Setting the IP Address...................................................5-20
5.7.2 Setting the Subnet Mask...............................................5-21
5.7.3 Setting the Default Gateway..........................................5-22
5.7.4 Setting the TFTP Gateway IP Address .........................5-23
5.7.5 Setting the Device Date.................................................5-24
5.7.6 Setting the Device Time................................................5-24
5.7.7 Entering a New Screen Refresh Time...........................5-25
5.7.8 Setting the Screen Lockout Time..................................5-25
5.7.9 Setting the Operational Mode........................................5-26
5.7.10 Configuring the COM Port.............................................5-27
5.7.11 Clearing NVRAM...........................................................5-29
5.7.12 Enabling/Disabling IP Fragmentation............................5-30

Contents
2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide ix
5.8 SNMP Community Names Screen............................................5-31
5.8.1 Establishing Community Names...................................5-32
5.9 SNMP Traps Screen..................................................................5-34
5.9.1 Configuring the Trap Table...........................................5-35
5.10 Switch Configuration Screen.....................................................5-36
5.10.1 Setting the STA.............................................................5-38
5.10.2 Setting the Age Time Field ...........................................5-38
5.10.3 Setting (Enabling or Disabling) the Port Status ............5-39
5.11 Device Specific Configuration Menu Screen.............................5-39
5.12 System Resources Screen........................................................5-41
5.12.1 Setting the Reset Peak Switch Utilization.....................5-43
5.13 High Speed Interface Configuration Menu Screen....................5-44
5.14 High Speed Interface Configuration Screen..............................5-46
5.14.1 Configuring an FE-100FX or FE-100F3........................5-48
5.14.1.1 Setting the FE-100FX or FE-100F3
Operational Mode.........................................5-49
5.14.2 Configuring an FE-100TX.............................................5-49
5.14.2.1 Setting the FE-100TX Operational Mode.....5-49
5.14.2.2 Setting the FE-100TX Advertised Ability......5-50
5.15 FLASH Download Screen..........................................................5-50
5.15.1 Image File Download Using BootP...............................5-53
5.15.2 Image File Download Using TFTP................................5-53
5.15.3 Image File Download Using Runtime ...........................5-54
5.16 Port Redirect Function Screen ..................................................5-55
5.16.1 Displaying the Source and Destination Entries.............5-57
5.16.2 Changing Source and Destination Ports.......................5-58
5.17 Broadcast Suppression Screen.................................................5-58
5.17.1 Setting the Threshold....................................................5-60
5.17.2 Setting the Reset Peak.................................................5-60
5.18 Repeater Configuration Menu Screen.......................................5-61
5.19 Repeater Level Security Configuration......................................5-62
5.19.1 Setting the Repeater Level Security .............................5-64
5.20 Port Level Security Configuration Screen..................................5-65
5.20.1 Setting the Port Level Security .....................................5-68
5.21 Device Statistics Menu Screen..................................................5-69
5.22 Switch Statistics Screen............................................................5-71
5.23 Interface Statistics Screen.........................................................5-73
5.23.1 Displaying Interface Statistics.......................................5-76
5.23.2 Using the Clear Counters Command............................5-76
5.24 RMON Statistics Screen............................................................5-77
5.24.1 Displaying RMON Statistics..........................................5-80
5.24.2 Using the Clear Counters Command............................5-81

Contents
x 2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide
5.25 Repeater Statistics Screen ........................................................5-81
5.25.1 Displaying Repeater Statistics.......................................5-84
5.25.2 Using the Clear Counters Command ............................5-84
5.26 Network Tools............................................................................5-85
5.26.1 Built-in Commands........................................................5-86
5.26.2 Special Commands.......................................................5-94
APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS
A.1 Device Specifications..................................................................A-1
A.2 Physical Properties ..................................................................... A-1
A.3 Electrical Specifications .............................................................. A-1
A.4 Environmental Requirements...................................................... A-2
A.5 Input/Output Ports.......................................................................A-2
A.6 COM Pinout Assignments...........................................................A-2
A.7 Regulatory Compliance............................................................... A-3
APPENDIX B FE-100TX, FE-100FX, AND FE-100F3
SPECIFICATIONS
B.1 FE-100TX.................................................................................... B-1
B.2 FE-100FX.................................................................................... B-2
B.3 FE-100F3.................................................................................... B-3
APPENDIX C OPTIONAL INSTALLATIONS AND
MODE SWITCH BANK SETTINGS
C.1 Required Tools............................................................................C-1
C.2 Removing the Chassis Cover .....................................................C-2
C.2.1 Setting the Mode Switch.................................................C-4
C.3 Installing Optional Fast Ethernet Interface Modules ...................C-7
INDEX

2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide 1-1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the 2E43-51/2E43-51R SmartSwitch 2100 User’s Guide .
This guide provides the necessary documentation to install and operate
the 2E43-51 and the 2E43-51R SmartSwitch 2100 devices and provides
information concerning network requirements, installation,
troubleshooting, and the use of Local Management.
1.1 USINGTHIS GUIDE
Read through this guide to completely understand the 2E43-51 and
2E43-51R capabilities and Local Management functions. A general
working knowledge of Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 type data
communications networks and their physical layer components is helpful
when using this device.
1.2 STRUCTURE OFTHIS GUIDE
This guide is organized as follows:
Chapter 1, Introduction , outlines the contents of this manual and briefly
describes the 2E43-51 features. Directions about how to obtain additional
help and a list of related manuals are also included.
Chapter 2, Network Requirements , explains the network requirements
to consider before installing the 2E43-51.
Chapter 3, Installation , provides instructions on how to install the
2E43-51 and connect segments to the device.
Chapter 4, Troubleshooting , describes the function of the LANVIEW
LEDs, which can help to quickly diagnose network/operational problems.
NOTE
Unless it is noted differently, the information in this guide
applies to both the 2E43-51 and the 2E43-51R SmartSwitch
2100 devices. Unless the information pertains only to the
2E43-51 or the 2E43-51R, the device is referred to as either
the “2E43-51” or the “device”.

Chapter 1: Introduction
1-2 2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide
Chapter 5, Local Management , describes how to access and use Local
Management to configure and manage the 2E43-51.
Appendix A, Specifications , contains information on functionality and
operating specifications, connector pinouts, environmental requirements,
and physical properties.
Appendix B, FE-100TX, FE-100FX, and FE-100F3 Specifications ,
contains information about FE-100TX pinouts and information
concerning cable types used with the FE-100FX and FE-100F3.
Appendix C, Optional Installations and Mode Switch Bank Settings ,
describes how to install optional Fast Ethernet Interface Modules and how
to set the Mode Switch.

2E43-51 Overview
2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide 1-3
1.3 2E43-51 OVERVIEW
The 2E43-51 (Figure 1-1) is a repeater/switch device that provides four
Ethernet networks (MicroLANs ENET 1 through 4), each consisting of
12 repeater ports that share a bandwidth of 10 Mbps. Each Ethernet
network supports 802.1D switching (bridging), and Cabletron Systems
SecureFast Switching Virtual Network technology.
Figure 1-1 The 2E43-51
The 2E43-51 also has two slots (5 and 6) for optional 10/100 Fast
Ethernet Interface Modules, and another slot for an optional High Speed
Interface Module (HSIM).
The device can switch each Ethernet network (ENET 1 through ENET 4)
to one another, to the optional interface modules in slots 5 and 6, and to
the HSIM slot. The optional Fast Ethernet Interface Modules provide
uplinks to 100BASE-TX or 100BASE-FX Fast Ethernet networks. The
HSIMs provide additional connectivity to various networking
technologies such as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Fiber
Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Wide Area Network (WAN).
The 2E43-51 may be used as a tabletop unit or can be installed in a
standard 19-inch rack using the supplied rack mounting hardware.
The 2E43-51 device has one universal ac power supply with automatic
voltage sensing that allows operation using 100–125 or 200–240 Vac,
50/60 Hz.
2251-00
65
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LINK 1
12
12
12
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ENET 1
ENET 3 ENET 4
ENET 2
E3
E1
E4
E2
2E43-51 COM
PWR
CPU
RESET
System LEDs
COM Port
RESET Button
Interface
Receive (RX)
Transmit (TX)
LEDs Port LINK LEDs
(12 ports/MicroLAN)
MicroLANs
(ENET 1 - 4)
Optional HSIM Slot
Optional Fast
Ethernet Interface
Module Slots 5 & 6
Receive (RX)
Transmit (TX)
LEDs

Chapter 1: Introduction
1-4 2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide
The 2E43-51R has two power supplies. The power supplies load share
50% (+/-5%) of the power required by the device. If one power supply
fails, the remaining power supply assumes the entire load of the device
without interruption to network traffic. Each power supply module
supports its own ac input connection, which allows the user to connect
each power supply to a different ac power circuit.
1.3.1 Connectivity
The 2E43-51 connects to Ethernet networks or workstations through four
50-pin RJ21 connectors. Each connector serves as a 12-port Ethernet
10 Mbps MicroLAN.
Both of the devices have two front panel slots (ports 5 and 6) for optional
Fast Ethernet Interface Modules to support an uplink to 100 Mbps Fast
Ethernet backbones or a high speed connection to a local server. There is
also space for an optional HSIM to provide additional connectivity to
various networking technologies.
1.3.2 Full Duplex Switched Ethernet
The optional Fast Ethernet Interface Modules for the 2E43-51 can be
configured to operate in Full Duplex Switched Ethernet mode, which
provides 200 Mbps of bandwidth.
1.3.3 Auto-Negotiation
The repeater ports and Fast Ethernet Interface Modules can auto-negotiate
the type of connection required to provide a link to another device.
During Auto-Negotiation, two devices automatically exchange
information “telling” each other what their operating capabilities are. The
Auto-Negotiation feature targets the maximum capabilities that can be
reached between the two devices. For example, an FE-100TX Fast
Ethernet Interface Module in a 2E43-51 can adjust to 100 Mbps when the
device on the other end of the connection can also adjust to 100 Mbps. If
the device on the other end of the connection can only operate at
10 Mbps, then the FE-100TX simply adjusts to 10 Mbps operation.

2E43-51 Overview
2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide 1-5
When Auto-Negotiation is supported at both ends of a link, the two
devices dynamically adjust to full or half duplex operation based on the
maximum capability that can be reached between the two devices. If the
device connected to the FE-100TX cannot auto-negotiate, the FE-100TX
Fast Ethernet Interface Module operates according to the capabilities of
the other device.
1.3.4 SmartTrunk
SmartTrunk, also referred to as SmartTrunking, is Cabletron Systems’
terminology for load balancing or load sharing. SmartTrunk technology
provides an easy-to-implement mechanism to group, or aggregate,
multiple physical links together to scale the backbone bandwidth beyond
the limitations of a single link. All links are user-configurable so
administrators can scale the backbone bandwidth by adding SmartTrunk
links. The SmartTrunk benefits are as follows:
• All purchased bandwidth is used.
• Distributed, resilient links increase reliability and performance.
• Multiple technologies are supported within a single trunk for
maximum flexibility.
For more information about SmartTrunk, refer to the Cabletron Systems
SmartTrunk User’s Guide .
1.3.5 Runtime IP Address Discovery
This feature enables the 2E43-51 to automatically accept an IP address
from a Boot Strap Protocol (BootP) server on the network into NVRAM
without requiring a user to enter an IP address through Local
Management.
When the 2E43-51 is connected to the network and powered up, Runtime
IPAddress Discovery (RAD) checks the 2E43-51 for an IP address. If one
has not yet been assigned (2E43-51 IP address set to 0.0.0.0), RAD
checks to see if any of the 2E43-51 interfaces have a link. If so, RAD
sends out Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP) and BootP
requests to obtain an IP address from a BootP server on the network.

Chapter 1: Introduction
1-6 2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide
The RAD requests start out at an interval of 1 second. The interval then
doubles after every transmission until an interval of 300 seconds is
reached. At this point, the interval remains at 300 seconds. The RAD
requests continue until an IP address is received from a BootP server, or
an IP address is entered using Local Management.
1.3.6 Management
Management of the 2E43-51 is accomplished using SNMP compliant
management tools for in-band Local Management. Out-of-band Local
Management is provided through the RJ45 COM port on the front panel
using a VT100 terminal or a VT100 terminal emulator. In-band remote
management is possible through any SNMP compliant Network
Management Software.
Local Management provides the ability to manage the 2E43-51 and any of
the optional Fast Ethernet Interface Modules installed in ports 5 and 6,
and the optional High Speed Interface Module (HSIM).
The associated HSIM user’s guide provides detailed information about
the HSIM Local Management.
1.3.7 Switching Options
The 2E43-51 provides 802.1D switching, 802.1Q switching or SecureFast
Switching Virtual Network Services between all of the front panel
interfaces including Fast Ethernet Interface Modules and High Speed
Interface Module (HSIM).
IEEE 802.1Q switching and SecureFast switching allow for future
migration to Virtual Network technologies without requiring the
replacement of existing equipment.
1.3.8 Standards Compatibility
The 2E43-51 provides IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Algorithm (STA)
support to enhance the overall reliability of the network and protect
against “loop” conditions. The 2E43-51 also supports 100BASE-TX and
100BASE-FX Fast Ethernet standards and a wide variety of industry
standard MIBs including RFC 1213 (MIB II), RFC 1757 (RMON),
RFC 1493 (Bridge MIB) and RFC 1354 (FIB MIB). A full suite of
Cabletron Systems Enterprise MIBs provide a wide array of statistical
information to enhance troubleshooting.

Optional Features
2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide 1-7
1.3.9 Year 2000 Compliant
The 2E43-51 has an internal clock that can maintain the current time and
date beyond the year 1999.
1.3.10 LANVIEW Diagnostic LEDs
LANVIEW diagnostic LEDs serve as an important troubleshooting aid by
providing an easy way to observe the status of individual ports and overall
network operations.
1.4 OPTIONAL FEATURES
Options for the 2E43-51 include the following:
• Fast Ethernet Interface Modules
• High Speed Interface Modules
1.4.1 Fast Ethernet Interface Modules
Cabletron Systems provides Fast Ethernet Interface Modules to support
uplinks to 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet backbones or high speed connections
to local servers. The Fast Ethernet Interface Modules are listed in
Table 1-1.
.
Table 1-1 Fast Ethernet Interface Modules
P/N Description Application
FE-100TX Uses RJ45
connector
Supports Category 5 Unshielded Twisted Pair
(UTP) cabling, which has an impedance of 85 to
111 ohms, and Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
cabling.
FE-100FX Uses SC
connector Supports multimode fiber optic cabling.
FE-100F3 Uses SC
connector Supports single mode fiber optic cabling.

Chapter 1: Introduction
1-8 2E43-51/2E43-51R User’s Guide
1.4.2 High Speed Interface Modules
High Speed Interface Modules (HSIMs) are available from Cabletron
Systems for additional connectivity to various networking technologies.
The HSIMs available for the 2E43-51 are listed in the Release Notes
shipped with the 2E43-51.
1.5 DOCUMENT CONVENTIONS
The following conventions are used throughout this document:
NOTE
Note symbol. Calls the reader’s attention to any item of
information that may be of special importance.
TIP
Tip symbol. Conveys helpful hints concerning procedures or
actions.
!
CAUTION
Caution symbol. Contains information essential to avoid
damage to the equipment.
Electrical Hazard Warning symbol.Warns against an action
that could result in personal injury or death due to an electrical
hazard.
WARNING
Warning symbol.Warns against an action that could result in
personal injury or death.