Cabletron Systems Spectrum 2E42-27 User manual

9031960-05
2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R
SmartSwitch 2200
User’s Guide
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2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R 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: 9031960-05 September 1998
Cabletron Systems , SPECTRUM , LANVIEW , QuickSET , and S
ecure
F
ast
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 2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R 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
2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R 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 2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R 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
2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R 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 2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide

2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R 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 2E4X-27 Features .......................................................................1-2
1.4 2E4X-27 Overview.......................................................................1-4
1.4.1 Connectivity ....................................................................1-4
1.4.2 Full Duplex Switched Ethernet........................................1-5
1.4.3 SmartTrunk.....................................................................1-5
1.4.4 Runtime IP Address Discovery.......................................1-6
1.4.5 Management...................................................................1-6
1.4.6 Switching Options...........................................................1-7
1.4.7 Standards Compatibility..................................................1-7
1.4.8 Year 2000 Compliant......................................................1-7
1.4.9 LANVIEW Diagnostic LEDs............................................1-7
1.4.10 Optional Features ...........................................................1-8
1.5 Document Conventions...............................................................1-9
1.6 Getting Help...............................................................................1-10
1.7 Related Manuals........................................................................1-11
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 Unpacking the 2E4X-27...............................................................3-2
3.2 Installing Options.........................................................................3-2
3.3 Installing the 2E4X-27 .................................................................3-3
3.3.1 Tabletop or Shelf Installation ..........................................3-3
3.3.2 Rackmount Installation ...................................................3-4
3.3.3 Connecting Power to the 2E42-27 or 2E43-27...............3-7
3.3.4 Connecting Power to the 2E42-27R or 2E43-27R..........3-8

Contents
viii 2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide
3.4 Connecting to the Network...........................................................3-9
3.4.1 Connecting UTP Cables to Ports 1 Through 24..............3-9
3.4.1.1 2E42-27 or 2E42-27R Cable Connections....3-10
3.4.1.2 2E43-27 or 2E43-27R Cable Connections....3-11
3.4.2 Connecting a UTP Segment to the FE-100TX..............3-13
3.4.3 Connecting a Fiber Optic Segment to the
FE-100FX and FE-100F3..............................................3-15
3.5 Completing the Installation.........................................................3-17
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 Monitoring an Uninterruptible Power Supply...................5-6
5.4 Accessing Local Management.....................................................5-7
5.4.1 Navigating Local Management Screens..........................5-8
5.4.2 Selecting Local Management Menu Screen Items........5-10
5.4.3 Exiting Local Management Screens..............................5-10
5.5 Device Menu Screen..................................................................5-12
5.6 Device Configuration Menu Screen ...........................................5-14
5.7 General Configuration Screen ...................................................5-16
5.7.1 Setting the IP Address...................................................5-19
5.7.2 Setting the Subnet Mask...............................................5-20
5.7.3 Setting the Default Gateway..........................................5-21
5.7.4 Setting the TFTP Gateway IP Address .........................5-22
5.7.5 Setting the Device Date.................................................5-23
5.7.6 Setting the Device Time................................................5-23
5.7.7 Entering a New Screen Refresh Time...........................5-24
5.7.8 Setting the Screen Lockout Time..................................5-24
5.7.9 Setting the Operational Mode........................................5-25
5.7.10 Configuring the COM Port.............................................5-26
5.7.10.1 Changing the Com Port Application..............5-28
5.7.11 Clearing NVRAM...........................................................5-29
5.7.12 Enabling/Disabling IP Fragmentation............................5-30

Contents
2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R 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 ............5-38
5.11 Ethernet Full Duplex Configuration Screen...............................5-39
5.11.1 Setting the Operation Mode..........................................5-41
5.12 Device Specific Configuration Menu Screen.............................5-42
5.13 System Resources Screen........................................................5-44
5.13.1 Setting the Reset Peak Switch Utilization.....................5-46
5.14 High Speed Interface Configuration Menu Screen....................5-46
5.15 High Speed Interface Configuration Screen..............................5-48
5.15.1 Configuring an FE-100FX or FE-100F3
in Port 25 or 26 .............................................................5-51
5.15.2 Setting the FE-100FX or FE-100F3
Operational Mode .........................................................5-51
5.15.3 Configuring an FE-100TX in Port 25 or 26 ...................5-51
5.15.4 Setting the FE-100TX Operational Mode......................5-51
5.15.5 Setting the FE-100TX Advertised Ability.......................5-52
5.16 Flash Download Screen ............................................................5-53
5.16.1 Image File Download Using BootP...............................5-55
5.16.2 Image File Download Using TFTP................................5-55
5.16.3 Image File Download Using Runtime ...........................5-56
5.17 Port Redirect Function Screen ..................................................5-58
5.17.1 Displaying the Source and Destination Entries.............5-60
5.17.2 Changing Source and Destination Ports.......................5-60
5.18 Broadcast Suppression Screen.................................................5-61
5.18.1 Setting the Threshold....................................................5-63
5.18.2 Setting the Reset Peak.................................................5-63
5.19 Device Statistics Menu Screen..................................................5-64
5.20 Switch Statistics Screen............................................................5-66
5.21 Interface Statistics Screen.........................................................5-67
5.21.1 Displaying Interface Statistics.......................................5-71
5.21.2 Using the Clear Counters Command............................5-71
5.22 RMON Statistics Screen............................................................5-72
5.22.1 Displaying RMON Statistics..........................................5-75
5.22.2 Using the Clear Counters Command............................5-76
5.23 Network Tools............................................................................5-76
5.23.1 Built-in Commands .......................................................5-79
5.23.2 Special Commands.......................................................5-88

Contents
x 2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide
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 Port/Pin Assignments ........................................................ A-3
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-2
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

2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide 1-1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the 2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R SmartSwitch
2200 User’s Guide . This guide describes the 2E42-27, 2E42-27R,
2E43-27, and 2E43-27R SmartSwitch 2200 devices and provides
information concerning network requirements, installation,
troubleshooting, and the use of Local Management.
1.1 USINGTHIS GUIDE
Read through this guide completely to understand the 2E42-27,
2E42-27R, 2E43-27, and 2E43-27R features, 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 2E4X-27 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 2E4X-27.
Chapter 3, Installation , provides instructions on how to install the
2E4X-27 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.
Chapter 5, Local Management , describes how to access Local
Management and use the Local Management screens to manage the
2E4X-27.
NOTE
Unless noted differently, the information in this guide applies to
all four of the SmartSwitch 2200 devices, which are referred to
as either “2E4X-27” or “device.”

Chapter 1: Introduction
1-2 2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide
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.
1.3 2E4X-27 FEATURES
Figure 1-1 shows the 2E42-27 and 2E43-27. Following the figure is a list
of the features.
Figure 1-1 The 2E42-27 and 2E43-27
19601_01
RESET Button
RESET Button
1
23
45 67 811 12 13 14 15
16
9
10 17
18 19 20 21
22 23
24
2E42-27 COM
PWR
CPU
RESET
1X 3X 5X 7X 9X 11X 13X 15X 17X 19X 21X 23X 2625
Optional HSIM Slot
COM Port
System LEDs
Port Status LEDs Network Ports 1 - 24
(RJ45 connectors) Optional Fast Ethernet Interface
Module Ports 25 and 26
2E43-27 COM
PWR
CPU
RESET 2625
1
23
45 67 811 12 13 14 15
16
9
10 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24
COM Port
System LEDs
Port Status LEDs Network Ports 1 - 24
(RJ21 connectors) Optional Fast Ethernet Interface
Module Ports 25 and 26
Optional HSIM Slot

2E4X-27 Features
2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide 1-3
• A 24-port high-speed workgroup switch with two optional ports for
Fast Ethernet Interface Modules providing high speed uplinks to
100 Mbps Fast Ethernet technologies and one optional port for a High
Speed Interface Module (HSIM). The HSIM provides additional
connectivity to various networking technologies.
• Full Duplex Switched Ethernet (FDSE) support for 20 Mbps or
200 Mbps Fast Ethernet links to bandwidth intensive users/servers.
• SmartTrunk, which allows the user to logically group interfaces on the
2E4X-27 via Local Management to provide a higher aggregate
bandwidth between Cabletron Systems devices that support the
SmartTrunk feature.
• Runtime IPAddress Discovery, which allows the 2E4X-27 to send out
ReverseAddress Resolution (RARP) and Bootstrap Protocol (BootP)
requests to determine its Internet Protocol (IP) address.
• Manageable using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
and Remote Monitoring (RMON).
• Support for traditional switching services and with the proper
software, Cabletron Systems SecureFast Switching Virtual Network
technology.
• Ability to link existing stackable or third party hubs to 100 Mbps Fast
Ethernet backbones.
• IEEE 802.3 compatibility with support for IEEE 802.1D and DEC
Spanning Tree Algorithms.
• LANVIEW Diagnostic LEDs.
• Available with two power supplies (2E42-27R and 2E43-27R only).

Chapter 1: Introduction
1-4 2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide
1.4 2E4X-27 OVERVIEW
The 2E4X-27 is a 27-port high-speed network switching device that
supports traditional switching (bridging) and Cabletron Systems
SecureFast Switching Virtual Network technology. Ports 25 and 26
support optional Fast Ethernet Interface Modules and can provide uplinks
to 100BASE-TX or 100BASE-FX Fast Ethernet networks. Port 27
supports an optional High Speed Interface Module (HSIM) that provides
additional connectivity to various networking technologies such as
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and Fiber Distribution Data
Interface (FDDI).
The 2E4X-27 is used to connect individual high-bandwidth user devices,
such as workstations, and provides a central switching point for multiple
Ethernet segments built using devices such as Cabletron Systems
HubSTACK or other third party stackable devices.
The 2E4X-27 is a tabletop unit that can be installed in a standard 19-inch
rack using the supplied rack mounting hardware.
The 2E42-27 and 2E43-27
have one universal ac power supply with
automatic voltage sensing that allows operation using 100–125 or
200–240 Vac, 50/60 Hz.
The 2E42-27R and 2E43-27R have 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.
1.4.1 Connectivity
Connectivity for ports 1 through 24 is different for the
2E42-27/2E42-27R and the 2E43-27/2E43-27R.
The 2E42-27/2E42-27R connects to Ethernet networks or workstations
through 24 RJ45 ports on the front panel. These ports support Unshielded
Twisted Pair (UTP) and Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cables at lengths up
to 100 meters. The ports are IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T compliant.
The 2E43-27/2E43-27R connects to Ethernet networks or workstations
through two 50-pin RJ21 connectors. Each connector is wired for 12
ports.

2E4X-27 Overview
2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide 1-5
All of the devices have two front panel slots (ports 25 and 26) 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.
1.4.2 Full Duplex Switched Ethernet
Each switched Ethernet port supports full wire-speed Ethernet
communications and can be configured to operate in Full Duplex
Switched Ethernet (FDSE) mode. FDSE allows each port to provide a
dedicated 20 Mbps bandwidth for file server or high-end workstation
connections. The Fast Ethernet ports provide up to 200 Mbps of
bandwidth.
1.4.3 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 .

Chapter 1: Introduction
1-6 2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide
1.4.4 Runtime IP Address Discovery
This feature enables the 2E42-27 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 2E42-27 is connected to the network and powered up, Runtime
IPAddress Discovery (RAD) checks the 2E42-27 for an IP address. If one
has not yet been assigned (2E42-27 IP address set to 0.0.0.0), RAD
checks to see if any of the 2E42-27 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.
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.
1.4.5 Management
Management of the 2E4X-27 is accomplished using SNMP compliant
management tools for in-band 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 2E4X-27 and any
of the optional Fast Ethernet Interface Modules installed in ports 15 and
16 and the optional High Speed Interface Module (HSIM).
The associated High Speed Interface Module user’s guide provides
detailed information about Local Management of the HSIM.
Information about how to access and use Local Management is contained
in Chapter 5.

2E4X-27 Overview
2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide 1-7
1.4.6 Switching Options
The 2E4X-27 provides 802.1D Switching, 802.1Q switching or
SecureFast Switching Virtual Network Services between all of the front
panel interfaces including any installed Fast Ethernet Interface Modules
and HSIM.
802.1Q switching and SecureFast switching allow for future migration to
Virtual Network technologies without requiring the replacement of
existing equipment.
1.4.7 Standards Compatibility
The 2E4X-27 provides IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Algorithm (STA)
support to enhance the overall reliability of the network and protect
against “loop” conditions. The 2E4X-27 supports a wide variety of
industry standard MIBs including RFC 1213 (MIB II), RFC 1757
(RMON), RFC 1371 (RS232 MIB), 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.
1.4.8 Year 2000 Compliant
The 2E4X-27 has an internal clock that can maintain the current time and
date beyond the year 1999.
1.4.9 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. Chapter 4 provides details about the 2E4X-27
LANVIEW LEDs.

Chapter 1: Introduction
1-8 2E42-27/2E42-27R/2E43-27/2E43-27R User’s Guide
1.4.10 Optional Features
Options for the 2E4X-27 include Fast Ethernet Interface Modules and
High Speed Interface Modules to add additional interface capability.
Cabletron Systems provides Fast Ethernet Interface Modules to support
uplinks to 100 Mbps Ethernet backbones or high speed connections to
local servers. The Fast Ethernet Interface Modules are listed in Table 1-1.
.
High Speed Interface Modules (HSIMs) are available from Cabletron
Systems for additional connectivity to various networking technologies.
The HSIMs available for the 2E4X-27 are listed in the Release Notes.
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.