FAQ Tag: Networking

RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) is an improved version of STP, defined by the IEEE 802.1w standard. RSPT provides faster convergence by quickly transitioning ports to forwarding or blocking states, improving network recovery time. RSTP removes the listening and learning stages, reducing recovery time from 50 seconds to a few milliseconds or seconds. RSTP remains backward compatible with STP, allowing seamless integration into existing networks without major changes. RSTP is commonly used in SCADA and industrial automation networks…

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STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is a network protocol defined by the IEEE 802.1D standard to prevent network loops by ensuring there is only one active path between devices in redundant network topologies. STP uses BPDU (Bridge Protocol Data Units) to exchange information and determine the best path for data. If the primary path fails, STP reconfigures the network,…

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Nway Auto-Negotiation, defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard, allows network devices to automatically determine the best duplex mode and speed. It eliminates manual configuration by exchanging capabilities between devices. This process ensures optimal performance and compatibility in Ethernet networks. Common speeds include 10Mbps, 100Mbps, and 1Gbps, with full or half-duplex modes. If negotiation fails, devices may…

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Duplex mode determines how data is transmitted between network devices. Full-duplex allows simultaneous sending and receiving of data. Half-duplex only allows one direction at a time, causing potential collisions. Full-duplex is common in modern Ethernet networks, improving speed and efficiency. Half-duplex is mostly found in legacy devices or misconfigured networks. Example Scenario: Maple Systems HMI and PLC Duplex Mode:…

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Flow Control is a standard defined by IEEE 802.3x that manages data transmission to prevent packet loss during network congestion. It uses pause frames to temporarily stop the sending of data, allowing the receiving device to process information without overflow. This is particularly useful in full-duplex Ethernet networks, where both devices send and receive data simultaneously. Flow control ensures smooth…

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A MAC table is used by network switches to map MAC addresses to specific switch ports. This allows the switch to efficiently forward data frames based on their destination MAC address. The switch dynamically builds the MAC table as devices send frames across the network. By maintaining this table, the switch avoids broadcasting data to all ports and sends…

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Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDU) are network messages used by switches to share Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) information. These packets help prevent loops by identifying redundant links in a network. IEEE 802.1D defines BPDU functionality within STP for network stability. BPDUs contain bridge ID, port roles, and timers for topology changes. Managed switches use BPDU…

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Local Link Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is a standardized data link layer protocol used to discover and exchange information about network devices. Defined by the IEEE 802.1AB standard, LLDP allows devices to advertise their identity, capabilities, and network topology. It helps network administrators understand device relationships and configurations without manual mapping. LLDP operates similarly to Cisco’s CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol), but it…

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Green Ethernet, also known as Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) reduces power consumption particularly during periods of low network activity while maintaining network connectivity. EEE, defined by the IEEE 802.3az standard, allows Ethernet devices to enter low-power states when traffic is idle. When network traffic increases, devices automatically return to full power, ensuring normal operation while saving energy during inactivity. This…

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Link Aggregation combines multiple physical network links into one logical connection, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy. By using IEEE 802.1ad (QinQ), Link Aggregation encapsulates multiple VLANs within another VLAN, enhancing scalability and performance. This standard improves traffic distribution, reliability, and load balancing across multiple links. Link Aggregation is commonly used in enterprise and data center…

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Port-Based VLAN is a method of network segmentation that assigns specific switch ports to different VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). Each port on a switch can be configured to belong to a specific VLAN regardless of the device connected to that port, this allows for logical separation of network traffic, improving security and traffic management.…

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A Jumbo Frame is an Ethernet frame with a Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) larger than the standard 1500-byte size, typically supporting 9000 bytes or more. This larger MTU reduces the overhead for data transmission, improving network efficiency. Jumbo Frames are often used in high-performance networks to increase throughput, reduce CPU load, and optimize large data…

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