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What is a DHCP Client?

A DHCP Client allows a device to automatically obtain an IP address from a DHCP Server. When enabled, the client requests network settings, including IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. This eliminates the need for manual configuration, simplifying network management. On Maple Systems network switches, enabling the DHCP Client mode allows the switch to receive…

What is an Ethernet Management Port?

An Ethernet Management Port in our system refers to a dedicated console port or USB port for device management. It provides administrators with direct access to configure and troubleshoot network devices. This port is separate from regular data traffic to ensure security and reliability. It allows for remote monitoring and management, streamlining network operations. By…

What is an Element Management System?

An Element Management System (EMS) is a software platform for managing network devices like switches and routers. It helps monitor, configure, and troubleshoot these devices in a centralized manner. EMS collects data, generates alerts, and provides reports on network performance. It also allows administrators to push configurations and updates to network elements. Ultimately, EMS enhances…

What is Port-Based 802.1X?

Port-Based 802.1X is a network access control protocol that authenticates devices attempting to connect to a network using port authentication. When a device connects, 802.1X requires it to authenticate, usually through credentials or certificates, before allowing network access. This ensures that only authorized devices can communicate on the network, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized access.…

What is Port Utilization?

Port Utilization refers to the amount of bandwidth a network port is using compared to its total capacity. It helps monitor how effectively a port is being used for data transmission. High port utilization can indicate network congestion or heavy traffic. Low utilization may suggest underused resources or potential configuration issues. Monitoring port utilization helps…

What is Simple Network Time Protocol?

Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) is a protocol used to synchronize the clocks of network devices. It allows devices to receive time information from a time server over the network. SNTP is a simplified version of NTP (Network Time Protocol), offering less complexity. It helps ensure accurate timestamps for logging and scheduling tasks across devices.…

What is a User Account with Authority?

A User Account with Authority (802.1X) is a network access control protocol that authenticates devices before granting network access. It requires users or devices to provide valid credentials, such as a username and password. 802.1X uses an authentication server to verify the credentials before allowing network access. This protocol helps secure the network by ensuring…

What is a Trusted Managed Host?

A Trusted Managed Host is a device or system that is authorized and trusted to manage and control network resources. It has higher security privileges, allowing it to configure, monitor, and maintain network devices. Trusted managed hosts are often used for tasks like system updates, troubleshooting, and network configuration. They are protected by strict security…

What is a DHCP Relay?

A DHCP Relay forwards DHCP requests between clients and a DHCP Server on different networks or specified VLANs. Without it, clients can only receive IP addresses from servers in the same subnet. DHCP Relay allows a Maple Systems network switch to pass client requests to a remote DHCP Server over a different VLAN, enabling centralized…

What is Dual Homing?

Dual Homing is a redundancy method where a device connects two separate network paths for reliability. If one connection fails, traffic switches to the other, ensuring continuous network access. On Maple Systems network switches, Dual Homing improves fault tolerance by providing backup connectivity, reducing downtime in case of link failure.

What is an IP Address?

An IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique identifier assigned to each device on a network. Thus, allowing it to communicate with other devices. It serves as both the address and the location of the device. Similar to how a street address works for mail delivery. There are two main types of IP addresses:…

What is MEL in ERPS?

MEL (Maintenance Entity Level) in ERPS (Ethernet Ring Protection Switching) defines the hierarchy of OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance) messages used for fault detection and network monitoring. MEL determines the priority and scope of OAM messages, ensuring that different network layers can manage faults independently without interference. In ERPS, MEL values range from 0 to…