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1 XRN Fabric Configuration
When configuring XRN fabric, go to these sections for information you are interested in:
z Introduction to XRN
z XRN Fabric Configuration
z Displaying and Maintaining XRN Fabric
z XRN Fabric Configuration Example
Introduction to XRN
Expandable Resilient Networking (XRN), a feature particular to 3Com Switch 4500 series switches, is a
new technology for building the core of a network. This feature allows you to build an XRN fabric by
interconnecting several Switch 4500 series switches to provide more ports for network devices and
improve the reliability of your network.
Establishment of an XRN Fabric
Topology and connections of an XRN fabric
An XRN fabric typically has a bus topology structure. As shown in Figure 1-1, each switch has two ports
connected with two other switches in the fabric, but the switches at both ends of the bus have only one
port connected. These ports are called fabric ports in general, a left port and a right port respectively;
the other ports, which are available for connections with users or devices outside the fabric, are called
user ports.
Figure 1-1 A schematic diagram of an XRN fabric
A correctly built XRN fabric features the following:
z Multiple Switch 4500 series switches are interconnected through their fabric ports.
z Given a switch, its left port is connected to the right port of another switch, and its right port is
connected to the left port of a third one.
Port connection mode for Switch 4500 series bus topology XRN fabric is shown in
Figure 1-2.