Dell 34XX Switch User Manual


 
Introduction 29
MDI/MDIX Support
The device automatically detects whether the cable connected to an RJ-45 port is crossed or
straight through, when auto-negotiation is enabled.
Standard wiring for end stations is
Media-Dependent Interface
(MDI) and the standard wiring for
hubs and switches is known as
Media-Dependent Interface with Crossover
(MDIX).
For information on configuring MDI/MDIX for ports or LAGs, see "Defining Port Configuration"
or "Defining LAG Parameters."
Auto Negotiation
Auto negotiation allows the device to advertise modes of operation. The auto negotiation function
provides the means to exchange information between two devices that share a point-to-point link
segment, and to automatically configure both devices to take maximum advantage of their
transmission capabilities.
The PowerConnect 3400 series enhances auto negotiation by providing port advertisement. Port
advertisement allows the system administrator to configure the port speeds that are advertised.
For more information on auto-negotiation, see "Defining Port Configuration" or "Defining LAG
Parameters."
MAC Address Supported Features
MAC Address Capacity Support
The device supports up to 8K MAC addresses. The device reserves specific MAC addresses for
system use.
Static MAC Entries
MAC entries can be manually entered in the Bridging Table, as an alternative to learning them
from incoming frames. These user-defined entries are not subject to aging, and are preserved across
resets and reboots.
For more information, see "Defining Static Addresses."
Self-Learning MAC Addresses
The device enables automatic MAC address learning from incoming packets. The MAC addresses
are stored in the Bridging Table.
Automatic Aging for MAC Addresses
MAC addresses, from which no traffic is received for a given period, are aged out. This prevents the
Bridging Table from overflowing.
For more information on configuring the MAC Address Age Out Time, see "Viewing Dynamic
Addresses."