GE ML1200 Switch User Manual


 
CHAPTER 9: PORT MIRRORING AND SETUP PORT MIRRORING AND SETUP
MULTILINK ML1200 MANAGED FIELD SWITCH – INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9–15
9.4.3 Broadcast Storms
One of the best features of the MultiLink ML1200 Managed Field Switch is its ability to keep
broadcast storms from spreading throughout a network. Network storms (or broadcast
storms) are characterized by an excessive number of broadcast packets being sent over
the network. These storms can occur if network equipment is configured incorrectly or the
network software is not properly functioning or badly designed programs (including some
network games) are used. Storms can reduce network performance and cause bridges,
routers, workstations, servers and PCs to slow down or even crash.
The ML1200 is capable of detecting and limiting storms on each port. A network
administrator can also set the maximum rate of broadcast packets (frames) that are
permitted from a particular interface. If the maximum number is exceeded, a storm
condition is declared. Once it is determined that a storm is occurring on an interface, any
additional broadcast packets received on that interface will be dropped until the storm is
determined to be over. The storm is determined to be over when a one-second period
elapses with no broadcast packets received.
Broadcast storm protection can be configured through the Configuration > Port >
Broadcast Storm menu.
Z To edit the threshold level, click on the edit icon as seen below.