Article by Mark Boyd

www.simpleit.tumblr.com

Networks: Switching fundamentals

All of t he inf ormat ion pres ented in t his art ic le is t he opinion of t he aut hor, not t he opinion of t he any of t he v endors ment ioned. A good majorit y (all) of t he equipment ment ioned in t his art ic le, c ome s f rom Hewlet t Pac k ard (HP hereon in). HP Proc urv es ranges of s wit c hes are a perf ect f it f or educ at ion and t he SM E s ect or. One c ould argue a s olid bus ines s c as e f or HP Proc urv e s witc hes in mos t any organis at ion. HP Proc urv e s wit c hes are as f eat ure f ull and well perf orming as any of t heir mark et c ount erparts . No, I do not get paid t o writ e f or H. P, I jus t really realt y lik e t he gear. H. P, if y ou are reading t his, I need a new rout er.

Building reliable, robust, secure, speedy networks: Switching This article will provide budding network administrators with the fundamentals of network switching. The key areas I will be talking about here are: 1. Solid network design 2. Configuration terminology 3. Some other stuff I am guessing this article wont be terribly long, this is a good thing. Some people think network design has to be overly complex, it doesnt. A good network design should be as hierarchical as possible, with a few layers as possible. A good network design should consist of three fundamental layers. 1. Core 2. Distribution 3. Edge I would argue that these three layers are the reason why HP Switches are such a good fit for education. Most schools (K-12) are single campus. Even if they are not single campus, the hierarchical model still fits. Here is an example of a multi campus, single geographic location topology of a Core / Distribution / Edge switch configuration.
A basic network topology

Senior School Edge

ProCurve
Power
HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch
J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Senior School Distribution

ProCurve Switch 5406zl J8697A PoE
Power

Fault Locator
Status
Tmp Fan Test Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear

Status
PoE Temp Fan

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr

B D F

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

C E

Test

Chas DIMM

Internal Power

Modules

Console

Auxiliary Port

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Fault

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

Locator

B
Console

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

Senior School Core

ProCurve
HP E8212 ProCurve zl Switch Switch 8212zl J8715A J9641A
PoE

ProCurve

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Power Fault Locator

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
HP E8200 zl Switch ProCurve Switch 8200zl Management Module (MM) Management Module (MM) J9092A J9092A
MM MM MM State Component Status

Actv Stby
MM

CF DIM SSM

Power

Fault

Use zl Modules only

MM 1

Reset Status

Dwn

Shutdown

Console

Auxiliary Port

Locator
HP E8200 Switch 8200zl ProCurve zl Switch System Support Module (SSM) System Support Module (SSM) J9095A

Status
PoE Temp

Spd mode:

off = 10 Mbps flash = 100Mbps on = 1000+Mbps

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
EPS

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

J9095A

System Reset Clear

1 2
Fabric Modules

C D E F

Test

Fan

Internal Power

Interface Modules

MM 2

Middle School Distribution

ProCurve Switch 5406zl J8697A PoE
Power

Middle School Edge

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator
Status
Tmp Fan Test Act

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear

Status
PoE Temp Fan

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr

B D F

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

C E

Test

Chas DIMM

Internal Power

Modules

Console

Auxiliary Port

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Fault

Locator

B
Console

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

FM 1

ProCurve Switch 8200zl HP E8200 zl Switch Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation

FM 2

ProCurve zl Switch HP E8200Switch 8200zl Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation

ProCurve

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Power Fault Locator

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

Junior School Distribution

ProCurve Switch 5406zl J8697A PoE
Power

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear

Status
PoE Temp Fan

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr

B D F

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

C E

Test

Chas DIMM

Internal Power

Modules

Console

Auxiliary Port

Fault

Locator

Junior School Edge

ProCurve
Power
HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch
J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Fault Locator
Status
Tmp Fan Test Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

Wednesday, 6 July 2011

Page 1

Article by Mark Boyd

www.simpleit.tumblr.com

Alright, so you have now have a network hierarchy. In this example, big switch = core, powerful, all seeing, all knowing. Distribution = the middle man, the henchman, keeping the edge switches in order. From here, you can start planning how you want to configure your network. From here, we will talk about the various technologies you can use to build your network from scratch. First up, you need cabling, cabling, and more cabling. Now, i am going to talk very loosely about what cabling you will need, because it is subjective. All you need to know, is with the below, you should be pretty safe for preventing traffic bottle necks. At the time of writing, Tuesday 5th of July 2011, this is how I like my networks built and configured. I am an advocate for VMware and ESX in particular. I like a 10Gb Fibre from my VMware to the hosts I like 10Gb Fibre from my core to my distribution switches I like 2Gb or 4Gb as a failover for my core to my distribution switches. I like 2Gb from my distribution to my edge switches Lets get a visual representation of what I am talking about (Using Senior School as an example)

Core -> Distribution Cabling Senior School Core

ProCurve
HP E8212 ProCurve zl Switch Switch 8212zl J8715A J9641A
PoE

Senior School Distribution

ProCurve Switch 5406zl J8697A PoE

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
HP E8200 zl Switch ProCurve Switch 8200zl Management Module (MM) Management Module (MM) J9092A J9092A
MM MM MM State Component Status

Actv Stby
MM

CF DIM SSM

Power

Fault

Use zl Modules only

MM 1

Reset Status

Dwn

Shutdown

Console

Auxiliary Port

Locator
HP E8200 Switch 8200zl ProCurve zl Switch System Support Module (SSM) System Support Module (SSM) J9095A

Status
PoE Temp

Spd mode:

off = 10 Mbps flash = 100Mbps on = 1000+Mbps

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
EPS

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

J9095A

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear

Status
PoE Temp Fan

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr

B D F

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

System Reset Clear

1 2
Fabric Modules

C D E F

C E

Test

Chas DIMM

Test

Fan

Internal Power

Interface Modules

MM 2

Power

Internal Power

Modules

Console

Auxiliary Port

Fault
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

Locator

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

FM 1

1 3 ProCurve Switch 8200zl HP E8200 zl Switch Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

FM 2

1 3 ProCurve zl Switch HP E8200Switch 8200zl Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

Before we analyse, the Core Switch is a HP Procurve 8212ZL. This is a modular switch; each 24 port module is replaceable. These switches are incredibly powerful, more power than the needs of any school I have come across. The 8212ZL has a few key strengths as a Core Switch. First up, you can trunk across modules, I will discuss this later, but basically, you can build a zero single point of failure network (from a switching point of view anyway). If one module fails, your throughput halves, but you still have communications. The second advantage is that the 8212ZL chassis is effectively 2 chassis in 1. If the top half fails, the bottom half takes over (In reality there are two management modules controlling separate sections of the switch). All of that is beyond the scope of this article and strongly recommend you look at the spec sheet when making your decision about which switch to buy. And again, I am not a salesperson, talk to one if you want more information.

Wednesday, 6 July 2011

Page 2

Article by Mark Boyd

www.simpleit.tumblr.com

Right, so you dont have to flip between pages. I will paste the picture again. And then start explaining it. Here it goes.

Core -> Distribution Cabling Senior School Core

ProCurve
HP E8212 ProCurve zl Switch Switch 8212zl J8715A J9641A
PoE

Senior School Distribution

ProCurve Switch 5406zl J8697A PoE

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
HP E8200 zl Switch ProCurve Switch 8200zl Management Module (MM) Management Module (MM) J9092A J9092A
MM MM MM State Component Status

Actv Stby
MM

CF DIM SSM

Power

Fault

Use zl Modules only

MM 1

Reset Status

Dwn

Shutdown

Console

Auxiliary Port

Locator
HP E8200 Switch 8200zl ProCurve zl Switch System Support Module (SSM) System Support Module (SSM) J9095A

Status
PoE Temp

Spd mode:

off = 10 Mbps flash = 100Mbps on = 1000+Mbps

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
EPS

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

J9095A

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear

Status
PoE Temp Fan

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr

B D F

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

System Reset Clear

1 2
Fabric Modules

C D E F

C E

Test

Chas DIMM

Test

Fan

Internal Power

Interface Modules

MM 2

Power

Internal Power

Modules

Console

Auxiliary Port

Fault
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

Locator

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

FM 1

1 3 ProCurve Switch 8200zl HP E8200 zl Switch Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

FM 2

1 3 ProCurve zl Switch HP E8200Switch 8200zl Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

So, what do we have here? 1 X 10Gb link on Core Module B, Port 24 -> Distribution Module A Port 24 1 X 1Gb link on Core Module D, Port 24 -> Distribution Module C Port 24 1 X 1Gb link on Core Module F, Port 24 -> Distribution Module E Port 24 1 X 1Gb link on Core Module J, Port 24 -> Distribution Module D Port 24 1 X 1Gb link on Core Module L, Port 24 -> Distribution Module F Port 24 Now hang on a good second, 4 X 1GB links? That creates a loop; the entire network will fall over. What are doing you crazy man? I will tell you what I am doing; I am going to trunk the 4 links and implement Spanning Tree Protocol. Lets quickly check out the Distribution -> Edge Cabling.

Distribution -> Edge Cabling

Senior School Distribution
ProCurve Switch 5406zl J8697A PoE
Power

Senior School Distribution

ProCurve Switch 5406zl J8697A PoE

Senior School Distribution

ProCurve Switch 5406zl J8697A PoE

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear

Status
PoE Temp Fan

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr

B D F

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

C E

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear

Status
PoE Temp Fan

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear

Status
PoE Temp Fan

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr

B D F

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr

B D F

G H I K J L

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

C E

Test

Chas DIMM

C E

Test

Chas DIMM

Internal Power

Modules

Console

Auxiliary Port

Test

Chas DIMM

Power

Internal Power

Modules

Console

Auxiliary Port

Power

Internal Power

Modules

Console

Auxiliary Port

Fault Fault Locator

Fault

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

Locator
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

Locator

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

C
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

D
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

C C
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

D
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

D
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

E
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

F
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

E E
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

F
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

F
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

zl

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX

Senior School Edge

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator
Status
Tmp Fan Test Act

Senior School Edge

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Senior School Edge

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator
10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Status
Tmp

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Fan Test

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

J9147A

Mdl
Link

RPS

Status of the Back

* Spd Mode:

off=10 Mbps,

2 flash=100 Mbps,

on=1 Gbps,

3 flash=10 Gbps

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Mode

11

Link

13

Mode

15

17

19

21

23

Link

25

Mode

27

29

31

33

35

Link

37

Mode

39

41

43

45 T

47 T

Link

45s

Mode

47s

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Status
Tmp Fan Test

Act

LED Mode

FDx * Spd Usr

Console

Reset

Clear

Link

Mode

10

12

Link

14

Mode

16

18

20

22

24

Link

26

Mode

28

30

32

34

36

Link

38

Mode

40

42

44

46 T

48 T

Link

46s

Mode

48s

Same goes here, as goes above! I wont list the switch ports but is pretty self-explanatory. A 2 GB trunk will exist between the Distribution Switch to the Edge Switches. One port fails on the switch, the other takes over. 1 cable gets cut in half, service exists, but at half the speed til normal operation resumes. The next topic will be Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and then Trunking.

Wednesday, 6 July 2011

Page 3

Article by Mark Boyd Spanning Tree Protocol

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Spanning tree can be complicated, so lets talk about what it is and what it does. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP from hereon in) is a protocol that deals with the issue of network loops. A problem with large and complex networks can be that cabling gets hard to manage. Whole networks can be brought down by an unsuspecting user or even an admin plugging a cable into a wall socket and creating a loop. STP addresses this problem. If STP detects a loop, it disables the offending port until the loop is removed. Right now, I hope you are thinking, Mark, from your core to your distribution switch you have 1 X 10GB link and 1 X 4GB link, that creates a loop, what do you do? Well, STP will fix that, turn it on, and one of the two ports will go into blocking mode, that is, it wont take any traffic across it. If the active link fails, there is no loop anymore, and the blocked port will become active. With the above design, we have built in a bottleneck free highly redundant network that is actually quite simple and easy to manage. Next on the agenda, and in our above examples, complimentary to STP, is Trunking. Trunking What is Trunking and why is it important. Trunking is simple, getting two or more physical connections, and making them act as one. There are different Trunking protocols, Trunks, LACP and so on. Going into that much detail isnt the point of the article. I just want to make it crystal clear what it is and why you need it. So why is it important? Well, Bandwidth is a finite resource. You have 96 students across 4 edge switches are at a school hitting a file server playing their games and watching their YouTube videos. Umm, I mean doing their work. Each student has a Gigabit connection to their edge switch. The Edge switches have a 1 GB link to the distribution switch. The next hop, the distribution switch to the core, has a 1 GB link too. So, in the example, we have a 1 GB link from core to edge. This is bad. There is an obvious bottleneck that I hope I dont need to explain. This is what Trunking solves, good network design involves Trunking takes two or more physical links, and makes them act as one. Lets change the above example. You have the same students, the same amount of switches. But now, there is 2 GB to the distribution switch, 10 GB to the core. No more bottle neck. And if you consider the above image, if that 10 GB link fails, the 4 GB Trunk takes over. You can segment your network even further as well, which is why a 3 tiered hierarchical model for network design is a good idea. At the distribution layer, you can put ACLs in (Access Control Lists) in place to stop unnecessary traffic hitting your core switch. We will discuss that later. This concludes this article, I was going to write about VLANS but they deserve an article of their own.

Wednesday, 6 July 2011

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