- 3Com Switch Owner Manual

66 Bridging
Bridge Filtering
Configuring the MAC Address Filter Table
Introduction The MAC Address Filter Table controls which frames are allowed to pass on to
different links and lets you control proprietary information that you may not want to
go to another LAN. It is also useful in controlling the unnecessary proliferation of
broadcast frames in the LAN network.
MAC Address Filter
Table Parameters
Figure 35 shows the MAC Address Filter Table parameters.
Figure 35. MAC Address Filter Table Menu
Categories MAC Addresses can fall into four categories:
• Incoming Source
• Outgoing Source
• Incoming Destination
• Outgoing Destination
Every node (bridge) has one MAC Address Filter Table. Every bridge link can be
configured to determine whether or not frames passing on that bridge link are to be
filtered according to the entries in the MAC Address Filter Table.
The filter table is examined to see if there is a match. If a match is found (table and
frame), additional table parameters determine when to pass or block the frame.
If there is no match, the decision is dependent upon the Bridge Link record to
determine whether to pass or block.
Action is then taken on what is specified in this record (pass or block), rather than the
filter table, when there is no match to an entry in this filter table.
Note
A Table boot is required to make MAC Address Filter parameters part of an
active configuration. Booting is nondisruptive to data or call connections.
Node: Address: Date: Time:
Menu: Configure Bridge Path:
Bridge Parameters
Bridge Link Parameters
MAC Address Filter Table
Entry Number
MAC Address
Incoming Source Address Link Action
Outgoing Source Address Link Action
Incoming Destination Address Link Action
Outgoing Destination Address Link Action