User`s guide

2-1
Chapter 2
SmartTrunk Configuration
Prior to entering information in the SmartTrunking ConÞguration Screen, you
should understand the concept of SmartTrunk (see Chapter 1) and the
SmartTrunk ConÞguration Rules.
SmartTrunk Configuration Rules
The following rules apply when conÞguring ports for SmartTrunking.
1. SmartTrunking ports should be conÞgured to Full Duplex.
2. You cannot loop front panel ports back to the same module, to the same
chassis, or to different modules within that chassis. Loops are intended to
connect one chassis to another chassis.
3. You must enable Spanning Tree before you enable SmartTrunk.
If a network loop exists and SmartTrunk becomes disabled, then as long as
Spanning Tree is enabled, the Spanning Tree algorithm will respond and block
the necessary ports.
4. If a network loop exists and SmartTrunk becomes disabled, and Spanning
Tree is also disabled, then an inÞnite packet loop will occur and cripple the
network.
5. If a SmartTrunking port becomes unusable, all other trafÞc is redirected over
the remaining port(s) in the group.
6. Backplane ports (FTM) on chassis-based switches cannot be conÞgured as
SmartTrunk ports and are not eligible to participate in trunking.
Failure to follow these rules will produce poor network performance.
NOTE