User's Manual

Configuration MP.11 4954-R Installation and Management

System Parameters

• Routing mode saves bandwidth by not transporting non-IP protocols users might have enabled, like NetBEUI or IPX/

SPX, which eliminates the transmission of broadcasts and multicasts.

– The MAC header is:

• Destination MAC: 6 bytes

• Source MAC: 6 bytes

• Ethernet Type: 2 bytes

If the average packet size is 1000 bytes, the overhead saved is 1.5%; With a frame size of 64 bytes, the overhead saved

is 20%; and for frame sizes of 128 bytes, the saving is 10%. Network researches claim that most network traffic consists

of frames smaller than 100 bytes.

In order to support routers behind the SUs with multiple subnets and prevent routing loops, you want individual routes

(and more than one) per SU.

Routing Mode Examples

In the first example, both the BSU and the SUs are configured for Routing mode. This example is appropriate for

businesses connecting remote offices that have different networks.

In example 2, the BSU is in Routing mode and the SUs are in Bridge mode. Notice the PCs behind the SUs must

configure their default gateways to point to the BSU, not the SU.

Notes:

• One of the most important details to pay attention to in Routing mode are the unit’s and the PC’s default gateways. It

is a common mistake to set up the PC’s gateway to point to the SU when the SU is in Bridge mode and the BSU is in

Routing mode. Always check to make sure the PCs on your network are configured to send their IP traffic to the

correct default gateway.