Network Router User Manual

Appendix A: New Features Supported on Line Cards
366 SmartSwitch Router User Reference Manual
When a VLAN spans across multiple SSRs with 802.1Q trunk ports, the requirements for
-AA or T-series line cards depend on how layer 4 bridging is deployed. In Diagram 4,
yellow and blue VLANs are created across multiple SSRs and are interconnected through
an 802.1Q trunk port. Layer 4 bridging is enabled on both SSR A and B, but since SSR C
does not have a -AA or T-series line card, no layer 4 bridging can be configured. The
yellow VLAN can still extend to SSR C without supporting layer 4 bridging. Layer 4
bridging cannot be enabled on the blue VLAN because Client B is on a non-AA line card.
The system does not allow a layer 4 bridging VLAN to be enabled if it consists of non-AA
line cards.
Per-Protocol VLAN
Prior to the 3.0 firmware release, SSR supported IP, IPX, and “other” protocol-based
VLAN groupings. In the 3.0 firmware release, protocol-based VLAN support includes IP,
IPX, AppleTalk, DECnet, IPv6, SNA, and “other.” This provides network administrators
much better control over the protocol(s) allowed in a VLAN.
Ports that are added to any protocol VLAN (except IP, IPX, and “other”) must reside on
-AA or T-series line cards. For example, in Diagram 4, the yellow VLAN can be configured
as an IP and SNA protocol VLAN on SSR A. All ports added to this VLAN must reside on
a -AA or T-series line card.
A single VLAN can span across multiple SSRs with an 802.1Q trunk port. The network
administrator must make sure all trunk ports and access ports support the necessary
protocol-based VLAN. Trunk and access ports for AppleTalk, SNA, DECnet, and IPv6
protocol-based VLANs must reside on -AA or T-series line cards. In Diagram 4, if the
yellow VLAN is configured as an IP and SNA protocol-based VLAN, all clients in this
VLAN must be on a -AA or T-series line card. No SNA traffic can be forwarded to Client D