Managing Switched Local Area Networks

Switched LANs clearly represent the future of LAN technology. Because they relieve network congestion and contention so effectively, switched LANs provide an excellent infrastructure for current LAN needs as well as a rich base for up-and-coming LAN development. If you already manage a switched network, are considering converting your shared LAN to switched technology, or are in the process of deploying a new switched LAN, Managing Switched Local Area Networks will serve as your indispensable handbook. Pragmatic, readable, and focused on real-world issues, this book provides a concise description of the elements that comprise a switched LAN, shows how these elements function together, and offers a step-by-step approach to anticipating, isolating, and solving the most common network problems. The book's realistic scenarios and proven rules of thumb will hone your skills and help you make sound decisions for effective switched network management. In this book you will find a review of the fundamentals of traditional network management and its standards. A comprehensive description of the individual components of a switched LAN includes the MAC layer protocols, switching fundamentals, VLANs, and common routing protocols. You will learn about different types of switches, the Spanning Tree algorithm, filtering features, bridge tables, port labels, and many other topics. In addition, the book shows how to connect switched LANs to WANs, and describes emerging technologies that impact switched LANs-IP switching, Fast IP, 802.1Q, 802.1p, Gigabit Ethernet, traffic management and RSVP, IPv6, and IP Multicast. This book not only describes the technology but also shows how to apply it to the process of building a switched LAN management system. Here you will find experience-based advice on troubleshooting, an inventory of the classic problems encountered in the management of a switched LAN, and specific, tested methods and strategies for solving these problems. The book also teaches you how to evaluate your LAN needs and choose appropriate tools, how to create a manageable switched LAN design, and how to put it all together to build a comprehensive, well-tuned network management system. 0201185547B04062001