Cabletron Systems 2M46-04R - Manual (Page 16)

Chapter 1: Introduction
1-4 2M46-04R/2M46-04RDC User’s Guide
1.3.3 Auto-Negotiation
The optional FE-100TX Fast Ethernet Interface Module can
auto-negotiate the type of connection required to provide a link to another
device. During Auto-Negotiation, two devices automatically exchange
information “telling” each other what their operating capabilities are. The
Auto-Negotiation feature targets the maximum capabilities that can be
reached between the two devices. For example, a 2M46-04R FE-100TX
Fast Ethernet Interface Module adjusts to 100 Mbps when the device on
the other end of the connection can also adjust to 100 Mbps. If the device
on the other end of the connection can only operate at 10 Mbps, then the
2M46-04R Fast Ethernet Interface Module simply adjusts to 10 Mbps.
When Auto-Negotiation is supported at both ends of a link, the two
devices dynamically adjust to full or half duplex operation based on the
maximum capability that can be reached between the two devices. If the
device connected to the 2M46-04R cannot auto-negotiate, the 2M46-04R
Fast Ethernet Interface Module operates according to the capabilities of
the other device.
1.3.4 SmartTrunk
SmartTrunk, also referred to as SmartTrunking, is Cabletron Systems’
terminology for load balancing or load sharing. SmartTrunk technology
provides an easy-to-implement mechanism to group, or aggregate,
multiple physical links together to scale the backbone bandwidth beyond
the limitations of a single link. All links are user-configurable so
administrators can scale the backbone bandwidth by adding SmartTrunk
links. The SmartTrunk benefits are as follows:
• All purchased bandwidth is used.
• Distributed, resilient links increase reliability and performance.
• Multiple technologies are supported within a single trunk for
maximum flexibility.
For more information about SmartTrunk, refer to the Cabletron Systems
SmartTrunk User’s Guide .