ADDER AdderLink ALIF1000T User Manual

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ADDER AdderLink ALIF1000T User Manual Manual pdf 25 page image

 24Appendix ATips for success when networking ALIF unitsALIF units use multiple strategies to minimise the amount of data that they sendacross networks. However, data overheads can be quite high, particularly whenvery high resolution video is being transferred, so it is important to take steps tomaximise network efficiency and help minimise data output. The tips given inthis section have been proven to produce very beneficial results.Summary of steps• Choose the right kind of switch.• Create an efficient network layout.• Configure the switches and devices correctly.Choosing the right switchLayer 2 switches are what bind all of the hosts together in the subnet. However,they are all not created equally, so choose carefully. In particular look for thefollowing:• Gigabit (1000Mbps) or faster Ethernet ports,• Support for IGMP v2 (or v3) snooping,• Support for Jumbo frames up to 9216-byte size,• High bandwidth connections between switches, preferably Fibre Channel.• Look for switches that perform their most onerous tasks (e.g. IGMPsnooping) using multiple dedicated processors (ASICS).• Ensure the maximum number of concurrent ‘snoopable groups’ the switchcan handle meets or exceeds the number of ALIF transmitters that will beused to create multicast groups.• Check the throughput of the switch: Full duplex, 1Gbps up- and down-stream speeds per port.• Use the same switch make and model throughout a single subnet.• You also need a Layer 3 switch. Ensure that it can operate efficiently as anIGMP Querier.Layer 2 (and Layer 3) switches known to work• Cisco 2960• Cisco 3750• Cisco 4500• Cisco 6500• Extreme Networks X480• HP Procurve 2810• HP Procurve 2910Creating an efficient network layoutNetwork layout is vital. The use of IGMP snooping also introduces certainconstraints, so take heed:• Keep it flat. Use a basic line-cascade structure rather than a pyramid or treearrangement.• Keep the distances between the switches as short as possible.• Ensure sufficient bandwidth between switches to eliminate bottlenecks.• Where the AIM server is used to administer multiple ALIF transceivers,ensure the AIM server and all ALIF units reside in the same subnet.• Do not use VGA to DVI converters, instead replace VGA video cards in oldersystems with suitable DVI replacements. Converters cause ALIF TX units tomassively increase data output.• Wherever possible, create a private network.The recommended layoutThe layout shown below has been found to provide the most efficient networklayout for rapid throughput when using IGMP snooping:• Use no more than two cascade levels.• Ensure high bandwidth between the two L2 switches and very highbandwidth between the top L2 and the L3. Typically 10GB and 20GB,respectively for 48 port L2 switches.continuedLayer 2 SwitchLayer 2 Switch20GB link10GB link1GB linksALIF TXALIF TXALIF RXALIF RXALIF RXALIF RXALIF RXALIF RXALIF RXALIF RXALIF RXALIF TXLayer 3Switch(Querier)For the latest list of switches known to workwith ALIF and setup instructions for them,please go to www.adder.com• H3C 5120• HuaWei Quidways5328c-E1 (Layer 3)