Fast Network 10 User GuidePage 5-1CHAPTER 5FN10 FILTERSOne of the most significant features of the FN10 is its powerfuluser-configurable filtering capabilities. A filter is an instruction to theFN10 to screen data packets based on the criteria you define. Filtering isuseful for gathering statistics, implementing security measures, andimproving network performance.The FN10 also supports pseudo filtering. Pseudo filtering provides aunique traffic monitoring capability, including:• Determining the effect a filter would have, without actually invokingit.• Monitoring traffic patterns to help determine optimum networkdesign.• Monitoring potential security threats.• Evaluating security policies.You can configure the FN10 to selectively filter network traffic using thefollowing types of filters:• Bridge Address Table filters• Port filtersAlthough proper use of filters can have a positive effect on the networkperformance, excessive use of filters may degrade network performance.(Refer to Section 5.6.)5.1 BRIDGE ADDRESS TABLE FILTERSBridge Address Table filters use the FN10 Bridge Address Table todetermine if there are any filtering flags assigned to a packet’s source ordestination address. By assigning FN10 Bridge Address Table filter flags,you can selectively filter:• Traffic to and/or from any station (Media Access Control (MAC) layeraddress).
