Switch Features 67VLAN-Aware MAC-based SwitchingPackets arriving from an unknown source address are sent to the CPU andadded to the Hardware Table. Future packets addressed to or from thisaddress are more efficiently forwarded.Back Pressure SupportOn half-duplex links, a receiver may prevent buffer overflows by occupyingthe link so that it is unavailable for additional traffic.Auto NegotiationAuto negotiation allows the switch to advertise modes of operation. The autonegotiation function provides the means to exchange information betweentwo switches that share a point-to-point link segment, and to automaticallyconfigure both switches to take maximum advantage of their transmissioncapabilities.PowerConnect M6220, M6348, M8024, and M8024-k switches enhance autonegotiation by providing port advertisement. Port advertisement allows thesystem administrator to configure the port speeds advertised.For information about configuring autonegotiation, see "Configuring PortCharacteristics" on page 491.Broadcast Storm ControlWhen Layer 2 frames are forwarded, broadcast, unknown unicast, andmulticast frames are flooded to all ports on the relevant virtual local areanetwork (VLAN). The flooding occupies bandwidth, and loads all nodesconnected on all ports. Storm control limits the amount of broadcast,unknown unicast, and multicast frames accepted and forwarded by theswitch.For information about configuring Broadcast Storm Control settings, see"Configuring Port-Based Traffic Control" on page 691.
