Configuring an Ethernet Interface on an Interface Board

You can configure parameters for Ethernet interfaces on interface boards to ensure that physical connections work properly between devices.

Usage Scenario

You need to configure parameters for an Ethernet interface before using the interface to transmit packets on an Ethernet.

All parameters for an Ethernet interface have default values, except the IP address. Any change to an Ethernet interface on a local device must be the same as that on the peer device.

Pre-configuration Tasks

None

Ethernet Interface Attributes

Ethernet interfaces on the NetEngine 8000 F support different attributes, as listed in Table 1.

**Table 1** Ethernet interface attributes
Ethernet Interface Attribute	Ethernet Electrical Interface	Ethernet Optical Interface	10GE WAN Interface	10GE LAN/WAN Interface	25GE Interface	400GE Interface	40GE Interface	50GE Interface	50\|100GE Interface
MTU configuration for an Ethernet interface: mtu mtu or ipv6 mtu mtu	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Not supported	Not supported
Duplex mode configuration for an Ethernet interface: duplex { full \| half \| auto }	Supported	Not supported (the default full-duplex mode is supported)	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported
Rate configuration for an Ethernet electrical interface: speed { 10 \| 100 \| auto }	Supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported
Negotiation mode configuration for an Ethernet interface: negotiation auto	Supported	Supported	Supported only when the interfaces at both ends support the GE rate. The configuration takes effect only in the GE interface view.	Supported only when the interfaces at both ends support the GE rate. The configuration takes effect only in the GE interface view.	Supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported
Flow control configuration for a GE interface: flow control [ receive \| send ]	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported

Setting the Maximum Frame Length Allowed by an Ethernet Interface: Jumbo frames are designed for gigabit Ethernet networks. They are giant frames and their lengths vary according to vendors. To enable devices that transmit different lengths of jumbo frames to communicate successfully, adjust the maximum frame length allowed by either the local or peer Ethernet interface.

Configuring the MTU for an Ethernet Interface: MTU is the largest packet of data that can be transmitted on a network, expressed in bytes. MTU is determined by data link layer protocols, and MTU values vary with networks. A proper MTU is a prerequisite for normal communication between network devices.

Configuring a Working Mode for an Ethernet Interface: An Ethernet interface works in either half-duplex or full-duplex mode at the physical layer of an Ethernet network. To ensure communication between devices, configure a proper duplex mode for an Ethernet interface.

Configuring the Working Rate for an Ethernet Electrical Interface: The volume of traffic that can be transmitted on an Ethernet electrical interface is determined by the working rate of the interface. To ensure communication between devices, set a proper working rate for Ethernet electrical interfaces.

Configuring the LAN/WAN Transmission Mode for a 10GE Interface: A 10G XFP multi-mode optical transceiver works in either LAN or WAN mode. You can configure a proper mode as required.

Configuring the Overhead Byte for a 10GE WAN Interface: SONET/SDH provides a variety of overhead bytes. You can configure overhead bytes for a 10GE WAN interface to implement monitoring at different levels.

Enabling Flow Control on a GE Interface: To prevent traffic congestion between a local device and its peer device, configure flow control on GE interfaces of both devices to control the rates at which the GE interfaces send and receive packets.

Configuring Self-Loop Detection on the GE Interface: After the self-loop detection function is enabled, the self-loop on an interface can be detected and then the interface is blocked.

Enabling the Statistics Function on a Sub-interface: After enabling the statistics function on a sub-interface, you can view the statistics about received or sent packets on the sub-interface.

Configuring the Hold-Time Interval After an Interface Goes Up/Down: When an interface frequently alternates between Up and Down, flapping may occur. To prevent the problem, you can configure the hold-time interval after an interface goes Up or Down. This command is supported only by the admin VS.

Disabling an Ethernet Interface or Sub-interface from Broadcasting Packets: To protect a device against attacks from broadcast packets and improve network security, disable the Ethernet interfaces or sub-interfaces on the device from broadcasting packets.

(Optional) Setting a Bandwidth Mode for an Interface: An interface's bandwidth mode (1/10/25 Gbit/s) is restricted by its hosting device's hardware. Before setting a bandwidth mode for an interface, ensure that the hardware supports this function.

Verifying the Ethernet Interface Configuration: After an Ethernet interface is successfully configured on an interface board, you can view information about the IP address, MTU, working rate, working mode, and interface type of the Ethernet interface, and statistics about packets sent and received on the interface.