7.8.1.0 - Force10 Networks

• Management on page 8
• System on page 9
New Features in FTOS 7.7.1.0
High Availability
Layer 2
Layer 3
C-Series
• Downloadable FPGA images: The E-Series and C-Series use Field Programmable
Gate Arrays (FPGAs) for control plane and system operations. FPGA images can now be
upgraded separately from the FTOS image, allowing greater flexibility in software version
management. In previous versions of the software, FPGA images were included in the
main FTOS software image and could only be upgraded as part of an FTOS upgrade.
• Hardware Watchdog Timer: A hardware watchdog mechanism has been introduced to
automatically reboot an FTOS switch/router with a single RPM that is unresponsive. This
is a last resort mechanism intended to prevent a manual power cycle.
C-Series
• MAC Learning Limit a.k.a Port Security: The FTOS MAC Learning Limit feature for
implementing port security is available on the C-Series. A limit on the number of
addresses associated with a particular interface is configured with an optional violation
action when the MAC address learning limit is reached on that interface.
• Redundant Pairs: The redundant pairs feature provides an alternative to running STP on
Ethernet networks, and supports link redundancy while preventing loops. A pair of
interfaces are configured as a primary and a backup interface. Use the switchport
backup command.
C-Series
• 31-Bit Prefix Support on Point-to-Point Ethernet Interfaces: A 31-bit IP prefix length,
described in RFC 3021, allows the use of only two IP addresses on a point-to-point
Ethernet interface, conserving IP address space. Previously, four IP addresses (a /30) or
unnumbered interfaces for point-to-point links were required.
• BFD on Physical, VLAN and LAG Interfaces for OSPF, VRRP, and Static Routes: The
FTOS Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD feature is now available on the C-Series.
FTOS Configuration Guide, version 7.8.1.0 7