Conference 7.286::fddi

686.0. "Problem trying to set protocol 80-38" by BRAT::BUKOWSKI () Mon Aug 31 1992 18:08

	I originally entered this in the LAT notes file as note 569.1, but
    	I figured that I might get some response in here, because this is
    	about 10/100 bridges.
    
    	Mike
    
    
    
Help!
	We are in the process of installing 24 DECbridge 610's to refit our
	LAN.   They all came with software version 1.2.  I am trying to use
	exclusionary protocol filtering (MCC> set bridge .bridge_name default 
	default Ethernet type filtering= TRUE), but I am not able to set the 
	bridge management protocol (80-38) to forward (MCC>create bridge
	.bridge_name protocol database Ethernet entry=80-3b disposition=forward,
	by password=password).  I receive a "Management Protocol Error" message.
	I am guessing that this is the same PROBLEM that I have found in the
	earlier versions of LANbridge 200's and DECbridge 500's (see attached
	note).   Why do the software engineers insist on creating this problem 
	in all the our bridge products?   I view this a being one step down 
	from a major service affecting problem.  How can I get this fixed?

Regards,
Mike
	



       <<< NAC::DISK$WORK295:[NOTESLIBRARY_1]RBMS_LANBRIDGE100.NOTE;1 >>>
                       -< RBMS and LAN Bridge 100 Notes >-
================================================================================
Note 524.4                    PROTOCOL FILTER ERROR                      4 of 15
QUIVER::HARVELL                                      15 lines   2-MAR-1992 16:28
                             -< Mostly right Paul >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Paul,
    
    Right on all counts except for one.  When the 200 is placed in manual
    mode it does set the 80-38 protocol type to filter and now the user
    cannot set it back to forward.  The one problem that this causes is
    that you cannot use management across a bridge in manual mode.
    
    This is a bug and was fixed in the latest firmware for the lb200.  I
    believe that we removed the restriction that Paul mentioned.
    
    And no I don't know what version number that would be.  Use the field
    service chain the get the latest best information on base levels and
    what fixes they cover.
    
    Scott

    Ops.  In my base note I meant to say that I entered it in the
    NAC::RBMS_LANBRIDGE100 notes conference # 569.1
    
    Does anybody else have this problem..  If enough people complain maybe
    we can get this fixed..
    
    Mike

Mike,

80-38 is a special case. The bridge is not suppose to allow management
to change the disposition of this protocol. It is suppose to always remain
'forward' no matter what.

However, there appears to be a loophole on the protection of this protocol. We
just found out that if you set all protocols to 'filter' it does in fact change
the 80-38 to 'filter', but it shouldn't. Then when you try to set this 80-38
to 'forward' the bridge rejects it because it is trying to protect this protocol
from being changed.

This is a bug.

We'll address it in the next release of the DECbridge firmware.

This an old problem in the LB200. We used a lot of the LB200 code in creating
the DECbridge and it looks like this problem came along for the ride.

Mike Cinnamon

    Ah!  Finally..  Thank You very much for acknowledging the fact that
    there is a problem out here.   You said it will be fixed in firmware.
    Does that mean I will have to replace chips, or is can it be modified
    with NDU?
    
    How long do I have to wait?  Can this be worked as a problem and
    released without having to wait for the next release?
    
    BTW: The bridge 620's act the same way.
    
    Regards,
    MKO/ZKO Network Management,
    Michael Bukowski

	Firmware V1.3 is scheduled for December release from AS0 manufacturing
	which means it will be included in all units shipped after that date.

	SSB will be releasing it as a firmware upgrade in February 1993. 
	It will be packaged with DECndu that will allow one to downline upgrade
	the bridge without having to replace ROMS or power cycle the bridge.

	Mike