18.1.1 Storm Control Overview

If a loop exists in a Layer 2 network, broadcast frames are forwarded without limit between switches, severely increasing network load and the load on connected devices. This condition is called a broadcast storm and is a problem that must be avoided in Layer 2 networks. Additionally, multicast storms, in which an unlimited number of multicast frames are forwarded, and unicast storms, in which an unlimited number of unicast frames are forwarded, must be avoided.

Storm control refers to functionality that limits the number of flooded frames that are forwarded by a switch, to control the impact of storms on the network and connected devices.

The Switch can set the reception rate that is allowed for each Ethernet interface, and discards frames that exceed the reception rate. The acceptable reception rate is set individually for three types of frames: broadcast frames, multicast frames, and unicast frames.

In addition, if a storm is detected, the port can be shut down, private SNMP notifications can be sent, and operational messages can be output.

Storm control functionality does not have any operation commands.