FAQs

General product details

Q: What is the ProCurve 8212zl switch?
The ProCurve Switch 8212zl is a high-performance, highly available, chassis switch platform that enables unified core-to-edge adaptive network solutions and delivers to market the industry’s first core switch with a lifetime warranty. With a full range of connectivity options, comprehensive networking features, advanced security tools, and unified core-to-edge infrastructure and management tools, the Switch 8212zl reduces complexity and provides lower cost of ownership. The ProCurve Switch 8212zl is ideal for customers seeking to cost-effectively meet the stringent availability requirements of today’s converged network environments without sacrificing performance or flexibility.

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Q: What comes with the 8212zl base system, part number J8715A?
The 8212zl (J8715A) comes with the following parts:

• (1) J9091A Chassis
• (1) J9092A Management Module
• (2) J9093A Fabric Modules
• (1) J9094A Fan Tray

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Q: Is the 8212zl chassis an active or passive chassis?
The ProCurve switch 8212zl is a passive chassis.

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Q: What is the throughput of the 8212zl?
The 8212zl throughput is up to 428 million pps.

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Q: How many addresses can the routing table hold?
The routing table can hold up to 10,000 entries.

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Q: What is the routing/switching capacity?
The routing/switching capacity on the 8212zl is 692 Gbps total (28.8Gb/slot).

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Q: Is Premium Software licensing available for 8212zl like on 5400zl and 3500yl?
The 8212zl comes standard with Premium Software Licensing, enabling OSPF, VRRP, PIM-DM and PIM-SM capabilities.

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Q: What is the pin out on the console cable for the 8212zl?

RJ45 (signal reference from MM) DB9 (signal reference from PC) RTS 1 8 CTS TX_Debug 2 6 DSR TXD 3 2 RXD GND 4 5 GND DCD 5 1 DCD RXD 6 3 TXD RX_Debug 7 4 DTR CTS 8 7 RTS     9 RI

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Q: How long is the hardware warranty?
The warranty lasts for as long as you own the product, with next business-day advance replacement (where available) for confirmed hardware failures.

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Q: Why are the System Support Module (SSM) screws different than the screws that hold the other modules in?
Since the SSM is a required module for the operation of the 8212zl chassis, it is not a hot swappable module. Although no damage will occur to the chassis if the SSM is removed during operation, if removed it will power down the system (similar to pulling a sole management module with no standby MM in place). To prevent the accidental removal of the module, the SSM is mounted to the chassis with Tamper-Resistant Screws (TRS). TRS also contribute to the low failure rate probability for the SSM – static discharge through user handling, or misalignment of pins upon reinsertion, just to name a few contributors to module failure. Refer to the illustration below.

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Q: What is the easiest way to install an 8212zl chassis into a rack?

1. Use a #1 Phillips (cross-head) screwdriver and attach the mounting brackets to the switch with the included 8-mm M4 screws. For the Switch 8212zl, each bracket is attached with four screws as shown in the following illustration.
   
2. Partially install a screw into the top hole of a pair of holes that are 0.5 inches apart in each rack/cabinet upright as shown in the illustration below. Ensure that the screws are at the same level in each upright.
   
3. Place the switch in the rack and lower it so that the notches in the bottom of the bracket slide onto the screws, then tighten these screws.
   
4. Install the other screw into the upper hole in each bracket. Tighten these screws.
   

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Power/PoE

Q: What are the power supply options for the 8212zl?
There are two power supplies available for the 8212zl family of switches. Read below for more information:

ProCurve Switch zl 875W Power Supply (J8712A)
Electrical characteristics Voltage: 100-127 VAC/200-240 VAC Maximum current: 12 A/5.7 A Frequency range: 50/60 Hz Power: 875 W Notes J8712A supplies 600 W chassis power and 273 W PoE power. Two J8712A supplies are required to power the J8715A chassis. See the Ordering Guide for more details on power supply selection for PoE power.
ProCurve Switch zl 1500W Power Supply (J8713A)
Physical characteristics Dimensions: 6.05 x 7.45 x 5.1 in. (15.37 x 18.92 x 12.95 cm) Weight: 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) Electrical characteristics Maximum current: 10A Frequency range: 50/60 Hz Power: 1500 W Notes 220 V only. Installation of the J8713A reduces the chassis altitude specification to 10,000 ft (3677 m). J8713A supplies 600 W chassis power and 900 W PoE power. See the Ordering Guide for more details on power supply selection for PoE power. Units shipped to North America include a NEMA L6-20P twist lock power cord. Non-locking NEMA 6-20P optionally available – see the Ordering Guide for more details. Supply End - NEMA L6-20P Equipment End - IEC-C19 20A/250V

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Q: Can the 8212zl power supplies be hot swapped?
The power supply in the chassis generates both system power and PoE power. There are multiple power slots to allow for additional PoE power and/or redundancy. As long as the minimum number of power supplies for system power is installed at any given time, power supplies can be removed and replaced while the switch is operating. Caution should be used when doing this, however, because disconnecting power supplies interrupts PoE operation.

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Q: What parts are included when a power supply is purchased? The Switch zl Internal Power Supply has the following components shipped with it:

• ProCurve Switch zl Internal Power Supply Installation Guide (5991-8553)
• Customer Support/Warranty booklet
• Power cord, one of the following:

* A non-locking power cord is also available. Order part number 8120-6893. To order, go to http://www.hp.com/buy/parts.

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Q: What do the power cord connectors look like?
The following table displays the connectors for the regional power cords.

Country	Part Number	Length	Connector Type	Connector	Connector Type	Connector
Australia/ New Zealand	8120-5335	2.5 m	AS 3112-3		C15
	8121-0871	4.5 m	AS 3112-3		C19
China	8120-8385	2.5 m	GB 1002		C15 90-deg
	8121-0916	2.5 m	SEV 1011		C19
	8121-1034	2.5 m	GB 1002		C15
Continental Europe	8120-5336	2.5 m	CEE 7-VII		C15
	8120-6899	4.5 m	CEE 7-VII		C19
	8120-6352	2.5 m	CEE 7-VII		C19
Denmark	8120-5340	2.5 m	DK 2-5A		C15
	8120-6897	4.5 m	IEC 309		C19
Isreal	8121-1009	2.5 m	SI 32 90-DEG		C15
	8121-1010	2.5 m	SI 32 90-DEG		C19
Japan	8120-5342	2.5 m	JIS C8303		C15
	8120-6903	4.5 m	NEMA L6-20P		C19
	8121-0942	2.5 m	JIS C8303		C19
South Africa / India	8120-5341	2.5 m	SABS 164		C15
	8121-0915	2.5 m	SABS 164		C19
Switzerland	8120-5339	2.5 m	SEV 1011		C15
	8120-6897	4.5 m	IEC 309		C19
	8121-0916	2.5 m	SEV 1011		C19
Taiwan	8121-0967	2.5 m	CNS 690		C15
	8121-0941	2.5 m	NEMA L6-20P		C15
	8120-6903	4.5 m	NEMA L6-20P		C19
	8121-0968	4.5 m	CNS 690		C19
Thailand	8121-0671	2.5 m	NEMA 5-15P		C15
	8121-0675	4.5 m	NEMA 10-20		C19
	8121-0922	2.5 m	NEMA 5-15P		C19
U. K. / Hong Kong / Singapore	8120-5334	2.5 m	BS 1363/A		C15
	8120-6898	4.5 m	BS 1363/A		C19
	8121-0907	2.5 m	BS 1363/A		C19
U.S. / Canada / Mexico	8121-0973	2.5 m	NEMA 5-15P		C15
	8121-0941	2.5 m	NEMA L6-20P		C15
	8120-6903	4.5 m	NEMA L6-20P		C19
	8120-6893	4.5 m	NEMA 6-20P		C19
	8120-6361	2.5 m	NEMA 5-20P		C19

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Q: What is the maximum number of PoE ports supported by the 8212zl switch?

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Q: Besides internal power supplies, can you connect external power for additional PoE power?
The ProCurve Switch zl Power Supply Shelf (J8714A) provides a 3U high enclosure to hold up to two extra zl switch power supplies (the same type used in the 8212zl/5400zl switches) to provide additional PoE power to zl switches beyond the PoE power available through the switch's internal power supplies alone. These extra supplies also can be used to provide PoE power redundancy beyond what is possible with switch internal supplies. Large Switch zl VoIP installations are ideal environments for the ProCurve Switch zl Power Supply Shelf.

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Q: What are the two devices defined for PoE implementations?
The first type, called the powered device or PD, receives power from the second type, called the power sourcing equipment or PSE. Powered devices include any Ethernet device capable of receiving power through a data port such as IP telephones, IP cameras, PDAs and tablet PCs. Power sourcing equipment, such as ProCurve switches with PoE support, must meet IEEE 802.3af specifications for voltage (47 to 57 volts DC) and wattage (up to 15.4 watts), with further limitations on devices that receive power. The ProCurve 8212zl is PoE-enabled to support both IEEE 802.3af compliant devices, as well as some pre-802.3af standard devices.

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Q: On what pairs is PoE power distributed? The 802.3af standard provides two options for providing power over CAT 5 Ethernet cable. They are:

1. Unused pairs: This option takes advantage of the fact that 10Base-T and 100Base-TX signals use only two of the four twisted pairs in the cable. In this option, the pins on pairs 1/2 and 3/6 are used for data, and the pins on pairs 4/5 and 7/8 are used for power. The 4/5 pair is twisted together to form the positive supply, and the 7/8 pair is twisted together to form the negative supply.
2. Data pairs: This option provides power over pairs that also provide data, and is necessary because 1000Base-T signals use all four pairs. In this option, either the 1/2 pair or the 3/6 pair can form the positive supply.

The 8212zl uses the Data pairs for all RJ45 ports on the J8702A (24-port Gig module) & J8705A (20+4-port Gig + mGBIC module).

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Q: How does PSE (power sourcing equipment) know when a PD (powered device) needs PoE?
In most networks, PSE will be connected to some devices that support PoE and some that do not. Consequently, in order to prevent damage to non-PoE devices, the 802.3af specification includes a negotiation mechanism between PSEs and the stations connected to them. Under the specification, PSEs apply a slight voltage on the power-delivery pairs. If there is a valid PD on the cable, it will present a resistance and a capacitance. Typically, this discovery process requires approximately 500 milliseconds. The PSE will apply the full wattage if it discovers a PD, but the flow is current-limited to prevent damage to cable and equipment under fault conditions.

After discovery, a PD must draw a minimum current for the power flow to remain active. If, for example, the PD is unplugged; the PSE will discontinue power supply over the cable. The discovery process will be repeated when the PD is returned to service.

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Q: How does one enable pre-standard PoE support?
The ProCurve Switch 8212zl Switch supports some pre-802.3af devices. This feature is enabled by default. It can be disabled using the no power pre-std-detect command.

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Q: What is a jumper cable and how is it used?
A jumper cable (also known as a jumper cord), provides a power interconnect between a LAN Switch and a power distribution device, such as a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) or an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

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Q: Does ProCurve Networking by HP have jumper cables for its LAN Switch products?
Yes, ProCurve Networking by HP does have jumper cables available for its LAN Switch products through the worldwide HP Parts Store at www.hp.com/buy/parts.

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Q: Why are ProCurve jumper cables required for use with a PDU or UPS?
The ProCurve Networking by HP jumper cables are designed to HP specifications to minimize defects in materials and workmanship. The jumper cables were developed specifically to meet the extended temperature specifications, 0°C to 55°C (32°F to 131°F) of ProCurve switches while complying with international laws.

Using jumper cables which do not meet ProCurve’s specifications could result in overheating of the jumper cables. Use the proper jumper cables listed for your ProCurve switches. Use of any other jumper cable is not supported by ProCurve.

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Q: What do the jumper cable connectors look like?
The following table displays the connectors for C14 to C15 jumper cables and C19 to C20 jumper cables.

The C15 or C19 connector inserts into the power inlet on the switch power supply, while the C14 or C20 connector inserts into the receptacle on a power distribution device, PDU or UPS.

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Q: What ProCurve products require a C14 to C15 or a C19 to C20 jumper cable to connect to a PDU or UPS?
The table below displays, by country, the jumper cable part number for a specific ProCurve product. The jumper cable required by a ProCurve 8200zl or 5400zl switch and a ProCurve Power Supply Shelf, depends on the wattage of the power supply in the ProCurve product (875 W (J8712) or 1500 W (J8713)). Jumper cables are available in two lengths, 1 meter and 2.5 meters.

Country	Length (meters)	ProCurve Switch 3500yl/6200yl 3	ProCurve Switch 8200zl/5400zl and Power Supply Shelf			ProCurve 620 Red/Ext Power Supply 2
			875 W Supply 3		1500 W Supply 2
Australia/ New Zealand	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1093 1 8121-1094 1			8121-1089 8121-1090
China	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1093 1 8121-1094 1			8121-1089 8121-1090
Continental Europe	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1093 1 8121-1094 1			8121-1089 8121-1090
Denmark	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1093 1 8121-1094 1			8121-1089 8121-1090
Israel	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1093 1 8121-1094 1			8121-1089 8121-1090
Japan	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1092    8121-1091			8121-1089 8121-1090
South Africa/ India	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1093 1 8121-1094 1			8121-1089 8121-1090
Switzerland	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1093 1 8121-1094 1			8121-1089 8121-1090
Taiwan	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1092    8121-1091			8121-1089 8121-1090
Thailand	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1093 1 8121-1094 1			8121-1089 8121-1090
U.K.	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1093 1 8121-1094 1			8121-1089 8121-1090
Hong Kong/ Singapore	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1093 1 8121-1094 1			8121-1089 8121-1090
U.S./Canada/ Mexico	1 m 2.5 m	8121-1092    8121-1091			8121-1089 8121-1090

¹ – Availability of 8121-1093 and 8121-1094 jumper cables planned for May 2008
² – C19 to C20 cable: The C19 connector connects into the power inlet on the switch’s power supply, while the C20 connector connects into the receptacle on a power distribution unit.
³ – C14 to C15 cable: The C15 connector connects into the power inlet on the switch’s power supply, while the C14 connector connects into the receptacle on a power distribution unit.

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Q: What are the technical specifications for the C14 to C15 and C19 to C20 jumper cables?
The table below contains the technical specifications for the C14 to C15 and C19 to C20 jumper cables.

¹ – Rating of 20 A at 240 V in U.S. and Canada
² – Rating of 16 A at 240 V in Japan, Taiwan, Australia/New Zealand, China, Continental Europe, Denmark, Israel, South Africa/India, Switzerland, Thailand, U.K., and Hong Kong/Singapore

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Q: How does a customer purchase the C14 to C15 or C19 to C20 jumper cables?
The C14 to C15 jumper cables or C19 to C20 jumper cables are orderable through the HP Parts Store at www.hp.com/buy/parts. The C14 to C15 jumper cables, 8121-1093 and 8121-1094 are currently undergoing development and regulatory testing and will be available in May 2008.

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Redundancy

Q: How long does it take for the Standby management module to take control if the Active management module fails.
At initial release of the 8212zl Switch, the switch will begin forwarding traffic anywhere from 40 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the complexity of the configuration file and network reconvergence times.

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Q: How do the management modules interact with each other?
When the switch boots up, the management modules run selftest and then decides which is the active module and which is the standby module.  The module that becomes active finishes booting and then brings up the interface modules and ports. The standby module boots to a certain point, synchronizes basic files such as the config and security files, and only finishes booting if the active management module fails or the administrator choose to change which module is the active module. 

The two management modules communicate by sending heartbeats back and forth. The active management module continuously synchronizes the stored configuration and security files with the standby module. If the active management module fails, the standby management module becomes the active module and finishes the boot process by reading the stored config file, resetting the interface modules, and bringing up the ports. 

The running configuration file, not yet saved with the “write memory” command, is not synchronized between management modules.  The management module that becomes the “active” module will be the one that is booted going forward.

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Q: Are the management modules hot swappable?
The management modules are designed to be hot-swappable, and can be removed from the chassis without damage. The synchronization of files (configuration, code images, state and default condition directives) may indeed be occurring, so to minimize the possibility of corruption between MMs, when manually removing the module, use the “MM Shutdown” button. The “MM Shutdown” is a recessed button used to gracefully shutdown the management module, completing any synchronization of files and state information to the second management module. When the “Down” LED is lit, the management module can be removed.

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Q: Can the 8212zl switch function without a management module in the system?
The ProCurve Switch 8212zl Series requires at least a single management module that oversees (or “supervises”) the operation of the interface modules and fabric modules. If both management cards are removed the system will shutdown. The management module is responsible for network control processing (e.g., OSPF updates or ARP requests), while each interface module in conjunction with the fabric modules handles the traffic switching in ASIC hardware.

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Q: If my active management module fails and the Standby management module becomes active, will the 8212zl lose its configuration?
No, by default, the active management module is always synchronizing Flash Images (both Primary and Secondary images), stored configuration files, and start-up directives. Running configuration files are NOT synchronized and are lost upon a management module switchover event.

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Q: Can you disable the synchronizing of configurations between the active management module and the standby management module?
Yes, the command to disable the management cards from synchronizing is “no redundancy management-module”.  After executing the command you are prompted with this message: “The other management module may reboot and it will no longer be used for system redundancy except in the case of a hardware failure of the active management module. Do you want to continue [y/n]?”. Selecting “y” disables redundant management.

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Q: Can you manually force the standby management module to become the active module?
Yes, the command is “redundancy switchover”.

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Q: What are the events that cause management modules to switchover?
There are a number of events that can cause the active management module to switchover to the standby management module when redundancy is enabled:

• The standby management module has not received a heartbeat for some time from the active management module
• The redundancy switchover command is executed
• The active management module is hotswapped out
• The MM Reset button on the active management module is pressed
• The MM Shutdown button on the active management module is pressed
• The boot or boot active command is executed
• The reload command is executed
• There is a hardware failure on the active management module
• The active management module crashes

In all of these cases the standby management module takes control and performs the actual switchover. The reason for the switchover is entered in log messages on the newly active management module and to any configured Syslog servers.

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Q: What events do not cause a management switchover to occur?
Below are the events for which a switchover is not triggered:

• When a boot system command is executed
• When the Reset button on the System Support module is pressed
• When redundancy is disabled, unless there is a hardware failure and the system is rebooted.

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Q: What commands are available to help understand current redundancy configuration?
The commands that display current redundancy configuration are:

• show redundancy
• show flash
• show version

Examples of each below:

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Q: What existing CLI commands are affected by Redundant Management?

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Q: Are the 8212zl Fabric modules redundant or resilient?
The 8212zl fabric modules are resilient. There are two fabric modules in chassis. If a fabric module fails, the remaining fabric module will continue forwarding traffic, resulting in a 50 percent reduction in throughput.

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Accessories

Q: What modules only work in the 8212zl and not in the 5400zl?
The modules that only work in the 8212zl and not the 5400zl are the management, fabric, and system support. These modules are specific to the 8212zl. The 5400zl has the same components integrated into the chassis. Below is more information on each module:

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Q: What types of interface modules are supported in ProCurve 8212zl Switches?
All zl modules work in the 8212zl and the 5400zl switches. Below is more information on each module:

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Q: How can I get the best performance from a 4 port 10G module considering each module only gets 28.8G throughput to the switch fabric?
When more than two ports of a 10-GbE module are in a linked state, ports 1 and 4 are statically mapped to share one 14.4 Gbps channel, while ports 2 and 3 are statically mapped to share the other 14.4 Gbps channel.  If only one port in a given channel is in a linked state, then that port operates at wirespeed and the other port uses no bandwidth.  If both ports in a given channel are in a linked state, then the 14.4 Gbps of bandwidth is balanced fairly between the two ports.  For example, in an application where three ports on the module are needed and it is important to ensure that port 1 always has a full 10 Gbps available.  Refer to diagram below:

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Q: If I only have two 10G connections on one module how do I guarantee each port gets 10G?
When any two 10-GbE ports on a given module are in a linked state, each port automatically operates on its own channel, which guarantees 10 Gbps of bandwidth for each port. The two ports are dynamically mapped to an available high-speed channel and support full 10 Gbps wirespeed operation.

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Q: Is the 8212zl fan tray field replaceable?
Yes, the Fan tray is field replaceable. Once a fan tray is removed, if a replacement does not get inserted within three minutes the chassis will power down. The part number for the fan tray is J9094A.

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Q: What are the part numbers for the field replaceable parts for the 8212zl?

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Q: Which mini-GBICs are supported on the ProCurve 8212zl Switch?
For the most current information on ProCurve mini-GBICs for your switch, refer to the datasheet:

1. Go to: http://www.hp.com/rnd/library/index.htm
2. Scroll to ProCurve Switch 8212zl datasheet then click to select.
3. Scroll to the information on mini-GBICs.

This product requires ProCurve revision "B" or later mini-GBICs (product number ends with the letter "B", for example J4858B, J4859B). These switches do not support revision "A" mini-GBICs. Non-ProCurve mini-GBICs are not supported. Use of genuine products ensures that your network maintains optimal performance and reliability. Should you require additional ProCurve mini-GBICs, please contact a ProCurve sales representative or an authorized reseller.

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Q: What types of 10-GbE transceivers are supported in the ProCurve 8212zl Switch?
For the most current information on ProCurve transceivers for your switch, refer to the datasheet:

• http://www.hp.com/rnd/library/index.htm

Scroll to ProCurve Switch 8212zl datasheet then click to select Scroll to the information on transceivers.

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Q: What precautions should I follow when removing the J8177B gigabit-copper mini-GBIC from my switch?
To remove the J8177B from a mini-GBIC slot on the switch, follow this procedure:

1. Remove the attached cable from the mini-GBIC.
2. Without forcing the latch, swivel the latch 90 degrees to the unlocked position.

CAUTION: Do not force the latch! If the latch does not easily swivel 90 degrees, move the latch back to the locked position, re-seat the mini-GBIC by pressing it into the switch, then repeat step 2.

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Q: Which ProCurve mini-GBICs and SFPs are supported in which ProCurve products?
The ProCurve Networking Mini-GBIC Support Matrix specifies which mini-GBICs and SFPs are supported on which ProCurve products. General rules are:

• Only genuine ProCurve mini-GBICs and SFPs are supported on ProCurve products.
• The J8177B 1000Base-T mini-GBIC is not supported in "dual personality" ports (which already include a gigabit copper LAN port).

Newer ProCurve products require revision "B" or later mini-GBICs and SFPs (product number ends with the letter "B" or later, for example J4858B, J4859B).

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Features/Protocols

Q: Are Jumbo frames supported on the ProCurve 8212zl series switches?
Yes. Ports operating at 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps speeds accept forward packets of up to 9220 bytes (including four bytes for a VLAN tag) when configured for jumbo traffic. Note that on ports operating at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) is fixed at 1522 bytes. The switch drops any inbound packets larger than the MTU allowed on a port.

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Q: Are Jumbo frames enabled per VLAN or per physical interface?
Inbound jumbo packets are enabled on a per-VLAN basis. That is, on a VLAN configured for jumbo traffic, all ports belonging to that VLAN and operating at 1 Gbs or 10 Gbps allow inbound jumbo packets of up to 9220 bytes.

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Q: What type of spanning tree implementation do the ProCurve 8212zl switches support?
IEEE 802.1s Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol is supported.

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Q: How would MSTP interact with switches that support only 802.1D STP or 802.1w RSTP?
MSTP is backward-compatible with the RSTP-enabled and STP-enabled switches in your network. Use the following command to optimize this interoperability.

ProCurveSwitch8200zl (config)# spanning-tree force-version < stp-compatible | rstp-operation | mstp-operation>

An excerpt from the parameter descriptions follows.

For more detail, please see the Advanced Traffic Management Guide for the ProCurve 8212zl Switch.

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Q: What advantage does implementation of IEEE 802.1s MSTP offer over legacy STP or RSTP?
The 802.1D and 802.1w spanning tree protocols operate without regard to a network's VLAN configuration, and maintain one common spanning tree throughout a bridged network. Thus, these protocols map one loop-free, logical topology on a given physical topology. This causes redundant links to be blocked; they are then available on a standby basis. With MSTP, each spanning tree instance can include one or more VLANs and applies a separate, per-instance forwarding topology. Thus, when a port belongs to multiple VLANs, it may be dynamically blocked in one spanning tree instance, but forwarding in another instance. This achieves load-balancing across the network while still providing fault tolerance through rapid, automatic reconfiguration if there is a failure in a network's physical topology.

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Q: Will the ProCurve 8212zl support routing when Switch Meshing is enabled?
No. If meshing is configured on the switch, the routing features (IP routing, RIP, and OSPF) must be disabled. The switch's meshing and routing features cannot be enabled at the same time.

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Q: When configured for meshing, is the ProCurve 8212zl switch backwards-compatible with older model ProCurve switches that support meshing?
The ProCurve 8212zl switch is compatible with the meshing feature on the 5400zl, 3500yl, 6200yl, 5300xl and 3400cl Series switches. There is no backward-compatibility mode for interoperation with a ProCurve Switch 4000M mesh.

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Q: How does UDP Broadcast Forwarding work?
Some applications rely on client requests sent as limited IP broadcasts addressed to a UDP application port. If a server for the application receives such a broadcast, the server can reply to the client. Since typical router behavior, by default, does not allow broadcast forwarding, a client's UDP broadcast requests cannot reach a target server on a different subnet unless the router is configured to forward client UDP broadcasts to that server.

A switch with routing enabled includes optional per-VLAN UDP broadcast forwarding that allows up to 256 server and/or subnet entries on the switch (16 entries per-VLAN). If an entry for a particular UDP port number is configured on a VLAN and an inbound UDP broadcast packet with that port number is received on the VLAN, then the switch routes the packet to the appropriate subnet. Each entry can designate either a single device or a single subnet.

For configuration details, please see the Multicast and Routing Guide for these switches.

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Q: Can 802.1X, Web-based authentication, and MAC-based authentication all be used concurrently on a switch port?
Yes. Details about configuring these features may be viewed in the ProCurve 8212zl Access Security Guide.

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Q: Are there limits to the number of Access Control Entries (ACEs) supported within an Access Control List (ACL)?
The total number of supported ACEs in all the ACLs depends on the combined resource usage by ACL, QoS, IDM, Virus-Throttling, ICMP, and Management VLAN features. For more on this topic, refer to the appendix titled “Monitoring Resources” in the 8200zl Management and Configuration Guide.

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Q: Is there a limit to the number of ACLs supported by the 8212zl?
You can configure up to 2048 ACL assignments to VLANs, as follows:

• Named (Extended or Standard) ACLs: Up to 2048 (minus any numeric ACL assignments)
• Numeric Standard ACLs: Up to 99; numeric range: 1 - 99
• Numeric Extended ACLs: Up to 100; numeric range: 100 - 199
• Total ACEs in all ACLs: Depends on the combined resource usage by ACL, QoS, IDM, Virus-Throttling, ICMP, and Management VLAN features

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Q: How does Source port filtering work?
When you create a source-port filter, the switch automatically sets the filter to forward traffic from the designated source to all destinations for which you do not specifically configure a "drop" action. Thus, it is not necessary to configure a source-port filter for traffic you want the switch to forward unless the filter was previously configured to drop the desired traffic. Details about configuration of the filter command can be reviewed in the Access Security Guide for the 8212zl product.

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Q: What are the default DSCP codepoint values?
The DSCP Policy Table associates an 802.1p priority with a specific ToS byte codepoint in an IPv4 packet. This enables you to set a traffic management policy that operates independently of 802.1Q VLAN-tagging. In the default state, most of the 64 codepoints do not assign an 802.1p priority, as indicated by "No-override" value in the table below.

You can use the [show] qos dscp-map command to list the current DSCP Policy table, change the codepoint priority assignments, and assign optional names to the codepoints.

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Q: Does the 8212zl support sFlow?
Yes, the 8212zl support sFlow.  sFlow is a technology for monitoring traffic in data networks containing switches and routers.  In particular, it defines the sampling mechanisms implemented in an sFlow Agent for monitoring traffic, the sFlow MIB for controlling the sFlow Agent, and the format of sample data used by the sFlow Agent when forwarding data to a central data collector.

The 8212zl Switches support up to three instances of sFlow, which you can configure either using SNMP (like ProCurve Manager would do), or from the CLI.

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Q: How do I enable sFlow support on the ProCurve 8212zl switch using a network management application? Must I configure anything on the switch?
If you are using ProCurve Manager Plus (PCM+) for traffic monitoring on your switches, no further CLI configuration is necessary. sFlow monitoring requires the use of a management software application such as ProCurve Manager Plus 2.0 which receives, collects, and displays the traffic data. The process of configuring the management application for data collection involves sending snmp set commands that trigger the switch to send the sFlow data. Please see the configuration examples for further information on the snmp set commands used.

To allow the management station to configure the sFlow parameters, the software will need to be configured with valid read and write SNMP community names or valid SNMPv3 configuration information that matches what is configured on the switch.

The show sflow command set may be used to view various aspects of the sFlow configuration and status.

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Q: How do I take advantage of multiple configuration files?
The switch allows up to three startup-config files with options for selecting which startup-config file to use for:

• A fixed reboot policy using a specific startup-config file for a specific boot path (primary or secondary flash)
• Overriding the current reboot policy on a per-instance basis

While you can still use remote storage for startup-config files, you can now maintain multiple startup-config files on the switch and choose which version to use for a reboot policy or an individual reboot.

This choice of which configuration file to use for the startup-config at reboot provides the following new options:

• The switch can reboot with different configuration options without having to exchange one configuration file for another from a remote storage location.
• Transitions from one software release to another can be performed while maintaining a separate configuration for the different software release versions.
• By setting a reboot policy using a known good configuration and then overriding the policy on a per-instance basis, you can test a new configuration with the provision that if an unattended reboot occurs, the switch will come up with the known, good configuration instead of repeating a reboot with a misconfiguration.

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Q: What is the benefit of maintaining current software on my ProCurve Switch?
One of the benefits of owning a ProCurve product is free software updates. Maintaining current software can proactively add to the reliability of your product. In addition to addressing occasional issues in new software versions, ProCurve Networking also adds features and enhancements to software which provide investment protection by extending the value and functional life of products. A proactive notification service is available on the MyProCurve portal. This service generates an e-mail alert when the product line you select has a new version of software posted to the ProCurve web site.

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Q: Why doesn't the VRRP backup router respond to pings when it is in the master role?
This behavior is by design, and is required by section 6.4.3 of the VRRP RFC 3768. The backup router will forward traffic as appropriate for its gateway role, but will not respond to ping. The failed ping response is often an important mechanism for reporting the failover which has occurred on the network segment.

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Q: Why don't the 8212zl Switches support CDP?
ProCurve Networking Business recommends IEEE standards-based features for device discovery. To this end, the IEEE 802.1ab standard Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is supported. It provides for device discovery for network management platforms and switch neighbor discovery.

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Q: Does the (link aggregation) trunking algorithm for the ProCurve 8212zl Series switches take into account IP addresses when allocating sa/da individual traffic flows to the individual links of a trunk?
Yes, ProCurve uses IP addressing in the hashing decisions that determine which link a packet traverses after it is routed on the 8200.

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Q: Does the 8212zl support remote port mirroring?
Yes, the 8200 supports remote port mirroring.  With ProCurve’s traffic mirroring on the 8200, 5400, 3500 and 6200, you no longer need to monitor a port on every switch. Instead, you can send mirrored data from multiple remote switches to one local switch. The security appliance attached to this local switch can then monitor all the mirrored data, reducing the number of security appliances you need on your network.

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Q: Which USB Flash Drives have been tested with the ProCurve 8212zl switches and what were the findings?

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Q: Is it okay to use USB flash drives that have not been tested?
Yes.  Most USB flash drive devices (under 32 GB ) using a FAT file system should work.   The preceding table is not a comprehensive list of USB Flash drive products, but rather a list of those that have been tested. Your results may vary from those seen in testing depending on the individual flash drive and formatting options used.

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Q: What should I do if the USB flash drive file system is not recognized by the ProCurve switch?
Check the format on a PC.  If the device is unformatted, formatting it may enable it to work.  Use only a FAT file system.  ProCurve switches do not support the NTFS file system.

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Q: What are the USB flash drive support limitations?
The USB port supports connection to a single USB mass storage device.  USB hubs to add more ports are not supported.

For devices with multiple partitions, only the first partition is supported.  Devices with secure partitions are not supported.

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Q: Does the 8212zl support rate limiting?
Yes, the 8212zl supports rate limiting.  Traffic rate-limiting applies to both inbound and outbound traffic; you can specify bandwidth usage in terms of bits per second (bps).

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Security

Q: Does the 8212zl support DHCP Snooping?
Yes, the 8212zl supports DHCP snooping. DHCP snooping acts like a firewall between untrusted hosts and DHCP servers. It also gives you a way to differentiate between untrusted interfaces connected to the end-user and trusted interfaces connected to the DHCP server or another switch.

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Q: Does the 8212zl have CPU protection?
Yes, the 8212zl provides advanced threat protection against malicious network traffic trying to shut down the switch. Software features such as DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Protection, and the Instrumentation Monitor provide additional protection from attacks launched from both inside and outside your network. See the Access Security Guide for details.

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Q: Does the 8212zl support Virus throttling?
Yes, the 8212zldetects traffic patterns typical of WORM-type viruses and either throttles or entirely prevents the ability of the virus to spread across the routed VLANs or bridged interfaces, without requiring external appliances. For more information, refer to the chapter on Virus Throttling in the Access Security Guide.

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Routing

Q: What routing protocols are supported on the 8212zl?
The 8212zl supports RIP V1, RIP V2, OSPF; includes ECMP and NSSA support. See 8212zl Data Sheet for complete list of supported protocols.

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Q: How many static routes does the 8212zl support?
The 8212zl support 256 static routes.

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Q: How many secondary IP addresses per interface?
The 8212zl allows up to 32 IP addresses on an individual VLAN interface.

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Q: How many IP interfaces does the 8200zl support?
The 8212zl will allow up to 2048 IPv4 addresses for the system.

The K.12 system software can support up to 128 of these interfaces participating in an OSPF routing domain.

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Q: How large is the ARP/Route table?
The 8212zl system route table can hold up to 10,000 IPv4 routes. The protocol stack treats ARP cache entries as host routes, so they come out of the same resource pool.

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