how brodcast influence L2 Switch

aviyoshi10 · ‎05-21-2012

Hi all,

i need to uderstand the influence of broadcast traffic in regard to the number of active recievers.

for example:

i have server that send broadcast of 5Mbps. there are 10 active users on the same L2 switch that recieves the broadcast. the cpu on that situation is 60%.

if i have the same broadcast stream but now there are 20 active users that need to get this broadcast, should i accept for increase in the switch CPU ?

thanks Avi.

gaursin2 · ‎05-23-2012

Hi Avi,

is the high utilization is because of traffic, and if yes then there could be a possibility of rise not because of broadcast but new addition of unicast reply from newly added users, in case application is two way.

svibeesh85 · ‎06-03-2012

Are you sure the brodcast storm is required ?

I strongly recommend you use storm control as you know the amount of broadcast that can be allowed.

Cap the broacast on all ports to a minimum other than the server port.

Joseph W. Doherty · ‎06-04-2012

Disclaimer

The Author of this posting offers the information contained within this posting without consideration and with the reader's understanding that there's no implied or expressed suitability or fitness for any purpose. Information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as rendering professional advice of any kind. Usage of this posting's information is solely at reader's own risk.

Liability Disclaimer

In no event shall Author be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of use, data or profit) arising out of the use or inability to use the posting's information even if Author has been advised of the possibility of such damage.

Posting

A well designed L2 switch should replicate broadcast packets in hardware, i.e. you shouldn't see much if any increase in the switch's CPU.

However, if the switch's management address is on the same subnet as the broadcasts, the switch's CPU might go high processing the received broadcasts.