D-Link DGS-3324SR Product Manual - Page 169

xStack DGS/DXS-3300 Series Layer 3 Stackable Gigabit Ethernet Switch User Manual Route Preference Settings Route Preference is a way for routers to select the best path when there are two or more different routes to the same destination from two different routing protocols. The majority of routing protocols are not compatible when used in conjunction with each other. This Switch supports and may be configured for many routing protocols, as a stand-alone switch or more importantly, in utilizing the stacking function and Single IP Management of the Switch. Therefore, the ability to exchange route information and select the best path is essential to optimal use of the Switch and its capabilities. The first decision the Switch will make in selecting the best path is to consult the Route Preference Settings table of the switch. This table can be viewed by clicking Configuration > Layer 3 IP Networking > Route Preference Settings, and it holds the list of possible routing protocols currently implemented on the Switch, along with a Preference value which determines which routing protocol will be the most dependable to route packets. Below is a list of the default route preferences set on the Switch. Route Type Local Static OSPF Intra OSPF Inter RIP OSPF ExtT1 OSPF ExtT2 Validity Range 0 - Permanently set on the Switch and not configurable. 1 - 999 1 - 999 1 - 999 1 - 999 1 - 999 1 - 999 Default Value 0 60 80 90 100 110 115 As shown above, Local will always be the first choice for routing purposes and the next most reliable path is Static due to the fact that its has the next lowest value. To set a higher reliability for a route, change its value to a number less than the value of a route preference that has a greater reliability value using the New Route Preference Settings window command. For example, if the user wishes to make RIP the most reliable route, the user can change its value to one that is less than the lowest value (Static - 60) or the user could change the other route values to more than 100. The user should be aware of three points before configuring the route preference: 1. No two route preference values can be the same. Entering the same route preference may cause the Switch to crash due to indecision by the Switch. 2. If the user is not fully aware of all the features and functions of the routing protocols on the Switch, a change in the default route preference value may cause routing loops or black holes. 3. After changing the route preference value for a specific routing protocol, that protocol needs to be restarted because the previously learned routes have been dropped from the switch. The Switch must learn the routes again before the new settings can take affect. To view the Route Preference Settings window, click Configuration > Layer 3 IP Networking > Route Preference Settings: 154