Using AVB on Luminex Switches - Original GigaCore line

Using AVB on Luminex Switches - Original GigaCore line

Luminex GigaCore switches are Avnu Certified with firmware version 2.8.0 and later. All GigaCore switches, including legacy devices already installed in the field, will be capable of receiving this firmware update. No additional service charges or licenses will be required to perform the update and enable the AVB feature-set.

This article applies to the following models :
  1. GigaCore 10
  2. GigaCore 12
  3. GigaCore 14R
  4. GigaCore 16XT
  5. GigaCore 16RFO
  6. GigaCore 26i

References

This article outlines how to use the web interface on the first generation GigaCore switches to enable AVB.
  1. Here is an article outlining how to do the same thing for second generation GigaCore switches
  2. Here is an article with more background information on AVB / Milan and some information on the AVB indications in Araneo software.
  3. Here are some general AVB terms, definitions and questions.

Prerequisites

Luminex switches require firmware version 2.8.0 or later to enable AVB. Before continuing with the next steps, please verify the switch firmware version and update if necessary. The latest firmware image is available from the Luminex website. 

Limitations and restrictions

As of GigaCore Firmware 3.x.x, the following limitations apply when enabling AVB:

  • MultiLinkX (aggregation) is disabled
  • VID 2 is not permitted for a group
  • Only use 100Mbps/1Gbps FDX port links
  • The MTU is limited to 1522 bytes on ports conected to a listener (no Jumbo frames)
  • Copper SFP’s are not supported

When using an older GigaCore Firmware ( 2.8.0 to 2.8.10 ) the following limitations apply when enabling AVB:
  • PTPv2 is disabled in every group (this restriction is no longer applicable in version 3.0.0 and later)
  • MultiLinkX (aggregation) is disabled
  • VID 2 is not permitted for a group
  • Only use 100Mbps/1Gbps FDX port links
  • AVB can only be active in one group (this restriction is no longer applicable in version 3.0.0 and later)
  • Jumbo frames are disabled switchwide when AVB is enabled
  • Copper SFP’s are not supported

Access to web-based GUI

In order to perform firmware updates, or applying specific configuration changes such as enabling AVB support, the switch must be accessed via web-interface. Every unit comes with a default IP address printed on the back of the unit. For devices equipped with a front panel display, the management IP addressed is displayed through the front panel menu.

The default ip range is 192.168.xxx.xxx and subnet is 255.255.0.0. Set the local computer's NIC to an IP address within the same subnet as the switch management IP. If connected successfully, the web browser should present a user login prompt.

The default username is "admin" while the password field is left blank.

Firmware upgrade

Follow the steps to update the firmware if a version older than 2.8.0 is running. The latest firmware image is available from the Luminex website.

  1. Click the "Global" section from the left navigation menu.
  2. Click the "Firmware" tab.
  3. Click on the Upload Firmware button and select the firmware image file (*.lmx) to load.
  4. The upgrade procedure takes about 4 minutes to complete. Do not power down the switch during the update process.
  5. Verify the correct version is active before proceeding

2019-02-20_10h32_54.png

Enabling AVB

Use this process to enable the AVB protocols on the switch. Observe the mentioned limitations when the AVB protocol is enabled.

  1. In the left-handed navigation pane, enter group settings.
  2. Select the group in which you want to enable AVB.
  3. Open the advanced tab
  4. Enable the AVB check-box and apply.

2019-02-20_10h10_14.png


Confirm AVB enabled state

The status page will confirm which ports are AVB enabled. Ports are listed with a blue label and AVB text. The page will periodically refresh if port states change.

2019-02-20_10h10_42.png




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