Chapter 12
Configuring Interface Characteristics
Configuring IEEE 802.3x Flow Control
Flow control enables connected Ethernet ports to control traffic rates during congestion by allowing
congested nodes to pause link operation at the other end. If one port experiences congestion and cannot
receive any more traffic, it notifies the other port by sending a pause frame to stop sending until the
condition clears. Upon receipt of a pause frame, the sending device stops sending any data packets,
which prevents any loss of data packets during the congestion period.
Ports on the switch can receive, but not send, pause frames.
Note
You use the flowcontrol interface configuration command to set the interface's ability to receive pause
frames to on, off, or desired. The default state is off.
When set to desired, an interface can operate with an attached device that is required to send
flow-control packets or with an attached device that is not required to but can send flow-control packets.
These rules apply to flow control settings on the device:
•
•
For details on the command settings and the resulting flow control resolution on local and remote ports,
Note
see the flowcontrol interface configuration command in the command reference for this release.
Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to configure flow control on an interface:
Command
Step 1
configure terminal
Step 2
interface interface-id
Step 3
flowcontrol {receive} {on | off | desired}
Step 4
end
Step 5
show interfaces interface-id
Step 6
copy running-config startup-config
To disable flow control, use the flowcontrol receive off interface configuration command.
This example shows how to turn on flow control on a port:
Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# interface gigabitethernet1/0/1
Switch(config-if)# flowcontrol receive on
Switch(config-if)# end
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receive on (or desired): The port cannot send pause frames but can operate with an attached device
that is required to or can send pause frames; the port can receive pause frames.
receive off: Flow control does not operate in either direction. In case of congestion, no indication is
given to the link partner, and no pause frames are sent or received by either device.
Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switches Software Configuration Guide, Release 15.0(1)SE
Purpose
Enter global configuration mode.
Specify the physical interface to be configured, and enter
interface configuration mode.
Configure the flow control mode for the port.
Return to privileged EXEC mode.
Verify the interface flow control settings.
(Optional) Save your entries in the configuration file.
Configuring Ethernet Interfaces
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