Dimension GS-3012 Gigabit Ethernet Switch 
Getting to Know the GS-3012  1-3 
Security 
 System management password protection   Port-based VLAN 
 IEEE 802.1Q VLAN   802.1x Authentication 
 Limit dynamic port MAC address learning   Static MAC address filtering 
 Secure SHell communication protocol   
Port Link Aggregation 
The GS-3012 adheres to the 802.3ad standard for static and dynamic port link aggregation. 
Bandwidth Control 
 The GS-3012 supports rate limiting in 1Mbps increments allowing you to create different service plans 
 The GS-3012 supports IGMP snooping enabling group multicast traffic to be only forwarded to ports that 
are members of that group; thus allowing you to significantly reduce multicast traffic passing through your 
switch. 
 Broadcast storm control 
Quality of Service 
 Eight priority queues so you can ensure mission-critical data gets delivered on time. 
 Follows the IEEE 802.1p priority setting. 
 Advanced policy-based traffic shaping. 
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) / RSTP (Rapid STP) 
(R)STP detects and breaks network loops and provides backup links between switches, bridges or routers. It allows 
a switch to interact with other (R)STP -compliant switches in your network to ensure that only one path exists 
between any two stations on the network. 
Cluster Management 
Cluster Management allows you to manage switches through one switch, called the cluster manager. The switches 
must be directly connected and be in the same VLAN group so as to be able to communicate with one another. 
1.3 Applications 
This section shows a few examples of using the GS-3012 in various network environments.  
1.3.1 Backbone Application  
In this application, the switch is an ideal solution for small networks where rapid growth can be expected in the 
near future. 
The switch can be used standalone for a group of heavy traffic users. You can connect computers directly to the 
switch’s ports or connect other switches to the GS-3012.