Flow interfaces partition media interfaces (device interfaces at the top of their hierarchies) into virtual channels based on bit rate. Flow interfaces are used with flow identifiers (such as VLAN IDs) to trace the path of services through the device interfaces and connectivities in multipoint and point-to-point service arrangements.
Flow interfaces terminate packet connectivity only. They specify the termination type of the connectivities terminated on their parent device interfaces. There are four termination types defined by Flow Interface specifications:
Access. Indicates that the purpose of an interface is to terminate connectivity that provides access to a service provider network, such as Ethernet UNI connectivity.
Internetwork. Indicates that the purpose of an interface is to terminate connectivity that interconnects two service provider networks, such as Ethernet E-NNI connectivity.
Trunk. Indicates that the purpose of an interface is to terminate connectivity that connects equipment and devices in the same network, such as Ethernet I-NNI connectivity.
Unknown. Indicates that the purpose of the interface is unknown. Used to support scenarios not covered by the Access, Internetwork, and Trunk termination types.
Flow interfaces are similar to sub-device interfaces, but have configurations that capture their attributes.
When working with Flow Interface specifications, see the following topics:
Use the Flow Interface Specification editor to model flow interfaces. When working with the Flow Interface Specification editor, see the following topics:
Use the Flow Interface Configurations tab to enter information about the Flow Interface Configuration specification. Only one Flow Interface Configuration specification can be associated to a Flow Interface specification.
| Field | Use |
|---|---|
| Flow Interface Configuration | Displays the name of the Flow Interface Configuration specification. |
| Cartridge | Displays the name of the cartridge project into which the Flow Interface Configuration specification is built. |
| Select | Click to select an existing Flow Interface Configuration specification. |
| Open | Click to open the selected configuration in the Flow Interface Configuration Specification editor. |
| Remove | Click to remove the Flow Interface Configuration specification. |
| Add | Click to add a new Flow Interface Configuration specification. |
Use the Properties tab to enter information about the Flow Interface specification.
| Field | Use |
|---|---|
| Display Name | Enter the specification name as it should be displayed. |
| Technology | Select the technology. Only packet technologies are valid. Available by default are:
These technologies are supplied in the ora_uim_basetechnologies cartridge. You can edit the specifications but you cannot create new ones. |
| Termination Type | Select the termination type:
The Termination Type and Termination Packet Rider values interact. If you select a Termination Type value, Termination Packet Rider check box is deselected. If you select the Termination Packet Rider check box, the Termination Type list becomes unavailable. |