Allied Telesis UniDirectional Link Detection – CentreCOM GS980MX/10HSm Standalone License

Enhance network reliability and protect your infrastructure with the Allied Telesis UniDirectional Link Detection (UDLD) standalone license for CentreCOM GS980MX/10HSm. Built for enterprise deployments that demand fault-tolerant connectivity, this license enables UniDirectional Link Detection to identify and mitigate unidirectional Link failures, preventing broadcast storms, loop issues, and unintended downtime. Designed as a standalone license, it installs quickly on compatible Allied Telesis switches and provides a robust layer of protection without requiring a full feature lock or complex integration. If your network relies on high-availability links and precise port-level control, this UDLD license delivers precise fault isolation, proactive alerts, and seamless integration with existing security and management workflows.

• What it is: A standalone license that enables UniDirectional Link Detection on supported CentreCOM devices, specifically the GS980MX/10HSm series, to detect and mitigate unidirectional link failures before they impact services.
• Key benefit: Prevents outages caused by asymmetrical links or miswired connections by quickly identifying faulty fiber or copper paths, reducing mean time to repair (MTTR) and preserving uptime for critical applications.
• Operational impact: Enhances network stability by stopping problematic links from propagating traffic, preserving broadcast domains, and allowing network teams to isolate and address issues without sweeping changes across the entire topology.
• Deployment ease: Designed as a standalone license, enabling rapid activation on compatible hardware without extensive reconfiguration, training, or complex licensing models.
• Visibility and control: Provides clear, actionable status on UDLD activity, port health, and detected faults, empowering administrators with precise data to troubleshoot and verify link integrity across the network.

Technical Details of Allied Telesis UniDirectional Link Detection

• Product family and model: Allied Telesis UniDirectional Link Detection for CentreCOM GS980MX/10HSm (Standalone License).
• License type: Standalone license—purchased and activated independently of other feature licenses.
• Functionality: UniDirectional Link Detection (UDLD) technology that detects and mitigates unidirectional link failures to prevent network instability and broadcast storms.
• Target platforms: CentreCOM GS980MX/10HSm switches and compatible Allied Telesis devices configured to support UDLD features.
• Deployment scope: Designed for enterprise LANs and data center access layers where reliable link detection reduces downtime and simplifies fault isolation.
• Compatibility notes: Works with standard Allied Telesis management workflows and monitoring tools; requires compatible firmware and hardware revision for UDLD-enabled operation.
• Operational impact: Activates on designated ports or globally as configured, continuously monitoring link directionality and alerting when a unidirectional condition is detected.
• Support and lifecycle: Backed by Allied Telesis support with available firmware guidance, licensing terms, and upgrade paths as part of the CentreCOM portfolio.

How to install Allied Telesis UniDirectional Link Detection

Installing the UniDirectional Link Detection standalone license on a CentreCOM GS980MX/10HSm involves a straightforward sequence that minimizes downtime and disruption. Follow these general steps to complete a successful deployment while aligning with your organization’s change-management practices:

• Verify compatibility: Confirm that your GS980MX/10HSm hardware and current firmware release support UDLD functionality and the standalone license mechanism. Review your device’s documentation or contact Allied Telesis support if you’re uncertain about firmware version requirements.
• Obtain and apply the license: Acquire the UDLD standalone license from the authorized channel. Import or paste the license key into the device’s licensing subsystem through the management interface (CLI or web-based GUI) as directed by the product documentation.
• Activate UDLD globally or per port: Depending on your design, enable UniDirectional Link Detection on the desired ports or on the global configuration to apply the feature network-wide. If your deployment requires selective enforcement, designate specific uplinks or critical links to be monitored by UDLD.
• Configure enforcement and thresholds: Set appropriate sensitivity, detection thresholds, and alerting policies to align with your network topology and tolerance for transient errors. Typical configurations include enabling UDLD to shut down or disable the port on persistent unidirectional loss, per organizational policy.
• Validate operation: Use management commands or the GUI to verify license status, UDLD enablement, and port health. Check for active alarms or state changes on UDLD-enabled ports and confirm that traffic behavior remains as expected after activation.
• Document and monitor: Record the changes in your change log and configure ongoing monitoring dashboards. Set up alerting for UDLD faults so network operations staff receive timely notifications and can respond without delay.

Frequently asked questions

• What is UniDirectional Link Detection? UniDirectional Link Detection is a fault-detection mechanism that identifies links where signal traffic can travel in only one direction due to fiber issues, misconfiguration, or other faults. By detecting these unidirectional conditions, the network can prevent problematic behavior, loops, and broadcast storms that would otherwise disrupt services.
• Why do I need a standalone UDLD license? The standalone license provides a dedicated, upgrade-friendly way to enable UDLD capabilities on supported devices without tying functionality to broader license bundles. It offers clear licensing boundaries and straightforward activation for enterprises prioritizing reliability.
• Which devices support this UDLD license? The license is intended for Allied Telesis CentreCOM devices, specifically the GS980MX/10HSm family, and other compatible models that advertise UDLD support within their management interfaces and firmware.
• Will UDLD affect network performance? When properly configured, UDLD operates with a minimal performance impact. It continuously monitors link directionality and triggers protective actions only when a unidirectional fault is detected, helping to maintain overall network health without unnecessary disruptions.
• Can UDLD be disabled or removed later? Yes. The license can be deactivated or removed if your network design changes or if you upgrade to a different licensing model. Changes should follow standard change-management procedures and be documented accordingly.
• How do I verify that UDLD is working after installation? After activation, check port status and UDLD-related alarms in the switch’s management interface. Look for indicators that confirm UDLD is enabled on the intended ports and review any active fault conditions or resolved incidents.
• Does this license require ongoing maintenance? Ongoing maintenance is typically covered under standard vendor support, with firmware updates and licensing renewals as part of your service agreement. Regular firmware updates help ensure UDLD compatibility with other network features.