Issue
Contemporary Controls Skorpion Switch configuration settings for using RSTP with MPX controllers
Product Line
EcoStruxure Building Operation
Environment
- Contemporary Controls EISK8M-100T Skorpion Switch
- Building Operation Automation Server Premium
- Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller
- Building Operation Multi-purpose VAV
Cause
Contemporary Controls Skorpion switches have several caveats to consider before using them in a site design. Specific Skorpion switch configuration settings are needed in order for the RSTP protocol to work with MPX controllers.
Resolution
Two caveats to consider before using these switches:
- Contemporary Controls (CC) Support has indicated that these switches have a limitation to 39 devices (MPXs) per switch. Other vendor's switches do not have this limitation and allow 39 devices per RSTP loop. Multiple Skorpion switches may be used and daisy-chained to allow for greater than 39 devices. The 39 total number includes the switch itself, so effectively, 38 MPXs.
- A static IP address of the switch should not be in the same IP range (10.110.210.x) if the AS-P is being used as a DHCP server. Configuring the switch this way may cause the AS-P to assign a duplicate IP address to 1 of the MPXs in that range. The DHCP server in the AS-P is a very basic DHCP server to allow for quick IP assignments in a private network. There aren't any configuration options for designated exceptions in the AS-P. (Note: This may be a security concern for sites that do not want a switch on their main network. Setting the Skorpion switch to DHCP enable can allow the ASP to assign a non-static IP to the switch and not interfere with MPXs.
There are several Skorpion switch configuration options available to use with AS-Ps and MPX controllers. The following information is to assist with one of the Skorpion switch RSTP configurations and is not meant to be a comprehensive guide.
Configuration items to consider:
- EISK8m-100T switch documentation https://www.ccontrols.com/ctrlink/eiskm.php
To initially set up the switch, the NIC on the PC will be set to 192.168.92.x, the default switch IP address is 192.168.92.68 - If placing the switch(s) on the same subnet as the IP controllers is required by the site's IT to keep them separate from their network, then set the switch to use DHCP so the ASP can assign an available address to the switch.
3. RSTP Enabled
Redundancy State: STP/RSTP
STP: Enable
Version: RSTP
4. Bridge Priority:
The bridge priority can be left at its default (32768) If using 1 or 2 switches with separate rings.
If an RSTP ring spans more than 1 ring, unique priorities should be set using the cccontrols documentation
Using multiple Skorpion switches limits the entire ring to 38 controllers for this vendor's switches!
Root ID: This uneditable field will show "Self" when it's the root switch or s single switch
Root ID: the mac address will show the root switch
In a multiple switch network, one of the switches is designated as a root switch
based on priority and other factors.
The snapshot below shows the settings to enable RSTP (highlighted). It also shows the root ID (mac id) in a multiple switch configuration. If there is only 1 switch, it will indicate 'Self'
