RFC 3621 (rfc3621) - Page 2 of 20


Power Ethernet MIB



Alternative Format: Original Text Document



RFC 3621                   Power Ethernet MIB              December 2003


1.  Introduction

   This memo defines a portion of the Management Information Base (MIB)
   for use with network management protocols in the Internet community.
   In particular, it defines a set of MIB objects to manage Power
   Ethernet [IEEE-802.3af] Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE).

   The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT",
   "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this
   document are to be interpreted as described in [RFC 2119].

2.  The Internet-Standard Management Framework

   For a detailed overview of the documents that describe the current
   Internet-Standard Management Framework, please refer to section 7 of
   RFC 3410 [RFC 3410].

   Managed objects are accessed via a virtual information store, termed
   the Management Information Base or MIB.  MIB objects are generally
   accessed through the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
   Objects in the MIB are defined using the mechanisms defined in the
   Structure of Management Information (SMI).  This memo specifies a MIB
   module that is compliant to the SMIv2, which is described in STD 58,
   RFC 2578 [RFC 2578], STD 58, RFC 2579 [RFC 2579] and STD 58, RFC 2580
   [RFC 2580].

3.  Overview

   The emergence of IP telephony as an application that allows voice
   applications to be run over the same infrastructure as data
   applications has led to the emergence of Ethernet IP phones, which
   have similar functions and characteristics as traditional phones.
   Powering the phone with the same cable used for signal transfer is
   one of the functions that are being taken as granted.  The IEEE 802.3
   Working Group has initiated standardization on this subject,
   currently known as the IEEE 802.3af work [IEEE-802.3af].

   The IEEE 802.3af WG did not define a full management interface, but
   only the hardware registers that will allow for management interfaces
   to be built for a powered Ethernet device.  The MIB module defined in
   this document extends the Ethernet-like Interfaces MIB [RFC 3635] with
   the management objects required for the management of the powered
   Ethernet devices and ports.








Berger & Romascanu          Standards Track