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Cabletron Systems bridges Networking Manual

Workgroup solutions
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Workgroup Solutions

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  • Page 1 Cabletron Systems Networking Guide Workgroup Solutions...
  • Page 3 P.O. Box 5005 Rochester, NH 03866-5005 Cabletron Systems , SPECTRUM , BRIM , FNB , LANVIEW , Multi Media Access Center , are registered trademarks, and Bridge/Router Interface Module , BRIM-A6 , BRIM-A6DP , BRIM-E6 , BRIM-E100 , BRIM-F6 , BRIM-W6 , EPIM , EPIM-A , EPIM-C , EPIM-F1 , EPIM-F2 , EPIM-F3 , EPIM-T ,...
  • Page 4 Notice...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Chapter 1 Introduction Using This Guide ... 1-1 Document Organization ... 1-2 Document Conventions ... 1-3 Warnings and Notifications ... 1-3 Formats ... 1-3 Additional Assistance ... 1-3 Related Documentation ... 1-4 Chapter 2 Review of Networking Ethernet ... 2-2 Fast Ethernet...
  • Page 6 Contents Chapter 5 Network Design The Role of the Workgroup ...5-2 Workgroup Establishment Criteria ...5-3 Selecting Workgroup Technologies ...5-9 Creating a Manageable Plan...5-10 Logical Layout...5-10 Fault Aversion ...5-12 Network Maps and Record Keeping ...5-14 Network Expandability...5-15 The Workgroup as the Network ...5-16 The Workgroup in the Larger Network...5-16 What Is a Backbone?...5-17 Methods of Configuring Backbones ...5-17...
  • Page 7 Appendix A Charts and Tables Workgroup Design Tables ...A-1 Ethernet...A-1 Fast Ethernet...A-3 Token Ring...A-4 PIMs and BRIMs ...A-5 Networking Standards and Limitations...A-8 Ethernet...A-8 Fast Ethernet...A-9 Token Ring...A-10 FDDI ...A-12 Contents...
  • Page 8 Contents...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1 Introduction

    This document was written with the assumption that the reader has some familiarity with four networking technologies; Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, and FDDI. If you are unfamiliar with these technologies, Cabletron Systems produces instructional and reference materials that may be of assistance in learning these networking technologies.

  • Page 10: Document Organization

    Chapter 3, The Workgroup Approach , explains the history and product philosophy behind standalone and stackable workgroup networking devices. Chapter 4, PIMs and BRIMs , details the operation and use of Cabletron Systems’ various speciality interface modules. Chapter 5, Network Design , covers the information and decisions involved in the identification of networking needs and formation of solutions which meet those...

  • Page 11: Document Conventions

    Formats References to chapters or sections within this document are printed in boldface type. References to other Cabletron Systems publications or documents are printed in italic type. Additional Assistance The design of a network is a complex and highly specialized process. Due to the...

  • Page 12: Related Documentation

    • Cabletron Systems Ethernet Technology Guide • Cabletron Systems Token Ring Technology Guide • Cabletron Systems FDDI Technology Guide For additional product or other information, visit us at http://www.cabletron.com or contact Cabletron Systems by phone at (603) 332-9400. Related Documentation...

  • Page 13: Chapter 2 Review Of Networking

    Networking Guide - MMAC-FNB Solutions manual provides extensive training information in the basics of these technologies. Further technical detail is available in the Cabletron Systems Technology Overview Guides. A list of associated publications, including these titles, is supplied in the Related Documentation section of Chapter 1.

  • Page 14: Ethernet

    Review of Networking Ethernet Ethernet is a local area networking technology that was initially developed in the 1970s by the Xerox Corporation. It is based on the principles of workstations being responsible for their own transmissions and operation. It is sometimes referred to as 802.3 networking, in reference to the number of the IEEE standards body which subsumes all Ethernet operations.

  • Page 15: Fast Ethernet

    There are other limitations involved in the IEEE 802.3 standard and the various cable specifications, which are more detailed and complex. These limitations are covered in detail in the Cabletron Systems Cabling Guide and the Cabletron Systems Ethernet Technology Overview.
  • Page 16 Review of Networking This signal path, two end stations and the repeaters between them, is called the network radius. Unlike standard Ethernet networks, Fast Ethernet networks have a maximum network radius that may restrict the lengths of station cabling to less than the maximum allowable distances for single links.

  • Page 17: Token Ring

    Maximum Signal Path: The maximum allowable signal path for a Fast Ethernet network is one Class I repeater, two segments for all media types. The use of bridges, switches, or routers can allow the creation of larger networks. Token Ring Token Ring network operation is based on the principle that the operation of the entire network determines when a station may transmit and when it will receive.
  • Page 18 Token Ring devices. NOTE All Cabletron Systems stackable and standalone Token Ring products incorporate active circuitry on all ports. RI/RO connections are not bridge or switch interfaces. They do not create a new Token Ring network.
  • Page 19 Token Ring networks can use a variety of physical cabling, including Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), Shielded Twisted Pair (STP), or fiber optic cabling. The characteristics of the various cables can directly impact the operational limitations of a Token Ring network which uses a particular media. •...
  • Page 20 If these numbers are exceeded, a bridge, switch, or other segmentation device must be used to break the ring into two or more smaller rings as detailed in the list below:...
  • Page 21 There are other limitations involved in the IEEE 802.5 standard and the various cable specifications that are more detailed and complex. These limitations are covered in detail in the Cabletron Systems Cabling Guide and the Cabletron Systems Token Ring Technology Overview.
  • Page 22 Review of Networking 2-10 Token Ring...

  • Page 23: Chapter 3 The Workgroup Approach

    The Workgroup Approach This chapter describes the basic operation and design of stackable and standalone devices and the methods used to meet common networking needs with these devices. Standalone and stackable networking devices are specialized and important parts of any end-to-end network design strategy. Understanding the design philosophy and product evolution of these products can greatly aid a Network Designer in determining where, and to what extent to implement standalone and stackable devices in a new or existing network.

  • Page 24: Standalones, The Original Networking Devices

    The standalone bridge was commonly a two-port device which performed segmentation functions between two networks. The multiport bridge was eventually followed up by the multiport switch, which made switched connections between several network interfaces. The use of these standalone devices allowed simple networks to expand beyond the limits of the cabling and the physical constraints of the technologies being used.

  • Page 25: Management Of Standalones

    In a repeated network where more than 200 users are connected to a single repeater, management capabilities are no longer luxuries, they are a necessity. The advent of standalone bridges, which required software configuration and monitoring, marked the introduction of management capabilities to the standalone devices.

  • Page 26: Stackables

    The Workgroup Approach Stackables To cope with the limited flexibility and expandability of standalones, the stackable hub, or stackable, was developed. The stackable design allowed a series of devices to act as a single device. With a stackable hub system, five separate devices could act as a single device.

  • Page 27: How Stacks Work

    How Stacks Work Stackable hubs communicate with one another through proprietary interconnection cables. The cables used in Cabletron Systems’ stackable hub solution are called HubSTACK Interconnect Cables. In Ethernet stackable environments, these cables are short, multistrand cables with special, D-shaped connectors that attach to ports on the backs of the stackable hubs, as shown in Figure 3-3.

  • Page 28: Intelligence In The Stack

    The basic design of stackable hubs does not allow for the incorporation of different network technologies as does a modular networking chassis such as the Cabletron Systems Multi-Media Access Center, or MMAC. If it becomes necessary to disconnect a HubSTACK...

  • Page 29: Limitations Of Stacks

    To assist Network Designers in creating a flexible and elegant solution to the problem of internetworking for stacks, and to reduce the number of separate devices that had to be shepherded at any facility, Cabletron Systems introduced Bridge/Router Interface Module (BRIM) technology to the stackable and standalone product line.
  • Page 30 The Workgroup Approach In addition, stackable and standalone devices are typically available for only the most common of networking media: UTP and STP. In situations where several users connect to the network with UTP, a few make their connections with fiber optics, and there is a handful of existing coaxial cable segments, a solution using stackables would have to provide a series of external transceivers at each location.

  • Page 31: Chapter 4 Pims And Brims

    Port Interface Modules In order to support a wider variety of networking needs, Cabletron Systems incorporated specialized, user-configurable ports on many of its standalone and stackable devices. These ports, called Port Interface Module slots, or PIM slots, are available openings in devices into which a PIM can be placed.

  • Page 32: Types Of Pims

    Types of PIMs To provide connectivity options for the widest variety of networking needs, and to increase the flexibility of Cabletron Systems networking devices, there are several types of PIMs available. These different PIMs are designated by a prefix and a suffix. A table detailing all the currently released PIMs and the special characteristics of them may be found at the end of this section.
  • Page 33 The suffix of the PIM’s product name, which follows the hyphen, specifies what media type and connector style the PIM provides. Typically any alphabetic characters indicate the media, while numerical characters indicate a special connector type for that media. The “F” in the example shown in Figure 4-2 indicated that the PIM is for fiber optic media, while the “2”...
  • Page 34 PIMs and BRIMs TPIMs TPIMs are Token Ring Port Interface Modules. A TPIM provides a single Token Ring connection. If the Token Ring device the TPIM has been placed in allows it, the TPIM connection can be used as either a station port or a RI/RO port. All TPIMs use active Token Ring circuitry.
  • Page 35 APIMs The Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Port Interface Modules, or APIMs, are designed to allow connection to differing ATM networks, supporting not only different media, but different speeds of ATM transmission. When selecting an APIM, the Network Designer must ensure that the APIM supports both the required media and the technology to be used.
  • Page 36 PIMs and BRIMs Table 4-1 provides basic information regarding the available PIMs and the connectors, media, and technologies they support. EPIM-A EPIM-C EPIM-F1 EPIM-F2 EPIM-F3 EPIM-T EPIM-X Fast Ethernet Interface Module-100TX Fast Ethernet Interface Module-100FX Fast Ethernet Interface Module-100F3 Fast Ethernet Interface Module-100FMB TPIM-F2 TPIM-F3...
  • Page 37 Table 4-1. PIM Reference Table (Continued) FPIM-00 FPIM-01 FPIM-02 FPIM-04 FPIM-05 FPIM-05 APIM-11 APIM-21 APIM-22 APIM-29 APIM-67 WPIM-DDS WPIM-DI WPIM-E1 WPIM-SY WPIM-T1 Port Interface Modules Technology Media FDDI Multimode Fiber Optics FDDI Multimode Fiber Optics FDDI FDDI FDDI Single Mode Fiber Optics FDDI Single Mode...

  • Page 38: Bridge/Router Interface Modules

    PIMs and BRIMs Bridge/Router Interface Modules In the same way that Cabletron Systems supplied a method for connecting a single network technology to different types of media, the Bridge/Router Interface Module, or BRIM, allows one networking technology to be connected to either a separate, segmented network or to a completely different networking technology.
  • Page 39 BRIM-F6 The BRIM-F6 is an FDDI bridging device used to connect a standalone device to an FDDI network. The BRIM-F6 provides two user-configurable FPIM slots, allowing the Network Designer to specify and use any type of standard FDDI media for connection to the BRIM. The BRIM can be configured to provide either single attached or dual attached connections to the FDDI network, and can also be configured for dual-homing operation.
  • Page 40 PIMs and BRIMs The available BRIMs and the technologies they support are detailed in Table 4-2. This table can be useful for the selection of a BRIM when designing a workgroup requiring a connection to a particular networking technology. BRIM BRIM-E6 BRIM-E100 BRIM-F6...

  • Page 41: Chapter 5 Network Design

    Network Design The following chapter discusses some of the more common approaches to workgroup network design. The network design process is the formation of the network from initial concept to the plan of implementation. In this Networking Guide, for the sake of brevity, the process of network design is separated from the process of network configuration.

  • Page 42: The Role Of The Workgroup

    Network Operating System (NOS), the choice of applications or of workstation types, or other specific decisions generally out of the purview of Cabletron Systems as a provider of networking hardware. These aspects of network design will, however have an impact on the performance of networks, and should be fully investigated before designs are attempted.

  • Page 43: Workgroup Establishment Criteria

    Workgroup Establishment Criteria This section examines some of the methods that may be used to divide the population mass of end users of a network into cohesive and defined workgroups. Geographical Proximity Organizing workgroups by geographical proximity creates workgroups made up of discrete sections of a facility, as shown in Figure 5-1.
  • Page 44 (Accounting, Personnel, and Payroll, for example), the division of the end user population into workgroups based on corporate function and separated by bridges, switches, or routers tends to improve network performance by keeping information passed within each department from impacting the flow of information within other departments.
  • Page 45 Network Design As the creation of workgroups based on departmental organization mirrors the operation of the company, the expandability of the network is simplified; since departmental growth can often be predicted in stable or growing companies, the network can be designed to allow for simplified expansion in the departments most likely to grow.
  • Page 46 Network Design Common Function Segmentation by common function is often used to provide further division of the network within larger overall departments, or to facilitate the use of certain network applications by specific end users common throughout much of the department.
  • Page 47 Priority Organization Priority organization is a flexible term that refers to the Network Manager assigning devices to workgroups based on specific priorities. As such, it is the most flexible scheme for creating workgroups, because it is based solely on the relative importance of certain network characteristics to individual end users and equipment.
  • Page 48 file server must cross a segmenting device such as a bridge or switch, introducing access delays as the device reads in the packet, examines the packet, determines whether to send it on or discard it, checks the packet for errors, and acts on its forward or discard decision.

  • Page 49: Selecting Workgroup Technologies

    For more detailed treatments of the technologies, refer to the Cabletron Networking Guide - MMAC-FNB Solutions or any of the Cabletron Systems Technology Overviews. There are also several texts on network technologies available through academic and technical booksellers.

  • Page 50: Creating A Manageable Plan

    Network Design Creating a Manageable Plan A well thought-out and carefully designed network is still difficult to troubleshoot if no one else knows how it is organized. There may come a time when the designer of the network is not available, for whatever reason, and troubleshooting or re-configuration needs to be done.
  • Page 51 flexible, and expandable cabling system for a facility goes a long way toward making repairs and expansions to the network less difficult. This Networking Guide will address the issue of cabling plans briefly, but other Cabletron Systems documentation and specific product Installation Guides dicuss cabling requirements in greater detail.

  • Page 52: Fault Aversion

    Network Design Use a standard, decipherable labeling code for cable and hardware. A label reading L2N5W2C1S243 may look like gibberish now, but if you know that the letter codes indicate locations or conditions of installation, it can be quite helpful. Table 5-1, below, shows the meanings of the codes and numbers of this example.
  • Page 53 Most Cabletron Systems hardware seeks to eliminate single points of failure from within the device, by providing for redundant links or the distribution of essential functions among several related devices.

  • Page 54: Network Maps And Record Keeping

    If you are using a network management package, such as Cabletron Systems SPECTRUM Element Manager, it is helpful to have a network map which shows the MAC addresses and IP addresses of the devices on the network.

  • Page 55: Network Expandability

    “B” in the code indicates a bridge, and bridge “882” is a standalone 2-port Cabletron Systems Ethernet bridge, NBR-220. If in the future this device is upgraded, the map can remain the same, but the device code table or chart can be changed.

  • Page 56: The Workgroup As The Network

    Network Design The Workgroup as the Network In many cases, the only network that a facility requires is a single workgroup. Depending on the bandwidth, segmentation, and security requirements of any facility, the single workgroup may be all that is needed. In these situations, the only network to be considered is the workgroup.

  • Page 57: What Is A Backbone

    What Is a Backbone? A backbone is a network segment or cable which is used to provide for the interconnection of a number of smaller workgroups or self-contained networks. The outlying networks, workgroups, or hubs communicate with one another through the backbone network. The use of a dedicated network acting as a backbone, tying all the separate networks together, is of benefit for several reasons.
  • Page 58 Network Design The Distributed Backbone One method of creating a backbone network is to sequentially string all of the workgroup networks or hubs together. Cabling is run from one workgroup hub to the next, providing the necessary connections. This method of configuring a backbone network, as shown in Figure 5-5, may be used with any technology except ATM, which requires a device backbone configuration (detailed later in this chapter).
  • Page 59 The Collapsed Backbone It is also possible to run cables from a central point, often a network management office or central wiring closet, out to each workgroup network and back. These cabling runs are then terminated at a central point such as a patch panel. The patch panel ports for each of the cable runs can then be connected to one another using jumper cables.
  • Page 60 Once a collapsed backbone has been designed, it is a simple matter to connect the multiple backbone cables together through a device. Often this device is a multiport router, network switch, or a modular chassis. The use of a device of this type to make the connections between workgroups greatly increases the control that Network Managers have over the network, and may improve performance by streamlining the communications between networks.

  • Page 61: Choosing Backbone Technologies

    Contact your Cabletron Systems Sales Representative for information, or read any of the technical books available of the subject matter.
  • Page 62 Network Design 5-22 The Workgroup in the Larger Network...

  • Page 63: Chapter 6 Ethernet

    The information that follows details the procedures used to determine the Cabletron Systems networking hardware necessary for specific types of workgroup networks. Chapter 6...

  • Page 64: Ethernet Workgroup Devices

    Ethernet collision domains and provide for discriminatory connections between those interfaces. Shared Devices There are several Cabletron Systems networking devices to consider when designing an Ethernet workgroup that will share a single Ethernet network segment. The available devices are listed in Table 6-1, below.
  • Page 65 More detailed information regarding the types and numbers of connectors on specific products can be found in the Product Descriptions section of this document or in the Cabletron Systems Networking Solutions Product Guide. Port Count The Port Count column indicates the number of fixed (non-BRIM or PIM) ports...

  • Page 66: Switched Devices

    Ethernet segmentation and switching designs require some slightly different information and decisions. Several of the important factors to consider when selecting a segmentation-based workgroup scheme are listed along with the Cabletron Systems Ethernet switch products in Table 6-2, below. Name Management...

  • Page 67: Ethernet Workgroup Design

    Ethernet Workgroup Design When designing a new workgroup, one of the first tasks to be confronted is the selection of a technology and an approach to the network. These selections are based on the organization of the workgroups, as discussed in Chapter 5, Network Design, the scale (or population) of the workgroups, and the anticipated bandwidth requirements of each workgroup or each station in the workgroup.
  • Page 68 If the Ethernet networking technology is selected for a workgroup technology, a series of new decisions must be made to narrow that selection down to specific Cabletron Systems networking devices and a specific network implementation. Management The selection of a level of network management and control level is a primary selection criteria, and one that quickly divides Ethernet networking devices into compliant and non-compliant categories.
  • Page 69 Ethernet Some Cabletron networking devices, through their support of PIMs and BRIMs, will support a small number of connections using different media. For example, an Ethernet network which is made up primarily of 10BASE-T links has a single multimode fiber optic connection to a distant building. If a standalone or stackable device which supports EPIMs is selected for the network in the main location, an EPIM-F2 can be added to the device, eliminating the need for an expensive external transceiver.
  • Page 70 These specialized considerations are beyond the scope of this document, but a large amount of information can be found in the Cabletron Systems Networking Solutions Product Guide. Design Example The example which follows traces the selection process of a new Network Designer attempting to design a network for a single-room home office, shown in...
  • Page 71 The table below shows the selection field of Cabletron Systems shared Ethernet workgroup devices. This is the same table that was displayed at the beginning of this chapter. During the course of the design example, sections of the table shown will be removed to indicate the gradual reduction of choices as the needs of the network are compared to the capabilities of the devices.
  • Page 72 Ethernet Product Type MR9T-E repeater SEH-22/32 stackable SEH-24/34 stackable SEH-22FL stackable The media selected for the network is inexpensive Category 3 UTP jumper cabling. The low cost, durability, and ready availability of UTP makes it by far the preferred media for this installation. If there were specific electrical noise or distance considerations, the Network Designer may have decided to attempt a design using multimode fiber optic cabling or other media.

  • Page 73: The Small Office

    Guide to examine the characteristics and full description of the MR9T. Deciding that the product will fit well into the installation, the Network Designer makes a call to the Cabletron Systems Sales Department and works out the details with a Sales Representative.
  • Page 74 Ethernet The small office location is an ideal place to examine the suitability of stackable networking devices. As these locations fall into a space between tiny workgroups and full-scale facility networks, they are the target location for stackables. The sections below describe the important criteria that need to be examined when selecting a networking solution for a small office location.
  • Page 75 These specialized considerations are beyond the scope of this document, but a large amount of information can be found in the Cabletron Systems Networking Solutions Product Guide. Ethernet Workgroup Design 6-13...
  • Page 76 Ethernet Design Example The following example follows a Network Designer’s selection process for a small office Ethernet network. As in the previous example, the Network Designer has already decided upon a networking technology (Ethernet) and a media type (10BASE-T) for the network. The location being considered is a combined warehouse and business office for a wholesale pottery distributor.
  • Page 77 Table 6-3. Shared Ethernet Workgroup Devices Product Type SEHI-22/32 stack base SEHI-24/34 stack base SEHI-22FL stack base MicroMMAC-22/32E stack base MicroMMAC-24/34E stack base As the network will be using UTP cabling, the SEHI-22FL can be removed from the selection field. Since growth is expected to be minimal, the Network Designer turns to examine the products that can be used in standalone mode.

  • Page 78: The Remote Office

    Ethernet through an interconnect cable and have a stack providing 36 ports. This entire stack will act as a single repeater, and the management functions that are included in the SEHI-24 will be applied also to the SEH-22 in the stack. Product SEHI-24/34 stack base...
  • Page 79 The main difference between the small office and the remote office is that a provision must be made to accommodate a connection to a different networking technology. In the case of Cabletron Systems workgroup products, this process has been simplified by the inclusion of BRIM capabilities into the MicroMMAC stackable bases and the ESX and NBR Ethernet switches.
  • Page 80 When comparing the available methods of connecting to the WAN, the Network Designer determines that a Cabletron Systems BRIM, the BRIM-W6, is capable of handling 56K WAN traffic. The networking hardware is still handling network traffic in the facility properly, so there is no need to upgrade the network itself,...

  • Page 81: The High-End Department

    Ethernet link can operate in full-duplex mode. This method of operation allows a station or switch to transmit data on one portion of the Ethernet link while simultaneously receiving data on the other portion of the link.
  • Page 82 Ethernet treats switches like bridges, and imposes a bridge rule upon any Ethernet network: no more than eight segments and seven bridges in the longest signal path. Since this bridge rule can severely limit the magnitude of networks incorporating per-port switching on a large scale, the...
  • Page 83 Design Example As an example, we can examine a network design that is being planned for a group of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) engineers in a large architectural firm. These CAD designers want to replace their existing shared Ethernet LAN with a network that provides greater throughput between their end stations.
  • Page 84 This leaves the selection field with the ESX-1320 and ESX-1380, two Ethernet switches that support RMON management, one BRIM connection, and 12 switch interfaces. The port count requirements are not met by either device alone, however. The Network Designer refers back to the full selection field, looking for a device that will support all 21 of the stations in the workgroup.
  • Page 85 The Network Designer selects the ESX-1320 and calculates that two ESX-1320 switches, each containing one BRIM module for an FDDI connection, will meet the needs of the CAD department. The Network Designer would then go on to select the correct BRIMs and any necessary PIMs for these switches. Referring to the BRIM chart, the Network Designer finds that the BRIM-F6 is the BRIM that is needed.

  • Page 86: Permutations

    Ethernet workgroups at the college in the future. The connections from the classrooms to the switch (which will be located in one of the labs) will have to be made through an aerial cable between buildings. Since conductive cable run between buildings is a lightning hazard, multimode fiber optics will be used to...

  • Page 87: Chapter 7 Fast Ethernet

    The selection field of Fast Ethernet networking devices is much narrower than that available for Ethernet workgroups. The Fast Ethernet devices available from Cabletron Systems are all 100BASE-TX compliant Class I repeaters or switches. The currently-available Class I repeaters, which are shared Fast Ethernet devices, are listed in Table 7-1, below.

  • Page 88: Switched Devices

    The columns in the table provide the same information that Table 6-1 provides regarding Ethernet devices. Switched Devices Cabletron Systems produces one Fast Ethernet switching device, the FN100. The capabilities of the FN100, and the differing types of FN100 available are displayed in Table 7-2, below.

  • Page 89: Fast Ethernet Workgroup Design

    Fast Ethernet Workgroup Design The network design process for Fast Ethernet workgroups is nearly identical to that used for standard Ethernet workgroups. The Network Designer must first break the network up into workgroups, if desired, determine how the stations in each workgroup will relate to one another, and then begin the process of selecting hardware.
  • Page 90 Fast Ethernet Port Count The first device in the stack, whether an intelligent SEHI100TX-22 or non-intelligent SEH100TX-22, will provide connections for up to 22 Fast Ethernet stations. For every additional 22 Fast Ethernet stations or fraction thereof, the Network Designer must add one SEH100TX-22 to the stack. The maximum number of ports that can be supported in this fashion is 110.
  • Page 91 Fast Ethernet The current network consists of 43 stations, including the shared servers and order entry system. The department currently operates on two standalone 24-port Ethernet repeaters that are connected to one another with a single jumper cable. All stations in the network are connected to these standalone repeaters with Category 5 UTP cable.

  • Page 92: High-End Department

    Fast Ethernet This expansion can continue until the stack contains five devices, the maximum number allowable with the stackable hub design. At this limitation, the stack will be capable of supporting up to 110 Fast Ethernet users. The network, as designed, will look like the depiction shown in Figure 7-2. Servers (2) Stations (40) Figure 7-2.
  • Page 93 Abstracting the Design Process As the Fast Ethernet switch selection field, shown in Table 7-2, contains only one device, the amount of decision-making remaining in the design process after the decision to use the Fast Ethernet technology is minimal. Due to the fact that the FN100-TX series is available with either eight or 16 switch interfaces and front panel ports that use either UTP or multimode fiber optic media, there are a few...
  • Page 94 Networking Solutions Product Guide to determine the fitness of the FN100-16TX for this particular situation. Examining the Cabletron Systems Networking Solutions Product Guide, the Network Designer discovers that the FN100-16TX, which had been selected, provides two 100BASE-FX connections that may be activated in the place of two of the 100BASE-TX connections.

  • Page 95: Fast Ethernet As A Backbone

    The Fast Ethernet switch will act as a device collapsed backbone for the network. The design process is exactly the same as that depicted above, in...
  • Page 96 As all of the devices in the selection field have similar operational qualities with regard to management, expandability, interconnection, and price, the only decisions that need to be made for the selection of a central Fast Ethernet switch are those of media and port count.
  • Page 97 Figure 7-5. Shared Server Optimizations These switched station connections will provide full Fast Ethernet speed connections to each of the fileservers. While this will introduce a switch into the path from any station to any server, this will offer better throughput from a network-wide point of view than leaving the servers on their current shared segments.
  • Page 98 Fast Ethernet Once the backbone switch has been selected, changes need to be made to the workgroups that will connect to the switch itself. As they stand, the current workgroups cannot connect to the Fast Ethernet backbone network. In order to support Fast Ethernet connections to the FN100-16FX, the MicroMMACs will require a BRIM.

  • Page 99: Chapter 8 Token Ring

    Systems are differing types of concentrators. The distinctions between the available devices are more differences of magnitude rather than of presence. While almost all the Token Ring devices that Cabletron Systems manufactures have some management capabilities, the Network Designer can choose the level of management incorporated on the devices.
  • Page 100 Token Ring The available devices and the main distinctions between them are summarized in Table 8-1. Table 8-1. Token Ring Workgroup Devices Product STH-22/24 STH-42/44 STHI-22/24 STHI-42/44 MicroMMAC-22T/24T MicroMMAC-42T/44T a. These products can be managed through the addition of an intelligent stackable device to their stack. The columns in the table provide the same information that Table 6-1 provides regarding Ethernet devices.

  • Page 101: Token Ring Workgroup Design

    Token Ring Workgroup Design Once a Network Designer understands the fundamentals of Token Ring design, as described in the Cabletron Systems Networking Guide - MMAC-FNB Solutions, the design of a Token Ring workgroup using standalone and stackable products is quite simple. If the limitations imposed by the standard are not exceeded, the Network Manager needs only to supply the required port count and management functionality, allowing room for future expansion and ensuring sufficient...
  • Page 102 Systems produces a wide variety of media converters, which act as transceivers, allowing a Token Ring link to be made through two dissimilar media. Cabletron Systems also provides Token Ring Port Interface Module, or TPIM slots on all of its standalone and stackable Token Ring networking devices. These TPIM...
  • Page 103 This extension of the ring can be used to allow the Token Ring network to connect widely-separated groups of stations in a single ring, or can be used to support greater numbers of users than a single Token Ring stack can accommodate. A Token Ring stack of maximum size will provide for the connection of 120 stations, well below the 250 station maximum of the IEEE 802.5 standard for some cabling types.
  • Page 104 Token Ring Product STHI-22/24 STHI-42/44 When examining the Media characteristics of the devices remaining in the selection field, the Network Designer immediately eliminates the STHI-42/44 from consideration. The network being designed will use UTP cabling, which is not directly supported by the STHI-42/44. Product STHI-22/24 Examining the port count available from the STHI-22/24 devices, the Network...
  • Page 105 Looking back at the initial selection field, the Network Designer locates the non-intelligent stackable devices and examines them for compliance with the needs of the network. The STH-22/24 non-intelligent stackable hub supports UTP cabling, and provides either 12 or 24 ports of station connectivity. The addition of an STH-24 to the STHI-24 already in the design would supply 48 ports of Token Ring station connectivity and four RI/RO ports for future links if required.
  • Page 106 Token Ring Token Ring Workgroup Design...
  • Page 107 Charts and Tables This appendix provides a central location for a series of tables that contain useful network design information. Workgroup Design Tables Ethernet Table A-1. Shared Ethernet Workgroup Devices Product Type MR9T-E repeater SEH-22/32 stackable SEH-24/34 stackable SEH-22FL stackable SEHI-22/32 stack base SEHI-24/34...
  • Page 108 These products can be managed through the addition of an intelligent stackable device to their stack. Media Port Count – – – 12/24 Multimode Fiber Optics Type Media Management NONE SNMP Switch PIMs/BRIMs Interfaces 2 EPIMs 4 EPIMs 4 EPIMs 2 BRIMs 12/24 1 BRIM 1 BRIM Port Count PIMs/BRIMs 1 EPIM 2 EPIMs...
  • Page 109 Management stackable NONE stackable NONE stack base SNMP stack base SNMP stack base RMON stack base RMON Charts and Tables Switch PIMs/BRIMs Interfaces Port Count PIMs/BRIMs 12/24 2 TPIM 12/24 2 TPIM 12/24 2 TPIM 12/24 2 TPIM 12/24 2 TPIM...
  • Page 110 Charts and Tables PIMs and BRIMs EPIM-A EPIM-C EPIM-F1 EPIM-F2 EPIM-F3 EPIM-T EPIM-X Fast Ethernet Interface Module-100TX Fast Ethernet Interface Module-100FX Fast Ethernet Interface Module-100F3 Fast Ethernet Interface Module-100FMB TPIM-F2 TPIM-F3 TPIM-T1 TPIM-T2 TPIM-T4 Table A-6. PIM Reference Table Technology Media Ethernet Ethernet...

  • Page 111: Fddi

    Table A-6. PIM Reference Table (Continued) FPIM-00 FPIM-01 FPIM-02 FPIM-04 FPIM-05 FPIM-05 APIM-11 APIM-21 APIM-22 APIM-29 APIM-67 WPIM-DDS WPIM-DI WPIM-E1 WPIM-SY WPIM-T1 Workgroup Design Tables Technology Media FDDI Multimode Fiber Optics FDDI Multimode Fiber Optics FDDI FDDI FDDI Single Mode Fiber Optics FDDI Single Mode...
  • Page 112 Charts and Tables BRIM BRIM-E6 BRIM-E100 BRIM-F6 BRIM-A6 BRIM-A6DP BRIM-W6 MicroMMAC- BRIM 22/24/32/34E BRIM-E6 BRIM-E100 BRIM-F6 BRIM-A6 BRIM-A6DP BRIM-W6 a. This table is subject to change as new BRIM modules and revised firmware are released. Table A-7. BRIM Reference Table Technology Ethernet Fast Ethernet...
  • Page 113 Thin Coax Standard AUI Office AUI Fiber Optics (Multimode) Fiber Optics (Single Mode) General Rules Max # Stations Max Repeater Hops/Path Max # Bridges/Path Topologies Networking Standards and Limitations Media Max Distance 500 m 185 m 16.5 m 100 m...

  • Page 114: Networking Standards And Limitations

    Charts and Tables Fast Ethernet Distance Limitations Table A-11. Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX/FX) Distance Limitations Fiber Optics (Multimode) Network Radii Table A-12. Fast Ethernet Maximum Network Radii Repeater Class Class I 200 m Class II 200 m Media Max Distance 100 m 412 m UTP &...
  • Page 115 Token Ring Distance Limitations Media Circuitry active passive active passive Fiber Optics active a. IBM Type 6 cable is recommended for use as jumper cabling only, and should not be used for facility cabling installations. Networking Standards and Limitations Table A-13. Token Ring Maximums Max # of Stations Cable Type...
  • Page 116 Media Shielded Twisted Pair Unshielded Twisted Pair Category 3/4 Category 5 Fiber Optics (Multimode) Fiber Optics (Single Mode) General Rules Max # Stations/Ring Max # Bridges Topologies A-10 Max Distance (4 Mbps) 770 m 200 m 250 m 2000 m 2000 m Table A-15.
  • Page 117 FDDI FDDI Distance Limitations Media Fiber Optics (Multimode) Fiber Optics (Single Mode) Unshielded Twisted Pair Shielded Twisted Pair a. Category 5 UTP cabling only b. IBM Type 1 STP cabling only General Rules Max # Stations/Ring Max Total Ring Length Topologies Networking Standards and Limitations Table A-16.
  • Page 118 Charts and Tables A-12 Networking Standards and Limitations...
  • Page 119 This glossary provides brief descriptions of some of the recurrent terms in the main text, as well as related terms used in discussions of the relevant networking discussions. These descriptions are not intended to be comprehensive discussions of the subject matter. For further clarification of these terms, you may wish to refer to the treatments of these terms in the main text.
  • Page 120 Bridges are network devices which connect two or more separate network segments while allowing traffic to be passed between the separate networks when necessary. Bridges read in packets and decide to either retransmit them or block them based on the destination to which the packets are addressed.
  • Page 121 Coaxial An Ethernet media type which consists of a core of electrically conductive material surrounded by several layers of insulation and shielding. Concentrator A network device which allows multiple network ports in one location to share one physical interface to the network. Congestion An estimation or measure of the utilization of a network, typically expressed as a percentage of theoretical maximum utilization of the...
  • Page 122 EPIM Ethernet Port Interface Module. EPIMs are added to specifically-designed slots in Cabletron Systems Ethernet products to provide connections to external media. EPIMs allow a great flexibility in the media used to connect to networks.
  • Page 123 Firmware The software instructions which allow a network device to function. Flash EEPROM See EEPROM. Flexible Network Bus. A Cabletron Systems backplane design which enables an FNB-configured chassis to support multiple network technologies simultaneously. Frame A group of bits that form a discrete block of information. Frames contain network control information or data.
  • Page 124 Interface to MAC Address Interface A connection to a network. Unlike a port, an interface is not necessarily an available physical connector accessible through the front panel of a device. Interfaces may be used as backplane connections, or may be found only in the internal operation of a module (All ports are interfaces, but not all interfaces are ports).
  • Page 125 Also, any device designed to be placed in another device in order to operate. Multichannel A Cabletron Systems Ethernet design which provides three separate network channels (of Ethernet or Token Ring technology) through the backplane of a chassis, allowing for the creation of multiple networks in a single chassis.
  • Page 126 Node to Protocol Node Any single end station on a network capable of receiving, processing, and transmitting packets. NVRAM Non-Volatile Random Access Memory. Memory which is protected from elimination during shutdown and between periods of activity, frequently through the use of batteries. Octet A numerical value made up of eight binary places (bits).
  • Page 127 (RJ11). RMIM Repeating Media Interface Module. A term used to indicate a family of Cabletron Systems Ethernet Media Interface Modules (See MIM) which are capable of performing their own repeater functions. Router A router is a device which connects two or more different network segments, but allows information to flow between them when necessary.
  • Page 128 Spanning Tree A mathematical comparison and decision algorithm performed by Ethernet bridges at power-up. Spanning tree detects the presence of data loops and allows the bridges to selectively activate some ports while others remain in a standby condition, avoiding the data loops and providing redundant paths in the event of bridge failures.
  • Page 129 Transmission Control Protocol. Terminal A device for displaying information and relaying communications. Terminals do not perform any processing of data, but instead access processing-capable systems and allow users to control that system. Throughput The rate at which discrete quantities of information (typically measured in Mbps) are received by or transmitted through a specific device.
  • Page 130 UTP to UTP Glossary-12...
  • Page 131 Numerics 100BASE-FX 2-3 100BASE-TX 2-3 Active circuitry 2-6 APIM 4-5 Assistance 1-3 Backbones collapsed 5-19 definition 5-17 device 5-20 distributed 5-18 Fast Ethernet 7-9 selection 5-21 Bandwidth 2-2 Bridge 3-2 BRIM 3-7, 4-8, 4-8 to 4-10 Chapter summaries 1-2 Collapsed backbone 5-19 Concentrator 3-2 CSMA/CD 2-2 Customer Support 1-3...
  • Page 132 Index Help 1-3 High-end department 6-19, 7-6 Home office 6-5 HubSTACK Interconnect Cables 3-5 Installation planning 5-11 Interconnect cables 3-5 internetworking 4-8 Introduction 1-1 Network growth 5-15 layout 5-10 planning 5-10 Network map 5-14 Network radius 2-4 Networking Services 1-3 PIM 4-1 ATM 4-5 decoding 4-2...

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