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DECbridge 90
Owner's Manual
Order Number: EK-DEWGB-OM. B01
This is a revised manual.
Revision/Update Information:
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

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Summary of Contents for Digital Equipment DECbridge 90

  • Page 1 DECbridge 90 Owner’s Manual Order Number: EK-DEWGB-OM. B01 This is a revised manual. Revision/Update Information: Digital Equipment Corporation Maynard, Massachusetts...
  • Page 2 Second Edition, September 1992 The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    4 Managing the DECbridge 90 DECbridge 90 Operation ....... .
  • Page 4 Outside the USA and Puerto Rico ..... . B–2 Digital Personnel ........B–2...
  • Page 5 Protocol Type Codes and Names ....4–3 4–17 DECbridge 90 Error Messages ....4–4 4–20 Activity Indicators (LEDs) .
  • Page 7: About This Manual

    DECbridge 90. This manual also provides the specifications and lists the related documentation for the DECbridge 90. In this manual, the DECbridge 90 unit may be referred to as the DECbridge 90, work group bridge, bridge, or WGB. Organization This manual has five chapters and two appendices.
  • Page 8 Conventions The following conventions are used in this manual: Convention Meaning Note Provides general information. boldface type Boldface type in examples indicates user input. For example: SET PROTOCOL DECbridge> parameters Parameters are italicized. For example: SHOW PORT slot number Characters within brackets represent optional parameters. For example: SHOW PORT [hub number, slot number] viii...
  • Page 9: Overview

    The DECbridge 90 unit offers a reliable, high-performance, easy-to-install means of connecting two local area networks (LANs). Configured as a standalone unit or in the DEChub 90 backplane, the DECbridge 90 provides greater network reliability and efficiency by allowing the local area network to be partitioned into a number of smaller LANs.
  • Page 10: Description

    200 stations, the DECbridge 90 automatically prevents unnecessary traffic from being transmitted from one LAN to the other. When there are more than 200 stations in the work group, the DECbridge 90 enters flood mode, which reduces the effectiveness of the traffic isolation, but ensures full connectivity across the bridge.
  • Page 11: Decbridge 90 Front Panel Lights And Switches

    One of the switches is used to select ThinWire or AUI connection; the other switch is used to reset the DECbridge 90 password. When you push the reset button, any existing password is nullified and the DECbridge 90 is accessible without a password until you define a new password.
  • Page 12: Indicators And Connectors

    Figure 1–2 shows the DECbridge 90 indicators and connectors. Figure 1–2 Indicators and Connectors L J - 0 0 0 6 7 - T I 0 DC OK Indicator - (Green) Turns on when power supply is providing power to the bridge.
  • Page 13 Backplane Connector - Provides work group network connection to the DECbridge 90 when it is installed in the DEChub backplane. § ©  Power Connector - Provides +5.0 V and +12.0 V from the DECbridge 90 power supply (standalone) or the DEChub 90 power supply (mounted). § ©  Cover - Covers the backplane connector and mounting assembly.
  • Page 15: Configuring The Decbridge 90

    The DECbridge 90 unit has several configuration rules and guidelines that must be followed during installation and use. Each LAN connected by the DECbridge 90 is required to be an Ethernet or IEEE 802.3 compliant CSMA/CD LAN. The backbone port of the DECbridge 90 provides both ThinWire Ethernet (10Base2) and AUI (10Base5) connections, as shown in Figure 2–1 and Figure 2–2.
  • Page 16: Decbridge 90 Configured To Thinwire Backbone

    Figure 2–1 DECbridge 90 Configured to ThinWire Backbone 5 0-o hm T er min ato r B a ckb o ne 5 0 - o h m Te r m i n a t o r Sy ste m S y s t e m...
  • Page 17: Decbridge 90 Configured To Aui Backbone

    Figure 2–2 shows the DECbridge 90 configured to an AUI backbone. Figure 2–2 DECbridge 90 Configured to AUI Backbone S ystem Syst e m 50-ohm 50-ohm Te rmin at o r Termi nat or T ranscei ve r H4 00 5...
  • Page 18: Supported Configurations

    flood mode. To avoid enabling flood mode when a work group consists of more than 200 stations, separate the work group into smaller groups of less than 200 stations each with its own DECbridge 90. 2–4 Configuring the DECbridge 90...
  • Page 19: Work Group With More Than 200 Stations

    Redundant connections to the backbone • If two DECbridge 90 units are configured into a redundant connection to the backbone, the spanning tree algorithm will allow only one bridge to forward traffic at a time. However, if a failure occurs in the backbone that causes the connection to be separated into two LANs, the spanning tree may reconfigure...
  • Page 20: Redundant Connections

    Bridges in the work group • If there are additional bridges on the work group side of the DECbridge 90, be sure to count the stations on all LANs in the work group against the 200- station limit and count each bridge as two against the total. In addition, if...
  • Page 21: Bridges In Work Group

    The number of bridges between any two stations is limited to seven or less. This guideline for networks with typical packet traffic loading is a compromise of the many different protocols offered and used on Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 LANs. Configuring the DECbridge 90 2–7...
  • Page 22: Multiple Bridges In A Work Group

    Mo r e than s ev e n br i dge s bet w ee n s t a t io ns o n th e Ne twor k . L J - 0 2 2 3 6 - T I 0 2–8 Configuring the DECbridge 90...
  • Page 23: Installation

    Chapter 5, Troubleshooting. Appendix A, Specifications and Parts List, provides additional information that may be useful during installation. The DECbridge 90 may be installed on a desk top or table, mounted on a wall by its back cover, or installed in the DEChub 90 backplane. The only tool required for installation is a screwdriver.
  • Page 24: Site Considerations

    These requirements are provided in Table A–2 in Appendix A. To install the DECbridge 90 on a desk top or table, make sure that the air circulation around the DECbridge 90 does not become obstructed by papers or other materials.
  • Page 25: Mount Decbridge 90 On A Wall

    L J - 0 0 0 6 8 - T I 0 Mount DECbridge 90 on a Wall To install the DECbridge 90 as a standalone unit, refer to Figure 3–1 and follow this procedure: 1. Remove the back cover of the DECbridge 90 (Figure 3–2).
  • Page 26: Removing The

    4. Attach the cover to the bridge and hang the unit on the wall. Figure 3–2 Removing the Back Cover L J - 0 0 3 2 0 - T I 0 3–4 Installation...
  • Page 27: Make Connections For Standalone Installations

    (Figure 3–3). 4. Gently pull on the cable to make sure that the latch is secure. Note The DECbridge 90 does not detect a collision presence test failure in the transceiver that is connected to the AUI port. Installation 3–5...
  • Page 28: Connecting Transceiver Cables

    Figure 3–3 shows the proper connection of the transceiver cable. Figure 3–3 Connecting Transceiver Cables Push the Slide Latch Down Until it Snaps Into the Locking Position, Securing the Connector L J - 0 2 1 5 7 - T I 0 ThinWire Backbone Connection Select the ThinWire connection by sliding the ThinWire/AUI selector switch on the front panel toward the backbone port ThinWire connector.
  • Page 29: Work Group Connection

    (Figure 3–4 and Figure 3–5). Power Supply Connection To connect the power supply to the DECbridge 90, place the power supply within 1.1 meters (4.3 feet) of the DECbridge 90, and follow this procedure: 1. Attach the ac power cord to the power supply.
  • Page 30: Backplane Installation

    Backplane Installation To install the DECbridge 90 in the DEChub 90 backplane, use the DECbridge 90 kit, order number DEWGB-MA. The kit contents are listed in Appendix A. Figure 3–6 shows the DECbridge 90 in a DEChub 90 backplane. Figure 3–6 Installing the DECbridge 90 into DEChub 90 Backplane Slot 8 L J - 0 2 0 8 1 - T I 0 3–8 Installation...
  • Page 31: Install The Decbridge 90 In The Dechub 90 Backplane

    Install the DECbridge 90 in the DEChub 90 Backplane To install the DECbridge 90 in the DEChub 90 backplane, refer to Figure 3–6 and follow this procedure: 1. Remove the back cover of the DECbridge 90. a. Insert a small screwdriver into the top mounting hole in the cover.
  • Page 33: Managing The Decbridge 90

    Managing the DECbridge 90 The DECbridge 90 unit is managed by Maintenance Operations Protocol (MOP), which allows advanced bridge features, such as protocol filtering, to be set up without any additional management software. Host system support, which is standard on all VMS installations, is required for MOP console carrier operation.
  • Page 34: Decbridge 90 Functions

    IEEE 802.3 and Ethernet compliance requirements. • Connectivity - The DECbridge 90 can be used on both IEEE 802.3 and Ethernet networks. • Backbone connection - The DECbridge 90 provides switch-selectable AUI or ThinWire connection to the backbone.
  • Page 35: Spanning Tree Algorithm

    Online diagnostics - The DECbridge 90 has automated continuous testing of the DECbridge 90 hardware. • Loop detection - The DECbridge 90 determines if there are any loops by communicating with other Digital or IEEE 802.1 compliant bridges in the network and it configures appropriately to eliminate loops.
  • Page 36: Accessing Mop From Vms Systems

    A VMS system may have more than one Ethernet interface; therefore, the circuit name is needed. The Ethernet address can be found on the label on the DECbridge 90 front panel. The following Ethernet circuit names, based on system type, apply:...
  • Page 37: Ethernet Circuit Names For Systems

    (where the Ethernet circuit name is bna-0), you can use the following commands: $ NCP NCP> DEFINE NODE DBRG1 ADDRESS 13.87 HARDWARE 08-00-2B-01-23-45 - SERVICE CIR BNA-0 NCP> SET NODE DBRG1 ALL You can then enter the following: $ NCP CONNECT NODE DBRG1 Managing the DECbridge 90 4–5...
  • Page 38: Accessing Mop From Ultrix Systems

    You have three attempts to enter a password. If all three attempts fail, then you must disconnect and try again. If you have defined a password for the DECbridge 90, then the following appears on the screen after the network connection to the bridge is established: Console connected (press CTRL/D when finished) You must now enter the bridge password to access the console carrier.
  • Page 39: Console Carrier Command Language

    The command options are: DEFINE DISPLAY LIST SHOW TEST (for manufacturing use only) Table 4–2 provides a summary of the DECbridge 90 commands. Table 4–2 Summary of DECbridge 90 Commands Command Argument and Parameter DEFINE BRIDGE AGE age BRIDGE FLOOD...
  • Page 40 Table 4–2 (Cont.) Summary of DECbridge 90 Commands Command Argument and Parameter PORT port number ENABLE DISABLE PROTOCOL protocol number FILTER ALL protocol identifier FILTER BACKBONE protocol identifier FILTER GROUP protocol identifier FILTER WORKGROUP protocol identifier FORWARD protocol identifier NONE...
  • Page 41: Description Of Command Parameters

    A protocol number is a decimal index into the protocol database. The valid range is 1 to 16. A port number is either a DECbridge 90 port, or the number of a port on a repeater installed in the DEChub backplane with the bridge. The DECbridge backbone port is the single digit 1.
  • Page 42: Description Of Commands

    DEFINE BRIDGE FLOOD DISABLE SET BRIDGE FLOOD DISABLE Disables flood mode in the DECbridge 90. Attempting to disable flood mode with a work group larger than 200 stations (that is, when the Work Group Size Exceeded light is on) will not be successful.
  • Page 43 DEFINE BRIDGE FLOOD ENABLE SET BRIDGE FLOOD ENABLE Enables flood mode in the bridge. Refer to the DECbridge 90 Operation section and the previous flood commands for a description of flood mode. DEFINE BRIDGE HUB_MANAGEMENT DISABLE SET BRIDGE HUB_MANAGEMENT DISABLE Disables all repeater management through the DECbridge 90 unit for DECrepeater 90 units in the DEChub 90 backplane.
  • Page 44 Disables the use of the bridge spanning tree autoconfiguration algorithm for your DECbridge 90 unit and prevents forwarding of any spanning tree network messages. If spanning tree is disabled, the DECbridge 90 will not detect loops in the network bridge topology. If a loop is configured while the spanning tree algorithm is disabled, the network will be quickly saturated by the forwarding of messages around this loop.
  • Page 45 Use the SET PROTOCOL NONE command to delete protocol filters. Generally, use the SET PROTOCOL FILTER ALL command to stop unwanted protocols rather than to list explicitly the permitted protocols. Managing the DECbridge 90 4–13...
  • Page 46 Displays the nonvolatile bridge-wide parameters. LIST PROTOCOL protocol number[, protocol number] Shows either "unused," or the protocol type value, for every entry in the nonvolatile protocol database. This filter becomes the active filter when the DECbridge 90 is reset. 4–14 Managing the DECbridge 90...
  • Page 47 If indexes are omitted, the addresses of all stations in the work group are listed. When the DECbridge 90 is used with repeaters, the hub slot number and repeater port to which each station is attached are also displayed.
  • Page 48 Displays all the MOP counters, bridge counters, and spanning tree state kept by the DECbridge 90. Port 1 is the backbone port; port 2 is the work group port. The spanning tree port states are listed in the following table:...
  • Page 49: Protocol Filtering Examples

    Numbers range from 1 to 16. If numbers are omitted in the command, all 16 protocol filters are displayed. The LIST command shows the filters that are loaded when the DECbridge 90 is reset. SHOW REPEATER [[hub slot number,] slot number] Shows the type of repeater and the port status for each port on that repeater.
  • Page 50 Example 1: Keeping VAXcluster traffic out of your work group. If you have an entire Local Area VAXcluster (LAVc) on the work group side of the DECbridge 90, you can define the filtering with the following command: DECbridge> DEFINE PROTOCOL 0 FILTER ALL 60-07 This prevents any cluster traffic from entering or leaving the work group.
  • Page 51: Remote Bridge Management Software (Rbms)

    A detailed discussion of RBMS features is beyond the scope of this manual; the user needs only to be aware that the DECbridge 90 may be managed by software using the RBMS protocol. Refer to Appendix B, Related Documentation, for further information about ordering the Remote Bridge Management Software Guide.
  • Page 52: Error Messages

    Error Messages Table 4–4 describes the DECbridge 90 error messages. Table 4–4 DECbridge 90 Error Messages Error Message Description Address n: unused address Indicates that the address number n does not contain a station address. Confirmation error - password Indicates that the second entry or verification of...
  • Page 53 Indicates an attempt to configure contradictory removed setting any FILTER protocol filtering rules in the current database. Before the DECbridge 90 will accept a filter request, you must enter the SHOW PROTOCOL command to identify protocol filters marked as FORWARD, and remove them with the SET PROTOCOL n NONE command.
  • Page 54 DECbridge 90. Hub h slot s unrecognized type Indicates that repeater type in hub h slot s is not known to the DECbridge 90, but the repeater ports can still be managed with the DECbridge 90. No repeater responds Indicates that there is no repeater installed in the requested hub slots, or the repeater is not functioning.
  • Page 55 This occurs when you attempt to execute a SET or revision DEFINE BRIDGE FLOOD command on a bridge with a firmware revision of 1 (DECbridge 90 V1.4) but have loaded V2.5 flash EPROM. The old hardware revision does not support flood mode. These version numbers appear in the MOP console connection banner.
  • Page 57: Troubleshooting

    This chapter describes how to troubleshoot the DECbridge 90 unit. The indicators on the front panel of the DECbridge 90 are used to troubleshoot bridge and work group problems. Figure 1–2 in Chapter 1 shows the location of the indicator lights and connectors on the DECbridge 90.
  • Page 58: Activity Indicators (Leds)

    Bridge is forwarding. None. ThinWire ports of the DECbridge 90 are not terminated internally. External 50-ohm terminations are required. Can be on, off, or blinking depending on the amount of network traffic. (continued on next page)
  • Page 59 There is activity on the LAN. None. Activity ThinWire ports of the DECbridge 90 are not terminated internally. External 50-ohm terminations are required. Can be on, off, or blinking depending on the amount of network traffic. Light remains on for approximately 10 minutes after bridge discovers that the work group no longer exceeds the 200-station limit.
  • Page 60: Simple Troubleshooting

    Replace a defective bridge power cable with a new cable. Check for a short circuit in the AUI transceiver cable. Remove power from the DECbridge 90 and remove the transceiver cable, and reconnect power to the bridge. If the power light now comes on, repair the transceiver or transceiver cable.
  • Page 61: Customer Services Option

    Verify that the bridge is installed in slot 8 of the backplane. not work in the backplane Customer Services Option If you need additional assistance in troubleshooting the DECbridge 90 or if you need to replace the unit, call your local Digital Services representative or vendor. Troubleshooting 5–5...
  • Page 63: A Specifications And Parts List

    Specifications and Parts List This appendix provides the specifications and parts list for the DECbridge 90 unit. Specifications for the DECbridge 90 are divided into the following categories: • Physical dimensions • Environmental (operating and shipping) specifications • Power specifications Table A–1 lists the physical dimensions of the DECbridge 90.
  • Page 64: Operating Environment

    Convectively cooled. A minimum of 10 cm (4 in) of space must be provided on both ends of the unit for adequate air flow. The DECbridge 90 is designed to operate in an office environment. It cannot be installed in an air plenum.
  • Page 65: Parts List

    Parts List Table A–5 lists the kit contents for a standalone installation. Table A–5 Standalone Installation Kit Contents Part Order Number DECbridge 90 kit: DEWGB-AA • Power supply with 2.4 m (8 ft) dc cable attached (H7827-AA) • AC power cord •...
  • Page 67: B Related Documentation

    Remote Bridge Management Software Guide AA-FY93C-TE Ordering Information Customers may order documents by phone or mail. Continental USA and Puerto Rico Call 1-800-258-1710 or send mail to: Digital Equipment Corporation Peripherals and Supplies Group P.O. Box CS2008 Nashua, NH 03061 Related Documentation B–1...
  • Page 68: New Hampshire, Alaska, And Hawaii

    Send mail to: Digital Equipment Corporation Attn: Accessories and Supplies Business Manager c/o local subsidiary or Digital-approved distributor Digital Personnel Digital personnel may order these documents from: Digital Equipment Corporation 444 Whitney Street Northboro, MA 01532 Attn: Publishing and Circulation Services (NRO3/W3) Order Processing Section B–2 Related Documentation...
  • Page 69: Index

    Index Commands (cont’d) descriptions, 4–9 to 4–17 Configuration Accessing MOP rules and guidelines, 2–3 from ULTRIX systems, 4–6 Connections from VMS systems, 4–4 AUI, 1–2, 3–5 Activity indicators, 1–3 to 1–5 backbone port, 2–1 after self-test, 3–7 power supply, 3–7 for use in troubleshooting, 5–1 to 5–5 redundant, 2–5 Address number, 4–9...
  • Page 70 Filtering Network Control Program (NCP), 4–4 boot requests, 4–18 commands, 4–13 destination address, 4–1 Password protocols, 4–1, 4–17 to 4–19 defining, 4–6 service announcements, 4–19 length, 4–11 VAXcluster traffic, 4–18 logging in, 4–6 Flood mode, 1–2, 2–5, 4–1 reset button, 1–4 Physical dimensions, A–1 Port number, 4–9 Help command, 4–7...
  • Page 71 Maintenance Operations Protocol (MOP) option, 4–6 ThinWire connections 10Base2, 1–2 ThinWire ports termination requirements, 3–2 Maintenance Operations Protocol Transceiver cable (MOP), 4–4 connection, 3–5 Troubleshooting, 5–1 to 5–5 error messages, 4–20 Wall-mount installation See Installation, standalone Work group ULTRIX size, 1–2, 2–3 to 2–5 Index–3...

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