Cabletron Systems MMAC-5FNB Networking Manual

Also see for MMAC-5FNB: Overview and setup guide

Contents

Cabletron Systems MMAC-5FNB Networking Manual Manual pdf 77 page image

Designing with the MMAC4-27Network DesignThe MMAC, as a modular networking chassis, makes this substitution andreplacement a simple procedure. In order to make the Ethernet repeatingfunctionality of the network simple and easy to upgrade, replace, or remove, theEthernet repeater is often a discrete device on the network. In the MMAC chassis,the Ethernet repeater is a module which may be inserted into, and removed from,the modular chassis. When an Ethernet network is designed, a repeater module isplaced in the chassis to perform that function. Should the repeater fail, thatmodule can be removed from the chassis and a new module can be slid into thechassis to replace it. As the backup repeater is in the chassis, the original can betested and repaired. In this way, the network is unavailable for only a fraction ofthe time that it would be if all the functions of the network were held in onedevice.This use of discrete, easily incorporated and replaced devices, called modules,cards, or boards, provides the modular chassis with a level of flexibility tosupport many concentrations of users and different types of physical media orcabling through the proper selection of modules.Technology FlexibilityThe flexibility of a chassis is also dependent upon the number and types ofnetworks it supports. The use of a patented inter-module connection systemallows the MMAC to be configured with modules for Ethernet networks, TokenRing networks, and FDDI networks, and allows these networks to operate in thesame chassis and communicate with one another without requiring externalbridges or routers. This connection system is based on the Flexible Network Bus,or FNB technology that is the heart of the MMAC chassis.The Flexible Network Bus is made up of communications channels which connectmodules in one MMAC chassis to each other. Due to the design of the FNB, it iscapable of supporting three contiguous Ethernet networks across the entirebackplane, four contiguous Token Ring networks across the entire backplane, andone or more FDDI rings. The FNB allows the MMAC chassis to be utilized in anumber of network configurations.