This document provides information on the IEFR Integrated Ethernet to FDDI Router module made by Madge Networks. It can connect 4 internal Ethernet segments on a hub to an external FDDI port. It also has an external Ethernet port for additional connectivity options. The module supports routing and bridging of multiple network protocols at high speeds using its Motorola 68030 CPU. It can be managed through Madge's MultiMan software.
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Madge Networks
FEATURES
n Multiport Interface
Four internal Ethernet controllers connect the
hub's four Ethernet segments with each other
and with one external FDDI fiber-optic or
TP/PMD port
s Flexible Connectivity
For versatile internetworking, the router's
external Ethernet port can be connected to the
hub's high speed bus, to any external Ethernet
LAN, or to an external Ethernet device
s Multi-Protocol Routing Support
Compatible with such popular network protocols
as IP, DECnet IV, XNS, IPX, AppleTalk II, Banyan
VINES, OSI
s Multi-Protocol Bridging Support
Provides transparent bridging with support for
the Spanning Tree Algorithm as well as
translation bridging between FDDI and Ethernet
s High Speed Performance
High filtering and forwarding rates ensure fast
and efficient routing between networks
s Manageability
Manageable under MultiMan™, LANNET's suite
of graphical network management applications
and Wellfleet's Site Manager™. Both are SNMP-
compliant
s Self-Testing
Extensive self-test routines prevent network
downtime
MODULAR, MULTI-MEDIA NETWORKING
IEFR
INTEGRATED ETHERNET TO FDDI ROUTER
The IEFR is a multi-protocol bridge/router module
designed to plug directly into LANNET's full-height
MultiNet™ smart hubs.
For seamless LAN to LAN communications, the
IEFR provides efficient routing and bridging
between the four Ethernet segments on the
backplane of the hub and one external FDDI port
located on the front-panel of the module.
For even broader internetworking schemes, the
IEFR also includes an external Ethernet port
located on its front panel.
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IEFR/MC
DESCRIPTION
Introduction
The IEFR bridge/router module can be used in
LANNET's full-height MultiNet smart hubs to provide
concurrent routing and bridging between Ethernet
and FDDI LANS. The IEFR efficiently routes
information between the hub's four Ethernet buses
and an external FDDI LAN. The module's ability to
activate a front-panel Ethernet port also enables the
router to be connected to the switched Ethernet
environment of the hub's high speed bus, to an
Ethernet LAN in a different hub, or to an external
Ethernet device.
Flexible Connectivity
The IEFR interface comprises four internal Ethernet
controllers that connect individually to the four
Ethernet segments on the backplane of the MultiNet
hub. Via these connections the module routes
information between the four local Ethernet segments.
In addition, IEFR connects the four Ethernet
backplane segments to one external FDDI port to
provide routing and translation bridging between
FDDI and Ethernet.
The IEFR's external Ethernet port serves as an
alternate for the internal connection to the hub's
fourth Ethernet bus. By setting a DIP switch on the
module or by sending a command via the MultiMan
network manager, the controller for Ethernet
Segment 4 can be re-directed to the external
10Base-T port. Using the front-panel port broadens
internetworking communications in two main ways:
1) The external Ethernet port can be connected (via
another module) to the high speed bus on the
backplane of hub, giving the IEFR access to the
switched Ethernet environment.
2) Another hub can be connected via the external
Ethernet port allowing information to be routed
between Ethernet LANs in two separate hubs.
Performance
The IEFR module incorporates a state-of-the-art
Motorola 68030, 32Mhz CPU for high performance
routing and bridging. In addition, the module's
resident high speed filter (HSF) for bridging
applications provides superior network load filtering,
high forwarding rate, and low transfer delay.
Multi-Protocol Support
The IEFR design supports routing, bridging and
LAN connectivity for a variety of protocols.
For Routing: IP (with RIP and OSPF), Novell IPX,
DECnet IV, LocalTalk II, Xerox XNS, BANYAN VINES,
OSI (with ES-IS and IS-IS).
For Bridging: Spanning Tree Transparent Bridging
complies with IEEE 802.1d protocol. Supports
DLSw with local termination and translation bridging
between FDDI and Ethernet .
The modules are IEEE 802.3 protocol and interface
compatible.
Dynamic Configuration
Built-in intelligence helps the router automatically
learn the network configuration and set up efficient
routing schemes for transporting data from one
network station to another. This effectively eliminates
the need to manually define static routing paths
greatly streamlining installation and operation
procedures.
Maximal Uptime
Maximal uptime is achieved through fault tolerance,
self-testing routines and extensive diagnostics. The
module supports the IEEE 802.1d Spanning Tree
Algorithm and has backup data links for continuous
network operation. Diagnostic LEDs indicate the
status of ports, management, loads, and faults.
Software stored in FLASH memory ensures
automatic recovery after a power failure.
IEFR/MC
3. Manageability
The IEFR is managed by LANNET's MultiMan in
conjunction with Wellfleet's Site Manager (available
on both PC/WINDOWS and UNIX platforms). The
powerful management console allows module
configuration and router parameter control from the
network manager's desktop. Setup is also possible
via the serial RS-232 port on the module's front
panel or through an inbound Telnet session.
Software can be downloaded by TFTP from the
console station.
The router stores its configurable parameters in on-
board flash memory for independent plug-and-play
operation.
A Path for Growth
Software download capability and state-of-the-art
hardware provide a platform for future integration of
advanced bridging and routing features.
IEFR
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3rd Floor
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FDDI Backbone
Server 1 Server 2
Executive Management
Finance Dept.
Engineering Dept.
IEQR
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A Typical Application
The drawing below shows a routing solution for an
entire building. The IEFR modules connect two
hubs directly to the FDDI backbone and the
network servers.
Via their front-panel Ethernet port, the IEFRs enable
all the Ethernet LANs in the building to be connected
to each other (either directly or indirectly) and to the
network servers on the FDDI backbone.
The IEQR (Integrated Ethernet Quad Router)
modules are used to gain access to the hub's high
speed bus via an LSE-808, one of LANNET's
LANswitch™ Ethernet modules. This connectivity
solution delivers access to the "switched" Ethernet
environment for all the Ethernet LANs in the building.
A TYPICAL APPLICATION