3Com 2000 TR 2

2TR-IN-FE CONCEPTS

This chapter provides an introduction to Token

Ring-in-Fast Ethernet concepts for users who are

unfamiliar with this technology. The following sec-

tions cover:

■What is Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet (TR-in-FE)?

■TR-in-FE Compared to Traditional Methods

■3Com Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet System

■How TR-in-FE Works

■Tunneling

■Virtual LANs (VLANS)

What is Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet

(TR-in-FE)?

Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet is a 3Com developed

technology that encapsulates Token Ring frames in

Fast Ethernet frames. Bridging the gap between

Token Ring and Ethernet, this technology offers a

more cost-effective integration than traditional bridg-

ing and routing, and allows Token Ring users to

expand their bandwidth while preserving their TR

infrastructure.

Using Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet technology, Fast

Ethernet can be used as a cost-effective and scalable

aggregation point for multiple Token Ring switch con-

nections. In addition, because both Token Ring and

Ethernet technologies can coexist in the same Fast

Ethernet infrastructure, both can share to less costly

Fast Ethernet connections.

Through a process known as tunneling (see the

“Tunneling” section below), TR-in-FE uses Fast Ether-

net to transport natively formatted Token Ring

frames. This means that both source route and trans-

parent TR frames addressing information is main-

tained through Fast Ethernet (FE) so that it may be

interpreted and utilized by either a destination Token

Ring (TR) switch or FE server.

Contents

Main 3Com Corporation 95052-8154 Santa Clara, California 5400 Bayfront Plaza T UIDE TR- T ONFIGURING C EATURES F T P U ETTING S 6 TR- ARRANTY W IMITED A BOUT Terminology Introduction T Finding Information in this Guide Conventions The following table shows you where to nd spe- cic information within this guide. Table 1 and Table 2 list icon and text conventions that are used throughout this guide. O VERVIEW About the SuperStack II Switch 2000 TR TR-in-FE Module TR-in-FE Benets Summary of TR-in-FE Module Features Hardware Software Page 2 What is Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet (TR-in-FE)? TR-in-FE Compared to Traditional Methods 3Com Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet System Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet Module How TR-in-FE Works 2-4 CHAPTER 2: TR-IN-FE CONCEPTS Figure 2-2 Large scale example of a TR-in-FE conguration. Tunneling Requirements Token Ring Frames Page Virtual LANs (VLANS) What is a VLAN Advantages of VLAN Port-Based Distribution Page 3 Following Safety Information Pre-installation Procedure Installation Post-Installation Checks LED Summary 3-4 CHAPTER 3: INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE MODULE The following table describes the LED functions on the TR-in-FE Module. Checking the Power Supply Checking that the TR-in-FE Module is Installed Correctly Checking the Physical Connections Jumper Settings 4 The VT100 Console Page Console Menu Map 4-4 CHAPTER 4: ACCESSING MANAGEMENT FEATURES Figure 4-1 VT100 Console Menu Map with I/O Module Detail The LCD Console > I/O Module Switch 2000 TR Logging On Logging Off Automatic Logout Page 5 TR-in-FE Module Conguration Map Setting Up a Module Bridge Parameters Page Setting Up a VLAN TR VLAN Info Setup Screen TR VLAN Setup Screen Page 6 TR-in-FE Module Statistics Map Statistics Overview Port Statistics (Trafc) Clearing Screen Counters A Important Safety Information Linformation de Scurit Importante Wichtige Sicherheitsinformationen B Page C Environmental Specications TR-in-FE Cable Specication Does the Cable Provide Sufcient Bandwidth? Page Page D Online Technical Services 3Com Bulletin Board Service World Wide Web Site 3ComForum on CompuServe Support from Your Network Supplier Support from 3Com Returning Products for Repair Page Numbers A B C D U V W 3Com Corporation H S S TANDARD W ARRANTY S W ARRANTIES E GOVERNING LAW