3Com manual Overview, About the SuperStack II Switch 2000 TR, System Benefits

1 OVERVIEW

This chapter describes the major features, compo- nents, and concepts of the Switch 2000 TR, including:

■About the SuperStack™ II Switch 2000 TR

■Summary of Features

■Typical Applications of Token Ring Switching

■The Front Panel

■The Rear Panel

■Optional Slide-In Modules

■Token Ring Switching Concepts

About the SuperStack™ II Switch 2000 TR

The SuperStack II Switch 2000 TR is a multiport inter- networking switch for Token Ring networks. Designed to satisfy the high demand for bandwidth in expanding Token Ring networks while preserving the investment in existing equipment, the Switch 2000 TR provides a natural migration path for network growth and high-speed technologies, including ATM and FDDI.

The Switch 2000 TR is a 12-port Token Ring stackable switch that supports throughput rates of more than 400,000 packets per second. Designed to fit comfort- ably within the data center or the workgroup environ- ments, the Switch 2000 TR supports up to 72 rings per stack at 4 or 16 Mbps.

System Benefits

■Network segmentation—When used in place of low- performance PC bridges or routers, the Switch 2000 TR provides a simple method for seg- menting Token Ring networks into smaller, more manageable workgroups.

■Increased bandwidth—A key benefit of segmen- tation is reduced traffic load, which translates into increased bandwidth and improved manageability.