Setting Up Network Connections 3-1
Chapter 3: Setting up Network Connections
Special Architecture Used for the Fast EtherHub 3500 Stack
Multi-Segment Architecture
The Fast EtherHub 3500 system supports multi-segment
configuration through the FlexBus cabling. Three Ethernet
segments (i.e., separate collision domains) are embedded in the
hub’s FlexBus port (i.e., the stack’s backplane). You can
choose to attach a hub to one of these segments, or to leave it
isolated except for the management channel. Nodes attached to
a specific segment (e.g., Segment 1) can only communicate
with nodes attached to the same segment (unless the segments
are interconnected with a device such as an Ethernet switch).
This type of architecture makes the system more flexible,
provides better traffic load sharing and data protection,
improves network bandwidth utilization, and simplifies
troubleshooting.
Carefully plan your network setup to make this architecture
work well for your system. Form a common domain for
devices that need to frequently communicate with each other
by attaching them to the same segment. In this way you can
arrange network resources to balance traffic and thereby
increase overall network efficiency.
To combine the segments into an interconnected network (while
at the same time retaining the higher effective bandwidth and
segment integrity provided by the multi-segment architecture),
attach each segment to a switch or similar interconnection device,
such as one of Accton’s Fast Ethernet Switches.