Cabletron Systems bridges, switches manual Token Ring Workgroup Design, Small Office

Token Ring

Token Ring Workgroup Design

Once a Network Designer understands the fundamentals of Token Ring design, as described in the Cabletron Systems Networking Guide - MMAC-FNB Solutions, the design of a Token Ring workgroup using standalone and stackable products is quite simple. If the limitations imposed by the standard are not exceeded, the Network Manager needs only to supply the required port count and management functionality, allowing room for future expansion and ensuring sufficient connections for any ring extensions or special media links.

Small Office

A small office design for a Token Ring network using standalone or stackable devices has two main defining characteristics. A small office Token Ring connects a number of users within one facility or campus that have no special internetworking needs or exceptional performance requirements. Small office Token Ring networks also must have an expected station count within the maximum number allowed on a single Token Ring at the desired network speed and using the intended media. Chapter 2, Review of Networking, provides a table summarizing these maximums.

Abstracting the Design Process

The procedures and decisions involved in designing a Token Ring network are quite straightforward and simple. Once it has been established that all the station cabling is within the allotted distances and the station count does not exceed the Token Ring maximums, the remainder of the design process is a simple provision of management functionality, sufficient ports, and support for any special connections.

Management Requirements

The importance of management capabilities in a Token Ring network is an extremely important consideration in the design process. The complexity of a Token Ring network can make unmanaged Token Ring networks extremely difficult to install and set up, and can greatly extend the time needed to troubleshoot network problems without management functions. As management in a well-run network is a paramount concern, Cabletron Systems Token Ring standalone and stackable devices are all manageable devices.

The STH series of stackable hubs is one type of Token Ring device that contains no management functionality of its own, but it can be managed by an intelligent stackable base product such as the STHI. The decision to incorporate or forego management, including what level of management is desired, is a decision that must be based on the Network Designer’s level of skill with management and the perceived benefits to be gained from it.

Token Ring Workgroup Design 8-3