Cabletron Systems switches, bridges manual Bridge/Router Interface Modules, Types of BRIMs

PIMs and BRIMs

Bridge/Router Interface Modules

In the same way that Cabletron Systems supplied a method for connecting a single network technology to different types of media, the Bridge/Router Interface Module, or BRIM, allows one networking technology to be connected to either a separate, segmented network or to a completely different networking technology.

The addition of a BRIM to a networking device, be it a standalone Ethernet repeater or a sophisticated management module within a modular chassis, allows the device that the BRIM is configured in to access another network. The interconnection of the device and the additional network is handled by the internal operation of the BRIM.

In effect, the BRIM takes the concept of the PIM a step further. Rather than internalizing a transceiver, the BRIM internalizes a dual-interface bridge or router, supplying segmentation and internetworking capabilities to any BRIM-capable device. As these capabilities are needed, a BRIM can be added to any BRIM-capable device. This gradual upgrade path allows Network Designers to plan ahead for the incorporation of new technologies without having to pay for the connection until it is needed.

Types of BRIMs

There are a number of different BRIMs available, and each has different capabilities and characteristics. The foremost of these characteristics are summarized in Table 4-2and the text which follows.

BRIM-E6

BRIM-E100

NOTE	Before including any BRIM in a network design, consult your
	Cabletron Systems Sales Representative to ensure that the
	BRIM under consideration will operate properly in the device
	being considered for use.

The BRIM-E6 provides a single Ethernet segment through an EPIM slot. This EPIM slot may be configured with any EPIM module and operates as a normal, bridged Ethernet interface. The BRIM provides Ethernet bridging between the front panel EPIM slot and the BRIM interface within the device.

The BRIM-E100 operates in the same fashion as a BRIM-E6, but provides a connection to a 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet link. The BRIM-E100 provides one front panel EPIM-100 port which supports any of the Fast Ethernet Interface Modules.

4-8 Bridge/Router Interface Modules