Cabletron Systems bridges, switches manual Brim Selection, PIM Selection

Ethernet

FDDI

Backbone

2094n17

Figure 6-5. FDDI Backbone Internetworking

The main difference between the small office and the remote office is that a provision must be made to accommodate a connection to a different networking technology. In the case of Cabletron Systems workgroup products, this process has been simplified by the inclusion of BRIM capabilities into the MicroMMAC stackable bases and the ESX and NBR Ethernet switches.

Essentially, the design process for the remote office is the same as that for the small office as discussed previously. The remote office requires an additional series of steps related to the use of BRIMs. Once the localized workgroup portions of the network have been finalized, the BRIM selection process can begin.

BRIM Selection

As most remote office environments will deal with BRIM-capable standalone or stackable devices, the selection of the correct BRIM is an essential portion of the network design. There are several BRIM models available for a number of different internetworking needs. These BRIM types are listed in Table 4-2,found in Chapter 4, PIMs and BRIMs.

For fully up-to-date information regarding BRIM interoperability, contact your Cabletron Systems Sales Representative with specific questions.

PIM Selection

Several BRIMs require PIMs in order that they support connections to the proper networking media. The type of PIM that must be specified is dependent upon the type of BRIM that is being customized. BRIMs with FDDI connections require FPIMs, BRIMs with Ethernet connections require EPIMs, and so on.

Table 4-1,found in Chapter 4, provides the vital information regarding all available PIMs.

Ethernet Workgroup Design 6-17