FDDI Applications

Figure 6-8. The Frame Translation Window

Information about Ethernet and FDDI Frame Types

There are four frame types which can be transmitted on an IEEE 802.3/Ethernet network – Ethernet II, Ethernet 802.2, Ethernet 802.3 (or Raw Ethernet), and Ethernet SNAP; there two frame types which can be transmitted on an FDDI network: FDDI 802.2 and FDDI SNAP. Each of these frame types is described in more detail in the sections that follow. Bridges connecting IEEE 802.3/Ethernet LANs to an FDDI ring have to provide frame translation, as there are addressing and frame format differences between the two network topology types.

For an Ethernet frame format to be forwarded onto an FDDI network, the Length (IEEE 802/SNAP) or Type (Ethernet II) field must be removed (along with any frame padding), an FDDI Frame Control field must be added, the bit-order of the address fields must be reversed, and the frame’s CRC field must be recomputed.

In most instances, the IEEE 802.3/Ethernet frame format is translated automatically into the appropriately corresponding FDDI frame format. Ethernet

802.2frames are translated to FDDI 802.2 frames; Ethernet II frames are translated to FDDI SNAP frames; non-AppleTalk Ethernet SNAP frames are translated to FDDI SNAP frames; and AppleTalk Ethernet SNAP frames are translated to FDDI SNAP frames (AppleTalk format).

However, because Ethernet Raw frames do not have a Type or Length field, and can’t be automatically translated onto an FDDI network, you must select the appropriate translation method to an FDDI frame format (for transmitting to FDDI stations or for bridging back to an Ethernet network).

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Configuring FDDI Frame Translation Settings

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Enterasys Networks 2000 manual Information about Ethernet and Fddi Frame Types, Frame Translation Window

2000 specifications

Enterasys Networks, a key player in the networking space in 2000, was renowned for its innovative solutions that combined high-performance networking with robust security features. Founded with the vision of providing enterprise-level networking infrastructure, Enterasys positioned itself to cater to the growing demands of business networks during the dot-com boom.

One of the main features of Enterasys Networks was its focus on delivering secure, scalable networking solutions that could seamlessly integrate with existing enterprise systems. The company developed a range of products including switches, routers, and wireless solutions that were designed to optimize performance while ensuring security at every layer. Their core offerings provided businesses with the reliability required to handle increasing volumes of data traffic.

A standout technology of Enterasys was its identity and access management solutions. These technologies allowed organizations to control who could access network resources and under what conditions. This was particularly crucial in a time when cyber threats were on the rise, and businesses were becoming more aware of the need for strict network security protocols. The features included role-based access control and authentication measures, which were fundamental in safeguarding sensitive information.

Enterasys also introduced intelligent networking features, which enabled dynamic traffic management and prioritization. This technology helped organizations optimize their network performance by automatically adjusting to changing workload demands. Such capabilities were essential for businesses relying on bandwidth-intensive applications and services.

The company also embraced the rising trend of wireless networking, providing solutions that combined wired and wireless technologies for a unified experience. Enterasys Wireless LAN solutions were groundbreaking at the time, offering seamless connectivity and security to mobile devices, thereby enhancing productivity and flexibility within enterprise environments.

In addition to hardware, Enterasys developed network management software that simplified the administration of complex networks. This software enabled IT professionals to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement security policies efficiently.

Overall, Enterasys Networks in 2000 was characterized by its commitment to delivering secure, intelligent networking solutions that catered to the needs of modern enterprises. With its innovative technologies and features, Enterasys played a significant role in shaping the networking landscape, laying the groundwork for future advancements in network security and management.