FDDI Applications

This is the default frame type for Novell NetWare software version 3.12 and beyond; it is also used for OSI packets on IEEE 802.x LAN networks.

Ethernet 802.3 (Ethernet Raw)

The Ethernet 802.3 frame format has an 802.3 MAC layer header (as do Ethernet

802.2frames); however, it does not contain an 802.2 LLC header. Instead, Novell IPX is fixed within the packet as the network layer protocol. This frame type – also known as Raw 802.3 – is the default frame type for Novell NetWare software before version 3.11. Since these frames do not carry the 802.2 header, they do not conform to the IEEE 802.3 specification. If you are using the Ethernet 802.3 Raw frame format, you should consider upgrading your Novell NetWare software to ensure interoperability with other communications protocols (unless your current network is not likely to be upgraded, and has no interoperability problems).

IPX packets with checksums which provide data integrity (a feature of newer Novell NetWare releases) cannot be transmitted on Ethernet 802.3 networks. Note also that a single Ethernet can carry both Ethernet 802.3 and Ethernet 802.2 traffic simultaneously. The Novell server software will treat the two frame types as two logical networks (and function as an IPX router between the two networks).

Ethernet SNAP

To allow for proprietary protocols, such as IBM’s SNA protocol, the Ethernet SNAP frame was created. This frame format extended the Ethernet 802.2 packet by improving the frame’s byte alignment, and by allowing further protocol identification than the one byte LSAP protocol identifier of Ethernet 802.2 frames (which is reserved for standard protocols). Ethernet SNAP packets have an LSAP protocol ID of hex AA, indicating that they contain a SNAP (Subnetwork Access Protocol) packet. A SNAP packet, encapsulated within the Ethernet 802.2 packet, has a five byte SNAP header which is simply a five byte protocol identifier. The first three bytes of the header indicate the Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) – or the authority assigning the protocol ID – and the last two bytes indicate the protocol according to that authority. Note that for most protocols, the OUI is

0-0-0, and the type identifier is the standard Ethernet protocol ID. Although most Ethernet transport protocols use the Ethernet II frame format, the AppleTalk II protocol uses Ethernet SNAP (AppleTalk has its own unique OUI).

FDDI Frames

There are two legal FDDI data frame types:

FDDI 802.2

The FDDI 802.2 frame type has two headers: the FDDI header (which includes the Frame Control field that indicates the class of frame, length of the address field, and the type of FDDI frame), and the 802.2 header.

FDDI SNAP

The FDDI SNAP frame type has an FDDI header with a Frame Control field that provides FDDI framing information, and the 802.2 LLC header with FDDI Frame Control, a SNAP LSAP identifier, and a five byte protocol identifier.

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Configuring FDDI Frame Translation Settings

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Enterasys Networks 2000 manual Ethernet 802.3 Ethernet Raw, Ethernet Snap, Fddi Frames

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.