Chapter 8. 8260 Token-Ring Support

The 8260 token-ring support has been enhanced, compared to the 8250, to provide the following features:

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Active re-timing per port

Speed detection by media modules

Beacon recovery by media modules

Address-per-port mapping

This chapter will cover these features as well as some token-ring architecture background necessary to describe these features. It is beyond the scope of this book to provide detailed information about the token-ring architecture. It is recommended that you refer to the Token-Ring Network Architecture Reference (SC30-3374)for more details.

8.1 Token-Ring LAN Overview

In a token-ring LAN environment, all stations are connected in a star-wired ring topology. Each ring can support up to 255 stations. It uses the token-passing protocol to enable each station to access the media to transmit data.

8.1.1 Ring Operation

In a token-passing protocol, a token is used to control access to the ring. It is like a passport that grants the holder permission to transfer data to the ring. This token constantly circulates around the ring and is available for any station.

∙To transmit data, a station has to capture a token and modify it to indicate that it is transmitting data. The data transmission unit is called a frame.

∙The frame is sent sequentially from one station to the next physically active station (known as the downstream neighbor) on the ring. Each station upon receiving that frame would check to see whether its MAC address or any of its functional addresses matches that in the destination address of the frame.

∙If they match, the station would copy the data and forward the frame to its downstream neighbor.

∙As this is a ring, the frame will ultimately return to the originating station, which will remove the frame and release a new token.

This protocol is called a single-token protocol, since only one token can circulate on the ring at any time. The architecture provides an option called early token release. With this option, the transmitting station will release a token after completing transmission of the data frame but before it receives the header of the transmitted frame. This eliminates the idle time waiting for the header to reappear. This allows for multiple frames, but only one free token on the LAN.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1995

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8260 specifications

The IBM 8260 is a significant entry in the realm of enterprise servers, recognized for its performance, scalability, and robust features designed to cater to demanding business environments. It primarily serves as a high-capacity server for large organizations, capable of handling extensive workloads and complex applications without compromising speed or efficiency.

One of the standout features of the IBM 8260 is its powerful processing capabilities. It typically comes equipped with multiple processor units based on the IBM POWER architecture, which is renowned for its high-performance computing. This architecture allows the server to execute numerous simultaneous tasks, making it ideal for environments that require multitasking and high throughput.

Memory capacity is another key characteristic of the IBM 8260. Depending on the specific configuration, it can support substantial amounts of RAM, ensuring that applications can run effectively without the bottlenecks often associated with data-intensive tasks. This is crucial for enterprises that rely on real-time data analytics, large database management, and resource-heavy applications.

In terms of storage, the IBM 8260 offers flexible options. It supports a variety of storage solutions, including solid-state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard drives, catering to different performance and capacity needs. This scalability in storage helps organizations manage their data effectively while ensuring quick access and retrieval times.

Connectivity is also a prominent feature of the IBM 8260. The server includes advanced networking capabilities, supporting various protocols and technologies that facilitate fast data transfer and communication between devices. This enhances overall network performance, essential for businesses that depend on cloud computing and distributed computing environments.

Additionally, the IBM 8260 is designed with a focus on reliability and availability. It incorporates redundant components, such as power supplies and cooling systems, minimizing the risk of downtime. This is critically important for enterprises that require continuous availability of services.

The server’s management features are also noteworthy. IBM provides a suite of management tools that allow IT administrators to monitor performance, configure hardware settings, and troubleshoot issues seamlessly. This ease of management is bolstered by automation capabilities, enabling organizations to enhance operational efficiency.

In conclusion, the IBM 8260 stands out in the competitive server landscape due to its high processing power, extensive memory and storage options, advanced connectivity, reliability features, and robust management tools. Such attributes make it a viable choice for organizations seeking to enhance their IT infrastructure and streamline their operations effectively.
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