Note

Please note that it is incorrect to say that we support 250 stations at 4 Mbps. That is not necessarily true since there are some adapters on the market that implement the minimum elastic buffer required for each workstation adapter card. These cards, while not affected by the rate of change of accumulated jitter (which has always been the limitation on station count) are not able to accommodate the worst case total absolute jitter that can accumulate. Apart from the initial IBM 4 Mbps adapters which were offered by IBM about 10 years ago, there are no IBM adapters that implement the minimum buffer.

2.It regenerates the signal on each port. This function allows you to have longer lobe distances for UTP and STP than is permitted on the 8260 passive modules or other hubs that do not implement similar function. The maximum supported lobe length for the active modules is shown in Table 26.

Table 26. Lobe Distances Using 8260 Active TR Modules

Cable Type

4 Mbps Ring

16 Mbps Ring

 

 

 

STP

800

400

 

 

 

UTP Category 3

250

100

 

 

 

UTP Category 4

425

210

 

 

 

UTP Category 5

425

225

 

 

 

FTP

425

225

 

 

 

As a comparison, the maximum lobe length supported by the 8260 passive modules is shown in Table 27.

Table 27. Lobe Distances Using 8260 Passive TR Modules

Cable Type

4 Mbps Ring

16 Mbps Ring

 

 

 

STP

400

200

 

 

 

UTP Category 3

125

N/A

 

 

 

UTP Category 4

200

100

 

 

 

UTP Category 5

200

100

 

 

 

FTP

425

225

 

 

 

3.The signal received from each lobe is converted to a digital form before entering the module. The digital signal on the active modules makes it easy to manipulate the flow of data on a per-port basis allowing IBM to offer active per-port switching modules.

8.6.1Per-Port Switching on the Active Modules

Currently, IBM offers the following active per-port switching modules:

18-port active per-port switching module

Dual fiber repeater module

In these active per-port switching modules a switch fabric is employed so that every port has a possible transmission path to every other port and the 10

Chapter 8. 8260 Token-Ring Support 143

Page 165
Image 165
IBM 8260 manual Per-Port Switching on the Active Modules

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.