Chapter 2. Backplane Architecture

The 8260 backplane consists of the following two buses:

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Enhanced TriChannel

ShuntBus

These two buses are standard features of all the 8260 models and are installed on every 8260 shipped to the customers.

The following sections provide detailed information about the 8260 backplane and how the backplane buses operate.

2.1 LAN Segments on the Backplane

On each backplane bus (both Enhanced TriChannel and ShuntBus) there are 96 pins which are used for passing the network traffic between the media modules installed in the hub as well as the control signals between the media modules, fault-tolerant Controller module, and Distributed Management Module (DMM).

The control signals are used to carry clocking, voltage, status and other information pertinent to the proper operation of the hub and the installed modules.

On the Enhanced TriChannel, 54 pins are available to be used for passing network traffic. the rest of the pins are used for non-data traffic signals. These signals are used for passing control signals between the Controller module and the media modules as well as signals between the Management module and the media modules. More information about these non-data traffic signals are provided in 2.5.1, ªManagement Busesº on page 26.

On the Enhanced TriChannel, the pins used for passing the network traffic are not permanently allocated to a specific type of network. Instead a pin may be configured to be used for passing either token-ring, Ethernet or FDDI packets at any one time. This enables more efficient utilization of the backplane resources.

The following is the maximum number of permitted LAN segments when a single protocol is used on the Enhanced TriChannel:

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6 Ethernet segments or

7token-ring segments or

4FDDI segments

Note that you are allowed to have a mixture of token-ring, Ethernet and FDDI segments on the Enhanced TriChannel. In this case, the exact number of each network type which is allowed in a mixed protocol environment depends on the configuration of your hub. For detailed information about the permitted configurations in a mixed protocol environment please refer to 2.5, ªNetwork Allocations on the 8260 Backplaneº on page 23.

Figure 3 on page 14 provides an overview of the Enhanced TriChannel bus.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1995

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IBM 8260 manual Backplane Architecture, LAN Segments on the Backplane
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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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