Olicom 8605, 8600 manual Token-Ring Port Operation Modes, RI/RO-Like Connection

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faulty packets is high, the store and forward mode is used. This provides optimized performance but introduces variable latency.

Token-Ring Port Operation Modes

Each Token-Ring port may operate in one of the following modes:

•Half-duplex concentrator port

The port behaves like an active MAU port for classical Token-Ring. Connects to a single station in half-duplex mode. This is also known as Token Passing (TKP) port mode.

•Half-duplex station emulation

The port is connected to a port on a MAU. Connects to a classical Token-Ring segment with multiple stations. This is also known as Token Passing (TKP) station mode.

•Full-duplex concentrator port

Connects to a single station or to another switch in full-duplex mode. This is also known as Transmit Immediate (TXI) port mode.

•Full-duplex station emulation

Connects to another Token-Ring switch. This is also known as Transmit Immediate (TXI) station mode.

•RI/RO-like connection

The mode of operation can be configured manually or sensed automatically with the exception of RI/RO, when equipment is connected to the port. The media speed (4 or 16 Mbps) can also be manually configured or automatically sensed in all port modes.

RI/RO-Like Connection

On CrossFire 8600, a RI/RO-like connection is available on fiber expansion ports and on ports 19 and 20. On CrossFire 8605, a RI/RO-like connection is possible on all the 20 fiber ports and on fiber expansion ports.

This feature allows the switch to connect to CAU/LAM systems using the RI/RO connections thus providing a RI/RO-like functionality. This enables the switch to be easily installed in existing Token-Ring networks.

A loop-back function has been implemented on these ports so that if the port is disabled or the switch is powered off there will not be a break in the attached main ring. This means that attaching a cable from the RI port of a MAU port to one of the two switch ports in effect joins the primary and the backup ring in a MAU/CAU main ring system. Connecting the other end of the RI/RO connection to the other switch port, creates redundant paths because the two switch ports are connected to

CrossFire 8600/8605 Token-Ring Switches v. 1.2, P/N: 710001641 Switch Theory of Operation