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Token Ring Workgroup Design 8-3
Token Ring
Token Ring Workgroup Design
Once a Network Designer understands the fundamentals of Token Ring design,
as described in the Cabletron Systems Networking Guide - MMAC-FNB Solutions, the
design of a Token Ring workgroup using standalone and stackable products is
quite simple. If the limitations imposed by the standard are not exceeded, the
Network Manager needs only to supply the required port count and management
functionality, allowing room for future expansion and ensuring sufficient
connections for any ring extensions or special media links.
Small Office
A small office design for a Token Ring network using standalone or stackable
devices has two main defining characteristics. A small office Token Ring connects
a number of users within one facility or campus that have no special
internetworking needs or exceptional performance requirements. Small office
Token Ring networks also must have an expected station count within the
maximum number allowed on a single Token Ring at the desired network speed
and using the intended media. Chapter 2, Review of Networking, provides a
table summarizing these maximums.
Abstracting the Design Process
The procedures and decisions involved in designing a Token Ring network are
quite straightforward and simple. Once it has been established that all the station
cabling is within the allotted distances and the station count does not exceed the
Token Ring maximums, the remainder of the design process is a simple provision
of management functionality, sufficient ports, and support for any special
connections.
Management Requirements
The importance of management capabilities in a Token Ring network is an
extremely important consideration in the design process. The complexity of a
Token Ring network can make unmanaged Token Ring networks extremely
difficult to install and set up, and can greatly extend the time needed to
troubleshoot network problems without management functions. As management
in a well-run network is a paramount concern, Cabletron Systems Token Ring
standalone and stackable devices are all manageable devices.
The STH series of stackable hubs is one type of Token Ring device that contains no
management functionality of its own, but it can be managed by an intelligent
stackable base product such as the STHI. The decision to incorporate or forego
management, including what level of management is desired, is a decision that
must be based on the Network Designer’s level of skill with management and the
perceived benefits to be gained from it.