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PIMs and BRIMs
4-8 Bridge/Router Interface Modules
Bridge/Router Interface Modules
In the same way that Cabletron Systems supplied a method for connecting a
single network technology to different types of media, the Bridge/Router
Interface Module, or BRIM, allows one networking technology to be connected to
either a separate, segmented network or to a completely different networking
technology.
The addition of a BRIM to a networking device, be it a standalone Ethernet
repeater or a sophisticated management module within a modular chassis, allows
the device that the BRIM is configured in to access another network. The
interconnection of the device and the additional network is handled by the
internal operation of the BRIM.
In effect, the BRIM takes the concept of the PIM a step further. Rather than
internalizing a transceiver, the BRIM internalizes a dual-interface bridge or router,
supplying segmentation and internetworking capabilities to any BRIM-capable
device. As these capabilities are needed, a BRIM can be added to any
BRIM-capable device. This gradual upgrade path allows Network Designers to
plan ahead for the incorporation of new technologies without having to pay for
the connection until it is needed.
Types of BRIMs
There are a number of different BRIMs available, and each has different
capabilities and characteristics. The foremost of these characteristics are
summarized in Table 4-2 and the text which follows.
BRIM-E6
The BRIM-E6 provides a single Ethernet segment through an EPIM slot. This
EPIM slot may be configured with any EPIM module and operates as a normal,
bridged Ethernet interface. The BRIM provides Ethernet bridging between the
front panel EPIM slot and the BRIM interface within the device.
BRIM-E100
The BRIM-E100 operates in the same fashion as a BRIM-E6, but provides a
connection to a 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet link. The BRIM-E100 provides one front
panel EPIM-100 port which supports any of the Fast Ethernet Interface Modules.
NOTE
Before including any BRIM in a network design, consult your
Cabletron Systems Sales Representative to ensure that the
BRIM under consideration will operate properly in the device
being considered for use.