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Network Expandability 5-15
Network Design
Tracking Changes
Your network maps will be used for keeping track of a large amount of
information, which will naturally change over time. As the network grows or is
altered, the devices that make up the network will change, new workgroups will
be added, segmented off from larger workgroups or combined with smaller ones.
It is, therefore, important to keep track of the changes made to the network, and
the network map is a good place to do this.
A network map that indicates a patch panel, punchdown block, or breakout box
should identify that patch panel by a numerical or alphabetical code. This code
should indicate a patch panel chart, which can be referred to for connection
information.
Any network device which appears on the general network map should be
identified by some short and easily read code. This code refers to a separate list of
the actual type of device. For example, the network map might show a diamond
shape with “B882” written in it. A look at the chart or table of devices associated
with this map indicates that the “B” in the code indicates a bridge, and bridge
“882” is a standalone 2-port Cabletron Systems Ethernet bridge, NBR-220. If in the
future this device is upgraded, the map can remain the same, but the device code
table or chart can be changed. If, for example, the NBR-220 was upgraded to an
Ethernet switch in a small chassis, the chart entry for “B882” could be changed to
read “Cabletron Systems ESXMIM 6-port Ethernet switch in MMAC-M3FNB
small modular chassis” without requiring any changes to the overall network
map.
Network Expandability
Networks tend to grow. As businesses change and networking capabilities
become more and more a part of the business process, networks grow in size or
complexity and capability. For this reason, it is important, in any network, to plan
for future expansion.
Expansion does not only mean being able to increase the total port count;
expandability includes the later incorporation of new and future technologies,
increasing the power, speed, and reliability of the network.
The Cabletron Systems PLUS architecture, a key component in the design of the
MMAC, MMAC-Plus, and MicroMMAC device families, is an effort to make
planning for the future easier. By providing the capability for advanced
functionality to be included as it is needed, the PLUS architecture smooths the
upgrade and expansion path. For information on the various aspects of the PLUS
architecture, contact your Cabletron Systems Sales Representative.