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CrossFire 8600/8605 Token-Ring Switches v. 1.2, P/N: 710001641 Overview and Specifications
Switching Technology
Demand for network bandwidth continues to grow, driven by the increasing
number of systems used in network-intensive applications. LAN segmentation has
been the prevalent method for addressing these demands and has been further
popularized by trends toward server centralization. However, the implementation
costs of LAN segmentation, as well as the real performance characteristics of
conventional network components, have served to limit growth of some Token-
Ring networks. Alternative technologies for addressing bandwidth demands
present yet other inhibitors, usually relating to costs. Token-Ring switching
provides users with an easy, cost-effective technique for addressing these demands.
Token-Ring switches, such as the CrossFire 8600 and the CrossFire 8605, increase
throughput between Token-Ring segments by supporting simultaneous, parallel
conversations. Switched connections between Token-Ring segments last only for
the duration of the packet—new connections can be made between different
segments for the next packet.
Token-Ring switches solve congestion problems caused by high-bandwidth
devices and powerful applications as well as the number of users. Therefore, each
of these devices—servers, for example—can be assigned its own 16 Mbps segment.
In Token-Ring networks, the major bottleneck is typically the throughput to high-
bandwidth devices such as servers, and between routers, bridges, and switches. An
effective solution is full-duplex communication, an option for each segment
connected to a CrossFire 8600 or a CrossFire 8605 port. Normally, Token-Ring
operates in half-duplex communication mode, which means stations can either
receive or transmit. With full-duplex technology, two communicating stations can
transmit and receive at the same time. When packets can flow in both directions
simultaneously, effective Token-Ring bandwidth doubles from 16 Mbps to 32 Mbps.
The CrossFire 8600 and the CrossFire 8605 can forward Token-Ring frames among
multiple, shared or dedicated Token-Ring LAN segments. Using a frame
forwarding technique similar to that of a multiport Token-Ring transparent bridge,
the switch uses Token-Ring MAC addresses to forward Token-Ring frames from
any of its ports to any other.
Switch of Switches
The CrossFire 8600 and the CrossFire 8605 can be deployed in a variety of network
configurations, all of which provide a significant increase in network performance.
The series of Olicom Token-Ring products allows users to build network systems
that can transport data efficiently and scale upwards as throughput requirements
increase. The switches deliver high-reliability and media flexibility. These features
combine to allow the switches to be used as a switch of switches which provides
media flexibility in an Token-Ring configuration.