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DISCUSSION SynOptics' Network Utility Architecture defines local area networks as utilities, and combines three elements: connectivity, internetworking and network management. Physical layer connectivity includes access methods such as Ethernet, Token Ring and Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI). Internetworking, used in larger networks, refers to bridges and routers. Network management systems keep complex networks running reliably and efficiently. The LattisNet System 3000 provides integrated LAN data Communications, internetworking and network management functions within a single network utility. Modular components satisfy a variety of network needs. System 3000 concentrators provide a common platform to support the Network Utility Architecture. The Model 3000 Premises Concentrator and the Model 3030 Department Concentrator hold the modular components that provide basic connectivity, integrated bridging, and network management utility functions. A modular backplane supports IEEE 802.3-compatible Ethernet at 10 megabits per second (MB/s) and IEEE 802.5 Token Ring at 4MB/s and 16MB/s. System 3000 concentrators offer increased LattisNet module and port density to support more nodes with less equipment. System 3000 host modules offer network connectivity. Ethernet host modules provide media flexibility by offering twisted pair and FOIRL fiber optic interconnections. Token Ring host modules operate over twisted pair wire. Auto-partitioning functions disable port connections under specific Ethernet fault conditions to ensure network integrity. Front-panel LEDs indicate link status, partitioning, and network management activity. System 3000 Token Ring ring-in/ring-out modules connect to other Token Ring-compatible devices to create larger LANs. Ethernet retiming modules help satisfy the IEEE 802.3 repeater function. The bridge hardware and bridge management software provide integrated modular local bridging capabilities. LattisNet Ethernet local bridge modules have attachment unit interface (AUI) and fiber optic connector options to interconnect network segments and form single, transparent LattisNet networks. LattisNet local bridges filter operator-defined data packets and include a Spanning Tree Algorithm function which provides a redundant network path for rapid recovery from bridge or link failures. The network management capabilities include planning, data monitoring, problem determination and fault isolation from a centralized console. Network management modules offer AUI and fiber optic connector options. Real-time network information is displayed graphically as a network hierarchy with Expanded Views of individual concentrators. A report generator captures and stores specific data on request. LattisNet Network Management permits individual port partitioning. It also allows the network manager to set module- and port-level activity and fault thresholds based on media access control (MAC)-level parameters and statistics. LattisNet products implement IEEE 802.3-compatible Ethernet over twisted-pair wire and fiber optic cable. They also support both IEEE 802.5 Token Ring and 802.5-compatible networks over twisted-pair wire. You can find the phone number and address for SynOptics in a separate article in the Tech Info Library. |
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| Document Information | |
| Product Area: | Communications-Networking |
| Category: | Network Management |
| Sub Category: | General Topics |
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