Token Ring: 16MBps Over Synoptics UTP


Article Change History
----------------------
02/09/93 - UPDATED
* h-athree Systems, Corp. now Asante Technologies, Inc.


Is there a solution for connecting our Macintosh II series to a 16MBps
Token Ring to an IBM system? We have a Synoptics Model 3000 concentrator
(Lattisnet) on unshielded twisted pair, and we would like to connect our
Macintosh computers to this Token Ring to do 3270 terminal emulation and
DFT.

Synoptics confirmed that its Model 300 Concentrator supports 16MBps Token
Ring. You will need the UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Token Ring Host
Module model 3505.

On the Macintosh, you need one of the following Token Ring adapters:

- Tri-Data LanWay 16/4 Family: This is a 16/4 Token Ring (IEEE 802.5) LAN
option that consists of two adapters--one for the Macintosh SE/30, and
one for the Macintosh II family. Equipped with the Texas Instruments
TMS380C16 Token Ring Processor, the LanWay Token Ring card can operate
at both 16MBps and 4MBps in a single adapter. Software switches the
card between the two speeds. For high-performance operations, Tri-Data
Systems provides 128K of onboard RAM for multiple transmit and receive
operations. The board is TokenTalk compatible, so all AppleTalk LAN
operations are compatible with the cards.

- Asante Technologies (formerly h-three Systems, Corp.) MacRing NB 16/4: This
is an expansion card (with firmware and software) that connects Macintosh II
computers to 16MBps or 4MBps Token Ring networks. The card's speed is
hardware- or software-selectable. MacRing NB 16/4 supports third-party
software for 3270 connectivity to IBM mainframes and 5250 connectivity to IBM
midrange systems over Token Ring networks. It supports AppleTalk Phase 2,
IEEE 802.2 LLC (Types 1 and 2) and IEEE 802.5 Token Ring protocols. It
supports the Apple LLC IPC interface and IBM source routing. The package
consists of the MacRing NB 16/4 expansion card, software, and downloadable
firmware on a 3.5-inch disk, a user's guide and a one-year warranty.

You will also need a 4/15MB Medial Filter, such as those offered by Black
Box. The media filter connects the Macintosh computers to the MAUs or the
Synoptics Token Ring Host Module. It converts the Macintosh's DB-9
connector to a twisted-pair RJ-45 connection.

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Published Date: Feb 18, 2012