The LinkBuilder FMS II Bridge/Management Module (3C16040)

Product Overview

The Bridge/Management Module is a two port IEEE 802.1 D Revision 9 compliant bridge, which has been designed to slot into the FMS II product range. One port (i.e. the Internal Bridge Port) is connected to the FMS bus. The other port (i.e. the External Bridge Port) connects the bridge to the external network.

In addition to the bridging functionality, the Bridge/Management Module also provides facilities to manage the FMS II repeater functionality. SmartAgent software in the Bridge/Management Module automatically gathers and collates information about the stack.

The Bridge/Management Module supports the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). As well as supporting in-band management via SNMP and a network link, the Bridge/Management Module has a serial port which allows out-of-band management.

The Bridge/Management Module performs the following functions:

Bridge Operation

• Network Segmentation

  Using a process known as Address-Based Filtering of Frames, a bridge can reduce network overload by preventing the unnecessary passing of MAC frames from one side of the bridge to the other.

  Network segmentation reduces unnecessary use of the bandwidth and can greatly increase network performance. Network segmentation also enables you to set up workgroups.

• Resilience

  The Bridge/Management Module supports the Spanning Tree Algorithm and Protocol (known simply as Spanning Tree). Spanning Tree detects and eliminates loops created by duplicate paths between network nodes. If more than one path exists, Spanning Tree ensures that only one of the paths is active. The inactive path acts as a backup path to provide resilience against bridge failure and network failure. When the Spanning Tree detects a path or bridge failure it automatically activates the backup path or bridge.

• Increased Network Integrity

  The bridge halts the propagation of certain errors around the network, e.g. illegal frames. The bridge will discard frames received with detected errors and excessive broadcast traffic.

• LAN Extension

  The bridge increases the physical extent of the LAN (Local Area Network) by connecting two adjacent IEEE 802.3 LANs to form one Extended LAN. The bridge supports 'Transparent Bridging' as defined by the IEEE 802.1 D Revision 9 standard.

Network Management

• Configuration

  The management facilities provided by the Bridge/Management Module offer you the opportunity to change the set up and configuration of FMS II stacks.

• Performance Monitoring

  The FMS II network performance monitoring facilities enable you to perform forward planning and early fault detection.

• Resilience

  In addition to the resilience provided by the Spanning Tree, FMS repeater ports can also be configured to provide resilient links. When the main link in the resilient link pair fails a standby link will automatically come into operation to ensure that data loss is minimized.

• Security

  The Bridge/Management Module provides security measures which prevent unwanted access to the FMS II management facilities, i.e. each user is assigned an access level that determines which management parameters the user can view or modify.

• Status Monitoring

  The operating status of the FMS II unit can be monitored using the management facilities of the Bridge/Management Module. The operating status of other devices on the network can be monitored using the Remote Poll facility.
   

How This Bridge Works

The bridge connects two adjacent IEEE 802.3 LANs to form one Extended LAN. The bridge uses 'Transparent Bridging' as defined by the IEEE 802.1 D Revision 9 standard.

A bridge examines the source addresses of frames received on its ports to build up a picture of which devices are situated on which port. The bridge maintains a Filtering Database, which contains the source MAC Address and the port on which the frame was received.

The bridge examines the destination addresses of the received frames and compares them to addresses held in the Filtering Database.

If a destination address does not match any of the addresses in the Filtering Database, the bridge forwards the frame.

If the address is matched, the port identifier kept along with that address is compared to the port identifier for the received frame. The comparison is made to determine whether the sending device is on the same port as the destination device. If the port identifier is the same (e.g. the sending and destination device are both accessed via the External Bridge Port) the frame is not forwarded to the other port. In this case the frame is said to be 'filtered'. Local traffic is therefore restricted and not passed over the bridge to the rest of the network.

If the port identifier is different (i.e. the destination device is accessed via a different bridge port to the one on which the frame was received) the frame will be forwarded to the other port.

The bridge also examines the source address of a received frame and compares it to addresses in the Filtering Database. If the source address is not already in the Filtering Database, the bridge adds it. In this way the bridge is said to 'learn' the addresses of the devices on the network.
 

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LinkBuilder Repeaters and ISOLAN Transceivers

Simple links for extending Ethernet segments

3Com LinkBuilder Repeaters and ISOLAN Transceivers add cost-effective flexibility to your Ethernet LAN, supporting connections for the full range of Ethernet media. You can use them to link network segments or to make connections between small LANs and network backbones.

3Com's LinkBuilder® Repeaters and ISOLAN® Transceivers are the simplest, most economical building blocks for putting together Ethernet LANs. These space-saving units provide connections for thick and thin coaxial, twisted-pair,fiber Ethernet segments, and backbones. The repeaters and transceivers may be used independently, or in combination with any 3Com Ethernet hub or internet-working device to achieve seamless, standards-compliant Ethernet operability.

Key Benefits:

LinkBuilder Repeaters

• Support for AUI/AUI, AUI/fiber (with ST connectors), and AUI/BNC connections makes it simple to link diverse media types.
• To connect a third segment of any media type, just insert an optional Transceiver Interface Module.
• Units take up a minimum of space and are designed with the fewest components possible to ensure reliable, problem-free operation. Faulty segments are automatically partitioned for added reliability.
• A full complement of diagnostic LEDs indicate power status, packet reception, collisions, port partitioning, and fiber link status.
• Reliable design is backed by a lifetime warranty.

ISOLAN Transceivers

• Support for unshielded and shielded twisted-pair, fiber (ST), and thick and thin coaxial connections maximizes configuration options.
• A Fan-out unit allows up to 64 users to access a segment through a single AUI transceiver connection.
• For even more flexibility, a converter is available for linking 10BASE-T through IBM® Type 1 wiring.
• Transceivers offer full IEEE 802.3 compatibility and reliability (MTBF of up to 600 years).
• Most models incorporate diagnostic LEDs for straightforward monitoring.

The LinkBuilder Repeater Family

LinkBuilder Repeaters let you cost-effectively incorporate any combination of media types into your LAN. They also regenerate the Ethernet signal to prevent degradation and extend network distances.

With the addition of a 3Com BNC, AUI, fan-out, fiber, or twisted-pair Transceiver Interface Module, configuring a third segment is fast and simple. In addition, you can use a Transceiver Interface Module as a convenient backbone link.

A complete set of diagnostic LEDs are incorporated into each of the repeaters, making monitoring and installation easier. To ensure uptime, the repeater automatically partitions faulty segments and reconnects them after the fault is corrected.

LinkBuilder AUI/AUI Repeater (3C16200)

The LinkBuilder AUI/AUI Repeater provides a simple way of connecting up to three segments of an Ethernet LAN. Two AUI ports are built in, and a Transceiver Interface Module or an external transceiver can be attached for more media connections.

For the exterior transceiver connections, 3Com's ISOLAN Transceivers provide low-cost, reliable links to any media.

LinkBuilder AUI/Fiber Repeater (3C16505)

Conforming fully to the vendor-independent Fiber Optic Inter-Repeater Link (FOIRL) standard, the LinkBuilder AUI/ Fiber Repeater is most often used to create inter-building links.

It offers a convenient means of connecting devices or segments to a fiber-optic backbone using a standard AUI cable, allowing fiber segments of up to 2 kilometers (1.25 miles).

The LinkBuilder AUI/Fiber Repeater is available with ST connections and accommodates all popular sizes of optical fiber. It provides the required resilience and immunity to electrical and radio frequency interference. LEDs show collisions, packet reception, partitioning on both the AUI and fiber ports, plus power and fiber RX Link OK indication.

LinkBuilder AUI/BNC Repeater (3C16210)

The AUI/BNC Repeater interconnects a thin Ethernet segment to a second segment using any of the major media types--thick or thin Ethernet, optical fiber, or twisted-pair-- via an external transceiver connected to the AUI port.

Like the other LinkBuilder Repeaters, the AUI/BNC repeater accepts a Transceiver Interface Module to enable connection to a third segment or a backbone.

Typical applications for this repeater include linking a thin Ethernet segment to a thick Ethernet backbone, or connecting small isolated networks to larger environments. It is most often used for expanding a thin Ethernet network.

LinkBuilder Repeaters support fiber, as well as thin and thick Ethernet cabling.

The ISOLAN Transceiver Family

A transceiver converts between an AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) Ethernet connection and another type of cabling. There is an ISOLAN Transceiver model for every Ethernet media type. Compact and easy to install, the ISOLAN Transceivers have a mean time between failure (MTBF) of up to 600 years to ensure uninterrupted operation and availability.

To simplify diagnostics, the transceivers feature diagnostic LEDs that may include power-on, transmit, receive, link status, and polarity.

ISOLAN TP Transceiver (3C1681-0)

The ISOLAN TP Transceiver is a micro-transceiver for twisted-pair connections that measures just 6.7 cm deep by 4.4 cm wide (2.66 by 1.75 inches). It provides a compact, convenient link to a PC or other network device operating in either a shielded or unshielded 10BASE-T LAN environment. In addition, the TP Transceiver is configurable for operation with some pre-10BASE- T standard equipment. It supports extended distances up to 150 meters (492 feet).

The ISOLAN Coaxial Transceiver is available with cable-piercing, N-series, or BNC taps to suit all types of Ethernet coaxial cable. The BNC connector is shown here.

ISOLAN Fiber Optic Micro Transceiver (3C1680-5)

Fiber-optic technology offers significant advantages over conventional cabling, including noise immunity and increased security. The ISOLAN Fiber Optic Micro Transceiver fully exploits these advantages. This transceiver offers a simple-to-install fiber-optic interface using a pair of standard ST connectors supporting 50/125µm, 62.5/125µm, 85/125µm, or 100/140µm fiber types. It supports the full 10BASE-FL inter-transceiver/repeater distance of 2 km (1.25 miles). A Link-OK/Loss of Light LED warns when the signal is weak or the cable is broken.

The ISOLAN Fiber Optic Transceiver accommodates ST connectors.

ISOLAN Coaxial Transceiver (3C1114-0, 3C1114-1, 3C1114-2, 3C1114-3)

The ISOLAN Coaxial Transceiver (3C1114-0) is available with three different types of connections. For flexibility, connections are interchangeable on the basic unit.

• On the 3C1114-1 version, a cable-piercing AMP tap lets you add or remove devices from a 10BASE5 thick Ethernet LAN without interrupting network operation.
• On the 3C1114-2 version, an N-series tap screws into the corresponding halves on a 10BASE5 cable that has been terminated using male N-type connectors.
• On the 3C1114-3 version, a BNC tap is used with 10BASE2 thin Ethernet cable.

The ISOLAN TP Transceiver is a small, light-weight device that allows convenient direct connections to shielded and unshielded 10BASE-T twisted-pair cabling.

ISOLAN Fan Out (3C1131-0)

Using AUI connectors, the ISOLAN Fan Out multiport transceiver allows up to 64 users to be cascaded from one Ethernet connection. Each Fan Out has one female AUI and seven male AUI connections. It can be used as a standalone device or integrated into the backbone as part of a complete LAN solution.

ISOLAN IBM/10BASE-T Converter (3C1682-0)

To provide additional cabling options, the ISOLAN IBM/10BASE-T Converter allows standard 10BASE-T transceivers and adapters to be used with the IBM Type 1 Cabling System. The device converts from an IBM data connector to an RJ-45 connector, permitting standard 10BASE-T connections to the desktop.

Other 3Com Products for Optimizing Ethernet LANs

3Com offers a complete line of products for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks. These include industry-leading network adapters, repeaters, transceivers, wiring hubs, switching hubs, bridges, routers, terminal servers, and integrated management. The following LinkBuilder Ethernet hubs interoperate with and extend the functionality of LinkBuilder Repeaters and ISOLAN Transceivers:

Unmanaged Hubs 3Com's unmanaged Ethernet hubs provide high-quality connectivity solutions at entry level prices for smaller Ethernet networks that don't require comprehensive management.

OfficeConnect 8/TPO and 8/TPC Hubs. The entry-level OfficeConnect Hub 8/TPO and 8/TPC provide eight twisted-pair ports along with simple LEDs for network monitoring. Using an MDI-MDIX switch on the eighth port, the OfficeConnect Hubs permit connection of up to four hubs in a series. The 8/TPC model also includes a ninth, coaxial port.

LinkBuilder TP/12 provides 12 RJ-45 10BASE-T ports and one port for a backbone connection using an optional Transceiver Interface Module. To improve performance, you can segment the LAN quickly and easily with this hub using a slide-in LinkBuilder Bridge MicroModule.

Managed Ethernet Hub OfficeConnect Hub 8/TPM offers powerful SNMP management functions, including full RMON support via an embedded SNMP SmartAgent. Bundled with 3Com's Transcend Quick Configuration Manager for easy installation, the Hub 8/TPM is perfect for networks requiring more extensive management and convenient future expandability.

The TPM hub is supported by 3Com's Transcend (TM) management applications running on your choice of Windows ® or UNIX ® management platform.

SuperStack II Hub 10 is a stackable hub that is ideal for environments where expansion, flexibility, resilience, and "need to know" security are important. As part of 3Com's SuperStack II architecture, the hubs can be stacked with other network devices, including up to eight SuperStack II Hub 10 hubs that yield a total of up to 208 Ethernet ports per stack. SuperStack II Hub 10 hubs offer full media connectivity, built-in resilient links, a data security option, and comprehensive RMON (Remote Monitoring) based management. In addition to its optional LANswitching Management Module, the hub can accommodate a Bridge MicroModule for local bridging.

This diagram shows how 3Com repeaters and transceivers can be used to link a variety of Ethernet media in a corporate LAN environment. A Fiber-Optic Transceiver Interface Module in each LinkBuilder Repeater connects all thick and thin Ethernet segments to the fiber backbone. An interrepeater distance of up to 2 km makes the AUI/Fiber Repeater ideal for links between buildings. On the top floor of Building 1, ISOLAN Transceivers connect nodes over thick Ethernet cable.

Specifications

Repeater Electrical

• Power Supply
• 85 to 264 VAC, 50-60 Hz
• Power Consumption
• AUI/AUI: 19.2W
• AUI/Fiber: 18W
• AUI/BNC: 17.3W
• Power Inlet
• IEC320
• Fuse Protection
• 2A
• Heat Dissipation/Hr
• AUI/AUI: 19.2W/65.5 BTU
• AUI/Fiber: 18W/61.4 BTU
• AUI/BNC: 17.3W/59 BTU

Transceiver Electrical

• Power from DTE Interface
• TP: 12V-15V DC
• Fiber: 11V-16V DC
• Coaxial: 12V-16V DC
• Power Drawn from AUI (Nominal)
• TP: 250mA
• Fiber: 250mA
• Coaxial: 210mA
• Power Drawn from AUI (Peak)
• 500mA

Repeater Environmental Ranges

• Operating Temperature
• 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)
• Storage Temperature
• 0° to 158° F (-18° to 70° C)
• Relative Humidity (Operating)
• Up to 95% noncondensing
• Relative Humidity (Storage)
• 10% to 95% noncondensing

Transceiver Environmental Ranges

• Operating Temperature
• 32° to 122° F (0° to 50° C)
• Storage Temperature
• -72° to 158° F (-40° to 70° C)
• Relative Humidity (Operating)
• TP: up to 95% noncondensing
• Fiber: up to 95% noncondensing
• Coaxial: 10% to 90% noncondensing
• Fan-out: 10% to 95% noncondensing
• Relative Humidity (Storage)
• Up to 93% at 77° to 131° F (25° to 55° C)

Repeater Dimensions and Weight

• Width: 14.25 in/36 cm
• Height: 2.33 in/6.5 cm
• Depth: 8.75 in/22.4 cm
• Weight: 3.5 lb/ 1.6 kg

Transceiver Dimensions and Weight

• TP
• Width: 1.75 in/4.4 cm
• Height: 1 in/2.3 cm
• Depth: 2.66 in/6.7 cm
• Weight: 2 oz/ 55 g
• Fiber
• Width: 1.75 in/4.4 cm
• Height: 1 in/2.3 cm
• Depth: 3 in/7.5 cm
• Weight: 2.5 oz/ 75 g
• Coaxial
• Width: 2.75 in/6.9 cm
• Width with mating cable: AMP: 3.87 in/9.8 cm N-Series: 3.75 in/9.5 cm BNC: 3.75 in/9.5 cm
• Height: 1.25 in/3 cm
• Depth: 4.33 in/11 cm
• Weight: 6 oz/188 g
• Fan-Out
• Width: 16.7 in/42.5 cm
• Height: 3.1 in/7.78 cm
• Depth: 11.4 in/29 cm
• Weight: 8.82 lbs/4 kg

Repeater Standards Compliance

• Functional
• IEEE 802.3, ISO 8802/3
• Electromagnetic Compatibility
• EN55022 Level A, CSA 108.8, FCC 20780 15J Level A, IEC801 2/3/4/5, EN55101, VCC Class 1
• Safety
• EN60950, UL1950, CSA 22.2, #950IEEE, ECMA 97
• Environmental
• IEC68, BS2011

Transceiver Standards Compliance

• Functional
• IEEE 802.3, ISO DIS 8802/3
• Electromagnetic Compatibility
• FCC 20780 15J Level A, IEC801 2/3/4/5, VFG 234 Level B, CSA C108.8-M1983
• Safety
• EN60950, UL478, CSA 22.2, ICC 950
• Environmental
• IEC68

Repeater Reliability (MTBF calculated)

• AUI/AUI: 86,025 hours
• AUI/Fiber: 78,508 hours
• AUI/BNC: 72,903 hours

Transceiver Reliability (MTBF calculated)

• TP: 201,203 hours
• Fiber: 180,000 hours
• AUI/BNC: 392,310 hours

Repeater Media Interfaces

• AUI/AUI: 2 x AUI
• AUI/Fiber: 1 x SMA and 1 x AUI, or 1 x ST and 1 x AUI
• AUI/BNC: 1 x AUI and 1 x BNC
• All models: Optional third port via Transceiver Interface Module
• Connection to the AUI port should be through a non-SQE test transceiver only

Transceiver Media Interfaces

• TP: RJ-45
• Fiber: ST
• Coaxial: without taps, or with AMP, N-series, or BNC (thin coax) tap

Repeater Indicators

• Per Unit: power status, packet reception, collision, management, configure
• Per Port: partition, link status (fiber port only)

Transceiver Indicators

• TP: data transmitted, data received, link test, polarity
• Fiber: data transmitted, data received, link-OK/loss of light, collision
• Coaxial: power from DTE

Fiber Transceiver Optical Characteristics

• Receive Sensitivity
• 32.5dBm (average) for 10E-10 BER @ 850nm
• Dynamic Range
• 21.5dB

Mounting

• Repeaters include hardware for mounting in a standard 19-inch rack

Ordering Information

• LinkBuilder Repeaters
• LinkBuilder AUI/AUI Repeater 3C16200
• LinkBuilder AUI/Fiber Repeater (ST) 3C16505
• LinkBuilder AUI/BNC Repeater 3C16210
• Transceiver Interface Modules for Repeaters
• AUI Transceiver Interface Module (one female AUI) 3C1206-0
• Fan-Out Transceiver Interface Module (one male AUI) 3C1206-4
• Fiber-Optic Transceiver Interface Module (one pair ST) 3C1206-5
• Coaxial Transceiver Interface Module (BNC) 3C1206-6
• -TP Transceiver Interface Module (RJ-45) 3C12063
• ISOLAN Transceivers
• ISOLAN TP Transceiver 3C1681-0
• ISOLAN Fiber Optic Micro Transceiver (ST) 3C1680-5
• ISOLAN Coaxial Transceiver (without taps) 3C1114-0]
• ISOLAN Coaxial Transceiver (with cable-piercing AMP tap) 3C1114-1
• ISOLAN Coaxial Transceiver (with N-series tap) 3C1114-2
• ISOLAN Coaxial Transceiver (with BNC tap) 3C1114-3
• ISOLAN Fan Out 3C1131-0
• ISOLAN IBM/10BASE-T Converter 3C1682-0

Warranty Information

• 3Com LinkBuilder Repeaters are covered by a lifetime warranty. Power supplies and fans are warranted for one year. 3Com ISOLAN Transceivers are covered by a one year warranty. To qualify for product warranties, you must submit a registration card. Advance hardware exchange is available during the first year of the lifetime warranty; thereafter, return the product to 3Com for repair. Warranties are not offered where restricted or prohibited by law.