Cabletron Systems MMAC-Plus 9T122-24 User manual

MMAC-Plus
™
9T122-24
Three Port Token Ring
MicroLAN
™
Switch Module
User’s Guide

i
Notice
Notice
Cabletron Systems reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information
contained in this document without prior notice. The reader should in all cases consult Cabletron
Systems to determine whether any such changes have been made.
The hardware, firmware, or software described in this manual is subject to change without notice.
IN NO EVENT SHALL CABLETRON SYSTEMS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO LOST PROFITS) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS MANUAL OR THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN IT, EVEN IF CABLETRON SYSTEMS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF, KNOWN, OR
SHOULD HAVE KNOWN, THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
© Copyright June 1995 by:
Cabletron Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 5005
Rochester, NH 03867-0505
All Rights Reserved
Printed in the United States of America
Order Number: 9031206-01 June 95
SPECTRUM , Remote LANVIEW and LANVIEW are registered trademarks and MMAC-Plus and
MicroLAN are trademarks of Cabletron Systems, Inc.

ii
Notice
FCC Notice
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment uses, generates, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed in
accordance with the operator’s manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the user
will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
WARNING: Changes or modifications made to this device which are not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
VCCI Notice
This equipment is in the 1st Class Category (information equipment to be used in commercial and/or
industrial areas) and conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference
by Information Technology Equipment (VCCI) aimed at preventing radio interference in commercial
and/or industrial areas.
Consequently, when used in a residential area or in an adjacent area thereto, radio interference may be
caused to radios and TV receivers, etc.
Read the instructions for correct handling.

iii
Notice
DOC Notice
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables
aux appareils numériques de la class A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique
édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

v
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
Features........................................................................................................................... 1-1
Related Manuals............................................................................................................ 1-4
Getting Help .................................................................................................................. 1-4
Chapter 2 Installation
Installing the MicroLAN Module............................................................................... 2-1
The Reset Switch ........................................................................................................... 2-3
User Accessible Components ...................................................................................... 2-4
Setting the Module Card DIP Switch ......................................................................... 2-5
Ring Speed ..................................................................................................................... 2-7
Multi-Ring Out Capability...........................................................................................2-7
Chapter 3 Operation
Bridging.......................................................................................................................... 3-1
Transparent Bridging............................................................................................. 3-2
Source Route Bridging .......................................................................................... 3-2
Spanning Tree Algorithm...................................................................................... 3-3
Flexible Network Bus (FNB)........................................................................................ 3-4
System Management Buses ......................................................................................... 3-4
SMB-1 Bus ............................................................................................................... 3-4
SMB-10 Bus ............................................................................................................. 3-4
System Diagnostic Controller...................................................................................... 3-5
DC/DC Converter ........................................................................................................ 3-5
FNB Interface................................................................................................................. 3-5
i960 Core......................................................................................................................... 3-5
Chapter 4 LANVIEW LEDs
Chapter 5 Specifications
Safety............................................................................................................................... 5-1
Service............................................................................................................................. 5-1
Physical........................................................................................................................... 5-2
Dimensions ............................................................................................................. 5-2
Weight...................................................................................................................... 5-2
Electrical ......................................................................................................................... 5-2

1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
The 9T122-24 MicroLAN™ Switch Module, shown in Figure 1-1, is a three port
Token Ring bridge and router module. This module supports either one token
ring with twenty four HUB connections, or two separate Token Rings with twelve
HUB connections, and an interface to the FNB backplane.
Features
Processor
The 9T122-24 is equipped with an advanced Intel i960 microprocessor. This
microprocessor provides a platform for all management functions within a
scalable RISC-based architecture.
System Management
Interfaces to the two System Management Buses (SMB-1 and SMB-10) for
intermodule management.
Connectivity
The 9T122-24 provides twenty four RJ-45 Trunk Coupling Unit (TCU) lobe
connectors. The connectors may be configured as one twenty four port ring
(default) or two twelve ports rings.
Bridging/Routing
Bridging/Routing between the front panel Token Ring connections and/or to any
other module in the chassis via FNB -1 or FNB -2 of the FNB bus. The module is
capable of Transparent Bridging or Source Route Bridging. IEEE 802.1d Spanning
Tree Protocol is supported in all bridging functions. Translational bridging
between Source Routing and Transparent Frames types is also performed.

Introduction
1-2
Management Information Base (MIB) Support
The 9T122-24 module provides MIB support including:
• IETF MIB II (RFC 1213)
• IETF RMON MIB (RFC 1271 and 1513)
• IETF Bridge MIBs (RFC 1493 and 1525)
• IEEE 802.5 Token Ring MIB (RFC 1231)
• Cabletron Enterprise MIBs
Ring Security
This feature prevents unauthorized stations from attaching to the ring. Using
Local or Remote Management, the module may be configured as to which MAC
addresses are allowed to operate on the ring.
Multi-Ring Out Capability
With this feature any port of the module may be configured as a ring-out port
through management software. In this configuration a stand-alone passive
concentrator (such as an IBM 8228 MAU) may be added to the ring.
Telnet
A telnet session can be set up with the module to provide access to the Local
Management screens.
LANVIEW LEDs
The 9T122-24 use LANVIEW – the Cabletron Systems built-in visual diagnostic
and status monitoring system. With LANVIEW LEDs, you can quickly identify
the device, port, and physical layer status at a glance.
Hot Swapping
The 9T122-24 can be installed or removed from the chassis while the MMAC-Plus
is powered up without affecting the operation of the remaining modules in the
chassis.
For a complete list of supported MIBs, refer to the release notes provided in
the module package.
NOTE

1-3
Features
Figure 1-1. The 9T122-24 MicroLAN Module
9T122-24
TOKEN RING
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
FNB
SMB CPU
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
16 Mb
MMAC PLUS

Introduction
1-4
Related Manuals
The manuals listed below should be used to supplement the procedures and
technical data contained in this manual.
MMAC-Plus Installation Guide
MMAC-Plus Operations Guide
MMAC-Plus 9C300-1 Environmental Module User’s Guide
MMAC-Plus 9C214-1 AC Power Supply User’s Guide
MMAC-Plus Local Management User’s Guide
Getting Help
If you need additional support with the MMAC-Plus, or if you have any
questions, comments or suggestions concerning this manual, feel free to contact
Cabletron Systems Technical Support:
By phone: [phone]
By CompuServe: GO CTRON from any ! prompt
By Internet mail: [email protected]
By mail: Cabletron Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 5005
Rochester, NH 03867-0505

2-1
Chapter 2
Installation
Installing the MicroLAN Module
The MMAC-Plus MicroLAN Module may be installed into any of the 14 slots that
are available. To install, follow the steps below:
1. Switch off the power supplies and remove all power from the MMAC-Plus
chassis.
2. Remove the blank panels, covering the slots that the module is being
mounted in. All other slots must be covered, if modules are not being
installed, to ensure proper airflow and cooling.
3. Carefully remove the module from the shipping box. (Save the box and
packing materials in the event the module must be reshipped.)
4. Attach one end of the ESD wrist strap packaged with the MMAC-Plus chassis
to your wrist. Plug the other end into the ESD Wrist Strap Grounding
receptacle in the lower right corner of the MMAC-Plus Chassis shown in
Figure 2-1.
5. Remove the module from the plastic bag. Observe all precautions to prevent
damage from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
6. Carefully examine the module, checking for damage. If any damage exists,
DO NOT install the module. Contact Cabletron Systems Technical Support
immediately.
7. The modules are installed into the chassis by sliding them into slots and
locking down both the top and bottom plastic tabs, as shown in Figure 2-1.
Take care that the module slides in straight and engages the backplane
connectors properly. When installing the module, ensure that both circuit
cards are between the card guides, as shown in Figure 2-1. Check both the
upper and lower tracks of both cards.

Installation
2-2
Figure 2-1. Installing the MicroLAN Module
7
FLNK
8
FLNK
FLNK
10
FLNK
INS
11
FLNK
INS
12
RX
TX
RX
TX
RX
Circuit Card
Card Guides
Metal Back-Panel
Jack for ESD
wrist strap
Warning:
Ensure that the circuit card is between the card guides.
Lock down the top and bottom plastic tabs
at the same time, applying even pressure.

2-3
The Reset Switch
The Reset Switch
The Reset switch is located on the front panel, under the top plastic tab as shown
in Figure 2-2. It serves two functions:
• Pressing the reset switch twice within three seconds causes the processor (i960)
to reset.
• Pressing and holding the switch on for three or more seconds causes the
module to shutdown. Pressing and holding again for three seconds restarts the
module.
SNMP management may be used to disable this switch to enhance module
security.
Figure 2-2. The Reset Switch
SMB
CPU
Reset Switch

Installation
2-4
User Accessible Components
Figure 2-3 shows the various components that are accessible to the user. These
consist of an eight position dip switch (explained in the next section), replaceable
PROMs and sockets for RAM. These will be used for future upgrades.
Figure 2-3. User Accessible Components
SMB-1 PROM
i960 Processor
Flash SIMM
Socket
DIP Switch
Boot PROM
Local Program Memory
SIMM Socket
Shared Packet
Memory SIMM

2-5
Setting the Module Card DIP Switch
Setting the Module Card DIP Switch
An eight switch DIP switch is located on the module card as shown in position 8
in Figure 2-3 and in Figure 2-4. The function of the switches are listed in Table 2-1.
Figure 2-4. Location of Module DIP Switch
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Installation
2-6
See the Cautions at the end of this table.
Table 2-1. Function of DIP Switch
Switch Function Description
8Clear
Password
1
When toggled, this switch clears user-entered
passwords stored in NVRAM, and restores the
default passwords. Once reset you can use the
defaults or enter new passwords.
7Clear
NVRAM
2
The module uses NVRAM to store user
entered parameters such as IP addresses,
device name, etc. To reset these parameters to
the factory defaults, toggle this switch. Once
reset you can use the defaults or enter new
parameters which are stored in NVRAM when
the module is powered down, and remain
there until the switch is toggled again.
6Force BootP
Download
Toggling this switch after pulling the board
out of the MMAC-Plus, clears download
information from NVRAM and forces image
files to be downloaded from the station
configured to act as that modules’ BOOTP
server.
5 Reserved For Factory Use Only
4 Reserved For Factory Use Only
3 Reserved For Factory Use Only
2 Reserved For Factory Use Only
1Ring
Configuration Off= One ring of 24 ports (factory default) On = two rings of 12 ports each
1. Caution: Do not toggle Switch 8 unless you intend to reset the user
configured passwords to their factory default settings.
2. Caution: Do not toggle Switch 7 unless you intend to reset the user
parameters to the factory default settings.
!
CAUTION

2-7
Ring Speed
Ring Speed
The module defaults to a 16Mbps ring speed on all rings. This may be changed
though local management.
Multi-Ring Out Capability
Any port of the module may be configured as a ring-out port through
management software. In this configuration a stand-alone passive concentrator
(such as an IBM 8228) may be added to the ring as shown in Figure 2-5. This
allows for a star-wired network with the MMAC-Plus at the center. Consult the
MMAC-Plus Local Management Guide for information on configuring the ports.
Figure 2-5. Using a Ring-Out Port
9T122-24
TOKEN RING
G
R
O
U
P
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
FNB
SMB CPU
12
9T122-24
IBM 8228™
STP Cable

3-1
Chapter 3
Operation
The 9T122-24 MicroLAN Module provides connectivity between the front panel
Token Ring(s) and the FDDI rings on the backplane (FNB-1 or FNB-2).
MMAC-Plus modules connect to either the Internal Network Bus (INB) or the
Flexible Network Bus (FNB) bus. The 9T122-24 module connects to the FNB bus.
Shown in Figure 3-1 is a block diagram of the module. The front panel may be
configured as one Token Ring (factory default) or as two rings. In the two ring
configuration, the rings function as individual networks, each with twelve ports.
Bridging/Routing may occur between these two rings and/or to any other
MMAC-Plus module via the Flexible Network Bus.
Figure 3-1. 9T122-24 Block Diagram
Bridging
The 9T122-24 is configured for SRT bridging. It will pass SR (Source Routing)
frames between the rings and provides translation to transparent frames over the
FNB to Ethernet and FDDI modules. For information on configuring the bridging
function, see the addendum to the MMAC-Plus Local Management User’s Guide,
containing information specific to this model.
i960 PLUS Core FNB-1 or
FNB-2
System
Diagnostic
Controller SMB-10
SMB-1
DC/DC
Converter
Twelve
Front Panel
Connections
Twelve
Front Panel
Connections

Operation
3-2
Transparent Bridging
Transparent Bridging is accomplished by building a Source Address Table (SAT)
from source MAC/physical addresses and using the SAT to make forwarding
decisions.
The 9T122-24 prevents unnecessary network traffic from passing through the
module by implementing two separate filtering processes — IEEE 802.1d or
Cabletron’s Special Filtering Database. These processes may be used individually
or in tandem.
The first process, the IEEE 802.1D filtering process, begins with the creation of a
list of local node addresses in a table (the SAT). When the 9T122-24 first goes on-
line, it initially forwards all packets across the bridge. After receiving a packet on
the bridge port, the 9T122-24 learns the address of the sending node from the
packet and stores that address in the SAT. In this manner, the bridge learns the
address of each node on each side of the bridge. The bridge then uses the
addresses stored in the table to compare the destination address of each
subsequent packet that travels to the bridge. If the destination address of a packet
resides on the bridge segment, the 9T122-24 does not forward across the Token
Ring link.
The second filtering process, the Cabletron Systems Special Filtering Database,
provides an additional step in the filter/forward decision. Through Remote
Management, you can define up to 10 additional filtering parameters for
incoming network traffic. These parameters include (but are not limited to) the:
• destination address
• source address
• type field (protocol)
• 64 bytes of the data field (using a data offset)
For example, using this process, you can ensure that the 9T122-24 always filters or
forwards packets with a specific protocol or address.
Source Route Bridging
Source Route Bridging operates by transmitting frames over a designated route.
Unlike Transparent Bridging, all devices in a Source Route Bridged (SRB) network
“know” the locations of other stations within the network. Using a portion of the
MAC frame header known as the RIF (Routing Information Field), the source
device determines the route for the frames it sends.
In order for source routing to work, the source station must determine the proper
route to reach the desired destination. To accomplish this:
1. The source station sends out frames called All Route Explorer (ARE) or Single
Route Explorer (SRE) frames onto the network. All Source Route Bridges
recognize these frames and forwards them to their outbound ports.

3-3
Bridging
2. The receiving bridges append their own route information to the Route
Information Field (RIF) in the MAC frame header and transmit the frame
again.
3. Eventually, the original source device receives all of the ARE replies from the
other end stations on the network.
4. From this information, the source device can determine a desired route for
each frame it transmits.
SpanningTree Algorithm
The 9T122-24 promotes maximum network use in multiple bridge environments.
A bridge learns the bridge topology of its network from bridge protocol data that
it receives from other bridges within the network. The bridges then apply the
Spanning Tree Algorithm (STA) to select a root bridge, and then determine
primary data paths within potential data loop configurations.
Spanning Tree Algorithm is a hierarchy (or tree) of priorities that bridges establish
between themselves. This hierarchy guarantees that primary and redundant data
paths are clearly defined at all times, so that the network is continuously available
to users.
In a multiple bridge environment, one bridge in the network establishes itself as
the root bridge. As the root, this bridge has priority over all other bridges. In a
Spanning Tree, all of the bridges must determine which bridge is the root, and
then determine their own relative priority within the network.

Operation
3-4
Flexible Network Bus (FNB)
The FNB consists of two dual FDDI networks, the FNB-1 and FNB-2, providing
up to 400 Mbps of data bandwidth. These FDDI networks are 100% ANSI
FDDI-compliant supporting SMT (version 7.3), MAC, PHY, and PMD standards.
This allows the FNB to traverse multiple MMAC-Plus hubs, or connect to any
ANSI FDDI-compliant device, through standard A/B port connections, using the
FDDI repeater module.
System Management Buses
There are two management channels within the MMAC-Plus system: the SMB-1
and the SMB-10. These buses provide out-of-band management and inter-module
management communication.
SMB-1 Bus
The SMB-1 is a 1Mbs management bus located within the MMAC-Plus. This bus
is utilized by all diagnostic controllers in the system including connectivity
modules, power supply modules and the environmental module. The SMB-1
transports inter-chassis information between system components, such as power
and environmental information, as well as diagnostic messages. Periodic
loop-back test are preformed by all modules which share this bus to ensure the
validity of SMB-1. In the event a failure is detected on SMB-1, the SMB-10 may be
used as an alternate communication channel.
SMB-10 Bus
The SMB-10 is a 10Mbs management bus located within the MMAC-Plus which is
also used for inter-chassis communication of modules as well as serving as an
out-of-band management channel into the MMAC-Plus. The SMB-10 is
externalized from the chassis via an optional Ethernet Port Interface Module
(EPIM) located on the front of the Environmental Module. Through an EPIM
connection, full SNMP management of the MMAC-Plus is available out-of-band
from user data. Modules which share the SMB-10 bus periodically send out loop-
back packets to ensure the validity of SMB-10. In the event a fault is detected on
the SMB-10, the SMB-1 can be used as an alternate communication channel by the
modules.