3Com PathBuilder S200 Series, Owner'S Manual

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Bridging 37
T0008-16F Release 5.2M
Configuring the PathBuilder S200 Series Switch for Bridging Operation
Configuring Translational Bridging
Introduction
This section explains how to configure your PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch
to implement the Translational Bridging feature.
What is
Translational
Bridging
Translational Bridging allows a PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch to bridge
traffic between Ethernet and Token Ring networks. Upon receiving traffic from one
network the PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch’s Source Route translates the
data into a translational bridge format that can be used by the other network.
For Translational Bridging to function, several conditions must exist:
• The Token Ring network must conform to IEEE standard 802.5 and the
Ethernet network mst conform to 802.3.
• The PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch must contain a 4 Meg FLASH
and be using one of these software options: Option 71 to 75.
Note
In a single node, Translational Bridging performance is limited to 350 packets
per second.
Parameter
To enable Translational Bridging, you need to set the parameter Link Mode =
TRANS (in the Bridge Link Parameters Record). Also, be sure the parameter Virtual
Ring Number is set to a unique value.
Configuration
Guidelines
These factors should be considered when configuring your PathBuilder S24x, 26x,
and 27x switch for Translational Bridging:
• Only one link in a PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch can have the param-
eter Link Mode = TRANS.
• Only Bridge Link with Bridge Type = SR can have Link Mode = TRANS.
• LLC Termination is not supported between Token Ring and Ethernet when
using Translational Bridging.
• You can increase the value of the parameter Aging Period (in the Bridge
Parameters Record) to limit the relearning of the entries in the Translational
Bridging MAC Address.
For more information about configuring a PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch for
Translational Bridging, refer to the configuration example in the next section.
Configuration
Examples
Figure 18 shows an example of a PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch configured
for Translational Bridging between an Ethernet and Token Ring Network within the
same node. The records and parameters that need to be configured for Translational
Bridging are shown.
Note
In this example, the parameters in Bridge Link 1 and Bridge Link 2 records
remain at their default values. However, to implement the default settings, you
need to call up the records (from the CTP) and then save them.