Cabletron Systems Cabletron BRIM-F6, Networking Manual

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Contents
iv
Chapter 5 Network Design
The Role of the Workgroup ........................................................................................................5-2
Workgroup Establishment Criteria ....................................................................................5-3
Selecting Workgroup Technologies ....................................................................................5-9
Creating a Manageable Plan.....................................................................................................5-10
Logical Layout.....................................................................................................................5-10
Fault Aversion .....................................................................................................................5-12
Network Maps and Record Keeping ...............................................................................5-14
Network Expandability.............................................................................................................5-15
The Workgroup as the Network ..............................................................................................5-16
The Workgroup in the Larger Network..................................................................................5-16
What Is a Backbone?...........................................................................................................5-17
Methods of Configuring Backbones ................................................................................5-17
Choosing Backbone Technologies ....................................................................................5-21
Chapter 6 Ethernet
Ethernet Workgroup Devices .....................................................................................................6-2
Shared Devices ......................................................................................................................6-2
Switched Devices ..................................................................................................................6-4
Ethernet Workgroup Design ......................................................................................................6-5
The Home Office ...................................................................................................................6-5
The Small Office .................................................................................................................. 6-11
The Remote Office ..............................................................................................................6-16
The High-End Department ...............................................................................................6-19
Permutations .......................................................................................................................6-24
Chapter 7 Fast Ethernet
Fast Ethernet Workgroup Devices.............................................................................................7-1
Shared Devices ......................................................................................................................7-1
Switched Devices ..................................................................................................................7-2
Fast Ethernet Workgroup Design ..............................................................................................7-3
Small Offices ..........................................................................................................................7-3
High-End Department .........................................................................................................7-6
Fast Ethernet as a Backbone ................................................................................................7-9
Chapter 8 Token Ring
Token Ring Workgroup Devices ................................................................................................8-1
Shared Devices ......................................................................................................................8-1
Token Ring Workgroup Design .................................................................................................8-3
Small Office............................................................................................................................8-3