C-1
BASIC FDDI NETWORKS
APPENDIX C
BASIC FDDI NETWORKS
This Appendix covers basic Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)
network operation and concepts that are critical to FDDI network
design and installation. ANSI Standard X3T9.5 provides greater
detail on FDDI access methods and should be referenced whenever
more complete information is needed. Specific areas that are
presented here include:
•
Basic FDDI Concepts
•
FDDI Devices
•
Design and Installation Considerations
BASIC FDDI CONCEPTS
An FDDI network is a high-speed network (100 Mbit/sec.) capable of
reliable data transmission using fiber optic cabling. The fiber optic
media provides increased bandwidth, immunity from electrical noise,
security, and permits the use of longer cable segments making FDDI
a feasible alternative in LAN backbone applications, or as a back-end
or front-end network between processors.
FDDI Media Access Protocol
The FDDI standard X3T9.5 describes the media access and token
passing protocol for FDDI networks. Each station attached to an
FDDI ring is identified by a unique station address, differentiating it
from all other stations. Transmission is controlled through the use of
a special frame called a token.
The token holder is the only station that can transmit. The token
circulates around the ring from station to station. Each station
receives the token from the station preceding it on the ring, retains it
while transmitting data (frames) and then passes (transmits) the
token on to the next active station on the ring.