Token Ring Interface Processor (TRIP) Installation and Configuration 3
Product Description
When a Token Ring interface is configured by using software commands, three LEDs for each port
indicate the following:
•
16 Mbps—Lights if the interface is operating at 16 Mbps.
•
4 Mbps—Lights if the interface is operating at 4 Mbps.
•
In Ring—When lit, indicates that the interface is currently active and inserted into the ring. When
not lit, the interface is not active and is not inserted into a ring.
Token Ring Connection Equipment
You will need an 802.5 MAU or a multistation access unit (MSAU) to provide the interface between
the TRIP Token Ring interfaces and the external ring, and a Token Ring lobe cable between each
TRIP port and the MAU or MSAU. Lobe cables connect each Token Ring station (TRIP port) to the
MAU or MSAU, and patch cables can connect adjacent MSAUs to form one large ring.
TRIP ports operate at either 4 or 16 Mbps. The default speed for all TRIP ports is 4 Mbps, which
you can change to 16 Mbps on any port using the configuration command ring-speed n, where n is
the speed (4 or 16) in Mbps. The speed of each Token Ring port must match the speed of the ring to
which it is connected. Before you enable the Token Ring interfaces, ensure that each is set for the
correct speed, or it can bring down the ring.
Caution
Each TRIP port must be configured for the same ring speed as the ring to which it is
connected, either 4 or 16 Mbps. If the port is set for a different speed, it will cause the ring to beacon,
which effectively brings the ring down and makes it inoperable.
Token Ring Cables and Connectors
The Token Ring ports on the TRIP are DB-9 (PC type) receptacles that require Type 1 or Type 3 lobe
cables. Type 1 lobe cables use shielded twisted pair cable and terminate at the network end with a
large MAU plug. (See Figure 2.) Type 3 lobe cables use either shielded or unshielded twisted pair
(UTP) cable and terminate at the network end with an RJ-11 plug. (See Figure 2.) The TRIP end of
both cable types is a DB-9 plug.
Figure 2
Token Ring Type 1 Lobe Cable Connectors, DB-9 and MAU Types
H2056
TRIP end
MSAU or
MAU end
