macmillan%wnre.aecl.cdn%ubc.CSNET@CSNET-RELAY.ARPA.UUCP (06/11/86)
I'm working on an Ethernet topology for a set of buildings resembling a university campus. Computers and terminals are everywhere. DECconnect on the surface looks very good. However, because the DEMPR is considered a repeater, the two repeater rule effectively means that repeaters along the Ethernet 'trunk' must be replaced with LANbridges. The network very rapidly becomes expensive. Compare: (all prices US$) Order no. Description List Price DEREP-AA Ethernet local repeater $1,650 DEREP-RA Ethernet remote repeater $4,620 DEBET-AA Standard bridge $8,000 DEBET-RC Fibre optic bridge $8,500 Consider a situation where 2 buildings are more than 500m apart. Fibre optic bridges at each end cost $17,500, not including fibre optic cable. A good guide from DEC, the "DECconnect System General Description" lists 3 companion manuals which might help: - The DECconnect System Requirements Evaluation Workbook EK-DECSY-ED - The DECconnect System Planning and Configuration Guide EK-DECSY-CG - The DECconnect System Installation and Verification Guide EK-DECSY-ED However, the Canadian DECdirect office does not list the manuals. Neither, apparently, does the US counterpart. I was told to "call back in a month". 1. Does anyone have information on these manuals? 2. Does anyone have other information (perhaps from the Dallas DECUS) on DECconnect and Ethernet topologies? 3. For those that have implemented or are planning networks, would you provide a description of the topology and the rational behind it? 4. Besides the "Networks and Communications Buyers Guide", the "Ethernet Installation Guide (Site Survey and Configuration Planning)" and the "DECconnect System General Description", what other documentation is there to help in planning a network? Thanks.. John MacMillan Atomic Energy of Canada Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada R0E 1L0 (204) 753-2311 ext. 2539