NU021172@NDSUVM1.BITNET (Marty Hoag) (09/06/89)
IBM announced a LAN Bridge to connect Token-Ring and Ethernet networks
today. I thought some of you might be interested in a few of the items
from the announcement. You know where to get more info if you are
interested - I don't work for them! ;-)
Marty
NUMBER 189-126
DATE 890905
TITLE IBM 8209 LAN BRIDGE
ABSTRACT The IBM 8209 LAN Bridge interconnects an IBM Token-Ring
Network and an Ethernet (1) Version 2 or IEEE 802.3 LAN. Systems and
workstations with compatible protocols such as TCP/IP, OSI, SNA,
NETBIOS or IEEE 802.2 can communicate across this connection. The
8209 handles all necessary conversion to route information between
the dissimilar LANs. Token-Ring stations view the 8209 as a bridge
to another Token-Ring. To Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 stations, the 8209 LAN
Bridge is functionally transparent.
Planned Availability Date: October 20, 1989
HIGHLIGHTS
o Supports Ethernet Version 2 or IEEE 802.3 Simultaneously
o Bridges 4 or 16 Mbps IBM Token-Ring Network to Ethernet Version 2
or IEEE 802.3 LANs
o Appears as a Token-Ring bridge to Token-Ring stations
o Functionally transparent to Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 stations
o Bridge configurations allow multiple protocols (TCP/IP, OSI, SNA,
NETBIOS, IEEE 802.2)
o Compatible with IBM LAN Manager program
o Customer setup (CSU) suitable for table-top or rack shelf-mount
DESCRIPTION
The 8209 LAN Bridge interconnects an IBM Token-Ring Network
with an Ethernet Version 2 or IEEE 802.3 LAN. The 8209 handles the
conversion necessary to route information between the dissimilar
LANs. IBM and OEM systems and workstations using this connection
require compatible protocols such as TCP/IP, OSI, SNA, NETBIOS, or
IEEE 802.2 in order to communicate.
The 8209 bridges the LAN physical layer differences by
providing two LAN ports, one Token-Ring Network and the other
Ethernet/IEEE 802.3. The Token-Ring port operates at either 4 or 16
Mbps. When the 4 Mbps rate is selected, the Early Token
Release function will be disabled. When the 16 Mbps rate is
selected, Early Token Release will be enabled, unless specifically
disabled by the customer using the 8209 Utility program.
The Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 port attaches to either an Ethernet
Version 2 or IEEE 802.3 LAN. The 8209 accommodates these two CSMA/CD
LANs through two modes of operation. The mode of operation is
determined by configuration switches. With the switches set for
Automatic Mode Detection, the 8209 will examine the data stream and
dynamically adapt to the correct operational mode. This allows both
modes to be used simultaneously. However, if the destination address
of the Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 attached station is not in the 8209
database, the correct format can not be dynamically determined. In
this case, the 8209 will perform format conversion based on the
setting of the "Mode 1/Mode 2 Priority Operation" hardware
configuration switch.
OPERATIONAL MODE 1: Mode 1 is used to bridge Token-Ring to Ethernet
Version 2 LANs. Above the physical layer, Token-Ring and Ethernet
Version 2 differ in Media Access Control (MAC) and user Datagram
services. The Token-Ring MAC layer complies with IEEE 802.5 while
Ethernet uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect
(CSMA/CD) and does not specify an 802.2 Logical Link Control
interface. Additionally Token-Ring offers both Type 1
(connectionless) and Type 2 (connection oriented) Logical Link
Control (LLC) services. There is no Ethernet Version 2 LLC
equivalent function. The 8209 LAN Bridge handles this difference in
Mode 1. LLC information frames, originating on Token-Ring and
destined for stations on Ethernet, are stripped of the LLC protocol,
converted to Ethernet Version 2 frames and transmitted on the
Ethernet port. A slightly more complicated process is used to
convert and forward Ethernet frames onto the Token-Ring. The 8209
retrieves Token-Ring routing information from its data base and
inserts it in the frame along with a Sub-Network Access Protocol
(SNAP) header.
TCP/IP exchanges between stations on the different LANs would
use operational Mode 1.
OPERATIONAL MODE 2: Mode 2 interconnects Token-Ring and IEEE 802.3
LANs. This mode provides IEEE 802.5 (Token-Ring)/IEEE 802.3 MAC
level frame conversion. Protocol layers above the MAC are
transparent to the 8209 LAN Bridge and are passed through without
modification.
SNA, NETBIOS, OSI, or IEEE 802.2 sessions between stations on
the different LANs would use the bridge in Mode 2.
The 8209 LAN Bridge transparently handles conversions for
routing information between the two LANs, regardless of the
operational mode (Mode 1 or 2). To stations on the Token-Ring
Network, the 8209 appears as a bridge to another Token-Ring. A
station on Token-Ring uses source routing to communicate with any
station on Ethernet/IEEE 802.3. The 8209 is functionally transparent
to stations on Ethernet/IEEE 802.3, appearing as one or more native
Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 stations. Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 attached stations
can communicate with Token-Ring attached stations as if they were on
the same LAN.
The 8209 LAN Bridge maintains two data bases. One contains
station addresses for Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 stations; the other
contains Token-Ring station addresses and routing information. The
Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 data base consists of static and dynamic entries.
The Token-Ring data base, however, contains only dynamic entries.
Static entries differ from dynamic entries in that they are
configured, loaded, and retained in a non-volatile RAM. Dynamic
entries are created as part of the 8209's "learning process" and are
lost when power is removed.
After power on initialization, the Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 data
base is initialized with static entries. The 8209 enters the
learning state, listens to all frames on the Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 port
and saves each unique source address in the data base. While in this
state, the 8209 will not forward any frames. After a few seconds the
bridge leaves the learning state and begins normal operations.
During normal operations the 8209 updates the data base when a new
source address is detected on an Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 frame.
The Token-Ring data base is dynamically built during normal
operations. Entries will be added to the Token-Ring data base only
for stations with frames that are forwarded on the Ethernet/IEEE
802.3 port.
The 8209 provides for a combined total of 2048 data base
entries. The Token-Ring data base portion of this total may be from
1 to 1024. The number of entries in the Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 data
base, however, may range from 1 to 2047. An Aging Timer will
determine how long inactive Dynamic Entries will remain in the data
base. Static data base entries are not subject to removal by the
Aging Timer.
Configurable filters are employed to reduce forwarding of
unnecessary traffic. For example, filters may be set up so only
TCP/IP traffic is forwarded to either port. This means even though
general broadcast frames are received from either port, they will be
discarded if not identified as TCP/IP. Filtering improves
performance for the 8209 and ensures no degradation of the attached
LANs occurs due to unnecessary traffic.
The 8209 ensures that no traffic is held in the bridge longer
than the maximum transit time. If due to network congestion, the
8209 is unable to forward traffic and the traffic is held longer than
permitted, it will be discarded. This function is useful for those
high level protocols that generally retransmit a message unless an
acknowledgement is received within a certain time.
Each 8209 has a unique MAC address assigned for each port.
The IEEE universal address administration process will be used to
assign the MAC addresses.
CONFIGURATION CONTROL AND LAN MANAGEMENT
The 8209 LAN Bridge is physically packaged in a table top
configuration suitable for stacking or shelf mounting in industry
standard racks. It is designed, manufactured and packaged to be
easily set up and configured by the customer. The 8209 is
functionally packaged. The base unit contains Token-Ring functions.
Feature #6035 provides the Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 functions, packaged in
a module which also contains the configuration switches. Feature
#6035 is mandatory and must be specified when ordering the 8209 LAN
Bridge.
In most environments LAN Management functions and
configuration customization are not required to install the 8209.
The 8209 shipped configuration adapts itself to the installed
environment.
The 8209 is shipped with configuration variables set as
follows:
o Operational Mode: Automatic Mode Selection Enabled with Mode 1
Priority Operation
o Token-Ring Speed: 4 Mbps with Early Token Release Disabled
o Token-Ring LAN Number: Zero
o Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 LAN Number: 4080
o Initial Bridge Number: Zero.
To accommodate additional and more complex environments, three
provisions are available. They are hardware configuration switches,
Token-Ring Network LAN Bridge Server functions, and an 8209
configuration utility program.
The following options can be selected by hardware switches:
o Enable/Disable Automatic Mode Selection
o Mode 1/Mode 2 Priority Operation
o 4 or 16 Mbps Token-Ring
o Initial Bridge Number (0, 1, 2 or 3)
o Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 LAN Number.
The Automatic Mode Selection function allows the 8209 to
support both Ethernet Version 2 and IEEE 802.3 (Mode 1 and Mode 2) at
the same time. The determination for mode of operation is done
dynamically.
The 8209 provides Token-Ring Network LAN Reporting Mechanism,
Ring Parameter Server, and LAN Bridge Server functions (as defined in
the IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK ARCHITECTURE REFERENCE, SC30-3374). The
8209, acting as a logical LAN management agent on the Token-Ring
Network, will:
o Keep and report statistical frame traffic information
o Accept and respond to requests for Bridge and Route status
o Accept and respond to commands which change Bridge configuration
parameters.
The controlling LAN Manager can set/reset these configuration
parameters:
o Notification interval for performance statistics
o Bridge internal status
o Route active status
o Hop count
o Ring number
o Bridge number
o Enabled functional addresses
o Reporting functional addresses.
The LAN Manager will be installed on a Token-Ring station and
will establish a link to the 8209 LAN Bridge in order to communicate
these management functions. The 8209 can provide management
information to the LAN Manager only for the Ethernet/IEEE 802.3
segment to which it is attached.
A utility program is shipped with the 8209. This utility runs
under either PC DOS or OS/2 (R) in an IBM Personal Computer or PS/2
(R). The utility allows the customer to set up filters, static data
base entries, ring numbers, bridge number, and timers which control
operation of the 8209 LAN Bridge. The IBM Personal Computer or PS/2
communicates the configuration parameters to the 8209 over the
Token-Ring. The 8209 Utility program allows the customer to examine
and modify the following parameters:
o Spanning Tree Parameters
o Operational Mode
o Enable/Disable Early Token Release
o Filter Definitions
o Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 Static Database Entries
o Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 Port Statistics
o Bridge Number
o Token-Ring LAN Number
o Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 LAN Number.
In addition to configuration, the 8209 Utility program
provides a means to collect Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 port statistics which
are gathered by the 8209.
(R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation.
PUBLICATIONS
The following publications are shipped with the product.
Additional copies will be available by October 20, 1989. To order
contact your IBM representative.
ORDER
TITLE NUMBER
IBM 8209 LAN Bridge Customer Information SA21-9994
IBM 8209 LAN Bridge Service Information SY31-9077
IBM 8209 LAN Bridge Safety Information SA21-9995
SLSS is available by order number only.
SCHEDULE
The planned availability date is October 20, 1989.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
SPECIFIED OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Width: 445mm (17.5 inches)
Depth: 533mm (21.0 inches)
Height: 133.35mm (5.25 inches)
Weight: 9.1 kg (20 pounds)
Temperature: 10 to 40 (degs) C (50 to 104 (degs) F)
Relative Humidity: 8 to 80%
Wet Bulb: 27 (degs) C (80 (degs) F)
MACHINE REQUIREMENTS: The 8209 LAN Bridge requires customer supplied
cables for connection to the LANs. Refer to CABLE ORDERS section for
specifics. It is recommended that the cable for connection to the
Token-Ring Multistation Access Unit (MAU) and the Ethernet
transceiver tap be installed by a qualified installer/technician.
The interconnected LANs and LAN Stations must be compliant with the
following applicable specifications in order to correctly operate
with the 8209:
o IBM Token-Ring Network
Operational Mode 1 -- IEEE 802.5 and 802.2
Operational Mode 2 -- IEEE 802.5 and 802.2
o Ethernet
Operational Mode 1 -- THE ETHERNET: A LOCAL AREA NETWORK DATA
LINK LAYER AND PHYSICAL LAYER SPECIFICATION VERSION 2 dated
September 1983, and issued by Digital Equipment, Intel and Xerox
Corporations.
Operational Mode 2 -- IEEE 802.3 and 802.2.
PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS: The 8209 LAN Bridge provides the
Token-Ring Network LAN Reporting Mechanism, Ring Parameter Server and
LAN Bridge Server functions (as defined in the IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK
ARCHITECTURE REFERENCE, SC30-3374). Acting as a logical LAN
management agent, it interfaces and is compatible with the IBM LAN
Manager Version 2.0 (P/N 25F8215).
The LAN Manager program allows the customer to change the 8209
Token-Ring default configuration parameters and to collect
statistical frame traffic information stored in the 8209.
COMPATIBILITY: The 8209 interface to the LAN Manager complies with
IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK ARCHITECTURE REFERENCE, SC30-3374. It is
compatible with LAN Manager Version 2.0 (P/N 25F8215).
LIMITATIONS: The 8209 LAN Bridge will support up to a combined total
of 2048 entries in the Token-Ring and Ethernet address data bases.
The maximum number of Token-Ring data base entries is limited to
1024.
PLANNING INFORMATION
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES: The 8209 is designated as customer setup.
Refer to IBM 8209 LAN BRIDGE CUSTOMER INFORMATION(SA21-9994), for
site planning/preparation and customer setup information.
CABLE ORDERS: The customer must supply cables for attachment to the
Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 and IBM Token-Ring Network. The 8209 provides
LAN interface connectors as follows:
o Ethernet -- 15 pin female "D" connector. The pin assignments
will follow the Ethernet Version 2 convention wherein pins 4, 8,
11, and 14 are not connected. The connector shell will be
connected to chassis ground.
o Token-Ring Network -- 9 pin female "D" connector. The mechanical
connection complies with the IEEE 802.5 recommendation.
The customer should be referred to his Ethernet/IEEE 802.3
supplier to procure the Attachment Unit Interface (AUI) cable. This
cable connects the 8209 to the Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 transceiver and is
often called a transceiver cable.
A 2.44 meter Token-Ring Adapter cable can be obtained by ordering P/N
6339098 as an IBM accessory or by ordering IBM Personal Computer or
PS/2 Feature #3390. This cable will connect the 8209 to the IBM
Cabling System or directly to the Multistation Access Unit (MAU).
This cable may be extended by using IBM Cabling System patch cables.
If telephone twisted pair (IBM Cabling System Type 3) is used for the
Token-Ring, a Type 3 Media Filter cable will be required instead of
the Token-Ring Adapter cable. This component is not available from
IBM. The Type 3 Media Filter cable is available from ONAN
Power/Electronics (P/N 3-50174). Consult your IBM representative or
local branch office for a list of suppliers of this part or its
equivalent.
PROBLEM DETERMINATION: The IBM 8209 LAN BRIDGE CUSTOMER INFORMATION,
(SA21-9994) contains a Problem Determination Procedure (PDP) that
allows the customer to isolate a problem to the 8209 or the LAN
connections. Once the 8209 is isolated as the failing unit, the PDP
specifies that a hardware service representative be called. If the
problem is isolated to the Token-Ring, the customer should refer to
the IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK PROBLEM DETERMINATION GUIDE (SX27-3710).
If a problem is isolated to the Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 LAN, the customer
is advised to make arrangements for further diagnosis and repair.
PACKAGING
PRODUCT SHIPMENT GROUP
IBM 8209 LAN Bridge Base Unit
Power Cord
Token-Ring Wrap Connector
IBM 8209 LAN Bridge Customer
Information (SA21-9994)
IBM 8209 LAN Bridge Service
Information (SY31-9077)
IBM 8209 LAN Bridge Safety
Information (SA21-9995)
Ethernet Attachment Module that plugs into the
Module Feature #6035 base unit
Ethernet Wrap Connector
Utility Program