Technical Specifications

The PremNet^® Token Ring interface modules provide full long-distance connectivity between token-ring networks connected to the PremNet broadband access multiplexer. With these modules, you can connect remote Token Ring networks across the PremNet backbone. This gives you a "virtual" LAN, even though the actual devices on this "LAN" can be separated by distances of hundreds of kilometers.

The PremNet broadband access system allows workgroups to be defined as virtual LANs based on the function rather than location. For example, all accounting personnel assigned to a virtual LAN can communicate as if on the same logical LAN segment, even if members are located across town in separate buildings.

Choice of PremNet Token Ring Interface Modules
PremNet Token Ring interface modules include the following:

• 4/16 Mbps Token Ring I/O - provides four DB-9 lobe ports for device connection and a Ring In/Ring Out (RI/RO) interface for connecting additional MAUs (Multistation Access Utilities) or wiring concentrators.
• 4/16 Mbps Token Ring RI/RO - provides RI/RO ports for connecting PremNet Token Ring Access Panels (TRAPs) or other external MAUs to the PremNet backbone, enabling you to extend your Token Ring.

PremNet chassis (nodes) equipped with the 4/16 Token Ring module support multiple token-ring networks that extend far beyond the normal confines of LAN technology.

PremNet Token Ring Access
Milgo offers a 12-port external token-ring access panel (TRAP). The TRAP provides high concentration and flexibility to access the PremNet backbone, permitting remote groups of token-ring users to communicate and share resources.

The PremNet TRAP can be daisy-chained in any combination, with the RO port of one TRAP connected to the RI port of the next. Up to eight TRAPs can be connected to a single RI/RO module in this manner. The TRAP is configured through a combination of switchbank and terminal management control.

Although it is typically operated in conjunction with the RI/RO module, the TRAP can also operate in a standalone mode as a wiring concentrator, when application traffic does not need to be transported across the backbone.

Provides High-Volume Traffic
Because modules can be daisy-chained to form a ring of modules, the PremNet network can transport very high volumes of Token Ring LAN traffic on the PremNet backbone. Applications require varying amounts of bandwidth; therefore, the actual number of users depends on the number of time slots you allocate to each application.

Up to 16 PremNet nodes can be connected to form this ring topology, and up to 16 rings can be attached in a multi-ring PremNet configuration.

Truly Transparent Transport
To achieve complete transparency, PremNet builds virtual rings by connecting the geographically separate token-ring networks into a single "virtual ring". If segmentation of traffic is desired, your token-ring LAN services can easily be bridged or routed via external equipment.

You can configure the Token Ring modules to extend an existing PremNet network. An external MAU can easily be connected to the 4/16 Mbps Token Ring module.

Token Ring Application Support
The Token Ring modules and the TRAP can be used in combination to support a wide variety of token-ring applications.

The 4/16 Token Ring module can be used to perform the following important functions:

• Interconnection - The Token Ring module can be used to interconnect multiple Token Ring LANs into one logical ring.
• Consolidation and Transportation - The module allows traffic from independent token-ring LANs to be transported to a single, centrally located bridge/router.
• Concentration and Management - The module allows workstations throughout the building, campus, or metropolitan area PremNet network to be concentrated and managed from one location.

Port Monitoring
Like all PremNet modules, Token Ring modules have a built-in microprocessor that gathers data about the module and forwards it to the PremNet network management system.

This integrated management offers detailed information and statistics about the integrity of the data passing through the card. In addition, it monitors various types of error conditions, including line code and framing errors, allowing timely diagnosis of potential token-ring problems.

Additionally, the token (or frame) counter counts all frames, giving a maximum count with no traffic on the system. During a system test, an onboard test signal can be easily sent to verify network reliability.

Choice of Network Management Interface
The PremNet 4/16 Token Ring module and the entire PremNet network can be managed from a variety of network management platforms. This allows you to use your existing Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)-compliant management system, the Milgo CMS^® management system, or the PremNet local console.

In addition to Token Ring, the PremNet family of products includes interface modules for the transparent transport of a wide variety of voice, video, and data traffic, including Ethernet, V.35, T1/E1, 4-wire voice, RS-232, RS-422, and one-way and two-way video.

In addition to token-ring applications, PremNet transports a range of multimedia applications within a building, campus, or metropolitan area, using single-ring or multi-ring topologies.

PremNet™ Token Ring Interface Modules Technical Specifications

Our policy of continuous development may cause the information and specifications contained herein to change without notice.