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Conference 7.286::fddi

Title:FDDI - The Next Generation
Moderator:NETCAD::STEFANI
Created:Thu Apr 27 1989
Last Modified:Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2259
Total number of notes:8590

1254.0. "Single mode support ?" by 42721::HARVEY (Baldly going into the unknown...) Tue Mar 01 1994 11:51

   I noticed a few unanswered queries on SMF so I thought I'd ask afresh !
 
   Can someone please tell me the plans for the new DECbridge 900MX and its 
   support for single mode fibre ? I have received/read mixed messages and now 
   am somewhat confused !
 
   While on the subject, a customer I'm talking to has had a single mode fibre 
   installed on his site (it's a long story and I won't bore you all with the 
   details). Suffice to say that now he's struggling to make use of the cable 
   for just Ethernet purposes so we're talking about moving towards FDDI sooner 
   than he'd anticipated so that anything spent on the network is not just a 
   short-term spend !
 
   I know about the SMF support in the 500 Concentrator and 500/600 series 
   bridges, but want to avoid them if possible due to their "maturity" and 
   cost. ie. newer kit is much better value etc. A DECbridge 900MX supporting 
   SMF would be ideal for this scenario, but do we do one ? If so, when ?
 
   This customer has raised the issue of using SMF-Multimode converters and 
   then being able to use his ethernet kit as originally intended. I have heard 
   that Digital do not recommend the use of such devices. Is this true ? If so, 
   can someone please explain why ? Could this provide a solution to cheaper 
   FDDI connectivity ? Does not recommended translate to not supported ?
 
   etc.
 
   thanks in advance
 
   Rog
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1254.1STRWRS::KOCH_PIt never hurts to ask...Tue Mar 01 1994 12:044
    I don't think the DECbridge 900MX has modular PMDs which are
    CHANGEABLE. I'd recommend the DECconcentrator 900 with SM PMDs and
    connect these via the DEChub 900 FDDI channel when HUBwatch V3.0 is
    available.
1254.2KONING::KONINGPaul Koning, B-16504Tue Mar 01 1994 14:445
DECbridge 900 MX comes with ANSI (multimode) MIC connectors, fixed to the
module.  It does NOT have modular PMDs... unfortunately, there is no room
on the module for that.  (Things only barely fit as it is!)

	paul
1254.3Always look on the bright side...42721::HARVEYBaldly going into the unknown...Tue Mar 01 1994 16:168
   Ho hum - that cleared that one up !
 
   Never mind a new 900 Con + 900 Bridge is still likely to be cheaper than the 
   older 600 series DAS bridge...  ;^)
 
   Thanks for the updates
 
   Rog
1254.4KONING::KONINGPaul Koning, B-16504Tue Mar 01 1994 17:018
Oops... forgot something...

Check with the product manager (Jane Brechlin) about the "big" docking station.
I believe there's a docking station being done that includes an FDDI port,
with a MOD-PMD.  If that's correct, then you could indeed get single mode
that way (i.e., for standalone use, though not in a hub).

	paul