Conference netcad::hub_mgnt

611.0. "FDDI-FDDI bridging" by LFOIS1::MOUSSU (so unusuaL terM) Thu Jan 13 1994 04:07

<< Has been crossposted in UPSAR::FDDI, but it concerns mainly HUB900
   prod. portfolio >>


With :
- recent pricecuts and announcements regarding FDDI attachments
(UTP-EISA controller,...)
- new high speed needs (e.g. multimedia)
- recent performance announcements (Netware on DEC EISA FDDI adapter)

there's an increased trend to "local" FDDI workgroups, coexisting with TR or 
802.3 LANs, all of them interconnected thru an FDDI backbone.

So we have to address *both* the 2 requirements
that FDDI classically address:

- high-speed stations or servers access
- interconnecting many LANs thru a high-speed backbone

e.g: we've such an FDDI project for a great campus (40 buildings)
(by chance, almost no TR...)

On a global point of view, new DEChub900 based offer will be well suited

We have designed a more detailed topology derived from various customer 
workgroups/departments needs : the conclusion is
- a global FDDI backbone (mostly dual-ring, but with several trees added)
- a number of LANs, both Ethernet AND *FDDI*

No problem regarding 100/10 bridging (with soon announced DECbridge 900)

But the question arises when connecting "local" FDDIs to the backbone.
The customer states that creating a "global" FDDI LAN would be a pain and would 
lead to a similar situation as now with many Ethernet on a single backbone.

Apart from Gigaswitch or DECNIS, and given the fact that we build the whole 
architecture around DEChub900, has anybody something to suggest.

Is there any plan to offer a 100/100 DEChub 900 based bridge ?

Btw, a similar question arises regarding TR/FDDI bridging.