Smart DeskStream
Token Ring Switch
1
What is Desktop Switching ?
Conventional Shared Token Ring
Shared User Ring
n
Users share the Token Ring
network
n
Often up to 80 users share 16Mbps
CAU/LAM or
Chassis
Switched ring
Fully Switched Token Ring
n
n
n
Each user has their own dedicated Token
Ring !
No need to share 16Mbps with other
users
Desktop
Switch
Connections can be Full Duplex (32Mbps)
Smart DeskStream Technical Presentation 3
The CAU/LAM is the ring. Users share the bandwidth available on
that ring - typically 16Mbps these days.
A ring can support over 250 users in theory, but in practice this
number is better limited to around 80. Even at this reduced number,
power users may suffer from ‘bandwidth starvation’! The DeskStream
allows them to each have a full 16Mbps since each port is its own
ring. If the adapter driver will support it, the connection can be full
duplex DTR which allows a maximum throughput of 32Mbps.
3
Smart DeskStream
Product Overview
n Designed as a shared hub replacement
n 1 U high
n 24 ports with auto ring speed and protocol
detect
n Plug ‘n’ Play installation
n Easily stacked to offer up to 192 ports
n High performance switching
n Simple, graphical management
Smart DeskStream Technical Presentation 4
The DeskStream is a workgroup switch, i.e. There is no internal ring -
data is switched between ports. It is designed to replace the shared
medium hubs e.g. CAUs and RAMs.
It is 1U high which saves space in the rack. The racking lugs are user
installable since it can be a free standing unit as well.
By default all ports are speed detecting and can also negotiate full
duplex or classic mode token ring. Both of these parameters can be
manually configured if necessary.
In general, the default setting allows us to connect it up and it just
works.
Up to eight DeskStreams can be stacked using the stacking bus; this
means that a single stack can support up to 192 workstations in a
completely switched environment. The stack can also support up to
16 uplink ports.
All ports can - providing that the drivers support it - run in full duplex
DTR mode.
Managing via the Trueview GUI is straightforward. Each stack shows
as a single icon; opening the icon reveals each DeskStream and
allows them to be managed individually.
4
Easy Integration
into existing networks
Typical Network
Layout
Shared User Ring
CAU/LAM or Chassis
Network
Backbone
Smart DeskStream Technical Presentation 5
The slide shows part of a typical network, with CAUs providing a
shared medium interface for the workstations. The CAUs are
connected to Ringswitches as are the servers.
Ultimately some users will complain of slow responses especially as
both programs and data files get bigger.
5
|