---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash 3rd Party: Network Peripherals SBus Data Sheet SunFLASH Vol 33 #6 September 1991 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is an article from Mitch Strobin and Darrell Scherbarth of Network Peripherals describing their SBus FDDI card. Please direct you questions about this product to Mitch at 408-954-7300 (Fax: 408-954-8031) Email: (fddi!fastnet.com!mstrobin@uunet.UU.NET). -johnj ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Network Peripherals S-Bus FDDI Interface Specifications Introducing FDDI for Sun SPARCstations and other S-bus based Workstations Network Peripherals S-Bus FDDI interface directly attaches Sun SPARCstation 1, 2, IPC, and other S-Bus based workstations to high performance FDDI local area networks. The 100 megabit/second performance of FDDI -- ten times that of Ethernet -- delivers extraordinary network -- and system -- performance to workstation users. The Next Generation Network for Workstations When first generation workstations -- with 3 MIPS performance -- were introduced, Ethernet provided the required network performance. Todays workstations -- with 10 times the performance of first generation systems -- need a higher performance network. FDDI: The Next Generation LAN FDDI is that next generation LAN. FDDI's 100 megabit/second speed meets the requirements of todays -- and tomorrows -- workstation users. The high performance of todays SPARCstations can saturate an Ethernet -- not only limiting workstation performance, but making the network unusable by others as well. FDDI provides high network performance -- to the workstation, and provides high network bandwidth for all users on the network. And FDDI is an open, multi-vendor standard with the support of virtually all computer vendors worldwide. Open System, Multi-Vendor Solution FDDI is defined by ANSI standard X3T9.5, and is supported by virtually all computer system and network equipment manufacturers worldwide. All types of systems can be connected to FDDI: workstations, servers, PCs, mainframes and supercomputers. FDDI provides a single network solution for multi-vendor networks. FDDI for Network Computing Distributed applications require a high performance connection between client workstation and server. The complex interaction between workstation and server is sensitive to network performance and latency. Latency in large Ethernet networks -- due to routers, bridges and network congestion -- slow distributed applications. FDDI provides a high performance, collision-free path that can handle large networks -- up to 500 stations per LAN -- and reduce latency, improving the performance of distributed applications. FDDI Simplifies Large Workstation Networks Large workstation networks today are composed of many Ethernet segments. These separate segments are necessary to reduce the congestion caused by the high network traffic typical in workstation networks. The bridges and routers used to segment networks are themselves complex, difficult to manage -- and expensive. The 100 megabit/second bandwidth of FDDI eliminates segments and simplifies networks. And the high capacity of FDDI -- up to 500 stations per LAN -- allows for simple growth. FDDI concentrators, along with FDDI Station Management (SMT) make management of these networks simple. Graphics and Multimedia Applications Come Alive Full motion graphics require a high sustained data rate from server to desktop. Ethernet collisions common in high data rate multimedia applications degrade performance. FDDI delivers multimedia and high graphics performance with 100 megabit/second bandwidth, and collision-free token ring topology. S-Bus Compatible Network Peripherals FDDI S-Bus adapter fits in a single S-Bus slot on in Sun and compatible workstations. The adapter is compatible with Sun SPARCstation 1, 1+, SPARCstation 2 and SPARCstation IPC. The FDDI adapter implements burst mode DMA for the highest system performance. A fully compliant Open Boot PROM on the FDDI interface assures easy integration into SPARCstation environments. Simple Installation The Network Peripherals S-Bus FDDI Adapter is simple to install. The adapter simply plugs into an available S-Bus slot. Drivers for SunOS version 4.1.1 are supplied with the FDDI adapter that fully integrate FDDI into SunOS. Full routing is supported between FDDI and on-board Ethernet. Compatible with FDDI Concentrators Network Peripherals FDDI adapter implements a fully compliant Single Attach Station (SAS) for use with FDDI concentrators. An FDDI concentrator provides acts as a wiring hub for FDDI single attach stations and provides for network management. The concentrator topology provides for structured cabling that allows easy reconfiguration of stations. Network Peripherals S-Bus FDDI Adapter has been tested compatible with industry leading FDDI concentrators. Complete FDDI Solution Network Peripherals provides a complete FDDI solution to Sun users. The S-Bus adapter directly attaches SPARCstations, and Network Peripherals' VME FDDI adapter connects Sun servers. A modular FDDI concentrator connects all of the systems in a low- cost, highly reliable network. FDDI: Fiber Optic, and now or Copper An FDDI compliant MIC fiber optic connector is standard on the S- Bus adapter. ST type, non-keyed fiber connectors are available as a factory option. One of the most exciting developments in FDDI is the use of shielded twisted pair (STP) cabling for FDDI networks. Network Peripherals, along with a group of other companies, has developed a standard method for utilizing IBM Type 1 shielded twisted pair (STP) cabling for FDDI. The data rate over STP is 100 megabits/second -- the same as fiber -- at distances up to 100 meters. STP reduces the cost of FDDI and allows the use of currently installed Type 1 cable plant. Complete FDDI Solution for Workstation Users Network Peripherals provides a complete FDDI solution to Sun users. The S-Bus adapter directly attaches SPARCstations, and Network Peripherals' VME FDDI adapter connects Sun servers. A modular FDDI concentrator connects all of the systems in a low- cost, highly reliable network. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For information send mail to info-sunflash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. Subscription requests should be sent to sunflash-request@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. Archives are on solar.nova.edu and paris.cs.miami.edu. All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third party products are valid in the U.S. only. Please contact your local Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in your region. Descriptions of, or references to products or publications within SunFlash does not imply an endorsement of that product or publication by Sun Microsystems. John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. (305) 776-7770.