14
16-PORT TYPE 3 MAU
2. Introduction
This user’s guide covers the 16-Port Type 3 MAU, which has 16 RJ-45
connectors.
2.1 Token Ring Background
Computer users have become less and less dependent on large centralized
computing systems because of continuing increases in the processing power
of microcomputers and minicomputers. Interconnecting micros, minis and
mainframes into Local Area Networks (LANs) for the purpose of resource
sharing and peer-to-peer communications can improve user productivity
within office environments.
The IBM
®
Token-Ring Network is a network system that allows
interconnection of PCs and their associated devices, in addition to allowing
interconnection of PCs to minicomputers and mainframes.
The IBM Token-Ring Network conforms to the IEEE 802.5 Token Ring
Access Method standard. Other token ring networks conform to this standard
as well.
The topology of the IBM Token-Ring Network is known as a “star-wired
ring.” The devices on the ring are attached to a single, unidirectional loop,
and the loop is wired in a physical star. See
Figure 2-1
.
