Home | Skip to Content | Skip to Search | Skip to Navigation | Skip to Footer |
Worldwide [change] |Register |About Cisco
Guest

Hierarchical Navigation

Cisco Catalyst 5000 Series Switches

Fiber Token Ring Module Configuration Note, Release 3.3(1)

Downloads


Table of Contents

Catalyst 5000 Series Fiber Token Ring Module Configuration Note
 Document Contents
 What is the Catalyst 5000 Switch?
 What is the Fiber Token Ring Switch Module?
 Fiber Token Ring Module Requirements
 Fiber Token Ring Module Physical Characteristics
 Planning for Installation
 Installing the Catalyst 5000 Series Fiber Token Ring Module
 Cabling the Fiber Token Ring Module Ports to Other Devices
 Customizing the Catalyst 5000 Series Fiber Token Ring Module Configuration
 Managing the Catalyst 5000 Series Fiber Token Ring Module
 Updating Software
 Understanding Token Ring Switching
 Catalyst 5000 Series Fiber Token Ring Module Command Reference
 Troubleshooting the Fiber Token Ring Module
 VLAN Quick Start
 Codes
 Translated Safety Warnings
 Cisco Connection Online
 Ordering Documentation

Catalyst 5000 Series Fiber Token Ring Module Configuration Note

June 1, 1999

This configuration note describes how to install and configure the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module (product number WS-X5031).

For a complete description of commands to configure and maintain Catalyst 5000 series switches, refer to the Catalyst 5000 Series Software Configuration Guide and the Catalyst 5000 Series Command Reference publications. For complete switch hardware configuration and maintenance procedures, refer to the Catalyst 5000 Series Installation Guide. For information on Catalyst 5000 series switching modules, refer to the Catalyst 5000 Series Module Installation Guide. These documents are available on the Cisco Connection Documentation, Enterprise Series CD, or in print.

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a CD-ROM package, which ships with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM, a member of the Cisco Connection Family, is updated monthly. Therefore, it might be more current than printed documentation. To order additional copies of the Documentation CD-ROM, contact your local sales representative or call customer service. The CD-ROM package is available as a single package or as an annual subscription. You can also access Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at http://www.cisco.com, http://www-china.cisco.com, or http://www-europe.cisco.com.

If you are reading Cisco product documentation on the World Wide Web, you can submit comments electronically. Click Feedback in the toolbar and select Documentation. After you complete the form, click Submit to send it to Cisco. We appreciate your comments.

Document Contents

This document contains the following sections:

Only trained and qualified personnel should be allowed to install or replace this equipment.

What is the Catalyst 5000 Switch?

The Catalyst 5000 series switch provides high-density switched Ethernet and Fast Ethernet for both wiring closet and data center applications. The switch includes a single, integrated 1.2-Gbps switching backplane that supports switched Ethernet with repeater connections, Fast Ethernet with backbone connections, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDDI), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), and 4- and 16- Mbps fiber and copper Token Ring. The Catalyst 5000 provides switched connections to individual workstations, servers, LAN segments, backbones, or other Catalyst 5000 switches using shielded twisted-pair (STP), unshielded twisted-pair (UTP), and fiber-optic cable. Figure 1 is an example of a configuration using the Catalyst 5000 series switch.


Figure 1   Cascaded Catalyst 5000 Switches using Fast Ethernet and Token Ring Interfaces

Depending on the Catalyst 5000 series switch model that you are using, there are up to 11 interface slots available on the switch. Regardless of the Catalyst 5000 series switch, interface slot 1 supports a supervisor engine module, which provides Layer 2 switching, local and remote management, and dual Fast Ethernet interfaces. Slot 13 on the Catalyst 5500 switch is reserved for the ATM Switch Processor (ASP) module. The remaining slots are used for any combination of modules for additional Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, CDDI/FDDI, ATM, and Token Ring connections. Figure 2 shows the rear view of the Catalyst 5000 series switch, which provides access to the supervisor engine, all switching modules, power supplies, and fan assembly.


Figure 2   Switch Chassis Rear View of the 5-slot Catalyst 5000 Switch

What is the Fiber Token Ring Switch Module?

The fiber Token Ring module, shown in Figure 3, provides 16 Token Ring 3M Volition VF-45 sockets for the Catalyst 5000 series switch. The ports on the fiber Token Ring module support multimode fiber connections via 3M Volition VF-45 ST-to-RJ-45 patch cords. For more information on Volition VF-45 cables, see the "Fiber Token Ring Module Requirements" section.


Figure 3   Fiber Token Ring Module

The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module provides the following features:

  • 16 multimode fiber connections that are individually programmable and capable of running in 4- or 16-Mbps, full- or half-duplex mode, and can be connected to the following:
    • A station, in which case the port acts like an active media attachment unit (MAU) port.
    • A port on a concentrator, in which case the port acts like a station.
    • The ring in/ring out (RI/RO) ports of a Token Ring concentrator or hub.

Note The fiber Token Ring module supports the IEEE 802.5j standard for ring in /ring out (RI/RO) compliance as well as for fiber lobe extension. The ports on the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module also support the proprietary RI/RO signaling used for attaching to the IBM 8230 and the Olicom OC-2610 Controlled Access Unit.

  • Frame forwarding between ports and modules.
  • Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) support of up to 17800 bytes.
  • Concentrator and bridge relay functions that enable switching between ports.
  • Switching features
    • Full bridge-mode support: source-route bridging (SRB), source-route switching, and source-route transparent (SRT) bridging.
    • Store-and-forward frame-forwarding mode
    • 4-Mbps, 16-Mbps, and automatic speed adaption
    • Dedicated Token Ring (DTR) support
    • Priority queues for multimedia traffic
    • Address and protocol filters
    • All-routes explorer (ARE) reduction
    • Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) support: IBM, IEEE 802.1d, Cisco
  • Virtual LAN (VLAN) support
    • 1024 VLANs per switch
    • 63 emulated LANs per ATM link
    • VLAN Trunking Protocol, Version 2
  • Management Utilities and Support
    • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)-based management
    • CiscoView graphical monitoring
    • TrafficDirector for Remote Monitoring (RMON)
    • Ability to monitor port traffic via Switch Port Analyzer (SPAN)
    • Ability to monitor soft error conditions occurring in your network and to receive notification of the stations that are exceeding user-defined error thresholds on a port (requires Token Ring software Release 3.3(1) or later)
    • Ability to issue a Remove Ring Station MAC frame to remove a station from a ring (requires Token Ring software Release 3.3(1) or later)

Note      The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module requires supervisor engine module software, Release 3.2(1b) or later. Soft error monitoring and remove adapter support requires Token Ring software Release 3.3(1) or later and supervisor engine module software Release 5.1(1) or later.

Bridging Modes

The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module applies the IEEE 802.5 annex K models of Concentrator Relay Functions (CRFs) and Bridge Relay Functions (BRFs). The Token Ring Concentrator Relay Function (TrCRF) and the Token Ring Bridge Relay Function (TrBRF) models support for the following bridging modes:

  • SRB
  • Source-route switching
  • SRT

For more information about bridging modes, please see the "Understanding Token Ring Switching" section. For more information on TrBRFs and TrCRFs, see the "Token Ring VLANs" section.

Token Ring Port Operation

Each of the 16 Token Ring ports on the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module can operate in one of the following modes:

  • Half-duplex concentrator port—Port is connected to a single station in half duplex (HDX) mode. In this case, the port behaves like an active medium access unit (MAU) port for classic Token Ring.
  • Half-duplex station emulation—Port is connected to a port on an MAU. In this case, the port behaves like a station connected to a classic Token Ring segment that contains multiple stations.
  • Full-duplex concentrator port—Port is connected to a single station in full duplex (FDX) mode.
  • Full-duplex station emulation—Port is connected to another Token Ring switch in FDX mode.

The mode of operation can be configured, or it can be automatically sensed when equipment is connected to the port. The media speed (4 or 16 Mbps) can also be configured or automatically sensed in all port modes.

Ring In/Ring Out Ports

The ports on the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module are designed to enable attachment to a traditional main ring path coming from either an MAU or a controlled access unit (CAU). Any of the 16 ports can be configured to connect to the RI or RO ports of a MAU or CAU.

Note      The fiber Token Ring module supports the IEEE 802.5j standard for ring in /ring out (RI/RO) compliance as well as for fiber lobe extension. The ports on the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module also support the proprietary RI/RO signaling used for attaching to the IBM 8230 and the Olicom OC-2610 Controlled Access Unit.

A loopback function has been implemented on the fiber module ports so that if the port is disabled or the switch is powered off there will not be a break in the attached main ring. This function means that attaching a cable from the RI port of a MAU port to one of the switch ports in effect joins the primary and the backup ring in a MAU/CAU main ring system. Connecting the other end of the main ring to another switch port creates a redundant path because the two switch ports are connected to the same segment.

Therefore, the STP must be enabled, which will place one port in forward mode and the other in blocked mode. If there is a break in the main ring, the STP will place both ports in forward mode, and all MAC addresses on both segments will be relearned.

Note      It is not possible to automatically verify whether the port has been connected according to the configuration. Any errors, such as attaching a port to a normal MAU port when the fiber Token Ring module port has been configured for RI/RO, will cause a complete disruption of the ring to which the port is attached. Therefore, be careful when using the RI/RO feature.

Transmission Speed Adaption

The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module supports 4- and 16-Mbps Token Ring transmission speeds. You can configure ports on the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module to operate at one of these speeds or to automatically sense the speed of the ring to which it is connected. However, with Token Ring technology, a transmission speed cannot be changed without closing and reopening the port, therefore the following rules apply:

  • If the port is open and running at a transmission speed that is the same as the speed you specify when entering the set port speed command, no action is performed.
  • If the port is open and running at a speed different from a speed you specify when entering the set port speed command, the port will close and reopen at the new transmission speed.
  • If the port is closed, you can change the speed without any restrictions.

Note      If the ports on the fiber Token Ring module are configured to automatically sense the speed of the ring, the first port inserted on the ring will not set the speed, for it will be unable to detect the speed.

Note      Closing and opening the port on an existing ring at a different transmission speed from which the ring is currently operating will cause the port to issue a beacon on that ring.

Dedicated Token Ring Support

The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module supports a new token passing standard called Dedicated Token Ring (DTR). DTR is the IEEE 802.5R standard that:

  • Enables a switch port to act as a concentrator port, which allows you to connect the port of the switch directly to an end station.
  • Transmits in Transmit Immediate (TXI) mode (also referred to as full duplex mode), increasing the aggregate bandwidth to 32 Mbps.

DTR is particularly useful for providing improved access to central resources, such as network servers, for servers can be directly attached to a switch.

Transmission Priority Queues

To address the needs of delay-sensitive data, such as multimedia data, each port on the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module has two data queues: high priority and low priority.

The queue for a frame is determined by the value of the priority field in the frame control (FC) byte of the frame. If the FC priority is above the user-defined priority level (the default is 3), the frame is put in the high-priority queue and is transmitted using the frame priority. If the FC priority is at or below the user-defined priority level, then the frame is sent to the low-priority queue.

Note      The defaults for the priority queue maintain compatibility with current source-route bridges and provide a high-priority queue for Token Ring multimedia traffic (priorities 5 and 6).

For information on defining a priority level, see the "Setting the Frame Priority Levels" section.

Filtering

Many bridged networks today use filtering to reduce broadcast traffic, block protocols, and provide basic security. The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module provides filtering capabilities for the same purpose.

You can filter frames based on the following:

  • Media Access Control (MAC) address (source address [SA] or destination address [DA])
  • Protocol (Destination Service Access Point [DSAP]/Subnetwork Access Protocol [SNAP])

MAC address filters can be configured for only input ports. DSAP/SNAP filters can be configured for both input and output ports. You can configure up to 16 MAC address or DSAP/SNAP filters for each port on the fiber Token Ring module.

To filter data based on MAC address, you specify an address and indicate whether you want to block or allow frames that contain the address as a source or destination address. To filter data based on protocol, specify either a DSAP or SNAP and specify whether to permit or deny frames with that protocol.

For information on configuring filters, see the "Configuring Filters" section.

ARE Reduction

For parallel SRB or SRT backbones, ARE reduction ensures that the number of ARE frames generated by the switch does not overwhelm the network.

The IEEE 802.1d SRT standard specifies two optional ways of reducing the ARE explosion. The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module discards any ARE frames that have already been on a ring that is attached to the switch.

This mechanism is configurable and ensures that only one ARE frame is received on each ring within each VLAN. The number of ARE frames is equal to the number of external parallel paths between the rings. If a port on the switch fails, or is disabled, the switch will no longer check for this ring number in the Routing Information Field (RIF). This bypass allows frames to travel on alternate paths.

By default, ARE reduction is enabled.

For information on enabling and disabling ARE reduction, see the "Enabling and Disabling ARE Reduction" section.

VLAN Support

With a VLAN, logical rings can be formed by defining port groups that have the same ring number. The IEEE standard calls such a Token Ring port group a TrCRF. Within the TrCRF, source-route switching is used for forwarding based on either MAC addresses or route descriptors (RDs). If desired, you may configure the entire VLAN to operate as a single ring (for example, a single TrCRF).

Multiple logical rings or TrCRFs can be interconnected via a single TrBRF. The TrBRF provides either the SRB or SRT switching mode. For source routing, the switch, or network of switches, appears as a single bridge between the logical rings. If SRB is used, duplicate MAC addresses can be defined on different logical rings.

For more information on Token Ring VLANs, see the "Token Ring VLANs" section. For information on configuring a VLAN, see the "Configuring VLANs" section.

STP Support

When creating a fault-tolerant internetwork, a loop-free path must exist between all nodes in a network. A spanning-tree algorithm is used to calculate the best loop-free path through a Catalyst 5000 series switched network. Spanning-tree packets are sent and received by switches in the network at regular intervals. The packets are not forwarded by the switches participating in the STP, but are instead used by the switches to identify the loop-free path. STPs perform this function for Catalyst 5000 series switches.

The Catalyst 5000 series switch uses the IEEE 802.1d or Cisco STP on all TrCRFs. The Catalyst 5000 series switch uses the IBM or IEEE STP on all TrBRFs. For more information on the STPs running on TrCRFs and TrBRFs, see the "Configuring STP" section. By default, spanning-tree support is enabled.

For more information on STPs, see the "Configuring STP" section and the "Understanding Token Ring Switching" section.

Configuration and Management

With the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module, you can preform the following tasks:

  • Manage the fiber Token Ring module using the command-line interface (CLI)
  • Manage the fiber Token Ring module using an SNMP-based manager
  • Monitor the fiber Token Ring module using an RMON agent or external monitoring device
  • Monitor the fiber Token Ring module port traffic using SPAN
  • Monitor soft error conditions occurring in your network and receive notification of the stations that are exceeding user-defined error thresholds on a port
  • Issue a Remove Ring Station MAC frame to remove a station from a ring

SNMP-Based Management

The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module can be managed via an SNMP manager (such as CiscoView). The fiber Token Ring module supports nine Management Information Bases (MIBs). Six of the MIBs are standard MIBs, which are defined by RFCs and are included with most SNMP management applications. Three of the MIBs are Cisco proprietary MIBs and can be obtained from CCO. See the "Cisco Connection Online" section for access to CCO information.

In addition to the standard MIBs supported the Catalyst 5000 series switch, the fiber Token Ring module supports the following additional MIBs:

  • Token Ring Extensions to the Managed Objects for Bridges (RFC 1525)
  • IEEE 802.5 Token Ring MIB (RFC 1748)
  • RMON MIB/Token Ring Extensions (RFC 1513) partial support

The proprietary MIBs supported are:

  • Cisco Workgroup MIB (CISCO-STACK-MIB)
  • VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP) pruning (CISCO-VTP-MIB)
  • Cisco VLAN Bridging (CISCO-VLAN-BRIDGING-MIB)

Most user configurable variables are supported in either the standard MIBs or private MIBs. Configuration settings, such as port attributes, and operational information, such as address tables, are fully accessible through SNMP. Certain other settings, such as passwords and console settings, cannot be viewed or modified via SNMP for security reasons.

CiscoView Support

CiscoView is a graphical user interface device management software application that provides dynamic status, statistics, and comprehensive configuration information for Cisco System's switched and internetworking products. CiscoView allows you to display configuration and performance information, and perform minor troubleshooting tasks.

RMON Support

RMON is an industry-standard method for providing network statistics monitoring using SNMP. It also collects fault, performance, and configuration statistics. RMON can monitor continuously, even when communication with the management station is not possible or efficient. It can then notify the management station when an exceptional condition occurs.

In typical SNMP management, the SNMP manager has to continuously poll the Catalyst 5000 series switch for fault, performance, and configuration information while waiting for the value to change. This causes increased traffic through the network. With RMON, you can have the switch monitor a particular statistic internally, and when the statistic reaches a threshold the Catalyst 5000 series switch will send a trap to the client. This monitoring method reduces traffic between the SNMP manager and the Catalyst 5000 series switch.

As an option, the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module provides RMON support statistics, history, alarms, and events. It also provides support for the following groups of the Token Ring extensions to the Remote Network Monitoring MIB (RFC 1513):

  • MAC-layer statistics group

A collection of MAC-layer statistics kept for each Token Ring interface, such as the total number of MAC packets received and the number of times the port entered a beaconing state.

  • Promiscuous statistics group

A collection of promiscuous statistics kept for non-MAC packets on each Token Ring interface, such as the total number of good non-MAC frames received that were directed to an LLC broadcast address.

  • Token Ring station control table

The Catalyst 5000 series Token Ring module supports the ringStationControlTable portion of the Token Ring Ring Station Group. This support allows a Catalyst 5000 series Token Ring module to gather segment information from each ring segment to which it is attached. This segment information includes Ring State, Beacon Sender, Beacon NAUN, and Active Monitor MAC Address, as well as Station Order Changes.

  • Token Ring ring station order table

An ordered list of the stations on the monitored rings.

  • Token Ring ring station table

A list of ring station entries. An entry exists for each station that is currently or has previously been detected as being physically present on the ring.

  • Token Ring ring station config control table

A list of ring station configuration control entries. Each entry controls the management of stations by a probe. One entry exists in this table for each active station in the ring station table.

You can use an external RMON probe for full RMON support.

Access to RMON data is available only via an SNMP management application that supports RFC 1757 and RFC 1513. You cannot access RMON via the Catalyst 5000 series switch console interface; however, the console statistics provide similar information. For full utilization of RMON data, you should use Cisco's TrafficDirector.

SPAN Support

To aid in network management, the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module allows you to perform active port monitoring. Active port monitoring copies traffic from a Token Ring port to a Token Ring SPAN port within the switch. You can then attach an external Token Ring monitor (network analyzer) or RMON probe to the SPAN port.

Note      Forwarding to the SPAN port takes place independently of the normal forwarding.

Soft Error Monitoring and Remove Adapter Support

The Catalyst 5000 series Token Ring module software Release 3.3(1) and later performs error detection and isolation by monitoring the Report Soft Error MAC frames generated by stations on each port. Soft errors occur during normal ring operation and do not typically disrupt traffic on the ring. However, soft errors can occur at a rate that could potentially degrade the performance of the ring.

Using the soft error monitoring feature, you can configure soft error thresholds and sampling intervals for a port. During the interval you define, the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module monitors the stations on the port and, if the threshold is exceeded, can be configured to generate a trap indicating the port number and station on which the threshold was exceeded. If necessary, you can issue a Remove Ring Station MAC frame to remove the station from the ring.

In summary, the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module performs the following tasks:

  • Monitors the Report Soft Error MAC frames generated by stations on each port, collects the data from each soft error frame, and generates a trap containing the port number and station where the user-defined soft error threshold is exceeded.
  • Reports the soft error monitoring statistics via the console and SNMP.
  • Provides the ability to issue a Remove Ring Station MAC frame to remove a station that is reporting a high level of errors or is not authorized to be on a ring.

Fiber Token Ring Module Requirements

Before installing a Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module, ensure that your existing system components meet the following minimum requirements for compatibility:

  • Catalyst 5000 Series Token Ring software, Version 3.2(2) or later.
  • Supervisor Engine II or higher is installed and contains a minimum of 16 MB of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM).
  • Supervisor engine module software, Release 3.2(1b) or later.

Note Soft error monitoring and remove adapter support requires Token Ring software Release 3.3(1) or later and supervisor engine module software Release 5.1(1) or later.

Note The software images containing the latest upgrades and modifications are released regularly to provide the optimum software available. Cisco Systems strongly recommends that you check Cisco Connection Online at http://www.cisco.com for the latest released software image.

  • VLAN Trunk Protocol, Version 2. For information on enabling and disabling VTP V2, see the latest release of the Catalyst 5000 Series Command Reference.

In addition, you will need 16 3M Volition VF-45 ST-to-RJ-45 patch cords.

Fiber Token Ring Module Physical Characteristics

Table 1 shows the technical specifications for the 16-port fiber Token Ring module:

Table 1   Fiber Token Ring Module Specifications

Description Specification

Dimensions (H x W x D)

1.17 x 14.4 x 16.0 in (2.9 x 36.58 x 40.64 cm)

Weight

3.9 lb (1.45 kg)

Environmental Conditions

Operating temperature

Nonoperating temperature

Humidity

 

32 to 104° (0 to 40°C)

-40 to 167°F (-40 to 75°C)

10 to 90%, noncondensing

Connectors

16 Token Ring 3M Volition VF-45 sockets

Frame processing

Source-route, source-route transparent, source-route switching

Network management

SNMP2 agent

Agency Approvals:
Safety

EMI2

 


UL 1950, CSA-C22.2 No. 950, IEC 950, EN 60950

FCC 15J Class A, VCCI CE II, CE Mark, EN 55022 Class B, CISPR 22 Class B

Maximum Configuration

Depending on the Catalyst 5000 series switch model that you are using, there are up to 11 interface slots available on the switch. Regardless of the Catalyst 5000 series switch, interface slot 1 supports a supervisor engine module. Slot 13 on the Catalyst 5500 switch is reserved for the ATM Switch Processor (ASP) module. All other slots support any combination of network interface switching modules or provides maximum port densities of up to 176 Token Ring interfaces.

Status and Activity Indicators

The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module has LEDs that indicate the status and activity of the module and its ports. There is one LED associated with the Token Ring module and two LEDs associated with each of the 16 ports: Status and Activity.

For information on reading the Token Ring module and port LEDs, see the "Troubleshooting the Fiber Token Ring Module" section.

Using Fiber Token Ring Media

There are two types of fiber-optic cable: single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF). The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module uses MMF fiber-optic cable. Mode refers to the angle at which light rays (signals) are reflected and propagated through the optical-fiber core, which acts as a waveguide for the light signals. MMF has a relatively thick core (62.5/125 micron) that reflects light rays at many angles. SMF has a narrow core (8.7 to 10/125 micron) that allows light to enter only at a single angle.

Although MMF allows more light signals to enter at a greater variety of angles (modes), the different angles create multiple propagation paths that cause the signals to spread out in time and limit the rate at which data can be accurately received. This distortion does not occur on the single path of the single-mode signal; therefore, SMF is capable of higher bandwidth and greater cable run distances than MMF. Multimode transmitters usually use LEDs as a light source. Single-mode transmitters use a laser diode, which is capable of sustaining faster data rates. Single-mode and multimode interfaces use a photodiode detector at the receiver to translate the light signal into electrical signals. Table 2 shows the transmit power level for fiber Token Ring module media.

Table 2   MMF Token Ring Transmit and Receive Power Levels

Optical Power Minimum Typical Maximum

Transmit

16.0 dbm (25.1 m)

14.5 dbm (35.5 m)

12.0 dbm (63.1 m)

Receive

31.0 dbm (0.8 m)

 

11.0 dbm (79.4 m)

Planning for Installation

Before installing the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module, read this section carefully, it contains information on pre-installation planning.

Note      Before installing the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module, read the "Translated Safety Warnings" section on page 139.

This section discusses the following topics:

Preparing Network Connections

When preparing your site for network connections to the switch, you need to consider a number of factors related to each type of interface:

  • Type of cabling required for each type (fiber or twisted-pair cabling)
  • Distance limitations for each signal type
  • Specific cables you need to connect each interface
  • Any additional interface equipment you need, such as transceivers and converters

Before installing the switch, have all additional external equipment and cables on hand. For ordering information, contact a customer service representative.

Installation Considerations

Observe the following cautions when installing an expansion module into an expansion slot of a Catalyst 5000 series switch chassis.

Do not touch the component or connectors on the module. Do not touch cable connector pins when the other end of the cable is plugged in. Damage may result from static discharge.
During installation, the connector on the expansion module must line up evenly with the connector inside the expansion slot. Misalignment may cause the connector pins to bend. When inserting the expansion module into the expansion slot, be sure that the board is level and that the left and right sides slide evenly into the slot.

Following Safety Recommendations

Before you begin installing the Catalyst 5000 Token Ring module, review the safety and ESD-prevention guidelines in this section to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the equipment.

Safety with Electricity

Follow these guidelines when working with any equipment powered by electricity:

Before working on equipment that is connected to power lines, remove jewelry (including rings, necklaces, and watches). Metal objects will heat up when connected to power and ground and can cause serious burns or weld the metal object to the terminals.
Unplug the power cord before you work on a system that does not have an on/off switch.

Preventing ESD

ESD damage occurs when electronic devices or components are improperly handled. This damage results in complete or intermittent failures. The supervisor engine and switching modules each consist of a printed circuit board fixed in a metal carrier. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, connectors, and a handle are integral components of the carrier. Although the metal carrier helps protect modules from ESD, use a preventive antistatic strap when you handle the supervisor engine or switching modules. Hold the carriers by the handles and the carrier edges only; never touch the modules or connector pins.

This equipment is intended to be grounded. Ensure that the host is connected to earth ground during normal use.

Guidelines for preventing ESD damage are the following:

  • Always use an ESD wrist strap or ankle strap, and ensure that it makes good skin contact.
  • When removing the supervisor engine or switching modules, connect the equipment end of the strap to one of the captive installation screws on an installed switching module, power supply, or fan assembly (Figure 4). When replacing internal components, such as the supervisor engine, that are accessible from the rear of the chassis, connect the strap to an unpainted inner surface of the chassis, such as the inner frame that is exposed when a module is removed.
  • When installing a supervisor engine or switching module, use the ejector levers to properly seat the bus connectors in the backplane, then tighten both captive installation screws. These screws prevent accidental removal, provide proper grounding for the system, and help to ensure that the bus connectors are seated in the backplane.
  • When removing a supervisor engine or switching module, use the ejectors levers to release the bus connectors from the backplane. Grasp the captive screws and pull out the carrier slowly, placing your hand along the bottom of the carrier to guide it straight out of the slot.
  • Hold carriers by the handles and carrier edges only; avoid touching the module or any connector pins.
  • When removing a switching module, place the printed circuit board side up on an antistatic surface or in a static shielding bag. If the component will be returned to the factory, immediately place it in a static shielding bag.
  • Handle bare boards by the edges only.

Figure 4   Placement of ESD Wrist Strap

Hot-Swapping Overview

The Catalyst 5000 series switching modules support hot swapping. The hot-swapping feature enables you to install, remove, replace, and rearrange the switching modules without turning off the system power. When the Catalyst 5000 series switch detects that a switching module has been installed or removed, it automatically runs diagnostic and discovery routines, acknowledges the presence or absence of the switching module, and resumes the system operation without any operator intervention.

The supervisor engine module and each switching module contain a bus-type connector that connects with the system backplane. Each card connector consists of a set of tiered pins, in three lengths. The pins send specific signals to the system as they make contact with the backplane of the Catalyst 5000 series switch. The system assesses the signals it receives and the order in which it receives them to determine what event is occurring and what task it needs to perform, such as reinitializing new interfaces or shutting down removed interfaces.

For example, when inserting your Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module, the longest pins make contact with the backplane first and the shortest pins make contact last. The system recognizes the signals and the sequence in which it receives them. The system expects to receive signals from the individual pins in this logical sequence, and the ejector levers help to ensure that the pins mate in this sequence.

When you remove or insert a switching module, the backplane pins send signals to notify the system. The system then performs the following tasks:

1. Rapidly scans the backplane for configuration changes.

2. Initializes the newly inserted switching module, notes any removed interfaces, and places them in the administratively shut-down state.

3. Brings all previously configured interfaces on the switching module back to the state they were in when they were removed. Any newly inserted interfaces are put in the administratively shutdown state, as if they were present (but unconfigured) at boot time. If a similar switching module type has been reinserted into a slot, then its ports are configured and brought on line up to the port count of the original switching module.

When you insert a new switching module, the system runs a diagnostic test on the new interfaces and compares them to the existing configuration. If this initial diagnostic test fails, the system remains off line for another 15 seconds while it performs a second set of diagnostic tests to determine whether or not the switching module is faulty and if normal system operation is possible.

If the second diagnostic test passes, which indicates that the system is operating normally and the new switching module is faulty, the system resumes normal operation but leaves the new interfaces disabled. If the second diagnostic test fails, the system crashes, which usually indicates that the new switching module has created a problem in the bus and should be removed.

To avoid erroneous failure messages, allow at least 15 seconds for the system to reinitialize and note the current configuration of all interfaces before you remove or insert another switching module.

Avoiding Problems When Inserting and Removing a Switching Module

Use the ejector levers (Figure 5) to align and seat the card connectors in the backplane. Failure to use the ejector levers and insert the switching module properly can disrupt the order in which the pins make contact with the backplane.

Before installing the fiber Token Ring module, carefully review the instructions in the "Installing the Fiber Token Ring Module" section and the "Removing Switching Modules or Module Fillers" section. Also review the following list of examples of incorrect insertion practices and results that you want to avoid when installing the fiber Token Ring module.

When installing the fiber Token Ring module:

  • Do not use the faceplate to force a switching module all the way into the slot. This action can pop the ejector levers out of their springs. If you then try to use the ejector levers to seat the switching module, the first layer of pins (which are already mated to the backplane) can disconnect and then remove with the backplane, which the system interprets as a card failure.
  • Do not use the faceplate to force or slam the switching module all the way into the slot. This action can also damage the pins on the card connectors if they are not aligned properly with the backplane.
  • Do not use the faceplate (rather than the ejector levers) to seat the switching module in the backplane because you may need to pull the switching module back out and push it in again to align it properly. Even if this action does not damage the connector pins, the pins mating with and disconnecting from the backplane will cause the system to interpret a card failure. Using the ejector levers ensures that the card connector mates with the backplane in one continuous movement.
  • Do not use the faceplate to insert or remove a switching module or fail to push the ejector levers to the full 90-degree position. This action can leave some (not all) of the connector pins mated to the backplane, a state which will suspend the system. Using the ejector levers and making sure that they are pushed fully into position ensures that all three layers of pins are mated with (or free from) the backplane.

It is also important to use the ejector levers when removing a switching module to ensure that the card connector pins disconnect from the backplane in the logical sequence expected by the system. Any supervisor engine module or switching module that is only partially connected to the backplane can hang the bus. Detailed steps for correctly performing hot swap are included in the "Installing the Catalyst 5000 Series Fiber Token Ring Module" section.

All Catalyst 5000 series switching modules support hot swapping. The supervisor engine module is a required system component. Removing a supervisor engine module while the system is operating will cause the system to halt.

Installing the Catalyst 5000 Series Fiber Token Ring Module

This section explains the process you should follow to install the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module.

Before installing the fiber Token Ring module, ensure that you have read the information in the "Planning for Installation" section.

Do not work on the system or connect or disconnect cables during periods of lightning activity.

This section discusses the following topics:

Do not touch the power supply when the power cord is connected. For systems with a power switch, line voltages are present within the power supply even when the power switch is off and the power cord is connected. For systems without a power switch, line voltages are present within the power supply when the power cord is connected.

Required Tools

To install the Catalyst 5000 Token Ring module, you will need the following tools:

  • 3/8-inch flat-blade screwdriver to tighten or loosen the captive installation screws
  • ESD cord and wrist strap
  • Antistatic mat, foam pad, or bag
  • 3M Volition VF-45 ST-to-RJ-45 patch cords

Removing Switching Modules or Module Fillers

If a switching module or filler (blank) module exists in the slot in which you are planning to install the Catalyst 5000 Token Ring module, remove the existing item before installing the Catalyst 5000 Token Ring module. If there is no switching module or switching module filler in the slot in which you are planning to install the Catalyst 5000 Token Ring module, proceed to the "Installing the Fiber Token Ring Module" section.

Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national laws and regulations.

To remove the existing module or module filler:

Step 1   Put on an ESD-preventive wrist or ankle strap and connect the equipment end of the strap to the metal case of the Catalyst 5000 Series switch in which you are installing the module.

Step 2   Determine the slot for the fiber Token Ring module and ensure that there is enough clearance to accommodate any interface equipment that you connect directly to the fiber Token Ring module ports. If possible, place the switching module between empty slots that contain only switching module filler plates.

Step 3   Using a flat-blade screw driver, turn the captive installation screw on the left side of the carrier counter-clockwise for two full turns.

Always use the ejector levers (Figure 5 shows the ejector levers) when installing or removing switching modules. A module that is partially seated in the backplane will cause the system to halt and subsequently crash.

Figure 5   Ejector Levers and Captive Installation Screws (Supervisor Engine Module Shown)
Do not completely loosen one captive installation screw at a time. Attempting to completely loosen one captive installation screw at a time will cause damage to the thread. Always alternate between loosening the left screw and then loosening the right screw.

Step 4   Using a flat-blade screw driver, turn the captive installation screw on the right side of the carrier counter-clockwise two full turns.

Step 5   Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have completely loosened the captive installation screws.

Step 6   Place your thumbs on the left and right ejector levers and simultaneously push both the left and right levers to release the switching module or module filler from the backplane connector.

Step 7   Grasp the switching module or module filler with one hand and place your other hand under the carrier to support and guide the module out of the slot.

Step 8   Keeping the module or module filler at a 90-degree orientation to the backplane, carefully pull the module or module filler straight out of the slot, keeping your other hand under the carrier to guide it.

Note      If you are performing a hot swap, the console displays the message "Module n has been removed." However, this message does not appear if you are connected to the Catalyst 5000 through a Telnet session.

Step 9   If you have removed a switching module, place the removed module on an antistatic mat or antistatic foam, or immediately install it in another slot.

Step 10   If you are not installing a switching module in the empty slot immediately, install a switching module filler (part number 800-00292-01) to keep dust out of the chassis and to maintain proper airflow through the switching module compartment.

Never leave a switching module slot empty. Always ensure that a switching module or a switching module filler is installed in an empty slot to maintain the proper flow of cooling air across the modules.

Installing the Fiber Token Ring Module

You can install the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module in any of the module slots except slot 1, which is reserved for the supervisor engine module (which is a required system component), or slot 13 on the Catalyst 5500 switch, which is reserved for the ASP module. Depending on the model of the Catalyst 5000 series switch you are using, the module slots are numbered 1 through 13 from the top to bottom when viewing the Catalyst 5000 series switch from the rear (Figure 6).

Switching module fillers, which are blank switching module carriers, are installed in the slots without modules to maintain consistent airflow through the switching module compartment.


Figure 6   Slot Numbers on the 5-slot Catalyst 5000
When installing the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module, handle the module by the carrier edges only to prevent ESD damage. Make sure to avoid touching the card or connector pins.

To install the fiber Token Ring module:

Step 1   Hold the switching module handle with one hand and place your other hand under the carrier to support the switching module. Avoid touching the card.

Step 2   Aligning the notch on the sides of the switching module with the grooves in the slot, place the back of the switching module in the slot (Figure 7).


Figure 7   Module Installation in the 5-slot Catalyst 5000

Step 3   Keep the module at a 90-degree angle to the backplane and carefully slide the switching module into the slot until the module faceplate makes contact with the ejector levers.

Do not force the fiber Token Ring module into the slot. If the module does not slide in easily, make sure that it is properly aligned.

Step 4   Using the thumb and forefinger of each hand, simultaneously push in the left and right levers to fully seat the module in the backplane connector.

Note      If you are performing a hot swap, the console displays the message, "Module n has been inserted." However, this message does not appear if you are connected to the Catalyst 5000 through a Telnet session.

Step 5   Using a flat-blade screwdriver, turn the captive installation screw on the left side of the carrier clockwise two full turns.

Step 6   With the screwdriver, turn the captive installation screw on the right side of the carrier clockwise two full turns.

Completely tightening one captive installation screw at a time will cause damage to the thread. Always alternate between turning the left screw and turning the right screw

Step 7   Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the captive installation screws are tight. Do not use excessive force to tighten the screws.

Step 8   Attach network interface cables or other devices to the interface ports.

Step 9   Use the set interface command facility to configure the new interfaces. This configuration does not have to be done immediately, but the interfaces will not be available until you configure them. For information on configuring the new interfaces, see the Catalyst 5000 Series Advanced Software Configuration Guide.

Hot-Swapping Screen Display Samples

When you remove and replace the Catalyst 5000 series switching modules, the system provides status messages on the console screen. These messages are for information use only.

In the following display example, using the show system and show module commands, you can follow the events that are logged by the system when a switching module is removed from slot 4. When the show port command is used to query the module, the system reports notconnect. When the module is reinserted, the system marks the module as ok.

Console> (enable) show system
PS1-Status PS2-Status Fan-Status Temp-Alarm Sys-Status Uptime d,h:m:s Logout
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ---------
ok none ok off ok 3,02:08:32 20 min
PS1-Type PS2-Type Modem Baud Traffic Peak Peak-Time
---------- ---------- ------- ----- ------- ---- -------------------------
WS-C5008A none disable 9600 0% 0% Mon Apr 5 1999, 12:31:27
System Name System Location System Contact
------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
Console> (enable)
Console> (enable) show module
Mod Slot Ports Module-Type Model Status
--- ---- ----- ------------------------- ------------------- --------
1 1 0 Supervisor III WS-X5530 ok
2 2 12 10/100BaseTX Ethernet WS-X5213 ok
3 3 16 Token Ring MMF WS-X5031 ok
Mod Module-Name Serial-Num
--- ------------------- --------------------
1 00009979008
2 00003631705
3 00007382783
Mod MAC-Address(es) Hw Fw Sw
--- -------------------------------------- ------ ---------- -----------------
1 00-90-d9-d3-70-00 to 00-90-d9-d3-73-ff 1.8 3.1.2 5.1(0.56)
2 00-60-5c-c3-49-14 to 00-60-5c-c3-49-1f 1.3 1.4 5.1(0.56)
3 00:05:77:06:29:af to 00:05:77:06:29:bf 1.1 1.0(117) 3.3(1)
Mod Sub-Type Sub-Model Sub-Serial Sub-Hw
--- -------- --------- ---------- ------
1 EARL 1+ WS-F5520 0007601847 1.0
Console> (enable)
Console> (enable) show port 3/10
Port Name Status Vlan Level Duplex Speed Type
----- ------------------ ---------- ---------- ------ ------ ----- ------------
3/10 inactive 1003 normal a-hdx auto TokenRing MMF
Port Trap IfIndex
----- -------- -------
3/10 disabled 29
Last-Time-Cleared
--------------------------
Mon Apr 5 1999, 12:31:27
Console> (enable)

Cabling the Fiber Token Ring Module Ports to Other Devices

This section provides instructions for connecting devices such as hubs, servers, PCs, and workstations to the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module. When making a connection, remember the following:

  • Avoid stretching or bending cables excessively.
  • Avoid trip hazards by routing cables away from the aisles and other areas where people walk. If such routes cannot be avoided, use floor cable covers or similar material to secure and protect the cables.
  • Be sure that the cables connected to the module are supported so that the cable connectors are not excessively strained.
  • 3M Volition VF-45 ST-to-RJ-45 patch cords are required.

Observe the following warnings and notes when cabling an expansion module with fiber-optic cable.

Laser radiation is present when the system is open.

Do not stare into the laser beam.

To connect the cables, perform the following steps:

Step 1   Using a cable chart provided by your network administrator as a guide, connect the cables between the module and the other devices.

Step 2   Label each end of the cable so that it will be easy to find the device if you have to troubleshoot a network problem. Suggested information for this label includes the following:

  • Room location of the other device
  • Unique cable identification number
  • Number of the port to which the cable is attached

Customizing the Catalyst 5000 Series Fiber Token Ring Module Configuration

The Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module is shipped with default configuration parameters and can function with these defaults. Therefore, you may not have to configure the module for it to work in your network. However, if you want or need to alter the configuration of the fiber Token Ring module, you can do so.

This section describes how to use the CLI to configure the ports on the Token Ring switching module. This section also contains information about STPs and Token Ring VLANs. For additional information on the CLI, refer to the Catalyst 5000 Series Command Reference.

Note      For definitions of all the commands specific to the fiber Token Ring module and existing Catalyst 5000 series switch commands that have been modified for the fiber Token Ring module, see the "Catalyst 5000 Series Fiber Token Ring Module Command Reference" section.

This section discusses the following topics:

Note      If you have not already configured the interface for the fiber Token Ring module, you may want to do so. This configuration does not have to be done immediately, but the interfaces will not be available until you configure them. For information on configuring the new interfaces, see the Catalyst 5000 Series Advanced Software Configuration Guide.

Default Configuration

The default values of the fiber Token Ring module features are:

  • All ports are enabled
  • All ports are assigned to the default TrCRF
  • No port name is configured for any port
  • Priority level for all ports is set to normal
  • Transmission speeds for the ports is set to auto-detect
  • Transmission modes for the ports is set to auto
  • Transmission threshold is 3
  • Minimum transmit setting is 4
  • STP is enabled for all ports
  • ARE reduction is enabled
  • Soft error monitoring is disabled

Entering Enable Privileged Mode

Before you can customize certain parameters of the Token Ring module, you must invoke the privileged mode of the Catalyst 5000 series switch. When in privileged mode, you can issue commands to configure or troubleshoot the system.

To enter privileged mode:

Step 1   From the Console> prompt, type enable. You are prompted for your password.

Step 2   Type your password and press Enter. The Console> prompt now indicates that you are in enable mode by displaying (enable) next to the console prompt.

Note      By default, there is no password configured for the Catalyst 5000 series switch.

For more information on configuring the Token Ring interface parameters, see the "Configuring Token Ring Port Parameters" section.

Configuring Token Ring Port Parameters

This section contains information on the following topics:

Note      If you change certain configuration parameters of a connected port, the port will close and reopen and you will lose all address information and statistics for that port.

Setting the Port Name

By default, no names are assigned to the ports on the Catalyst 5000 series fiber Token Ring module. However, you can assign names to each of the ports on your Token Ring module using the set port name command.

To assign a name to a port on the Token Ring module, issue the following command in privileged mode:

set port name mod_num/port_num name

After entering the set port name command, you see a display similar to the following:

Console> (enable) set port name 4/1 Print-1st Floor
Port 4/1 name set.
Console> (enable) set port name 4/2 Server 1
Port 4/2 name set.

Setting the Frame Priority Levels

There are two types of frame priorities that you can set for a port.

  • Priority threshold—Highest Token Ring frame priority in the Frame Control Field of the frame that the switch should place in the low-priority transmit queue. The default priority queue threshold is 3.
  • Minimum transmit priority—Minimum reservation priority used when requesting a token on a busy ring. The default minimum frame priority to be used is 4.

To set the frame priority levels for a port, issue the following command in privileged mode:

set tokenring priority mod_num/port_num {threshold 0-7 | minxmit 0-6}

After entering the set tokenring priority command, you see a display similar to the following:

Console> (enable) set tokenring priority 4/2 threshold 6
Port 2 priority threshold set to 6.
Console> (enable) set tokenring priority 4/2 minxmit 5
Port 2 priority minxmit set to 5.

Setting the Port Speed

The speed of the port is in megabits per second (Mbps). The Token Ring module ports can be set to 4 or 16 Mbps transmission speeds. The default speed, auto, enables the ports to automatically configure themselves to operate at the proper speed (4 or 16 Mbps). However, you can configure the port speed if necessary.

Note      If the ports on the Token Ring module are configured to automatically sense the speed of the ring, the first port inserted on the ring will not set the speed, for it will be unable to detect the speed.

To set the transmission speed for a Token Ring module port, issue the following command in privileged mode:

set port speed mod_num/port_num {4 | 16 | auto}

After entering the set port speed command, you see a display similar to the following:

Console> (enable) set port speed 4/1 4
Port 4/1 speed set to 4Mbps.
Console> (enable) set port speed 4/2 16
Port 4/2 speed set to 16Mbps.
Console> (enable) set port speed 4/3 auto