Cabletron Systems bridges Manuel D’Utilisation

The Workgroup Approach

3-2

Standalones

Standalone devices are the second oldest devices in Local Area Networking, 
having been developed shortly after transceivers. The basic and most 
straightforward standalone device is the repeater or concentrator, a device that 
allows a network signal received on one interface, or port, to be strengthened, 
regenerated, and sent out another port. Figure 3-1 illustrates the operation of a 
repeater, receiving a weak signal and transmitting a cleaner, stronger signal.

Figure 3-1. Repeater Operation

These simple, inexpensive devices were designed to expand the limitations and 
capabilities of early networks, allowing them to grow beyond the limitations 
imposed by the cabling they were based upon. As time went on, and networks 
grew in size, the standalone devices began to offer greater control and 
expandability. The design of multiport repeaters allowed one signal to be sent out 
several interfaces simultaneously, and the standalone bridge offered the ability to 
localize network traffic for security and improved performance.

The other most common standalone device in early networks was the standalone 
bridge. The standalone bridge was commonly a two-port device which performed 
segmentation functions between two networks. The multiport bridge was 
eventually followed up by the multiport switch, which made switched 
connections between several network interfaces.

The use of these standalone devices allowed simple networks to expand beyond 
the limits of the cabling and the physical constraints of the technologies being 
used. The standalone networking devices were relatively simple, however, and 
did not always support the numbers of users that facilities contained. 

repeater

incoming signal

outgoing signal

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