Cabletron Systems bridges Manuel D’Utilisation

Network Expandability

5-15

Network Design

Your network maps will be used for keeping track of a large amount of 
information, which will naturally change over time. As the network grows or is 
altered, the devices that make up the network will change, new workgroups will 
be added, segmented off from larger workgroups or combined with smaller ones. 
It is, therefore, important to keep track of the changes made to the network, and 
the network map is a good place to do this. 

A network map that indicates a patch panel, punchdown block, or breakout box 
should identify that patch panel by a numerical or alphabetical code. This code 
should indicate a patch panel chart, which can be referred to for connection 
information. 

Any network device which appears on the general network map should be 
identified by some short and easily read code. This code refers to a separate list of 
the actual type of device. For example, the network map might show a diamond 
shape with “B882” written in it. A look at the chart or table of devices associated 
with this map indicates that the “B” in the code indicates a bridge, and bridge 
“882” is a standalone 2-port Cabletron Systems Ethernet bridge, NBR-220. If in the 
future this device is upgraded, the map can remain the same, but the device code 
table or chart can be changed. If, for example, the NBR-220 was upgraded to an 
Ethernet switch in a small chassis, the chart entry for “B882” could be changed to 
read “Cabletron Systems ESXMIM 6-port Ethernet switch in MMAC-M3FNB 
small modular chassis” without requiring any changes to the overall network 
map.

Networks tend to grow. As businesses change and networking capabilities 
become more and more a part of the business process, networks grow in size or 
complexity and capability. For this reason, it is important, in any network, to plan 
for future expansion.

Expansion does not only mean being able to increase the total port count; 
expandability includes the later incorporation of new and future technologies, 
increasing the power, speed, and reliability of the network. 

The Cabletron Systems PLUS architecture, a key component in the design of the 
MMAC, MMAC-Plus, and MicroMMAC device families, is an effort to make 
planning for the future easier. By providing the capability for advanced 
functionality to be included as it is needed, the PLUS architecture smooths the 
upgrade and expansion path. For information on the various aspects of the PLUS 
architecture, contact your Cabletron Systems Sales Representative.