EXP Computer S200 Manuel D’Utilisation

Bridging 

37

T0008-16F

Release 5.2M

This section explains how to configure your PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch 
to implement the Translational Bridging feature.

Translational Bridging allows a PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch to bridge 
traffic between Ethernet and Token Ring networks. Upon receiving traffic from one 
network the PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch’s Source Route translates the 
data into a translational bridge format that can be used by the other network.

For Translational Bridging to function, several conditions must exist:

• The Token Ring network must conform to IEEE standard 802.5 and the 

Ethernet network mst conform to 802.3.

• The PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch must contain a 4 Meg FLASH 

and be using one of these software options: Option 71 to 75.

In a single node, Translational Bridging performance is limited to 350 packets 
per second.

To enable Translational Bridging, you need to set the parameter Link Mode = 
TRANS (in the Bridge Link Parameters Record). Also, be sure the parameter Virtual 
Ring Number is set to a unique value.

These factors should be considered when configuring your PathBuilder S24x, 26x, 
and 27x switch for Translational Bridging:

• Only one link in a PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch can have the param-

eter Link Mode = TRANS.

• Only Bridge Link with Bridge Type = SR can have Link Mode = TRANS.

• LLC Termination is not supported between Token Ring and Ethernet when 

using Translational Bridging.

• You can increase the value of the parameter Aging Period (in the Bridge 

Parameters Record) to limit the relearning of the entries in the Translational 
Bridging MAC Address.

For more information about configuring a PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch for 
Translational Bridging, refer to the configuration example in the next section.

Figure 18 shows an example of a PathBuilder S24x, 26x, and 27x switch configured 
for Translational Bridging between an Ethernet and Token Ring Network within the 
same node. The records and parameters that need to be configured for Translational 
Bridging are shown.

In this example, the parameters in Bridge Link 1 and Bridge Link 2 records 
remain at their default values. However, to implement the default settings, you 
need to call up the records (from the CTP) and then save them.