Original question:
> We're currently investigating upgrading our local network to replace the
> "traditional" 10Mbit ethernet with "fast ethernet". We can easily get fast
> ethernet cards for all our non-FDDI machines, but the real problem is the
> prospective meeting point between the fast ether and FDDI: it's an *old*
> AlphaServer 4000, and according to our local DEC people there is no such
> thing as a DEC fast ethernet card for the 4000.
>
> Does anyone know of any other manufacturers with cards which would suit our
> server? (Or manufacturers with cards that are demonstrably *not* suited?)
>
> Does anyone think that we'd be better off doing something completely
> different? (E.g. I don't know how much ATM costs by comparison...)
Many thanks for the following helpful suggestions!
From: Jon Craig <jcraig_at_gfs.com>
> You could look at a Cisco Switch setup to solve this problem. Instead of
> joining your FDDI and 100BT at a Unix Box install a Cisco 5000 w/ 1 100BT
> Switch port card (12 100BT ports) and 1 FDDI card w/ (?? # of FDDI ports).
> Each port out of the switch would be its own 100MB highway and traffic
> would be limited to the ports that are neccessary (ie traffic to/from
> system A on port 1 and system B on port 2 would only appear on port's 1 & 2
> keeping the other pipes open). The downside to this is cost. Cisco or
> other switching companies may have other products that can merge these
> technologies. The Cisco 5000 is an enterprise class switching technology
> and may be more than you need.
From: Anil Khullar <Anil.Khullar_at_mailhub.gc.cuny.edu>
> DE500 is a 100mbit PCI based ethernet card that run on DU 3.2C or
> later. Please check the digital web site for more SPD info, as to whether
> AS4000 is included.
From: Dave Cherkus <cherkus_at_UniMaster.COM>
> |> Does anyone know of any other manufacturers with cards which would suit our
> |> server? (Or manufacturers with cards that are demonstrably *not* suited?)
>
> No, especially not for the 4000, which has futurebus for IO.
>
> But, since these are end-of-life, perhaps you can find a fddi
> board cheap for it (I think the fddi board for futurebus
> is called DEFAA).
>
> |> Does anyone think that we'd be better off doing something completely
> |> different? (E.g. I don't know how much ATM costs by comparison...)
>
> No, I think fddi is your best choice for this system.
From: "Loucks, Guy GR" <Loucks.Guy.GR_at_bhp.com.au>
> How about using a fast ether / FDDI switch. People like Cabletron make
> these units. I believe DEC might even have one in their 900 series of
> comm's equipment.
We still don't know what we're going to do -- but the above information is
very valuable. Thanks again.
Regards,
Ian
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Received on Fri Dec 13 1996 - 14:46:20 NZDT