Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode

A versatile, high performance Token Ring adapter for general purpose Micro Channel applications

Overview
Description
Specifications
Ordering Information

Overview

The Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode is a general purpose adapter for client, gateway and workgroup server applications for Micro Channel architecture PCs.

Unlike other similar adapters, it supports full 32-bit addressing for effective access to PC memory above 16 MB. The adapter offers a broad range of configuration options, providing flexible support of both legacy 16-bit environments and newer 32-bit desktops that use the Micro Channel bus type.

Customer Benefits

Maximum investment protection for MC PCs
Single adapter for ALL MC applications
Simplified support and ease of use with Madge LAN Support Software.

Key Features

Full 32-bit addressing
Bus master DMA AND Programmed I/O data transfers
On-board processing for up to 5 protocols (including TCP/IP)

Introduction

The Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode is a highly versatile, high performance Token Ring adapter for client, gateway and workgroup server applications in Micro Channel PCs.

Offering a choice of data transfer methods along with 32-bit addressing to unlock memory above 16MBytes, the adapter provides an excellent solution for today's high-end PCs running OS/2 and Windows NT.

The Smart 16/4 MC delivers unrivalled flexibility and superb performance in DOS/Windows environments through its unique use of Smart Software together with 256KB on-board memory.

As with all Madge Token ring network products, the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.5 Token Ring standard. It can be freely mixed with IBM adapters and any other Token Ring adapters.

Compatibilty

The Smart 16/4 MC is a fast and versatile 16-bit Token Ring adapter for Micro Channel PC systems. Unlike many other Micro Channel adapters which only support 24-bit addressing, the Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode supports 32-bit addressing with 16-bit data transfers. This unlocks access to PC memory abover 16 MBytes which is commonly fitted in servers and in many of today's high-end clients running OS/2 or Windows NT.

Maximum configuration flexibility is provided by a choice of bus master operation or 16-bit Programmed I/O, with numerour IRQ and DMA options.

Powerful LAN Support Software

The adapter is supplied with Madge's Smart LAN Support Software, a complete set of drivers and utilities for Smart 16/4 Ringnodes. This includes a range of host resident Fastmac drivers and Madge's unique resident Smart Software. Madge supplies the widest selection of LAN protocols in the industry, ensuring there are no hidden costs in obtaining the required drivers for each environment.

A suite of server and client drivers based on Madge's Fastmac Plus technology are provided for optimum throughput with the most widely used network operating systems. Madge's unique open options for NDIS and server card mirroring features provide additional fault tolerance for mission-critical systems. Fastmac drivers are also available for the following UNIX systems : SCO, UnixWare and Sun Solaris as well as IBM's AIX for the RISC System/6000.

Madge's Smart Software for DOS/Windows clients is downloaded to adatper memory and runs on the adapter itself. With 256KB on-board memory, any combination of four, and in some configuration five Smart protocols can be downloaded concurrently. This approach saves DOS memory, improves performance and provides a unique level of configuration flexibility when more than one protocol is required.

Swift, Trouble-free Installation

The Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode is completely switchless, all hardware settings are configured through software using the standard Micro Channel configuration procedure. Unlike IBM's 16-bit Micro Channel adapter, there is no default ring speed. This eliminates the risk of disruption caused by accidentally setting the wrong speed when using the configuration program for other purposes. Powerful installation and diagnostic utilities are supplied for installing the driver software and verifying the Ringnode hardware is functioning correctly.

Remote booting, security and LAA

The Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode is fitted with a socket for an optional Smartrom, Madge's re-programmable remote boot ROM for RPL or Novell NetWare. Remote booting allows centralized management of PC boot files and configuration data, and helps guard against viruses. Smartrom also provides a range of security options and support for Locally Administered Address.

Customer Support without Limits

The Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode adapter is backed by Madge's world-renowned expertise in networking. Madge's world-wide service and support organisation continues to satisfy the needs of our world-wide installed base of more than two million network adapters in the most demanding Global 1000 companies.

A world-wide network of field service engineers provide a wide range of technical services including on-site support and software upgrades. Customers can also download up-to-date technical information from on-line services such as CompuServe, or can contact the Madge World Wide Web Home page (http://www.madge.com). The Madge Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode comes with a lifetime* hardware warranty and a 30-day installation guarantee, which includes free technical hot-line support and on-site assistance as required.

*Full details available on request

Specifications

Network type:               4 or 16 Mbps IBM and IEEE 802.5 Token Ring
Supply voltage:             +5V DC 5%
Power:                      6.5W maximum
Bus interface:              16/32-bit MCA compatible                
Data transfer:              Bus Master DMA 16-bit; Programmed I/O
Ring interface:             9-pin D-type socket (STP);
                            RJ45 socket (UTP)
EMC certification:          FCC Class A;
                            EN55022-Class A (UTP) 
                            EN55022-Class B (STP and S-UTP);
                            EN50082-1               
Memory:                     256 KB dynamic RAM on-board
Arbitration levels:         8 -14
IRQ options:                2,3,10 sharable
I/O options:                0A20-0A2F, 1A20-1A2F; 2A20-2A2F, 
                            3A20-3A2F, 0E20-0E3F, 1E20-1E3F
Boot ROM:                   Optional Smartrom       
Dimensions:                 241mm x 88mm            
Weight:                     0.17kg (approx) 
Temperature range:          0-50(C)
Humidity range:             10%-80% non-condensing  
Warranty period:            Lifetime*

* Full details available upon request

Ordering Information


Part No        Description                   Qty   S/W & manual

54-08          Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode         1        1
54-18          Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode         5        1
54-28          Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode        20        2
54-38          Smart 16/4 MC Ringnode        30        3
82-07          Smartrom for Netware           1        1
82-17          Smartrom for Netware          10        1
82-08          Smartrom for RPL               1        1
82-18          Smartrom for RPL              10        1