Smart 16/4 Fiber PCI Ringnode

The high performance Token Ring adapter for fiber connection to PCI.

Overview
Description
Specifications
Ordering Information

Overview

The Smart 16/4 Fiber PCI Ringnode delivers the power of 32-bit network access for applications, where the benefits of fiber cabling to the desktop are required. A fiber infrastructure allows customers to deploy increased security, extended cable lengths and excellent noise immunity for their networks. Madge's Fiber PCI is the first 32-bit adapter to address these needs.

Customer Benefits

PCs can connect to remote hubs (up to 2 km)
Increased reliability over in-line transceivers
The same fiber infrastructure will support ATM

Key Features

Conforms to IEEE 802.5j standard for fiber-based Token Ring
Based on the latest Madge PCI adapter technology
ST connectors built into card

Introduction

Designed for customers who require unrivalled network relability, the Smart 16/4 Fiber PCI Ringnode is able to provide a secure network connection and long distance transmission capability in almost any environment. This adapter also offers the unique flexibility to support both demanding server environments as well as the latest high specification desktop PC's.

Benefits of fiber

Immunity from electromagnetic interference ensures optimum data transmission efficiency, thus providing zero data corruption in "noisy" environments such as manufacturing plants.

Security risks are minimised, due to the inherent properties of fiber-optic cabling. Transmissions are difficult to intercept as no radio frequency emissions exist. Support for geographically dispersed workstations up to 2 km from central hubs, compared to only 100m for standard copper.

The selection of fiber provides a sound long term investment which paves the way for migration to faster technologies.

Compatibilty

The Smart 16/4 Fiber PCI may be connected directly to any wiring concentrator complying with the IEEE 802.5j standard. A wide variety of wiring concentrators now provide support for fiber-optic media to the desktop

Easy Installation

The Smart 16/4 Fiber PCI Ringnode is switch-less, ensuring easy configuration and high reliability. Plug and Play support allows hardware settings to be configured automatically when the PC boots up, while the driver software dynamically detects the adapter settings. Madge's Smart Wire Sense automatically determines the media type in use, simplifying PC relocation. The user only specifies ring speed to make the card operational.

Powerful LAN Support Software

The adapter is supplied with Madge's LAN Support Software; a complete set of drivers and utilities for all Smart 16/4 Ringnodes. This includes a range of host-resident Fastmac Plus drivers for highest performance, and Madge's unique adapter-resident SmartSoftware for multi-protocol drivers. With 512KB on-board memory, any combination of ODI, NDIS, LLC, NetBIOS, IPX or TCP/IP protocols can be downloaded concurrently, offering significant DOS memory savings over other driver configurations. Support is also offered for the latest 32-bit clients which give further DOS memory configuration options.

Added Fault Tolerance

Madge's unique server network adapter mirroring feature provides additional fault tolerance for mission-critical NetWare servers by allowing two adapters to be installed, one of which acts as a backup and can instantly take over should the first loose its network connection.

Diskless Booting

The Smart 16/4 Fiber PCI Ringnode is equipped with a socket for fitting an optional Smartrom, Madge's re-programmable remote boot ROM for RPL or Novell NetWare. Remote booting provides centralised management of PC boot files and configuration data, improves security against viruses and data loss, and supports disk-less workstations.

Customer support without limits

The Smart 16/4 Fiber PCI 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 PCI Fiber Ringnode adapter 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 802.5j Token
                              Ring over fiber
Supply voltage:               +5V DC +/- 5%
Power:                        3W Maximum
Bus interface:                32-bit bursting bus master
                              PCI v2.1 system compatible
                              Full Plug and Play support
Data transfer:                132MBytes/s zero wait-state bursting
Memory:                       512KB dynamic RAM on-board
Host Memory:                  Not required
Ring interface:               ST (bayonet) connectors
Fiber-Optic media:            62.5/125 and 50/125 micron multimode 
                              graded index
Maximum Lobe Cable length:    2 km with 62.5/125 media 
EMC certification:            FCC Class A
                              EN50082-1
                              EN55022 Class B
IRQ options:                  System allocated (requires 1 IRQ) 
I/O options:                  System allocated (requires 32 Bytes) 
Boot ROM:                     Smartrom option socket
Software support:             Madge LSS v4.32+
Dimensions:                   PCI half length (122mm x 78mm)
Weight:                       0.09 Kg (approx)
Temperature range:            0-50 degrees C
Humidity range:               10% - 80% non-condensing
Warranty period:              Lifetime*

* Full details available upon request

Ordering Information

 
Part No     Description                            Qty  S/W & manuals 

51-09       Smart 16/4 PCI Ringnode (Single Pack)   1       1
83-02       Smartrom for PCI                        1       -