Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode

Ultimate performance for Micro Channel based clients and servers

Overview
Description
Specifications
Ordering Information

Overview

The Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode is a true 32-bit Micro Channel adapter for high-end MC-based PCs and RS/6000 platforms.

It remains the most efficient adapter in its class, providing optimal network access with minimal CPU utilization. It is ideal for enterprise server and gateway applications, where maximized throughput is essential. It also provides excellent scalability, allowing up to 6 adapters to operate at wire speed in a single server.

Customer Benefits

Scalable for multi-ring server connectivity
Fault tolerance
Broad PC platform support

Key Features

Streaming data transfers up to 40 MB/s
Adapter mirroring and multi-processor support
Supports all popular NOS and UNIX systems

Introduction

The Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode is an ultra-high performance 32-bit adapter for the RISC System/6000 as well as enterprise server and mission-critical applications.

This adapter exploits the superior efficiency and throughput of advance Micro Channel systems by implementing streaming mode data transfer at speeds up to 40 MBytes per second.Delivering sustained throughput at virtually the full 16 Mbps bandwidtth, up to six Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnodes can be run together at full speed without causing bus congestion, maximising your investment in high-end servers, allowing substantial savings through server consolidation.

As with all Madge Token Ring network products, the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode is fully complaint with the IEEE 802.5 Token Ring standard. It can be freely mixed with IBM adapters and any other Token Ring adapters.

High-end client/server functionality

Primarily intended for enterprise server and mission-critical client application, the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode is a full 32-bit adapter for Micro Channel bus computers. Its advanced hardware design features a 32-bit address and data bus, together with support for streaming mode. Optimised to exploit the impressive power of IBM's high-end client and superserver platforms, it streams data at speeds up to 40 MBytes per second. With this capability, the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode places extremely low demands on the host's system bus while delivering sustained throughput at virtually the full 16 Mbps bandwith.

The adapter's remarkable efficiency makes it uniquely suitable for systems running a multi-tasking operating system, where the operating system itself often requires substantial processor resource and bus bandwidth when multiple tasks are running. While in enterprise server applications, up to six adapters can operate at full speed without causing bus congestion. By allowing a single server to drive multiple rings at wire speed, the Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode lets you maximise your server investment, dramatically reducing the server hardware, software, service and support costs for your network.

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 adapter 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 is 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 adapter memory and runs on the adapter itself. With 256KB on-board memory, any combination of four, and in some configurations 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 MC32 Ringnode is completely switchless, all hardware settings are configured through software using the standard Micro-Channel configuration procedure. Powerful installation and diagnostic utilities are supplied for installing the driver software and verifying the Ringnode hardware is functioning correctly.

Added Fault Tolerance

Madge's unique server network adapter mirroring feature provides additional fault tolerance for mission-critical NetWare and Windows NT 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. Madge also supports enhanced open options for NDIS drivers that ensure that OS/2 servers and clients recover from cabling faults in the shortest time possible.

Remote booting, security and LAA

The Smart 16/4 MC32 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 centralised 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 MC32 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 MC32 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:                      11W  Maximum
Bus interface:              32-bit Micro Channel compatible
Bus transfer:               20 MBytes/s non-streaming;
                            40 MBytes/s streaming
Ring interface:             9-pin D-type socket (STP) RJ45 socket (UTP)
EMC certification:          FCC Class A; EN55022 Class B (STP); 
                            Class A (UTP) EN50082-1
Memory:                     256 KB  dynamic RAM on-board     
Arbitration levels:         5-14                    
IRQ options:                2, 3, 10 shareable      
I/O options:                0A20-0A2F, 1A20-1A2F, 2A20-2A2F, 3A20-3A2F       
                            0E20-0E3F, 1E20-1E3F, 2E20-2E3F, 3E20-3E2F       
Boot ROM:                   Optional Smartrom        
Dimensions:                 320mm x 88mm            
Weight:                     0.20kg (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 MC32 Ringnode       1         1
54-18          Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode       5         1       
54-28          Smart 16/4 MC32 Ringnode      20         2
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