Smart 16/4 EISA Ringnode

The world's most powerful Token Ring adapter for EISA servers and mission-critical client applications

Overview
Description
Specifications
Ordering Information

Overview

The Smart 16/4 EISA Ringnode provides the ultimate in performance and efficiency for mission-critical applications for EISA-based PCs. The adapter continues to be independently acclaimed as the industry's performance yardstick for intensive file and network server applications. Support for full 32-bit burst mode data transfers enable it to deliver sustained 16 Mbps "wire speed" with low CPU utilization, even when multiple adapters are installed in the same PC. .

Customer Benefits

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

Key Features

Burst mode transfers up to 33 MB/s
Adapter mirroring and multi-processor support
Supports all popular NOS and UNIX systems

Introduction

The Smart 16/4 EISA Ringnode is an ultra-high performance 32-bit adapter for enterprise server and mission-critical client applications.

Delivering sustained throughput at the full 16 Mbps bandwidth, up to five Smart 16/4 EISA Ringnodes can be run together at full speed without causing bus congestion.This maximises your investment in high-end servers, allowing substantial savings through server consolidation.

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

High-end client/server functionality

Primarily intended for enterprise servers and mission-critical client applications, the Smart 16/4 EISA Ringnode is a full 32-bit adapter for EISA bus computers. The adapter exploits the EISA bus by utilising 32-bit burst mode data transfers at speeds up to 33 MBytes per second. With this capability, the Smart 16/4 EISA Ringnode places extremely low demands on the host's system bus while delivering sustained throughput at the full 16 Mbps.

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. In enterprise server applications, up to five adapters can operate at full speed without causing bus congestion. Servers attached to a single ring often have resource to spare. By allowing a single server to drive multiple rings at wire speed, the Smart 16/4 EISA 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 drives 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 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, Sun Solaris.

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 EISA Ringnode is completely switchless, all hardware settings are configured through software using the standard EISA 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 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.

Remote booting, security and LAA

The Smart 16/4 EISA 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 veruses. Smartrom also provides a range of security options and support for Locally Administered Address.

Customer Support without Limits

The Smart 16/4 EISA 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 EISA 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.

Specifications

Network type:               4 or 16 Mbps IBM and IEEE 802.5 Token Ring
Supply voltage:             +5V DC 5%
Power:                      15W  Maximum
Bus interface:              32-bit EISA compatible
Bus transfer:               33 Mbyte/s bursting
Ring interface:             9-pin D-type socked (STP);
                            RJ45 socket (UTP)              
EMC certification:          FCC Class A;
                            EN55022;
                            EN50082-1
Memory:                     256 KB dynamic RAM on-board   
DMA options:                Slot specific    
IRQ options:                3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15                                            
I/O options:                Slot-specific I/O locations      
Boot ROM:                   Optional Smartrom        
Dimensions:                 221mm x 127mm    
Weight:                     0.25kg (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 52-08 Smart 16/4 EISA Ringnode 1 1 52-18 Smart 16/4 EISA Ringnode 5 1 52-28 Smart 16/4 EISA 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