IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter


Table of Contents

IBM Announcement Letter No. ZG94-0338 dated October 17, 1994.

  • Title
  • Abstract
  • General Availability
  • Product Number
  • Highlights
  • Description
  • Connectivity Solutions
  • Business Solutions
  • Enhanced Performance
  • Investment Protection
  • Device Drivers Provided with Adapter
  • End-User Productivity
  • Enhanced Adapter Technology
  • Growth Enablement
  • Network Management
  • Systems Management
  • Product Positioning
  • Publications
  • Technical Information
  • Specified Operating Environment
  • Planning Information
  • Security, Auditability and Control
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Offering
  • Warranty
  • Maintenance Offering
  • Announcement Countries

  • IBM Announcement Letter No. ZG94-0338 dated October 17, 1994.


    See final section for details of availability and limitations.

    Title

    IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter

    Abstract

    The IBM Dual LANStreamer (TM) MC 32 Adapter is a two port, high performance, token-ring adapter designed to operate with any personal computer that supports the Micro Channel(R) (MC) bus interface.

    This adapter is particularly well suited for servers with multiple LAN connections. The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter requires one full size 32-bit MC slot. Additional features and support include:

    The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter has a lifetime warranty.

    The LANStreamer technology provides hardware support for full-duplex token-ring technology. Software support with no hardware impact to the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter will be available later this year. Full-duplex support is presently available for Ethernet and is being expanded to encompass token rings. The IEEE 802.5 standards body is presently reviewing the recommendations made by IBM.

    (1) Registered trademark of Novell, Inc.

    (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation (TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation


    General Availability

    Planned General Availability Date is October 28, 1994.


    Product Number

     Description                           Part #
     --------------------                 --------
    IBM Dual LANStreamer                   OTRIASY
    MC 32  Adapter
     
    The following products have previously been announced and are
    optional:
    

    IBM RJ45 STP/D-shell 60G1066 Conversion Cable (2 supplied per adapter) IBM Token-Ring RJ45 60G1063 Adapter Cable

    Note: Part Number 60G1063 is only available through IBM Complementary Products. It is not available through UPOS.


    Highlights


    Improved Connectivity

    Usability features:

    Improved performance on the MC family of products:

    Operating Environment
    Recommended for Novell(1) NetWare and OS/2 environments; supports high-end MC servers.

    Description

    Connectivity Solutions

    The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter offers two independent RJ-45 Token-Ring ports for either UTP (without external filters) or STP wiring at either 16Mbps or 4Mbps.

    Business Solutions

    The capability of two independent RJ-45 Token-Ring ports on one adapter provides cost and slot savings to customers requiring multiple LANs attached to their servers.

    The automatic media-detect capability of this adapter automatically determines if an STP or UTP cable is attached to each of the RJ-45 connectors and sets the adapter accordingly, without manual configuration by the user. This capability allows the customer to easily connect to either telephone twisted-pair media, or the IBM Cabling System media.

    The enhanced usability offerings of the new adapter make it very easy to install. Ring Speed Listen determines the speed of the ring (either 4Mbps or 16Mbps) and automatically switches the adapter to the correct speed without any manual intervention.

    Enhanced Performance

    The enhanced token-ring technology incorporated on the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter provides significant performance capabilities. These include frame processing capacity of over 30,000 frames per second and very low latency (under 50 microseconds). The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter provides both data and addressing support for 32 bits of information to be passed across the Micro Channel. This provides greater throughput as well as addressing capabilities for growing customer environments that require addressing above the 16MB range. Greater throughput and 40MB/sec streaming data capability makes the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter ideal for high-end servers in today's environments.

    Investment Protection

    The high throughput provided by the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter protects the customer's current hardware investment by extending the time before additional hardware is required as LAN activity increases.

    This technology provides a platform that allows growth to meet new, higher demand networks. The multiple receive and priority transmit channels included with this technology also allows multimedia applications to use this adapter.

    Another benefit is the hardware capability to support full-duplex token-ring communication. Software support for this will be available later but customers purchasing this adapter will not have to change hardware.

    In addition, the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter is compatible with other IBM token-ring adapters operating at the same speed (16Mbps or 4Mbps). The protocols conform to IEEE 802.5 and ECMA 89 standards and have been enhanced to include new proposals for media attachment in the IEEE 802.5 standards. These proposals make the token ring even more reliable.

    Device Drivers Provided with Adapter

    The device drivers included with the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter provide easy access to OS/2, DOS, and NetWare(R) 3.1x and 4.x. This reduces the amount of time needed to install the new adapters and increases the user's productivity. The drivers provided are for servers only.

    End-User Productivity

    With the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter's high throughput capacity, more clients can be supported using a single adapter without degrading customer response time. The adapter's faster file transfer performance can also reduce the time it takes customers to download files from their servers in a NetWare(R) 3.11 environment by 20% to 30%. Similar improvements can be expected in a LAN server environment.

    The device drivers included with the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter provide easy access to OS/2, DOS, and NetWare(R) 3.1 and 4.0 for installation.

    * NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, INC.

    Enhanced Adapter Technology

    The architecture of the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter integrates many functions into the hardware that greatly improve frame processing and overall performance of the new LAN adapter compared to existing products. Priority transmit and receive channels are included in the technology, providing an easy migration to multimedia applications without adding new hardware.

    In addition to the priority channel, the hardware is also enabled to support a full-duplex token ring. Software will be available later in the year; however, the upgrade will not require any hardware modifications. The enhanced technology allows customers to take advantage of the higher speed capabilities necessary to support growing traffic demands.

    Growth Enablement

    The high throughput of the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter provides customers with the potential to run additional applications on their PS/2(R), or other MC bus machines.

    The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter protocols conform to IEEE 802.5 and ECMA 89 standards.

    Network Management

    Many customers require the capability to monitor down to the ring level of their networks. The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter continues to support the same level of network management as the existing IBM 16/4 Token-Ring Adapter. Functions include reporting of ring utilization, critical resource monitoring, and many other key network management functions.

    Systems Management

    Conformance to the IEEE 802.5 standard allows the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter to be monitored and managed by the same tools used today. The on-card self test verifies the adapter prior to its insertion into the ring. Error counters are passed to existing applications to provide a view of the ring's condition if problems are encountered. Open Enterprise:IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter conforms to IEEE 802.5, ECMA 89.


    Product Positioning

    IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter leads the industry in two port adapter performance when utilized with the PS/2 model 95 with data streaming, and should be considered in environments where increased server performance and a two port adapter are desired. It supports both unshielded twisted pair as well as the IBM Cabling System. It is also supported by the LANStreamer Bridge Program.

    The existing IBM Auto LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter adapter is a single port, high-performance workstation/server adapter and should be considered for single port server or high-performance workstation requirements. Other options for MC workstations include the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter and IBM 16/4 Token-Ring Network Adapter/A. You should evaluate your individual software and hardware configuration for use of a LANStreamer adapter in a client environment. Factors to consider include memory available for drivers. The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter drivers use NDIS and have LLC in PC memory.

    The current Token-Ring 16/4 Adapter/A should be used:


    Publications

    The following publication is shipped with the product:

    Additional copies are not available for ordering. The following publications are available. To order, contact your IBM representative.

    Title                  Order Number   Part Number
     -----------------------------   ------------   -----------
     
    IBM Local Area Network            SC30-3383      39F9353
    Technical Reference
     
    IBM Token-Ring Network            SK2T-0333      92F6956
    Remote Program Load User's
    Guide
     
    IBM Token-Ring Network            GA27-3677
    Introduction and Planning
    Guide
    
    is available only for the IBM Token-Ring Network Technical Reference and the IBM Token-Ring Network Introduction and Planning Guide. Customers desiring automatic updates for these publications should indicate the order number on the SLSS subscription form. The IBM Token-Ring Network Remote Program Load User's Guide is available by direct order only.

    Technical Information

    Specified Operating Environment

    Physical Specifications

    Height: 89 mm
    Length: 292 mm
    Thickness: 18 mm
    Weight: 250 grams
    

    Operating Environment

     
    This product meets FCC Class A criteria
    when
    configured with shielded cabling that meets the IBM specifications.
    This product meets FCC Class A criteria
    when
    configured with unshielded cabling (UTP) that meets the IBM
    specifications.
     
     
    

    Temperature: -50.0 to 105 degrees F (10 to 40.6 degrees C) Relative Humidity: 8% to 80% Max Wet Bulb: 80F (26.7C) This product meets GOP criteria when configured with shielded cabling that meets the IBM specifications. This product meets IOP criteria when configured with unshielded cabling that meets the IBM specifications.

    This product meets CISPR22 Class A criteria when configured with shielded (STP) or unshielded (UTP) cabling that meets the IBM specifications.

    Machine Requirements

    The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter is designed to operate in any system that complies with the MC bus specifications, including the following models of the IBM Personal System/2(R) and industrial systems:

    Programming Requirements

    The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter is designed to operate with: IBM OS/2 Standard Edition (OS/2 SE) 1.30, IBM OS/2 Extended Edition (OS/2 EE) 1.30.2, or IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 and above

    Note. The use of Communications Manager/2 on a local area network requires the LAN Adapter and Protocol Support (LAPS) function. Communications Manager/2 V1.1 includes IBM Network Transport Services/2 (NTS/2), which provides the LAPS function. Communications Manager/2 V1.0 does not include NTS/2 and does not provide the LAPS function, but can utilize the LAPS component that is provided with one of several other products. The products include the LAN Requester of the IBM LAN Server Version 2.0, the LAPS component shipped with the IBM LAN Server Version 3.0, and the Extended Services for OS/2 product. If one of these products is not installed on the workstation, the LAPS function can be acquired by installing the IBM Network Transport Services/2 (NTS/2) product. Novell NetWare

    (R) Registered trademark of Novell, Inc.

    Software Support Supplied with the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter Diskette. The drivers come on a 2M diskette.

    Compatibility

    The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter is compatible with other IBM Token-Ring adapters operating at the same speed (16Mbps or 4Mbps).

    The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter is designed to operate in a MC bus computer that is compliant with MC specifications.

    The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter supports the IBM LAN Network Manager Version V1.1 and can be monitored as a critical resource in a LAN Network Manager managed domain.

    Limitations

    A maximum of four IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter products can be installed in a machine. The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter is not supported in 9576i 25MHz systems or 9577i 25MHz systems.

    User Group Requirements

    This announcement satisfies, or partially satisfies, one requirement from one or more of the World Wide User Group Communities, which include Australasian SHARE GUIDE (ASG), COMMON, COMMON EUROPE, GUIDE, European G.U.I.D.E., Japan GUIDE SHARE (JGS), Latin American GUIDE (LAG), SHARE EUROPE and SHARE. Rqt. No. GU273090015, Token-Ring Adapters: Increase Bandwidth Utilization.

    Planning Information

    Cable Orders

    The IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter utilizes a single media connector (one for each port) for both UTP and STP. Two IBM RJ45 STP/D-shell Conversion Cables, part number 60G1066, feature code 1066, are supplied with each adapter to enable existing STP adapter cables (p/n 6339098) to be connected to the IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter. A new STP adapter cable for direct connection to the adapter's RJ-45 ports is also available from IBM; IBM Token-Ring RJ45 STP Adapter Cable, part number 60G1063, feature code 1063. Customers desiring unshielded twisted pair wiring can use standard UTP cabling for attachment to the Token-Ring Network. The UTP cable must have an RJ-45 connector on the adapter end of the cable and the appropriate connector for attachment to the customer's wall outlet on the other end.

    Packaging

                                                                   Number of
    Product              Ship Group                                Boxes
    -------------------  ---------------------------------------   ---------
    IBM Dual             IBM Dual LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter           1
    LANStreamer MC 32
    Adapter
    (single pack)         Safety Manual
                          Installation Instructions
                          Option / Device Driver Diskette
                          IBM System Program License Agreement
                          Conversion Cable (qty 2)
     
     
    IBM RJ45 STP/        IBM RJ45 STP/D-shell Conversion Cable        1
    D-shell Conversion    (2 provided with each adapter)
    Cable
     
    IBM Token-Ring       IBM Token-Ring RJ45 STP Adapter Cable        1
    RJ45 STP Adapter
    Cable
    

    Security, Auditability and Control

    User management is responsible for evaluation, selection and implementation of security features, administrative procedures and appropriate controls in application systems and communications facilities.

    Terms and Conditions

    Offering

    This product is available from IBM under the Terms & Conditions for Purchase.

    Warranty

    The warranty period is : Lifetime

    Maintenance Offering

    Customer Set-Up:


    Announcement Countries

    All European, Middle Eastern and African Countries.


    The data in this letter is subject to the disclaimer in Letter ZS90-0112, which is available from IBM on request.

    Please note this is an international announcement letter. If applicable you should also refer to your local country complementary document to check for country specific information.

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