Managing the Token Ring General Technology’s GTMN series Smart MAU [SMAU) is the heart of a network management system which offers administrators and managers the hardware necessary fo take control of 4/16 Mbps token ring networks.

By Curtis Waters

eneral Technology’s GT16N series Smart MAU (SMAU) is the heart of a network management system which G offers administrators and managers the

hardware necessary to take control of 4/16 Mbps token ring networks. Providing distributed intel- ligence closer to the user, the Smart MAU is managed by a software developed by the com- pany to provide a powerful Network Management System compatability. The GT16N-SMAU is avail- able with Shielded Twisted Pair (STP, Type 1/2/6/9) or Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP, Type 3) lobe connections, and STP, UTP, or Fiber (ST or SMA) ring connections. These multi-media options provide the cabling solutions necessary to conserve network management costs and flexibility.

The distributed intelligence of Smart MAUs is more economical than the approach taken by larger hubs which must have a larger number of users located nearby to justify their higher cost. In addition, when using Smart MAUs there is no need to guess where faults have occurred by ’pulling connectors’ to restore a network. The SMAUs are smart enough to locate a fault, automatically restore a full ring in less than 0.3

Curtis Waters has served as Product Manager for General Technology, lnc. since 1989, and has a background in L A N system design and manufacturing. He has a B S E E and an MBA from Florida Institute of Technology.

he SMAUs are smart enough to locate T a fault, automatically restore a full ring in less than 0.3 second, and notify the network manager or administrator via an alarm status, graphics, and trouble ticket of action to be taken.

second, and notify the network manager or administrator via an alarm status, graphics, and trouble ticket of action to be taken.

The GT16N SMAU series is equipped with an RS-232 interface, which is connected directly to the network management console for local communication, and two RS-485 (RJ11) interfaces to allow for daisy-chaining SMAUs for out-of- band management over UTP. The RS-232 interface also allows remote communications via a 2400 bps modem. Fiber-equipped SMAUs can com- municate via a 2400 bps modem. Fiber-equipped SMAUs can communicate up to 2 km via the RS- 485 interface by using the FOC-1 Fiber Optic Converter. This out-of-band interconnection allows the network manager to manage and monitor up to 31 SMAU per network. The network management console can manage unlimited SMAUs depending upon the configuration of equipment and version of Smartview software selected.

The interface to Smartview provides for moni- toring of ring and lobe status, alarm status and

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the generation of trouble tickets, control of insertion of lobes, and control of ring configur- ation and wraps. Control and monitoring features are combined in Smartview with user lists, databases, and a graphic display of the network.

The Fiber Ring option is available on either or both Ring ports, and allows ring segment dis- tances of 2 km using multimode fiber. The Fiber Ring option uses GTI’s Automatic Rate sensing (ARS) technology, which automatically deter- mines the data rate (4 or 16 Mbps) without the need to change switches or jumpers.

The GT16N series SMAU is the baseline hard- ware from which Smartview Version 1.X or Smartview Plus software manages today’s com- plex Token Ring environments.

Smartview Version l.X Management of Token Ring networks can

pose a major challenge for network managers. Smartview Version l.X is GTI’s first-generation network management software (DOS Version), and is designed for small to medium-sized networks of up to 31 SMAUs (248 users). Smart- View Version l . X offers centralized control and management of the physical layer of the Token Ring network via a detailed real-time, graphic, user interface. Smartview Version l .X displays global and real-time alarm status of each network segment. Upon demand, Smartview Version l .X will print trouble tickets which identifies the fault location of the device or cable to speed-up repairs. A variety of user-selectable reports are available to complete the human interface.

Smartview Version 1.X provides for control and status of 31 SMAUs in the Network Management console. Ring status can be reported back to Smartview from up to 10 remote rings via a 2400 bps modem. Smartview Version 1.X runs on a PC XT/AT or PS/2 under DOS. Both mouse and cursor operation are supported.

The Global Status screen (Figure 1) graphically displays the network’s SMAUs, with colored indications of ring and lobe status, ring segment status, and alarm status. A list of active users can be accessed from the Global Status screen, as well as a Setup screen. The SMAU/Lobe Status screen graphically displays an SMAU, with pull- down window data available on individual lobe

Figure 1

and ring ports. Data including user, location, connection data, cable data, and patch panel data are presented in the pulldown window. This screen also provides for database input and update, as well as control of lobe insertion and ring loopback and wraps. The screen is shown in Figure 2, and indicates data for a particular lobe port connection.

Network failures place managers under press- ure to resolve the problem quickly to restore the network. GTI’s Smartview Version l . X system will repair a ring failure by isolating the faulty link, and then send an alarm to the network management console. When an alarm occurs, Smartview displays a red alarm message bar at the bottom of the Global Display. Acknowl- edgement of the alarm report displays the Alarm Screen, which contains detail about the alarm, such as when the alarm occurred, type of alarm,

Figure 2

INTERNATIONAL IOURNAL OF NETWORK MANAGEMENT 109

Figure 3

connection and contact information. A historical alarm file is available for this particular SMAU, which allows the network manager to determine trends. Figure 3 details a ring segment failure. Database information on cabling and the SMAU involved is provided, along with previous alarms for this particular ring segment. From these previous alarm data, a decision should be made to effectively resolve this cabling failure.

The Alarm Log screen (Figure 4) displays recent alarms in detail or brief form, and provides for customized displays and printouts of selected parameters such as an individual SMAU or alarm type.

The Smartview database is a powerful tool for maintaining the operation of the network and reducing downtime to the minimum extent poss- ible. Smartview’s database is the key to main- taining the network. Stored in the database are

Figure 4

he Smartview database is a powerful T tool for maintaining the operation of the network and reducing downtime to the minimum extent possible.

such items as users connected to a particular SMAU in the network, cabling data, and a detailed alarm and history file on each SMAU. This cost-effective, easy to use network manage- ment system provides a network manager with the tools necessary to monitor and control his or her network.

Smartview Plus

-Distributed Global Network Management and Analysis-

The management of multiple distributed net- works is a major challenge for all network managers and was the basis for the development of Smartview P lus . Smartview Plus provides the network manager with dis t r ibuted, global control of a l l GTI manufactured Token Ring networking products from a centralized location. While the network manager paints a graphic network display on a monitor, Smartview Plus automatically creates a detailed relational data- base of the network configuration. The network manager’s graphical network display then pro- vides complete network configuration and oper- ational status in real time. Smartview Plus equips the network manager with the tools necessary to manage, configure, troubleshoot, analyze and implement repairs for the entire Token Ring network.

This Windows 3.0 application takes advantage of the graphic user interface flexibility to provide hierarchical views of the global network. Upon activation, Smartview Plus presents a base win- dow (Figure 5). The base window allows for customization of individual alarm types and their presentation, security, and interface setup, or selection of a network (Global Network Monitor). This Global Network Monitor can be edited, as can each screen, to indicate specifics of the network such as location.

Figure 5 Figure 7

Figure 6 is an example of this window, dis- playing the cities that comprise the global net- work. A list of all, active, or inactive users can also be selected, as well as detailed information on network responsibilities and addressing. In this example New York, Louisville, London, Los Angeles and Chicago are active components of the network while Melbourne is inactive.

Selection of a location brings up the Local Network Monitor window. Figure 7 is an example of selection of the window, which displays all local networks in New York, with concurrent display of the Global Network Monitor window. This hierarchical window display is provided as a Windows 3.0 feature incorporated into Smartview Plus. This window can indicate

departmental or metropolitan rings, and also provides user lists as well as detail on each ring. Editing the Local Network Monitor window can add or delete locations, as well as input or change database details.

Selection of a local network displays the Net- work Segment Monitor window, which provides a graphical view of the ring’s SMAU, and indications on lobe and ring port activity and ring segment status. Selections available include user lists and activation of the Smartview Analy- sis Module on this ring. Figure 8 is an example of the Network Segment Monitor window, with a display of all SMAUs in this segment, with indications of lobe activity. Editing of this win- dow allows for creation of a ring of SMAUs and

Figure 6 Figure 8

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input of database detail such as SMAU location, contact, cabling data, patch panel data, etc. This detail can also be displayed upon mouse selection of individual SMAUS.

Selection of an individual SMAU can bring up the SMAU Monitor window, which graphically displays the SMAU with indications of lobe and ring port status. Figure 9 is a display incorporating the SMAU Monitor window, which displays details on an individual SMAU with one lobe indicating lockout, along with a user list window. Editing of this screen allows for input of user data, NIC card detail, cabling data, user phone and location, and lobe usage. Selection of a ring port displays the database detail on this port, and allows for ring loopback, or movement to a SMAU window of the corresponding connecting SMAU. Selection of a lobe port displays database detail on this port, or allows for lobe lockout.

The use of Windows 3.0 allows for multiple Smartview Plus hierarchical window display, and also provides for operation of Smartview Plus in the background. The hierarchical window display allows the network manager to view the network from the global view logically to an individual lobe. Each window has editing fea- tures, and provides a flexible graphic view of global networks as well as detail on each level of the network.

When an alarm occurs, the PC will provide an audible alarm, and the base window’s alarm status bar will change color from green to red to indicate an alarm. A short description of the alarm is also displayed. The alarm bar indicates

Figure 9

the number on unacknowledged alarms, and the latest alarm type. Acknowledgement of the alarm will bring up the Alarm Status window, from which a trouble ticket can be printed.

-Security-

Each network manager controls the accessibility of his or her network and its applications to the users. Access to Smartview and its associated configuration and database must also be limited by the network manager because of Smartview’s ability to physically include or exclude specific nodes from any segment in the global network. Smartview Plus provides the network manager with access security control. Upon selection of Smartview Plus, the user is prompted for a password, which signifies his or her level of security. Security levels are basic user (for viewing), system user (full access), and adminis- trative user (full access plus password control). Since Smartview provides the ability to insert or remove nodes and SMAUs, no unauthorized person should be permitted to modify or change the network configuration. Therefore, physical layer security is mandatory. Password security is integrated into Smartview and the COP. Only those who are authorized by the network manager will be able to modify, add to or delete infor- mation from Smartview’s database. Those who are authorized to observe network operations only will not have access to the database without password entry.

-Trouble Tickets-

Every network manager who has experienced a network failure would like to have had detailed information on the network, location, rack, MAU and lobe before venturing out to repair the problem. This is even more important i f the faulty network is located outside of the immediate area. Smartview Plus responds to the needs of the network manager by providing an on-screen trouble ticket and, upon demand, a hardcopy trouble ticket. Figure 10 indicates a trouble ticket for a ring segment failure, along with SMAU data, cabling data, and previous occurrences. Smartview Plus trouble tickets clearly describe

irtually an unlimited number of V distributed networks and users can be managed by the network manager using the Smartview COP.

Figure 10

the fault location down to a precise lobe in a precise SMAU. An alarm history of the faulty network component is also displayed and/or printed with the trouble ticket. Expediting net- work repairs using the trouble tickets greatly reduces network downtime.

-Removal of Beaconing Stations- Smartview Plus can also determine beaconing

stations in a network. When a beaconing station is identified, Smartview, in conjunction with COPs on remote rings, can remove the beaconing station from the ring automatically. Beaconing is truly a function of an individual station and its cabling, as a GTI Smart MAU does not encounter beaconing due to a defective ring segment.

-Network Management Console- The Network Management Console (NMC) is

a full-featured 386 platform that is factory installed with Smartview Plus. The NMC provides the network manager with a powerful console for network management of GTI products plus a full- featured PC for other applications.

The NMC has the ability to communicate through four COM ports, allowing connection to multiple local SMAU rings. These COM ports also allow for communications through direct connect modems for remote rings, or for servicing of dial modems for polling many remote locations.

Options for the NMC include a Token Ring Interface card for in-band communications with

the Communications Operations Platforms (COPs), along with a dial-up 2400 bps modem for out-of-band communications with COPs. This modem interface allows for control of non- bridged/routed networks, and for an alternate communications path upon an in-band link failure.

The NMC has four MB RAM, 80 MB hard drive, VGA adapter with 1 MB RAM, a 14-inch Super VGA monitor with 0.28 dot pitch, a 5.25-inch floppy drive, and a bus mouse. Smartview Plus is factory installed, as is MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.0. The Network Management Console is required for use of the Smartview Analysis Module (SAM), and is the baseline for expansion of GTI’s Smartview system.

Communications Operation Platform [COP)

Distributed networks which are not logically connected present the network manager with the obvious question of how to manage them from one centralized location. GTI’s product philos- ophy is to provide the network manager with the ability to manage any and all networks, regardless of logical connectivity. Distributed, global network management is accomplished with the integration of the Smartview Communications Operation Platf orm (COP). The COP controls and monitors each GTI Smart MAU (SMAU) in each network segment. The COP is integrated into its own platform. Each COP supports up to 992 users or 31 GTI SMAUs. Virtually an unlimited number of distributed networks and users can be managed by the network manager using the Smartview COP. Figure 11 is a diagram of how the COP would service a distributed network. COPs are placed on remote rings, and communicate either in-band or out-of-band to the Network Manage- ment Console, and out-of-band to SMAUs on remote rings.

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Communications between the COP and the GTI SMAU’s is accomplished using an RS 485 interface. The COP’S connection to the network is via a standard Token Ring Interface Card. The COP platform can be installed in a standard 19- inch rack or may be used as a floor-standing unit. The COP reports and updates changes in the network configuration and current status to and from Smartvi ew. In-band communications between the COP and Smartview is accomplished when networks are bridged, routed or gatewayed together.

When networks must be managed which have no logical communications path, Smartview and the COP take advantage of their out-of-band communications capabilities via a modem link. In the event of a catastrophic network failure, Smartview uses the out-of-band communications link to the COP to receive real-time information on network changes or failures.

Using Smartview and the COP, the network manager is now able to quickly isolate the faulty network component, regardless of network location and take the necessary corrective action to restore network communications. Once network com- munications is restored, Smartview reverts baFk to in-band communications to the COP if a logical communications link is available for automatic monitoring and reporting.

Smartview Analysis Module (SAM)

Networks are much more complex today and require more than just a cursory knowledge of network operating systems and protocols. GTI recognizes this continued growth and complexity and offers the optional Smartview Analysis Module (SAM). SAM is the ’test equipment’ in Smartview which enhances physical layer troubleshooting coupled with full seven-layer protocol analysis of any Token Ring in the global network.

SAM is a complete network analyzer, allowing for frame capture to speed troubleshooting, traffic generation for stress testing, and decoding of protocol stacks. Alarm thresholds can be set to monitor network operation, and historical statistics can be developed for trend analysis.

Frames captured can be viewed in summary,

hexadecimal, or protocol modes, and can be filtered through as many as eight criteria for specific media access control (MAC) states or data. Up to eight pre-capture filters may be set when capturing packets. Four additional post- capture filters are available.

Figure 11 also illustrates use of SAM in a distributed network. A Local SAM resides in the Network Management Console to analyze and collect statistics from the local ring. A GTMIC Master Interface Card communicates with any number of Remote SAM platforms, to relay remote ring analysis and statistical data to the Network Management Console, which then acts as a central point to analyze the entire global network.

SAM collects statistics including MAC and non-MAC frames, filtered frames, and percent utilization, for use in identifying adverse trends such as increased network utilization that can lead to longer response time. The ability to monitor network utilization aids the network manager in evaluating when it would be advan- tageous to break one ring into two separate rings to improve user response. SAM can also aid in determining a. failing device, which can cripple the LAN. SAM will analyze traffic for each node on the network, calculate traffic through bridges and routers, and determine protocol usage.

Network managers are required to maintain network availability and SAM assists them in fulfilling this requirement. SAM also has the ability to create ‘what if‘ scenarios. Network managers may simulate traffic by creating differ- ent packet sizes and packet frequencies to stress test their network. SAM‘s ability to filter inclus- ively or exclusively while capturing packets significantly enhances troubleshooting of net- work problems. When protocol problems are suspected, the network manager may select SAM’s protocol decode function. SAM will then capture and decode packets to all seven layers. SAM is a network manager’s ’eyes’ into the operation of his or her network.

Importance of (Mini-Hubs) Smart MAUs

Smart MAUs comprise the baseline of a modern Token Ring network providing an intelligent

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mini-hub function, as they allow for network management. Smart MAUs also allow for distrib- uted intelligence, as low-cost SMAUs can be spread throughout a site, providing connectivity to user groups. This architecture reduces the possibility of losing a large number of users from the LAN due to the failure of an SMAU. Compare this to a large expensive centrally located hub, which will lose a large number of users should a failure occur. This comparison can be similar to that of a large mainframe computer versus a local area network that provides distributed processing. Other advantages of distributed intel- ligent SMAUs are shorter cable runs to the SMAU and the economics associated with the installation.

Smart MAUs also allow control and monitoring

of a network to the lobe level, maintaining physical network security outside the network operating system. The out-of-band interface allows communications to local and remote rings for control and status even when conventional in-band communication links are down or non- existent. rn

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