FDDI advanced concentrator architecture considerations

This paper addresses architectural issues regarding the design of an advanced concentrator for FDDI networks. The main theme is the advanced management, configuration and control capabilities provided by this architecture. The following major points are addressed: advantages inherent to a multiple MAC concentrator (i.e. at least one MAC residing on each of the three possible internal path types: primary, secondary and local); applications of the multiple MAC architecture, emphasizing roving MAC utilization for maintenance, configuration and diagnostic capability; optimal hardware longevity afforded by an advanced architecture, allowing for FDDI market development, enabling extended features without necessitating hardware upgrade; and implementation details regarding specific enhanced features afforded by an advanced architecture