Hands-on Token Ring Networks

Objectives Prerequisites Who should attend Course Outline Hands-on Sessions

NM-1.0

What you will learn...

If you want to use Token Ring repeaters, bridges, network analysers, cable testers and a lot more, then this is the course for you. We have gone to great lengths to ensure that we have the latest equipment available for you to use. We will show you common problems that can easily be overcome and as a team you will design and install a Token Ring network live in class. You will learn to master the network and take control by utilising the equipment available to you and using our class room as your testing ground.

Prerequisites

You need to know the basics of local area networks to gain the most from this course. A basic knowledge of DOS commands and PC usage is necessary. A+ Certification would be an advantage. Otherwise we suggest you attend our Hands-on LAN Design course first.

Who should attend

Anyone involved in the design, installation or support of a Token Ring network. You could be in any of the following positions: IT Officer, Systems Administrator, Network Manager, Programmer, Analyst, Technical Support, LAN Administrator, Systems Engineer, MIS Manager or LAN Analyst.


Course Outline

Introduction

  • Local Area Networks (LANs) – getting started
  • Key terms and definitions
  • Information flow through the LAN and the various components
  • Token Ring architecture – basic components and their functions
  • LAN standardisation process
  • IEEE 802.5

Token Ring operation

  • Understanding the operation of a Token Ring network
  • Data transmission
  • Data reception
  • 4Mbps
  • 16Mbps including Early Token Release
  • Station connection procedures

Token Ring components

  • Token Ring hardware components – how they work and what they do
  • Cabling options
  • Repeaters – fibre and copper
  • Lobe repeaters and dual attachment units

Token Ring MAC layer specifications

  • Token Ring frame formats
  • Special MAC commands and their effect on the operation of the ring
  • Addressing and priority issues
  • Token Ring timing issues

Design rules and considerations

  • Token Ring design rules – what they mean and their importance
  • The design – how to start and what to consider
  • Importance of cable and speed selection
  • Importance of vendor component selection and interoperability
  • Component performance and characteristics
  • Costing and budget estimation
  • Surveying the site
  • Identifying key resources and components

Internetworking Token Ring

  • Connectivity issues and choices
  • Bridges and switches
  • Source route bridging
  • Routers
  • When to use a Token Ring repeater, bridge, router or gateway

Token Ring network management

  • Network management
  • Developing a management strategy
  • Knowing the network's vital signs
  • Maintenance considerations
  • Improving network reliability and resilience

Token Ring troubleshooting

  • How to detect and resolve problems
  • Network diagnostic options – performing tests and assessing the results
  • Typical cabling faults
  • Typical MSAU and hub problems

Token Ring vendor comparison

  • The key Token Ring vendors and how their products compare
  • Understanding the key selection criteria

Hands-on Sessions


Building and installing a Token Ring LAN

You will build a Token Ring LAN from the ground up, utilising both shielded and unshielded twisted pair. You will gain hands-on experience in installing all the Token Ring components including active and passive Multistation Access Units (MSAUs), repeaters, intelligent hubs, Network Interface Cards (NICs) and testing of the cabling plant.

Network management and performance

During this session you will use test equipment such as a Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR), protocol analysers and test suites to benchmark the performance of 4Mbps and 16Mbps Token Ring networks.

Token Ring MAC frames

Using a protocol analyser, you will detect and identify the various Token Ring MAC frames that are utilised on the ring. MAC frame sequences in normal operation and under faulty conditions will be analysed.

Token Ring design

Having gained experience in building a LAN and then considering performance issues, you will be given the task of designing a Token Ring LAN. This will require you to take into consideration costs, project planning, maintenance and administration of a Token Ring network.

Token Ring troubleshooting

In this session you will be challenged to resolve a number of problems that will be placed on the Token Ring LAN. You will use protocol analysers and cable test equipment to identify and resolve the problems.

Internetworking

You will be required to expand the network using repeaters and local/remote bridges. The bridge operation will be compared under source routing and transparent operation.