About This Manual

This section discusses the objectives, audience, and conventions of the LightStream 2020 System Overview. It also lists related Cisco documentation for the LightStream 2020 multiservice ATM switch (LS2020 switch).

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available on a CD-ROM called Cisco Connection Documentation, Enterprise Series. The CD is updated and shipped monthly, so it might be more current than printed documentation. To order the documentation CD, contact your local sales representative or call Customer Service. The CD is available by itself (as a single CD) and through an annual subscription. You can also access Cisco technical documentation on the World Wide Web, using URL http://www.cisco.com.

Note The Cisco Connection Documentation, Enterprise Series CD was previously called UniverCD.

Document Objectives

This document provides an overview of the LS2020 switch. It introduces the switch and the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology on which the switch is based. It also describes the traffic flow through an LS2020 network and the key features of the switch, such as traffic and network management.

Audience

The LightStream 2020 System Overview is for anyone who installs, configures, operates, or maintains an LS2020 network or anyone who wants a high-level overview of the LS2020 switch.

Users of the LS2020 document set are expected to have a general understanding of basic data communications concepts, some knowledge of UNIX, and a familiarity with the interfaces used by the devices connecting to their LightStream network.

If you are planning to use the bridging features of the LS2020 product, it is recommended that you have a working knowledge of bridging standards and conventions and TCP/IP networks.

Document Organization

This document contains six chapters.

Chapter 1, "ATM Technology," describes cell relay and ATM technology.
Chapter 2, "Introduction to LightStream 2020," provides a high-level description of the LS2020 switch, including sections on why the LS2020 product is needed, product structure, and key features.
Chapter 3, "Network Connections," describes the different network connections that can be used to pass traffic through the network. It also describes the services provided by an LS2020 network.
Chapter 4, "Traffic Management," explains how the traffic management system allows the LS2020 network to maximize available resources.
Chapter 5, "Network Management," describes the different kinds of network management tools and functions used for network operation.
Chapter 6, "Detecting and Correcting Failures," describes features provided to help diagnose and correct failures in an LS2020 networking environment.

Document Conventions

The following conventions distinguish different types of text:

Commands and keywords are in boldface.
In interactive examples, user input is in boldface.
In command syntax statements
- Parameters (variables for which a specific value is to be typed) are in italics.
- Optional arguments are in square braces.
- Alternative arguments are separated by vertical bars and grouped within curly braces.
Names of keys on the keyboard are in initial caps (for example, the Tab key). In addition, if a key is referenced in examples of user interaction, it is indicated in boldface (for example, press the Tab key).
Control keys are indicated by a caret preceding a letter: ^A means Control-A.

Note Means reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to material not covered in the manual.

Caution Means reader be careful. In this situation, you might do something that could result in equipment damage or loss of data.

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