About This Guide

This guide is for the networking professional installing and maintaining the EtherSwitch 1420 modules. It is assumed that this individual is familiar with the concepts and terminology of FDDI and local-area networking.

Chapter Contents

This manual is organized as follows:

Chapter 1, "Introduction," describes the key features and benefits of the modules.

Chapter 2, "Installation," contains the procedures for installing modules in EtherSwitch 1420 high-speed expansion slots.

Chapter 3, "Planning," outlines the pre-installation and cabling guidelines and includes several sample configurations.

Chapter 4, "Troubleshooting," lists the solutions to some common problems.

Appendix A, "Technical Specifications," is a list of the physical characteristics of the EtherSwitch 1420 modules.

Appendix B, "Connector Pinouts," details the physical characteristics of the EtherSwitch 1420 module connectors.

Appendix C, "Packet Translation," explains the FDDI-to-Ethernet packet translation techniques supported by the EtherSwitch 1420 FDDI modules.

Appendix D, "Translated Safety Warnings," repeats in several languages the warnings in this manual.

Document Conventions

This publication uses the following conventions to convey instructions and information:

Command descriptions use these conventions:

• Commands and keywords are in boldface font.

• Arguments for which you supply values are shown in italics.

• Elements in square brackets ([ ]) are optional.

• Alternative or optional keywords are shown in bold and grouped in square brackets ([ ]) and separated by a vertical bar ( | ).

• Required keywords are grouped in angle brackets (< >) and separated by a vertical bar ( | ).

Examples use these conventions:

• Terminal sessions and system displays are in screen font.

• Information you enter is in boldface screen font.

Notes, cautions, and warnings use the following conventions and symbols:

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Note Means reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to materials not contained in this manual.

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

Warning Means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and standard practices for preventing accidents.