Cabletron Systems switches - Manual (Page 24)

The Workgroup Approach
3-2 Standalones
Standalones, the Original Networking Devices
Standalone devices are the second oldest devices in Local Area Networking,
having been developed shortly after transceivers. The basic and most
straightforward standalone device is the repeater or concentrator, a device that
allows a network signal received on one interface, or port, to be strengthened,
regenerated, and sent out another port. Figure 3-1 illustrates the operation of a
repeater, receiving a weak signal and transmitting a cleaner, stronger signal.
Figure 3-1. Repeater Operation
These simple, inexpensive devices were designed to expand the limitations and
capabilities of early networks, allowing them to grow beyond the limitations
imposed by the cabling they were based upon. As time went on, and networks
grew in size, the standalone devices began to offer greater control and
expandability. The design of multiport repeaters allowed one signal to be sent out
several interfaces simultaneously, and the standalone bridge offered the ability to
localize network traffic for security and improved performance.
The other most common standalone device in early networks was the standalone
bridge. The standalone bridge was commonly a two-port device which performed
segmentation functions between two networks. The multiport bridge was
eventually followed up by the multiport switch, which made switched
connections between several network interfaces.
The use of these standalone devices allowed simple networks to expand beyond
the limits of the cabling and the physical constraints of the technologies being
used. The standalone networking devices were relatively simple, however, and
did not always support the numbers of users that facilities contained.
repeater
incoming signal outgoing signal
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