User`s guide

1-20
Introduction
1.7.5 Translation
The ATX is a translating bridge; meaning it translates packets
across unlike protocols. For example, if an Ethernet (802.3) data
packet is to be forwarded to an FDDI segment, the ATX translates
the packet to FDDI packet format. Conversely, the ATX translates
FDDI packets to be forwarded to an Ethernet segment to Ethernet
(802.3) packet format. This means the ATX can transparently
exchange data packets between FDDI and Ethernet LANs.
A translation parameter was added to the ATX Token Ring module
to complete the StripRIF protocol set, StripRIF ALL. The current set
of protocols that StripRIF is used for are: IPX, ARP, NetBIOS and
SNA. This feature allows the ATX to handle protocols which need
the RIF stripped before being transmitted out other ATX LAN
switch ports (for example, protocols such BootP and RIP). For
addtional information on StripRIF commands, see the section 1.10
Basic LCM Commands.
For example, in Figure 1-5 workstation 100 on Ethernet LAN 1 is
able to access server F1, which is attached directly to the FDDI
ring, or server E1 on Ethernet LAN 2. To reach either server, the
Ethernet packet from workstation 100 is translated by ATX A to a
FDDI format. To reach server E1, the packet is translated by ATX B
back into Ethernet format.
Figure 1-5. Network Where Translation Must Occur
Workstation 100
Ethernet LAN 1
Ethernet LAN 2
Server F1
Server E1
FDDI ring
ES/1 A
ES/1 B
ATX B
ATX A