Specifications

SPECTRUM Software Release Notes Page 89
RingView for Token Ring
RingView for Token Ring is a SPECTRUM application program that provides enhanced
capabilities for modeling and displaying the ring of devices and connections that make
up a Token Ring (802.5) LAN. An important feature of the RingView application is that
it allows for several different ways of displaying a Token Ring LAN within a SPECTRUM
Topology view. For example, you can choose to view the topology in an actual ring, or
in a “condensed” configuration that requires less onscreen space. You can also choose
between Token Ring stations being depicted as physical devices or MAC entities.
Known RingView For Token Ring Anomalies
in SPECTRUM 6.0.2
Problem 1: RingView cannot fully map connections within a ring that is
configured with multiple hubs or concentrators. This is because the Token
Ring device firmware stops mapping MAC addresses to specific ports as
soon as it encounters one of the Ring In/Ring Out ports through which the
hubs are connected. Since SPECTRUM’s fault isolation is based on
connections between models, this firmware limitation may result in
situations where alarms are not reported or are reported incorrectly.
Normally, if SpectroSERVER loses contact with a router that connects to a
Token Ring LAN, the icons within the LAN’s Topology view flash gray to
indicate that their condition was unknown. If connections within the ring
were not fully mapped, then the Token Ring devices would have no known
neighbors as far as SPECTRUM is concerned, and would thus flash red.
Solution: When Ring In/Ring Out ports are being used to connect hubs
within a Token Ring LAN, you must resolve port connections manually to
ensure accurate alarms and fault isolation.