Network Router User's Manual

Understanding LANE on ATM
ATMSwitch Router Quick Software Configuration Guide4-2
Understanding LANE on ATM
LANE is a protocol that allows devices attached to traditional LANs (such as Ethernet and
Token Ring) to connect to ATM networks. That is, LANE allows legacy LAN users to take
advantage of the benefits of ATM without modifying end station hardware or software.
LANE services provide connectivity between ATM-attached devices and LAN-attached
devices. Two primary applications of LANE follow:
• Connectivity between LAN-attached stations across a high-speed ATM transport
backbone.
• Connectivity between ATM-attached hosts and LAN-attached hosts. Centralized hosts
with high-speed ATM port adapters provide services (such as Domain Name Service
[DNS]) to traditional LAN-attached devices.
Understanding LANE Components
A single emulated LAN (ELAN) includes the following components:
• LANE client (LEC)—A software client that resides in an end station (such as a
workstation, LAN switch, or router). The LEC performs data forwarding and receiving,
address resolution, and other control functions for a single endpoint in a single ELAN.
A router or switch can have multiple LANE clients, each connecting with different
ELANs. The LANE client registers its MAC and ATM address with the LES.
• LANE configuration server (LECS)—A server that assigns individual LECs to
particular ELANs by providing to the LECs the ATM address of the LES. The LECS
maintains a database of ELAN names and the corresponding addresses of the LESs. A
LECS can serve multiple ELANs. One LECS must be configured for each LANE cloud.
Note The LECS is also used for security by restricting ELAN membership to certain
LECs, based on their MAC addresses.