The role of concentrators in FDDI rings

The fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) specifies a concentrator for use in a high-speed token ring utilizing fiber optics. The use of a concentrator in FDDI local area networks in building and campus environments is considered. The FDDI network is described, a functional model of the concentrator (CON) is presented, and wiring issues are addressed. The installation of FDDI stations and CONs in buildings and on campuses is discussed. Reconfiguration techniques made possible by the CONs and their application to network management are considered. Models for failure analysis, the quality of service provided by the CON, and the CON failure rate in a large network are discussed.<<ETX>>