IBM 8265 Nways ATM Campus Switch - IBM Redbooks

Preface
This redbook is intended to acquaint the reader with the IBM 8265 ATM Switch.
The 8265 is the new platform for next generation high-end ATM backbone
networks. The 8265 is the most powerful and the cornerstone of the IBM family
of ATM switches. This redbook will assist both technically and marketing
minded people in utilizing the superior functionality and operational capabilities
of the 8265.
Within this redbook the reader will find:
The Team That Wrote This Redbook
• Architectural explanations of IBM′s leading edge switching techniques, with
explicit reference to IBM′s award winning Prizma chip. The strengths of
single-stage switching with distributed buffer pools and ATM traffic
management will be depicted.
• Descriptions on the various ATM media modules available for the 8265. The
backward compatibility of the 8265 with the IBM 8260 Hub. Technical criteria
that is required for module operation within an 8265 network environment.
• Software operations of the 8265 Control Point with specific reference to its
enhanced PNNI Phase One implementation and ATM Quality of Service
(QoS) signalling management. Basic setup of the 8265 and how to retrieve
microcode and picocode updates for the 8265.
• Configuration case studies for various 8265 network scenarios. Simple
single peer group networks to multiple complex ATM networks will be
documented and described.
• The significant simplification of ATM campus management through the use of
the Nways Campus Manager suite of software products, which are used in
conjunction with NetView for AIX.
• Troubleshooting guidelines for 8265 hardware and software operations.
These troubleshooting hints will be able to assist technical personnel in
fine-tuning their own specific 8265 networks.
• Vital technological differentiations of the 8265. This information will position
the 8265 against competitive products and highlight its exceptional attributes.
This redbook was produced by a team of specialists from around the world
working at the Systems Management and Networking ITSO Center, Raleigh.
Georges Tardy is an ITSO assignee at the Systems Management and Networking
ITSO Center, Raleigh. Before joining the ITSO two years ago, he had several
responsibilities in different areas and divisions, such as manufacturing, product
engineering, field support and development engineering. He is located in La
Gaude and covers the ATM/LAN campus products for the ITSO.
Kevin Treweek is an Advisory IT Specialist in South Africa. He has 10 years of
experience in the networking field. His areas of expertise include campus ATM
and LAN network design, a subject which he lectures on extensively in his home
country. He has coauthored a book on VLANs and their implementation within
networks.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 1998 xi