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Migrating: Token-ring to Ethernet

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by tjapkesg 1 view

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In preparation for our new building, we are going to migrate as many users as possible to ethernet ahead of time. We are looking for the most economical yet viable solution possible.

The plan is to have Token-ring and Ethernet co-exist. One at a time, users workstations will be upgraded to Win2000 Pro, ethernet installed, and added to a new domain with at least a new Windows 2000 PDC in the beginning.

We are considering using relatively inexpensive non-managed switches until we are in the new building. (65 users at the most) Managed switches are included in our bid specs for our new network installation.

Options we have considered:
1. Using Windows NT or Linux to connect the Token-ring and Ethernet segments. (NT is the Leastfavorable to me)

2. We recently purchased two Cisco 2612 routers to connect our existing two buildings via a T1. These have Token-ring 16/4 and Ethernet ports, but unfortunately the ethernet ports are only 10Mbit. I could see that as a potential bottleneck, but not sure how much since we will have a server on each side. Internet and email traffic should be the bulk of traffic through that 10Mbit port. As justification to purchase these, future plans were to use these for internet, therefore 10Mbit was sufficient. (We're going to fiber).

3. We purchase new routers for this purpose, but this is also less favorable since it is doubtful we would use them long enough to justify the expense, unless there is an inexpensive unit with respectable reliability and performance.

Any thoughts or recommendations... suggestions?

Thanks!

5 replies

by ebob

A few months ago, the folks over at Networking Computing Magazine went through similar exercises in their lab. Have a look at: http://www.networkcomputing.com/1208/1208ws1.html

The basic conclusion was to rustle up a router with each of a T/R andEthernet port, as suggested (more or less) in each of your options. I would go for the 10Mbps Ethernet on a real router, over trying to use routing across a "PC" (NT or Linux for that matter). Although if you find the 10Mbps too sluggish, then the "PC" routing with a couple of 100Mbps NICs should work just fine. (It's just a natural aversion I have to using a metal working tool when doing wood working...if you know what I mean. )

by mckaytech

Of the options you listed, I would go with number two. In the scenario you describe, I don't think you'll find that the 10BaseT port on the router is a significant bottleneck and the 2621 is a pretty efficient piece of hardware.

In our facility supporting 1500 users, we use a similar router to bring together the TokenRing mainframe world and the Ethernet LAN environment and the router port has never been shown to be a bottleneck.

paul

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