Architecting and designing : Generic enterprise architecture frameworks : Technology Model view : Communication Medium
  
Communication Medium
Switch symbols are a mixture of hardware and software devices that provide ability to switch information to different paths on the network.
As a default, the following switch symbols are provided on the Network Concept diagram:
Network Pipe
General purpose symbol to show a network pipe.
Network Pipe Vertical
General purpose symbol to show a network pipe in a vertical position on the diagram.
Ethernet Line
Ethernet is a frame-based computer networking technology for local area networks (LANs). Ethernet uses a bus or star topology and supports data transfer rates of 10 Mbps. Ethernet has become the most widespread LAN technology in use, and has largely replaced all other LAN standards such as token ring, FDDI, and ARCNET.
Concatenated Payload
A concatenated or "clear channel" implies that the entire payload rate is available as a single channel of communications. In other words, the entire payload rate can be used by a single flow of cells or packets. The opposite of concatenated payload is channelized pipe, in which the payload rate is subdivided into multiple fixed rate channels.
Channelized Pipe
A "fat" pipe that contains multiple channels, each of which can contain different payloads (or packets).
Token Ring
A type of computer network in which all the computers are arranged in a circle, and a token of information travels around the circle. To send a message, a computer catches the token, attaches a message to it, and then lets it continue to travel around the network.
FDDI Ring
Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) is based on the Token Ring protocol. FDDI is a set of ANSI and ISO standards for data transmission on fiber optic lines in a local area network (LAN) that can extend in range up to 124 miles (200 km). An FDDI local area network can support thousands of users and be large geographically.
DPT Ring
Dynamic Packet Technology (DPT) is a technology that is designed for LANs, MANs, and WANs. It is based on dual counter rotating rings that support intelligent protection switching. This technology ensures survivability in the event of a node, or fiber failure. DPT is compatible with SONET systems and can use dark fiber, WDM, or traditional SONET as a transport mechanism.
DWDM Network Line
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is an optical technology used to increase bandwidth over existing fiber optic backbones. DWDM combines and transmits multiple signals simultaneously at different wavelengths on the same fiber, to effectively transform one fiber into multiple virtual fibers.
DWDM Ring
DWDM technology used in a ring topology.
Optical Fiber
A transparent thin fiber, usually made of glass or plastic, for transmitting light.
Web Cluster
A system of Internet servers.
Advanced Network Symbols
If the "Advanced Network Symbols" switch is turned on in the Advanced dialog, the following additional types of icons will be available:
BBFW Media
A wireless communication medium.
See also
Technology Model view