FDDI ring management

Abstract

Ring management is a recent addition to the ANSI FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) standard that provides a mechanism for solving two of the more difficult problems: discontinuities in the token path due to stuck faults, and ring initialization failures due to duplicate addresses. These problems are described, and the use of distributed management, as set out in the standard, to solve them is discussed. Each attachment to the FDDI ring monitors for fault symptoms and starts recovery processes when appropriate.