2.5 Gigabit Second Backbone Support With New ATM Voice Data Video Switching System.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 1996--A new, 2.5 Gbps cell-based ATM switching system., makes ATM migration from different platforms (Ethernet, AS/400, Token Ring) easier through modular interfacing.

The HiLAN NOVA-CELL system from ACN Inc., is designed to handle very high bandwidth traffic, such as video and voice, as well as data.

NOVA-CELL comes packed with a choice of interfaces into the legacy world, it can be housed in standard chassis, and it is highly modular so that future offerings can be readily added. The modular approach is also instrumental in keeping down the cost of migrating to ATM, because only the features essential to particular applications are installed.

"Credible ATM suppliers must be prepared to provide design and installation services, because the technology is new and few users have the required know-how," said Douglas Sherrod, ACN general manager. "HiLAN introduced the world s first SDH 622 Mbps Multimode Fiber Interface in 1995, and already has a substantial user base. We can therefore help users migrate to ATM -- from Ethernet, AS/400 or Token Ring -- since we manufacture and market products in all those areas."

The heart of NOVA-CELL system is a 4x4 ATM switch that can handle data up to 2.5 Gbps. The entry-level product is a 1U (1.75") high, 19" wide chassis housing a motherboard with connectors for four interface daughter boards (Frame Packs). It is designed to operate at the edge of the WAN, providing legacy LAN connectivity. Most Frame Packs provide two ports, so that the system can support up to eight switched, non-blocking ports of Ethernet, Token Ring, E1, T1, X.21, and others.

ATM cell interfacing is provided through plug-in cell daughter cards, available is a variety of configurations, such as SDH (155 Mbps), Sonet (155 Mbps), TAXI (100/140 Mbps), E3 (34 Mbps), DS3 (45 Mbps), T3, Fiber Channel, and others.

Virtual LANs can be readily configured through the use of SNMP, and data can be switched via the backbone, or to an external aggregate (SDH, SONET, UTP/STP 155 Mbps).

Lower speed ATM ports -- up to four 155 Mbps ports -- are multiplexed to a high speed, 622 Mbps ATM port. This arrangement has the net effect of reducing the number and cost of high speed ports, while maintaining high throughput. The multiplex module operates as a stand-alone, or as a port extension to the 4x4 main switch.

The system accepts 12 Fast Ethernet interface modules for 100BT, Fiber and UTP. LAN emulation is included, as well as a backplane interface to the ATM switch.

ACN is a California corporation and a joint venture between two world-class leaders in data communications -- BATM of Israel and HiLAN of Germany. The two companies share extensive design, manufacturing and support experience, ranging from ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) to ultra high-speed Ethernet switching. ACN markets Ethernet, AS/400-System 3, Token Ring and ATM products and services.

For more information, contact: ACN Inc., 1445 Koll Circle, Suite 102, San Jose, CA 95112-4611, USA. Tel.: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Email: [e-mail]. URL: http://www.batm.com.

CONTACT: Gagliano P.R.

Joe Gagliano, 408/298-8678.

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