3Com Introduces High-Density Enterprise Family Member To End-To-End Remote Access Networking Systems; AccessBuilder Framework for Scalable Access Solutions; New Software for ISDN Remote Site Access Routers.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 2, 1996--Global data networking leader, 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS) today introduced the AccessBuilder 7000 Access Concentrator to its family of end-to-end systems for building secure, fault-tolerant Intranets and remote access networks.

Flexible and modular, this Ethernet device brings together a high-density chassis with multiple analog, ISDN and WAN/leased line technology modules for LAN-to-LAN connectivity. Connected to a Web server, the AccessBuilder 7000 can be used to concentrate Internet traffic as well as share information between central and remote sites.

This new product joins 3Com's existing family of scalable remote access solutions, including: -0-

-- AccessBuilder 2000 and 4000 remote access servers -- AccessBuilder 8000 access concentrator for carrier networks

(formerly the Aperture II) -- AccessBuilder Remote Office 500 and 600 ISDN access routers

(formerly the Arpeggio Lite and Plus, respectively) for small

offices

-0-

"When building access networks, enterprise users need systems that are proven," said Bob Jones, general manager for 3Com. "With the AccessBuilder 7000, as well as the entire AccessBuilder family, customers can rely on a brand of products that incorporate multiple technologies and robust security under flexible, scalable and manageable platforms."

Version 5.0 Software

For users of the AccessBuilder Remote Office 500 and 600 products, 3Com is offering a free software upgrade to Version 5.0 adding several new capabilities to these products and the AccessBuilder 7000, such as: -0- -- Sophisticated IP/IPX firewall filtering capabilities enabling corporations to selectively determine the parameters, i.e. packet type, for secure inbound/outbound network and Internet connections as well as PAP and CHAP. -- Auto-configuration of Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) when connected to either selective third-party devices or 3Com's own ISDN-optimized Fast Connect technology found on the AccessBuilder 7000 and the AccessBuilder Remote Office products. -- Unnumbered links which allow corporations to assign a single IP address, rather than two, to effectively route traffic on both the LAN and WAN ports. -0- AccessBuilder 7000 Access Concentrator

Proven in installations throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, the AccessBuilder 7000 access concentrator provides central site enterprise environments with high bandwidth connectivity using a combination of analog, Primary Rate and Basic Rate ISDN (PRI and BRI), and WAN/leased line connections. The device supports up to 112 simultaneous, secure and resilient 64 Kbps connections making it ideal for central site remote access applications where high port density is crucial.

By using a unique mid-plane bus to distribute power, management information, and channel bandwidth, the AccessBuilder 7000 system allows modules to be changed or replaced without affecting the processor architecture. This provides users with a higher meantime between repairs and failures.

System Management and Security

The AccessBuilder 7000 access concentrator and the AccessBuilder Remote Office products can be managed both locally and remotely by an SNMP-based platform running under Microsoft Windows 3.1. Several important functions can be performed including, user-defined event storage, statistics gathering, configuration storage and auto-configuration of new products, and on-site upgrades via flash memory.

In addition to the software features of Version 5.0, the AccessBuilder 7000 system offers comprehensive network security features such as Ethernet address checking, data encryption, and Caller Line Identification (CLI) as well as integrated support for Security Dynamics' ACE/Server. Cost-controlling features, data compression and spoofing, are implemented in LAN-to-LAN applications using the AccessBuilder 7000 central site device and either the AccessBuilder Remote Office 500 or 600 remote site devices.

System Modules

Users can choose among four different network interface modules to fill the AccessBuilder 7000 system's 16-slot chassis. In particular, the PRI/BRI Bridge/Router module has a separate routing processor to always ensure the highest levels of performance, even at peak usage. Also, the each one is hot-swappable, allowing for easy exchange in the event of changes or replacement. The AccessBuilder 7000 system modules include the: -0- -- PRI/BRI Interface Module which uses intelligent call routing capabilities to pass 64 Kbps data from up to 60 channels along the AccessBuilder 7000 backplane and onto other modules in the chassis. Intelligent call routing allows the module to choose device destinations based on the phone number called, phone number called from or the type of data contained in the call. -- PRI/BRI Bridge/Router Module which occupies one or two slots, and provides IP/IPX routing across ISDN and serial WAN links, dial-on-demand allowing for added bandwidth as needed, intelligent protocol spoofing, on-board 4:1 data compression, and comprehensive data encryption network security for up to eight 64 Kbps data channels.

PRI/BRI Terminal Adapter Module which supports four 64 Kbps ISDN channels as well as asynchronous data rates up to 115.2 Kbps and synchronous rates up to 64 Kbps. Using V.110 or V.120 rate adaption or the Hayes AT command set ensures compatibility with existing modem-based applications. -- Triple Modem Module which supplies three V.34 modems on a single high-density card allowing network node connections at speeds up to 33.3 Kbps. It also will automatically redial remote connections upon signal loss and prevent interruption of normal leased line operations. -0- Pricing and Availability

Now available in the United States, the AccessBuilder 7000 is priced at $4,585 for the chassis, power supply and management card. Analog and Basic Rate ISDN modules are priced individually. In June, the company will release Primary Rate ISDN capabilities.

As part of 3Com's approach to making ISDN easier for users to adopt, the company offers free ISDN line ordering and provisioning. Simply call 800/NET-3COM, and select option 1 to gain instant access to 3Com's team of ISDN professionals who will order and correctly provision ISDN lines or provide users with information regarding the availability and cost of ISDN in the United States.

3Com Corporation has helped more than 25 million people gain access to critical information through high-speed networks. Designed to serve large enterprises, service providers, small offices and homes, 3Com products provide a scalable architecture to meet the present and future connectivity needs of today's users. With research and development on three continents, 3Com is one of the data networking industry's largest and fastest growing companies. 3Com's innovative marketing, engineering, sales and support simplify communication, optimize network reliability and protect customer investments. For further information, visit our World Wide Web site: http://www.3Com.com. -0-

Note to Editors: 3Com and Arpeggio are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. AccessBuilder and Aperture are trademarks of 3Com Corporation.

CONTACT: 3Com Corporate Communications

Jennifer Wade, 408/764-5137

[e-mail]