Advanced Computer Communications' Congo Personal provides extensive cost control for ISDN dial-up access.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 17, 1996--

One IP reduces Internet costs and eases configuration

Advanced Computer Communications (ACC), a leading provider of network access solutions for the home, office and enterprise, Tuesday introduced the Congo Personal router, which employs an extensive feature set designed to maximize functionality, minimize costs of ownership and simplify telecommuting and Internet access over ISDN.

One IP reduces Internet costs, simplifies configuration

Congo Personal's extended dynamic IP address management feature, One IP, uses a temporary IP address as a global address for the entire remote LAN, while dynamically assigning "private" IP addresses to all devices on the LAN. This eliminates the burden of configuring each device on the LAN with a unique IP address.

Employing a combination of the Network Address Translation (NAT) protocol, IP Control Protocol (IPCP), and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), One IP allows users to save as much as 70 percent on monthly Internet access fees. One IP's global addressing scheme also provides network security by serving as a firewall to prevent access to the LAN from the outside world.

"With features like One IP, ACC is living up to its commitment to deliver solutions to the small business owner or home user that are cost-effective and easy to use," said Lisa Aviani, ACC's SOHO product marketing manager. "One IP also benefits Internet Service Providers by conserving valuable IP addresses and minimizing user support requirements."

Bandwidth Optimization Maximizes Performance

Congo Personal supports ACC's exclusive Bandwidth Optimization features at no additional charge. These features include Data Compression, Express Queuing and advanced dialing techniques.

Data Compression increases the amount of information sent over the ISDN link by a factor of four-to-one. This means faster data transfers and faster Internet Web access, all resulting in less connect time.

Express Queuing provides automatic dynamic allocation of available bandwidth on a per session basis, yielding predictable network response times.

Dial on Demand initiates calls only when there is actual data to be transferred. And Dial on Congestion allows the second ISDN B channel to be used dynamically to handle peaks in demand. Most importantly, these Bandwidth Optimization features can be used together to provide maximum performance when accessing corporate databases or surfing the Internet while achieving maximum savings.

Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) Adds Value

ACC's graphical configuration tool, Web Wizard, makes it easy to set up the Congo Personal for ISDN access. Congo Personal adds an extension to Web Wizard; from this JAVA-based CTI application, a Congo user can initiate phone calls simply by clicking on a hotlink in the on-line address book. Likewise, when the router receives a phone call, the CTI searches the address book for a match and brings up the corresponding record.

Call Manager Controls ISDN Costs by Managing Usage

Congo Personal's optional Call Manager client software allows users to proactively manage call usage, and ultimately ISDN costs. Based on a user-friendly graphical interface, Call Manager helps control costs by limiting connection times based on time of day or maximum uptime. Users can also view a personal call history to preview their ISDN charges before the bill arrives.

Full-Featured Routing Included in Standard Package

Congo Personal's full-featured routing functionality is provided in a standard product package. Smaller than most modems, Congo Personal is designed for desktop operation. It supports up to four LAN devices, TCP/IP routing and 802.1D bridging. Congo Personal has a 10BaseT Ethernet, a Basic Rate ISDN connection and two POTS ports for connecting to phone and fax machines.

The standard software also includes PAP/CHAP authentication, four to one data compression, Calling Line ID over analog and digital links, standards-based Multilink PPP, MP+ (Ascend's version of Multilink PPP), and intelligent contention and routing of audio calls to the two analog phone ports. Congo Personal is SNMP and Telnet manageable.

Availability

Congo Personal has a list price of $895 and will be available to order at the end of December. Congo Personal can be upgraded to the Congo Voice Router to accommodate unlimited users and IPX routing.

About ACC

ACC is a leading manufacturer of network access products that provide cost-effective solutions for the home, office and enterprise. ACC leads the industry in the development of Bandwidth Optimization technologies to maximize the utilization of leased lines and switched services.

ACC's products are sold worldwide through channel partners which serve corporate and business customers, educational institutions, health care, retail establishments, governments and carrier service providers.

Advanced Computer Communications has headquarters at 340 Storke Road, Santa Barbara, Calif. 93117; telephone: [phone]; fax [phone]. Internet: [e-mail]. World Wide Web: http://www.acc.com . -0- NOTE: Congo Personal is a trademark of Advanced Computer Communications. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Advanced Computer Communications, Santa Barbara

Andrew Chase, 805/685-4455

or

Precision Communications

Marianne McCarthy, 805/565-7782