Asante Unveils New Multi-Service Architecture for the Next Generation of Gigabit Switches.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 9, 1999--

Offers Sustained High-Performance, Lower Operational

Costs, Flexibility and Control

Asante Technologies, Inc., (Nasdaq:ASNT) today took the wraps off a new, multi-service, switch architecture for the next generation of gigabit switches.

Called the "IntraCore Architecture," it is designed for multi-service switches that support all applications and data types. For example, the IntraCore architecture could be used to build a network that supports data, telephony and video.

"We developed the IntraCore Architecture specifically to build switches for multi-service networks. By keeping it standards-based, we offer multi-vendor interoperability, a migration path from current systems, and investment protection," explained Don Miller, general manager of the Advanced Systems Division.

By deploying a single, common, multi-service infrastructure, users can eliminate duplicate systems, saving on system costs and network management time. In addition, the single architecture promises lower support and training costs. Because the IntraCore architecture is standards based, new networking technologies can be deployed on IntraCore-based switches without having to abandon existing systems. The upshot, as Miller indicated, is protection of existing system investments.

The Architecture Elements

The IntraCore architecture consists of a switching core, a connectivity layer and a management layer. It is enabled through a family of products based on a common set of advanced silicon switching ASICs. The ASICs serve as building blocks for assembling systems that support a high degree of switch configuration flexibility and consistency.

The Core Switching Engine is the foundation for all IntraCore-based switches. Based on advanced silicon ASICs, it features a high-performance, multi-gigabit fabric having scalable bandwidth capacity. The system delivers true non-blocking performance through the use of advanced queuing techniques.

High performance RISC processors embedded in each ASIC allow new features to be added and new standards implemented without requiring hardware changes. Designed to be data-format independent, the Core Switching Engine supports both frame- and cell-based interfaces.

This is particularly important because it narrows the gap between enterprise (frame-based) networks and service-provider (cell-based) networks, allowing the two to be more closely integrated.

IntraCore Architecture

Layer 2 switched 10/100/1000 Ethernet at the network edge, and Layer 2/3 switched 10/100/1000 Ethernet for the network core assure LAN connectivity. The former meets the requirements for the high density connectivity of desktop computers, plus scalable, economical, data transmission for trunks to the network core.

The latter meets the needs for high-speed, scalable, economical data transmission and support for all multi-service data types. In addition, link aggregation provides additional traffic-handling flexibility making the network more resilient.

For MAN/WAN connectivity, the IntraCore architecture supports long-haul Gigabit Ethernet, ATM and Packet-Over-Sonet (POS). These enable scalable, economical data transmission and support for all multi-service data types, and assure service-provider interoperability.

The IntraCore architecture encompasses a rich suite of management, security, performance and control features. They support a wide variety of management applications based on SNMP, RMON, Bridge MIB and MIB II. Moreover, all system components are managed, and all control signals are sent, over a single, common interface.

Cost, Performance and Control

As already described, the IntraCore architecture is designed to lower costs by eliminating duplicate systems, reducing their management time, and cutting support and training costs. In addition, the architecture's switch-fabric and stacking-backplane characteristics offer consistent levels of performance regardless of network load.

Finally, comprehensive support for network management applications, and Web-based control, permit networking professionals to monitor and manipulate network activities from any physical location within the network.

Asante will soon announce several high port count, high performance gigabit switches designed around the IntraCore architecture. Initial shipments are scheduled for this quarter.

About Asante

Founded in 1988, Asante Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of networking and Internet solutions for small office/home office, education, digital graphics/prepress, and other small-to-medium enterprise markets.

The company's Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet products include intelligent switches, hubs and adapter cards, as well as network management software and Internet connectivity products. Asante's products are sold through an international network of distributors, VARs, system integrators, and retail channels. For additional information, contact Asante at 800/662-9686 or 408/435-8388 or www.asante.com.