Cabletron Unveils SecureFast Virtual Networking; Industry's Most Advanced Intranet Management System.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Networld+Interop--April 3, 1996--Cabletron Systems (NYSE:CS) today unveiled SecureFast Virtual Networking, the industry's most comprehensive product set for implementing and managing switched virtual intranetworks.

The next-generation line of products make enterprise networks easier to administer, providing key tools for managing and defining policy for user access to essential resources on corporate intranets and the Internet. SecureFast provides increased performance and an unmatched level of network control.

The new SecureFast offerings include VLAN Manager and VNET Manager -- the first connection-oriented virtual network management applications.

"Surging commercial use of corporate intranets has placed new demands on network managers in their efforts to maintain the control and reliability of their corporate networks," said John Morency, principal at the Registry, a Stratham, N.H.-based consultancy. "Cabletron is strategically positioned with its SecureFast technology to not only address customers increased bandwidth requirements, but can also provide critical management tools that put network control back in the hands of the network manager responsible for intranet success."

"VLAN Ready" Switches - The Core

SecureFast combines the best elements of bridging and routing technologies with connection-oriented switching. Essential to Cabletron's SecureFast architecture is the ability to embed layer 3 virtual routing services directly into its high- performance switches. Through a simple firmware upgrade, customers can add "intranet management" software to a broad line of Cabletron switches, including an installed base of over 1 million ports.

Cabletron's "connection-oriented" technology refers to the ability to route the first packet and switch all successive packets, unlike competitors' products which must route every packet when communicating between two VLANs. Once SecureFast programs a connection, all subsequent packets over the same path are transmitted without additional routing -- similar to technology used in the world's largest and most reliable networks, including telephony, SNA, Frame Relay and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks. With this architecture, users avoid latency and performance problems and build intranetworks that more closely mirror the organizational structure of their business.

Since SecureFast implements the same connection-oriented concepts as ATM, customers are guaranteed a smooth migration from packet-based LANs to rapidly evolving cell-based technologies. SecureFast Switching allows customers to receive many of the benefits of ATM such as security and accountability within their existing network infrastructures.

An equally important SecureFast feature is a broadcast interception service which resolves issues such as security, broadcasts, multi-casts and network flooding. Broadcast interception allows customers to cost-effectively control broadcast traffic in a switched network without requiring a router. When compared to routers, the purchase price for a multi-port SecureFast Switch is significantly less than the price of a traditional router, with greater performance.

Cabletron "VLAN Ready" products immediately supporting SecureFast include th Multi Media Access Center (MMAC), MMAC-Plus and the new SmartSwitcht family. Cabletron switches shipping as early as 1993 support SecureFast, enabling customers to preserve hardware investments.

VLAN MANAGER and VNET Manager -- Managing Virtual Networks

In conjunction with its SecureFast announcement, Cabletron is unveiling VLAN Manager, the industry's only connection-oriented VLAN solution. Designed to provide a cost-effective, simple-to-use interface for assigning users to a VLAN, the new switch management application provides graphical VLAN management capabilities for Cabletron switches.

Initially available as an application for Cabletron's SPECTRUM enterprise management platform, VLAN Manager addresses critical management requirements in logically defining, managing and configuring virtual LANs. Cabletron will also develop versions to run on SNMP-based management platforms including HP's OpenView, Sun's SunNet Manager and IBM's NetView for AIX, as well as a standalone version for Windows NT.

VNET MANAGER -- Advanced Management Services

Cabletron has also unveiled VNET Manager for customers requiring value-added services such as policy management, call management and call accounting.

Designed to provide advanced virtual networking capabilities, the new VNET Manager platform provides network managers with more extensive control over user access to key network resources. VNET Manager's automated connection-management services provide users with powerful network management capabilities such as network security, resource allocation, call accounting and monitoring.

The core components of VNET Manager include the SecureFast Switch Client software, the SecureFast Management Suite and a SecureFast Virtual Network Server (SFVNS). Available as a rack-mountable server, the SFVNS enforces all user-defined rules of the switched network. The company will also develop an SFVNS module for its MMAC-Plus enterprise switch platform.

Pricing and Availability:

SecureFast Product             Pricing            Availability

SecureFast Switch Client       Firmware Upgrade   By Platform
VLAN Manager                   $5,995             90 Days
VNET Manager
(SecureFast Management Suite)  $15,000            Immediate
SecureFast Virtual Network
Server (SFVNS)                 $45,000            Immediate

Cabletron Systems is the recognized leader in providing high-performance intranetworking solutions, including LAN and ATM switches and advanced network and systems management software. Under its Synthesis product framework, Cabletron markets products throughout the world for linking and managing enterprise-wide networks.

With corporate headquarters in Rochester, N.H., Cabletron employs over 5,700 people worldwide. Cabletron's common stock is traded over the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CS. Over the last four quarters, the company has reported record revenue of $1.1 billion.

Cabletron's World Wide Web site can be reached on the Internet at http://www.cabletron.com/. Cabletron, SecureFast, MMAC, MMAC-Plus, SmartSwitch, SPECTRUM and SPECTRUM for Open Systems are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cabletron Systems. "The Stuff Intranets Are Made Of" is a service mark of Cabletron Systems. All other products or services found in this document are identified by the trademarks or service marks of their respective companies or organizations.

CONTACT: Darren Orzechowski

Cabletron Systems

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