Cisco Announces Single Solution for Branch-Office Connectivity; Stackable LAN switch has integrated WAN connection for enterprise networks.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 1996--Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced a stackable switch that extends the capabilities of enterprise switches to remote sites.

The Catalyst 3200 combines LAN switching with integrated WAN capabilities that give branch offices Internet connectivity and easy access to centrally located corporate resources.

The switch leverages Cisco IOS software features and supports all of the leading high-speed switching technologies, including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, 100VG-AnyLAN and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). This range of options gives users the ability to build enterprise-wide virtual LANs (VLANs) and achieve improved network performance, security and scalability. Embedded remote monitoring capabilities provide network information such as statistics, events, history and alarms.

"We have extended the capabilities of the Catalyst family to give users at remote locations the network performance they need to enable high-bandwidth applications such as Web-based intranets," said Jayshree Ullal, vice president of marketing for Cisco's Workgroup Business Unit. "The combination of the Catalyst architecture and Cisco IOS software provides users with a powerful branch office solution."

The Catalyst 3200 is a chassis-based stackable switch with a supervisor engine and seven slots available for any combination of high-speed switching modules. A "flex-slot" in the chassis can be used for the new WAN module, supporting high-speed serial and ISDN WAN connections. This slot is also designed to support future technologies such as Layer 3 switching.

Stack it Up

As part of the Catalyst 3000 LAN switching family, the 3200 will support all existing Catalyst 3000 modules, enabling users to stack any combination of switches. Up to eight switches can be stacked and interconnected through a switch matrix, forming one logical system that can be managed as a single device and providing users with up to 3.84 Gbps of network bandwidth.

Similar to the Catalyst 3000, users can manage the new switch with CiscoWorks for Switched Internetworks. This management system includes the CiscoView device management application, VlanDirector and TrafficDirector. These applications enable users to monitor and control the flow of information throughout the network, maximizing network resources and availability.

The Catalyst 3200 LAN switch will be available in October and the WAN module will be available in November. U.S. list pricing for existing and new modules is as follows: -0-

WS-C3200B -- Catalyst 3200 Switch Chassis with Supv, Enh. SW, 8MB,
             10K addresses -- $4,995
WS-X3001  -- 1-Port 100BaseTX Interface Module, RJ-45 connector --
             $1,295
WS-X3002  -- 4-port 10BaseT Module -- $995
WS-X3003  -- 3-Port 10BaseFL Module -- $1,695
WS-X3004  -- Catalyst 3000 Series Stack Port Module -- $995
WS-X3005  -- 1-Port 100BaseFX Module -- $1,695
WS-X3006A -- 1-Port ATM Module, 155 MBPS -- $4,495
WS-X3007  -- 2-Port 100VG Module, MM Fiber, ST Connector, 2Km --
             $3,595
WS-X3008  -- 2-Port 100VG Module, UTP, RJ45 Connector -- $2,895
WS-X3009  -- 2-Port FastEthernet with ISL Module, MM Fiber, SC --
             $2,995
WS-X3010  -- 2-Port FastEthernet with ISL Module, UTP, RJ45 -- $1,995
WS-X3011  -- 2-Port Serial / ISDN-BRI WAN Router Module -- $1,695
WS-X3020  -- Catalyst Matrix -- $3,500
WS-X3021  -- Catalyst Matrix Redundant Component -- $3,000

Cisco Systems (Nasdaq: CSCO) is the leading global supplier of internetworking solutions for corporate intranets and the global Internet. Cisco's products -- including routers, LAN and WAN switches, dial-up access servers, and network management software -- are integrated by Cisco IOS software to link geographically dispersed LANs, WANs and IBM networks. Company news and product/service information are available at World Wide Web site http://www.cisco.com. Cisco is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. -0-

Note to Editors: Cisco IOS, CiscoWorks, CiscoView, VlanDirector, TrafficDirector and Cisco Systems are trademarks, and Cisco and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks or registered service marks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Cisco Systems, Inc.

Amanda Jaramillo, 408/526-7391

[e-mail]

Michelle Rose, 408/526-6619

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