Cisco Enhances Fast Ethernet Hub Flexibility and Management; New Module Provides Ethernet Connectivity, Extends Distance Capabilities.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 1997--Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced the FastHub(R) 300 series bridge management module that enables businesses to interconnect high- and low-speed network segments, extend distances between network devices, integrate network management capabilities and preserve investments in existing equipment.

The Cisco FastHub 300 series bridge management module (BMM) provides bridging between Ethernet and Fast Ethernet network segments and allows network managers to upgrade users to Fast Ethernet while maintaining existing Ethernet environments.

"As a medium-sized business looking to expand our workgroup capabilities, preserving our hardware investments is critical," said Jeff Beranda of the San Fernando Valley Board of Realtors. "The bridge management module allows us to inexpensively link our existing Ethernet workgroups to high-performance workgroups utilizing Cisco FastHub 100BaseT repeaters."

Enhanced Features

Manageable through CiscoWorks software, the BMM supports SNMP, Telnet, RMON and out-of-band console, providing comprehensive integrated management of Cisco devices and simplified network troubleshooting. With the integration of Cisco IOS(TM) technologies, the BMM supports Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) for automatic topology detection. Available in 100BaseTX and 100BaseFX versions, both are easily hot-swappable.

The fiber-based FX version with full duplex can connect FastHub 300 series hubs or stacks to a campus backbone at a distance of up to 2 kilometers, while the standard TX version extends distances between FastHub 300 series hubs or stacks to 100 meters.

"The bridge management module provides customers with larger campuses a high-performance, cost-effective Fast Ethernet solution to extend their network's capabilities over greater distances," said Richard Martin, product manager for Fast Ethernet repeaters at Cisco Systems. "The BMM combines Ethernet connectivity and network management in a single, cost-effective form factor."

Pricing and Availability

The Cisco FastHub 300 100BaseTX BMM is available today at a U.S. list price starting at $1,495. The Cisco FastHub 300 100BaseFX BMM will be available in November 1997 at a U.S. list price starting at $1,795.

Concurrent with this announcement, Cisco is reducing prices by 25 percent on selected models of the FastHub series of repeaters. The Cisco FastHub 316T and 316C now have new U.S. list prices of $1,495 and $1,795 respectively. The Cisco FastHub 116T and 216T have new U.S. list prices of $995 and $1,595 respectively. The 16-Port 100BaseTX repeater module has a new U.S. list price of $1,295.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at http://www.cisco.com . -0-

Note to Editors: Cisco IOS is a trademark, and Cisco Systems, the Cisco Systems logo and FastHub are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Cunningham Communication, Inc.

Patrick Riley, 650/858-3719

[e-mail]