Compatible Systems' 12-Port Internet Router Takes Full Advantage of High-Speed Lines; RISC Router 2900i Lets ISPs Deliver Promised Bandwidth; Multi-site Companies Get More for Access Dollar.

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 1995--Internet Service Providers can now fulfill the promise of full-bandwidth synchronous LAN connections. Compatible Systems today announced the RISC Router 2900i, a synchronous/asynchronous TCP/IP router supporting up to 12 simultaneous network or single-user sessions at speeds up to 256 Kbps per port. The RISC Router 2900i allows connections over standard voice, leased/switched 56, or ISDN lines.

The RISC Router 2900i provides full routing of TCP/IP network protocols. All ports are independently configurable and will provide synchronous or asynchronous data transmission using either the PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) or Frame Relay wide area transport protocols.

``Business users of the Internet have a right to expect to receive all the bandwidth they're paying for,'' says Matt McConnell, president of Compatible Systems. ``The RISC Router 2900i is the first affordable multiport router that Internet Service Providers can install to facilitate full-speed connections.''

You Don't Always Get What You Pay For

Historically, most Internet Service Providers have been forced to rely on asynchronous communications servers to connect corporate customers to the Internet. This results in a significant waste of bandwidth, bandwidth that the customer pays for but is unable to use. For example, a 128 Kbps ISDN connection terminated in an asynchronous port creates a real and usable bandwidth of only 115.2 Kbps. Asynchronous communications also require 20% of available bandwidth for overhead in the form of start and stop bits. In fact, an asynchronous termination to a 128 Kbps ISDN connection actually runs at a peak rate of 92.2 Kbps, or 28% slower than advertised.

``Most users don't even know that they aren't getting the full benefits of the line they've leased or purchased,'' McConnell says. ``It's simply been a matter of no alternative for the Internet Service Providers. The RISC Router 2900i changes that. With a true synchronous option from a proven router manufacturer, ISPs can now use full bandwidth delivery as a competitive edge.''

RISC Router 2900i Also Supports Private Internet Applications

Companies with satellite offices and remote users can benefit from the RISC Router 2900i as well. Network managers can install a high-speed Internet link to an Internet Service Provider and then use a RISC Router 2900i to provide shared access to remote office locations and users. Such a strategy can both enhance company-wide Internet performance and reduce overall costs.

RISC Router 2900i: Security and Other Vital Stats

All 12 WAN ports on the RISC Router 2900i support the PPP and Frame Relay wide area protocols, are independently configurable, and support dial-on-demand or dedicated operational modes. Comprehensive IP access lists, and PAP and CHAP security profiles allow network managers to control incoming and outgoing Internet traffic.

Like all other Compatible Systems routers, the RISC Router 2900i includes RouterView, a graphical management application for Windows and Macintosh. RouterView provides full configuration and management capabilities in a familiar, easy-to-use format. Telnet and SNMP management support is also included.

The RISC Router 2900i has a list price of $2995.00 and will be available in December, 1995 to resellers worldwide through Ingram Micro and Tech Data.

Compatible Systems

Founded in 1985, Compatible Systems designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of easy-to-use routers for growing networks. All routers include the Integrated Support Plan, a premium service policy that features a three-year warranty, unlimited toll-free phone support, and software upgrades for the life of the product. Additional support and software downloads are available to customers via an Internet FTP server, the World Wide Web, CompuServe, and the Compatible Systems bulletin board.

For more information, contact Compatible Systems Corporation at P.O. Box 17220, Boulder, Colorado 80308 or by phone at [phone] or [phone]. The company's FAX number is [phone]. You can also send e-mail to [e-mail] or reach the company's World Wide Web server at http://www.compatible.com. -0-

                Compatible Systems RISC Router 2900i
                        vs. Livingston PM-2R

                        Competitive Analysis

                         RISC Router 2900i       Livingston PM-2R
                      _______________________    ________________
Number of Ports                 12                      10
Clocking              Sync/Async on all ports     1 Sync/9Async
Max. Throughput/port         256 Kbps         1.54 Mbps on sync port
                                             115.2 Kbps on all others
Frame Relay Support      YES, on all ports        sync port only
GUI Management
 included for Mac
 and Windows                    YES                     no
Telnet Management               YES                     yes
IP Packet Filtering             YES                     yes
Dialback Security               YES                     yes
PAP/CHAP Security               YES                     yes
Chat Script Editor              YES                     yes
Flash ROM                       YES                     yes
Free Technical Support          YES                     yes
Free Software Upgrades          YES                     yes
Price                         $2995.00                $3295.00

Tale of the Tape: The Compatible Systems Advantage

Many users of mid-speed synchronous connections just flat-out don't get what they pay for. The Compatible Systems RISC Router 2900i changes that. Here's how corporate Internet users lose bandwidth and cash:

1. Begin with a 128 Kbps ISDN line from the customer site.

2. Bandwidth decreases to 115.2 Kbps when connection terminates at

asynchronous port on Internet Service Provider's premise.

3. Introduction of start/stop bits and other overhead reduces

available bandwidth by 20%. (Note: this reduction does not

include further link degradation due to overruns, dropped

packets, etc. due to clocking dissimilarities.)

4. The total bandwidth available to the customer paying for a

128 Kbps connection - 92.2 Kbps.

The RISC ROUTER 2900i supports full synchronous bandwidth on all of its 12 ports. ISPs can deliver what they promise. Customers can get what they deserve.

Note: There should be two slashes in the World Wide Web address

above. Also, there should be at ``at'' sign in the e-mail

address below. These symbols may not transfer properly on

some computer systems.

CONTACT: Compatible Systems Corporation, Boulder

Tom Ferrell, 808/356-0283 or 303/444-9532

FAX: [phone]

[e-mail]

or

SSSmith & Associates Public Relations, Waynesville, Ohio

Sally Smith, 513/897-0654

CompuServe 72254,1362