Connectware's new EtherConnect Switch improves network performance with fast Ethernet interface; new 13-port version offers lower cost-per-port option.RICHARDSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 1996--Connectware Inc., an AMP company, Tuesday announced an additional product to its EtherConnect Switch family. The new 13-port EtherConnect Switch offers a lower cost-per-port option to the existing 6-port version released earlier. The EtherConnect Switch products are Ethernet switching hubs designed to improve network performance while preserving existing network investments. The EtherConnect Switches can filter and forward up to 500,000 packets per second with no delay. The hubs' custom filtering capabilities allow network managers to easily create virtual networks and isolate traffic between segments -- without changing any physical cabling. On both the EtherConnect 6- and 13-port versions there are two expansion slots that allow Fast Ethernet modules to integrate with the switches for two 100 Mbps connections. The EtherConnect Switches are also fully SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) A widely used network monitoring and control protocol. Data are passed from SNMP agents, which are hardware and/or software processes reporting activity in each network device (hub, router, bridge, etc. manageable. "Organizations today are connecting departmental LANs together and forming extensive enterprise networks," said Connectware President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. "But unless they carefully design network traffic flow, congestion The condition of a network when there is not enough bandwidth to support the current traffic load. congestion - When the offered load of a data communication path exceeds the capacity. and bottlenecks will eliminate the benefits of organization-wide connectivity. The EtherConnect Switches allow network managers to fluidly design their traffic flow -- based on network traffic patterns rather than physical cable limitations." Virtual Networking The powerful filtering capabilities of the EtherConnect Switches can be used to separate traffic into "virtual LAN segments," isolating heavy traffic between segments to improve data flow across other network segments. This is accomplished by defining filters based on such factors as multicast, broadcast, source port, destination port and destination address, without making physical changes to LAN (Local Area Network) A communications network that serves users within a confined geographical area. The "clients" are the user's workstations typically running Windows, although Mac and Linux clients are also used. cabling. The virtual networks can also be secured for highly sensitive transmissions by accepting and sending traffic only between specific, authorized segments -- again without changing cable. Unauthorized users are thwarted from accessing confidential information, while the overall network maintains peak performance. Performance Enhancers In addition to its virtual LAN capabilities, the EtherConnect Switches have several features designed to improve network performance: o Duplex transmission -- simultaneous inbound and outbound transmissions effectively allow up to 20 Mbps per port when configured with standard Ethernet ports or 200 Mbps when configured for Fast Ethernet. o High-speed interface module expansion slots -- both 100-Base TX (Category 5 UTP UTP (uridine triphosphate): see uracil. (Unshielded Twisted Pair) See twisted pair. UTP - unshielded twisted pair ) and 100-Base FX (multimode fiber optic) modules can plug directly to servers, network backbones and other switches. o "Smart Flow Control" -- prevents lost packets due to buffer overload by providing selectable per-port backpressure back·pres·sure n. Residual pressure opposing the free flow of a gas or liquid, as in a pipe or an exhaust system. , which is vital for efficient performance in TCP/IP TCP/IP in full Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Standard Internet communications protocols that allow digital computers to communicate over long distances. and Novell NetWare networks. o Direct port-to-port packet transfer -- eliminates throughput delays by allowing data transfer from an input port directly to output ports. Shared memory architecture In computer architecture, Shared Memory Architecture (SMA) refers to a design where the graphics chip does not have its own dedicated memory, and instead shares the main system RAM with the CPU and other components. used by many Ethernet switches unnecessarily delays packets while waiting for previous packets to be transmitted. o Dual connectors per port -- provides more cable choices than any other fixed-port switch on the market. RJ-45 and AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) The network interface used with the original Ethernet. See 10Base5. 1. (tool, product) AUI - Adaptable User Interface. 2. (networking) AUI - Attachment Unit Interface. connectors allow UTP, Thin and Thick Coax, or Fiber Optic cables to be attached. The EtherConnect Switches provide complete SNMP MIB (1) (Management Information Base) The hierarchical database used by the simple network management protocol (SNMP) to describe the particular device being monitored. MIB objects are identified using ASN.1 syntax. See SNMP, RMON, OID and ASN.1. 2 support, and they can be managed through popular software management applications such as NMC NMC Nursing & Midwifery Council (UK) NMC NSSDC Master Catalog (NASA) NMC Northwestern Michigan College (Traverse City, Michigan) NMC National Meteorological Center Vision and HP OpenView. Spanning Tree protocol Based on an algorithm invented by Radia Perlman while working for Digital Equipment Corporation[1][2], Spanning Tree Protocol Is an OSI layer-2 protocol which ensures a loop free topology for any bridged LAN. support allows the EtherConnect Switches to be configured with redundant paths in the event of network failure on primary paths. The EtherConnect Switches have flash memory, which enables field upgrades for future firmware releases and non-volatile storage of switch configuration. "The Connectware EtherConnect Switches are part of our much-larger catalog of Ethernet solutions," said Allen Dawson, product manager for the Connectware EtherConnect Switch product family. "Unlike many other switch manufacturers, Connectware is a one-stop shop One-Stop Shop A company or a location that offers a multitude of services to a client or a customer. The idea is to provide convenient and efficient service and also to create the opportunity for the company to sell more products to clients and customers. for complete Ethernet solutions, with a designed migration path to ATM and other future networking technologies. Connectware's broad experience and product diversity appeals to value-added resellers." Cost and Availability Both the 6-port and 13-port Connectware EtherConnect Switches are available immediately, and will be highlighted at the NetWorld/ Interop tradeshow in April. The 6-port unit's list price is $3,995, or $665 per port. The 13-port unit's list price is $6,995, or $538 per port. The Fast Ethernet 100-Base TX Module with RJ-45 for Category 5 UTP is available now for $1,295 list. The Fast Ethernet 100-Base FX Module with ST-style fiber-optic receptacle lists for $1,495. Connectware Inc., Richardson, was founded in September 1993 and is a wholly owned subsidiary Wholly Owned Subsidiary A subsidiary whose parent company owns 100% of its common stock. Notes: In other words, the parent company owns the company outright and there are no minority owners. of AMP Inc. in Harrisburg, Pa. Connectware is an emerging leader in multimedia and advanced networking technologies. The company's technology focus addresses not only today's traditional LANs, but also the convergence of LANs and WANs through Asynchronous Transfer Mode See ATM. (communications) Asynchronous Transfer Mode - (ATM, or "fast packet") A method for the dynamic allocation of bandwidth using a fixed-size packet (called a cell). See also ATM Forum, Wideband ATM. ATM acronyms. Indiana acronyms. (ATM) workstation interfaces and network switches. Connectware provides communication integration through software and hardware offerings, imaging/video solutions to the desktop and custom software applications development. Connectware has sales and marketing offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Product development is conducted in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina North Carolina, state in the SE United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean (E), South Carolina and Georgia (S), Tennessee (W), and Virginia (N). Facts and Figures Area, 52,586 sq mi (136,198 sq km). Pop. , Florida and India. AMP is the world's leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, serving customers around the world in a wide range of markets from consumer goods consumer goods Any tangible commodity purchased by households to satisfy their wants and needs. Consumer goods may be durable or nondurable. Durable goods (e.g., autos, furniture, and appliances) have a significant life span, often defined as three years or more, and to communications and computer systems. Employing more than 40,000 people in 200 facilities in the United States and 39 other countries, the company had a record $5.2 billion sales in 1995. -0- NOTE: Connectware and EtherConnect are trademarks. AMP is a registered trademark. All other product or service names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners. CONTACT: Connectware Public Relations, Richardson 214/997-4439 (editorial inquiries) |
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