FastComm announces new MaximumPRIORITY feature set for optimal multiprotocol frame relay network access.

STERLING, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 1997--

New suite of features for FastComm FRADs offer the most flexible Prioritization functionality for network access available today: simultaneously supports priority for LAN and Legacy protocols, protocol types and addresses

FastComm Communications Corp. (NASDAQ:FSCX) today announced its new MaximumPRIORITY(TM) feature set, which provides an industry-leading suite of queing and prioritization functionality. One year in the making, the MaximumPRIORITY(TM) suite offers customers the maximum in flexibility for multiprotocol network access, supporting FastComm's entire LAN+Legacy(TM) suite of protocols, including SNA/SDLC and LLC2, Bisync, Burroughs, Uniscope, ALC, X.25 (Annex G), HDLC, Async, IP, IPX, Telnet (Client and Server), Appletalk (Ethertalk), and more.

Application of the MaximumPRIORITY(TM) feature set to real-world problems is unlimited. For example, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) could offer multiple classes of service (with corresponding pricing) by defining priorities in the unit. Network managers can use the suite to load-balance Internet traffic flows to servers and hosts, for both Internet and legacy applications. Tied into this flexibility is congestion management which is synchronized with priority levels, ensuring that higher priority traffic will not be delayed or discarded due to lower priority traffic.

"We set out several years ago to revolutionize the market," said Peter Madsen, FastComm President. "Our goal was to offer the best value in multimedia network access -- bar none -- over Frame Relay, Internet, ATM, or whatever transport our customers need to succeed. With innovations such as the first FRAD with integral DSU, the first FRAD under $1000. Ethernet and IP Routing, LAN+Legacy(TM) multiprotocol support, FastCONNECT(TM) automatic configuration, and more, we've brought superior value to customers. Our new MaximumPRIORITY(TM) suite of prioritization features is a crown jewel in our product line, giving customers access to functionality previously available only in the most sophisticated networking devices.

FastComm's MaximumPRIORITY(TM) feature set provides support for prioritization and congestion control on a variety -- of criteria Network managers can configure FastComm FRADs for any of the following factors:

1. Port: Port 2 has higher priority than Ports 1, 3 and 4.

2. Protocol: IP has lower priority than SDLC/LLC2.

3. Protocol Type: HTTP has higher priority than FTP.

4. Address: Connections to Host/Server 2 have lower priority

than Host/Server 1.

Priority levels are set for: Immediate, High, Medium, and Low. With Immediate as the highest priority level.

Available on FastComm's MonoFRAD(TM), EtherFRAD(TM) and RingFRAD(TM), lines of modern network access devices: the new software option provides an affordable way to support both LAN and legacy protocols simultaneously. The new feature avoids the usual negative effects of combining protocols, such as timeouts, poor response time, and poor performance.

In addition, the MaximumPRIORITY(TM) suite supports prioritization of Frame Relay traffic for aggregation of routers and legacy devices which lack this functionality. This is accomplished by allowing network managers to assign priority to any virtual connection (VC, known as a data link connection (DLC) in Frame Relay).

The new features are available immediately as part of the enhanced software options (E and L versions). Customers can download a free software upgrade into their existing FastComm F9000 series FRADs. Prices remain unchanged.

For more information, or to request a data sheet for any FastComm product, phone [phone]; fax to 703-787-4625; Email to [e-mail]; or consult the FastComm home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.fastcomm.com .

Forward looking statements are made in this release pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the timing of new announcements or introductions by the Company and its competitors, the hiring and retention of key employees, competitive pricing pressures, dependence on third party for components and products, and general economic conditions in the United States and international markets and the risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

FastComm Communications Corp. (NASDAQ: FSCX) designs, manufactures, and sells access products for public and private digital networks. Its products include X.25 and Frame Relay concentrators, FRADs, and WEB.router(TM) Internet access routers; T-1/E-1 ATM access equipment; Frame Relay testers to speed installations; leased line and Switched 56 CSU/DSUs; SuperView(TM) data switch for managing multiple remote devices; and a family of high speed data compressors.

Note: FastComm will exhibit the new features at ComNet'97 booth 1938

CONTACT: FastComm Communications Corp.

Ed Bursk, 703/318-7750