HP Integrates Remote-Site Connectivity for the Workgroup; One-box Router/Hub Solution to Standard Two-box Problem.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 1994--Bringing remote-site connectivity to the workgroup, Hewlett-Packard Company today introduced the HP Router 210 -- a router that plugs into the expansion slot in HP's full-featured AdvanceStack hubs.

A breakthrough in networking integration from the leading vendor of stackable hubs, the Router 210 allows users to integrate a full-featured router into the AdvanceStack hub easily, providing complete remote-site access without adding another box.

The AdvanceStack hub's expansion slot enables remote workgroups to add routing and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) with additional connectivity functionality modules as they become available. This eliminates the need for stand-alone routers to connect remote workgroups.

The Router 210 module also provides managers with a single point of management, interoperability and the service security of the industry's first five-year, limited on-site warranty. These features, combined with price savings of 23 percent (compared to 3COM's 12-port, two-box solution), make the combination AdvanceStack hub and Router 210 the price/performance leader in LAN/WAN connectivity solutions.

"Most smaller operations start networking with a hub simply to hook their computers together," said Brice Clark, strategic planning manager for HP's Roseville (Calif.) Networks Division. "When they need to establish communications between their local network and other remote networks, they buy a separate router or discard their hub and buy an expensive router/hub. Either way is disruptive, expensive, time consuming and wasteful. HP's answer is to give customers a solution for their immediate needs and an easy, reliable path to expand their existing system as their needs grow."

The Router 210, like all HP AdvanceStack hubs and routers, sets unmatched standards for ease of use. "Instant-on" software, embedded in the Router 210, automatically configures remote routers to act as either bridges or routers the moment they are plugged in. Furthermore, the Router 210 can be configured remotely using Network Configuration Manager -- a new utility standard with all HP routers. Finally, HP's Embedded Advanced Sampling Environment (EASE) technology, built into all AdvanceStack hubs and routers, provides an in-depth, accurate representation of network LAN/WAN traffic without the need for special equipment. EASE provides the data that lets HP OpenView applications, such as Traffic Monitor, pinpoint the source of potential traffic problems before they affect network performance.

HP ROUTER 210 FEATURES

The HP Router 210 supports TCP/IP (RIP, OSPF, EGP), Novell IPX/SPX, DECnet Phase IV, AppleTalk II and Xerox XNS network protocols. WAN services include X.25, X.25 Switching, Frame Relay (V.25 bis dial-up support), ISDN and SMDS. Other standard features include compression, PPP over V.25 bis and instant-on auto-configuration over all WAN link types.

U.S. PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND WARRANTY

The HP Router 210 is expected to be available Dec. 1 through HP's worldwide network of authorized computer dealers, resellers and distributors. All HP AdvanceStack router modules are backed by a five-year, limited onsite warranty.

HP Router 210/SNMP bundle (J2629A) $2,099

HP is an industry leader in providing affordable, high-performance networking solutions to customers around the world. The company's Roseville Networks Division is the industry's leading vendor of stackable hubs, 100VG-AnyLAN Fast Ethernet networking products and network printing products, and provides a full range of 10Base-T router products and network interface cards.

Hewlett-Packard Company is an international manufacturer of measurement and computation products and systems recognized for excellence in quality and support. The company's products and services are used in industry, business, engineering, science, medicine and education in approximately 110 countries. HP has 97,900 employees and had revenue of $20.3 billion in its 1993 fiscal year. -0-

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CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard Co.

             Rhonda McGann, 916/785-4116
             Copithorne & Bellows for HP
             Bill Harris, 415/975-2210