Lantronix announces break-through performance levels for remote access servers; LRS32F 32-port remote access server adds Fast Ethernet port and 230 Kbps serial speeds to award-winning LRS features.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 1997--Lantronix, a fast-growing provider of cost-effective workgroup connectivity products, Monday announced the Lantronix Remote Access Server 32 (LRS32F), a 32-port central site remote access server supporting 230 Kbps data transmission on all ports, and a Fast Ethernet network connection.

The LRS32F is extremely high-performance, designed for applications involving ISDN terminal adapters or high-speed modems, including today's 56 Kbps modems. Each LRS32F serial port supports 230 Kbps line speeds - double the speed of traditional serial ports. At this speed, the LRS32F supports the data rates coming from modems with compression or higher speed telecom services. The LRS32F features an RJ45 port with either 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps functionality, and AUI/BNC interfaces for 10 Mbps Ethernet networks.

The LRS32F routes TCP/IP and IPX, and AppleTalk, and supports remote user, LAN-to-LAN, Internet access and modem sharing (dial-in/dial-out) applications. The LRS32F complements Lantronix's other remote access products, which include the 16-port LRS16, the two-port LRS2 and single-port LRS1.

"At the central site, remote access applications are constantly demanding higher port densities and higher performance," said Greg Wheeler, senior product manager for Lantronix. "By boosting the WAN performance of the LRS32F we've made it flexible enough to allow network managers to mix and match telecom services - from dial-up ISDN TAs and modems to CSU/DSUs with serial ports."

Extensive Security

The network manager can select as much network security as necessary from the wide array of security features on the LRS32F. For initial dial-in security, the LRS32F supports the Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) and Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP).

Additionally, the LRS32F supports three of the most popular authentication methods; RADIUS, Kerberos and SecurID. The LRS32F also can be configured to require a server login of all users before they gain network access - this password protection can be extended to require Unix system or NetWare Bindery authentication. Dial back authentication is also available to protect the network from intruders using stolen passwords to gain access from non-approved locations.

The LRS32F is a full-featured router and can filter incoming and outgoing packets to provide better control over the applications that use a link. With this feature, the network manager can allow or disallow incoming access to an ftp server or outgoing access to the World Wide Web. The packet filtering capability also boosts network efficiency by screening extraneous data, such as broadcast packets, and provides and Internet firewall by keeping those packets from crossing the wide area network.

Cost-Effective LAN-to-LAN Applications

The LRS32F has built-in features that boost the performance and reduce the cost of LAN-to-LAN applications. Many of these features are also appropriate for allowing network access to the Internet. For busy LAN-to-LAN links, the LRS32F's bandwidth-on-demand feature automatically brings up additional lines when traffic on a link exceeds preset levels.

For interoperability with other devices, the LRS32F supports Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP), Multilink PPP (MP) and Compressed SLIP (CSLIP).

The LRS32F also offers link management features that can save thousands of dollars in dial-up connection costs in just a few months. These include an inactivity time-out and IPX spoofing that reduces connection time and costs by shutting down links when a remote user is not sending or receiving essential traffic, and connection-time parameters that allow network managers to limit usage to a particular time of day to take advantage of lower phone rates.

For remote node and remote control applications, the LRS32F works with the TCP/IP and IPX support built into Windows 95 and other operating systems to enable remote users to have the same level of network access as if they were directly attached to the network.

The LRS32F also supports dial-in and dial-out applications using Lantronix's own 32-bit Windows 95 Communications Port Redirector Software. The redirector software allows Windows 95 users, Windows 3.11 and DOS users to access modems on any LRS server to dial online services or fax from a PC using native Windows 95 applications.

For centralized management, the LRS32F has a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent and offers Telnet capabilities. The LRS32F ships with EZCon, a GUI-based configuration utility for UNIX systems, Novell PCs (both NetWare 3.x and 4.x), PCs with a Windows Socket Interface, Windows 95 and Macintosh systems.

Pricing and Availability

The list price for the LRS32F is $3995, and it will be available in May 1997 through Lantronix's worldwide network of distributors, resellers, systems integrators or directly from Lantronix. The Lantronix LRS technology was recently recognized by LAN Times, which awarded the LRS2 a "Best of 1996" award in Dec. 1996.

Lantronix develops and markets a complete line of easy-to-use, cost-effective connectivity products for workgroup applications. They include 10/100 mini switches and Fast Ethernet products, remote access servers, print servers, remote monitoring (RMON) probes, network protocol analyzers, switches/bridges and terminal servers. To complete the product line, the company also offers physical layer connectivity products, including transceivers, converters, port multipliers and hubs. The company also offers its free Ethernet Tutorial and Product Guide.

Lantronix's headquarters is located at 15353 Barranca Pkwy., Irvine, Calif., 92618. Sales inquiries can be directed to 800/422-7055 or [e-mail] . International inquiries can be directed to 714/450-7227 or [e-mail] . The company's World Wide Web home page is at http://www.lantronix.com . -0-

LRS32F, LRS16, LRS2, LRS1, LRS, and EZCon are trademarks; and Lantronix is a registered trademark of Lantronix. All other product names are registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

CONTACTS: Lighthouse Public Relations 

Samantha Leggat, 619/773-4870

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Lantronix

David Rodewald, 714/453-7166

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