Midnight Networks announces PPP support for router test suites; ANVL test tool now validates routing over dial-up lines, ISDN.

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 17, 1995--Midnight Networks announced today that it has added support for running routing protocol test suites over PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) connections to its networking test tool ANVL (Automated Network Validation Library).

This means that Midnight Networks' popular test suites for OSPF, IPX routing, and TCP/IP RIP can now be run over PPP connections, in addition to over LANs.

ANVL's PPP support is available for both asynchronous and synchronous implementations, so users can test both dial-up routing devices and high-speed WAN connection products. The base PPP package includes support for the IPCP, ATCP and IPXCP control protocols, which respectively allow TCP/IP, AppleTalk, and IPX traffic to be carried over PPP connections. Support for using BCP (Bridging Control Protocol) encapsulation is also available.

Wade Appelman, director of Advanced Product Technologies at Cabletron Systems, Inc. of Rochester, New Hampshire, says, "Being able to run ANVL test suites over WAN connections has benefited us in many ways. It has allowed us to conduct WAN testing with the same tool that supports our LAN testing, and has saved us a great deal of development time."

ANVL's PPP support can also be used to test routing over ISDN connections. Midnight Networks has added support for using ISDN terminal adapters to connect ANVL to ISDN routing products. The company expects that this development will particularly benefit users who want to run ANVL's routing test suites over ISDN. Midnight Networks also has test suites for PPP itself, as well as IPCP, ATCP and IPXCP, all of which can now be run over ISDN using this solution.

Midnight Networks' senior software engineer Alan Steele states, "With this new testing solution, router vendors who use ANVL can finally verify that their implementations work as well over WANs as they do over LANs. This should lead to a higher level of quality and interoperability in WAN routing products, benefiting both the manufacturers and users of WAN network devices."

Pricing and Specifications

Pricing for ANVL starts at $15,000 and is based on the number of test suites and supported media licensed. As part of the ANVL package, Midnight Networks provides source code licenses and training. Custom development of tests, protocols, and supported media types is also available.

The price for base PPP support is $2,000, with an additional cost of $2,000 for BCP support. Standard ANVL licenses include support for running ANVL over one media type (synchronous serial, asynchronous serial, Ethernet, Token Ring, or FDDI). Support for additional media can be added for $2,000 each.

ANVL has been compiled and run on Sun3's and Sun4's running SunOS 4.1.x, and Solaris 2.3 and Solaris 2.4 on Sun4's.

Midnight Networks Inc., founded in 1992, provides software for network product development and network administration. The company also offers customized software development services to networking vendors and users. Midnight Networks' products include ANVL, an automated network validation system, and Recon/Map, an intelligent network management tool for TCP/IP-based networks. The company can be reached via phone at 617/890-1001 or via email at [e-mail]. -0-

ANVL and Recon/Map are trademarks of Midnight Networks Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Midnight Networks Inc.

Hollie K. Schmidt, 617/890-1001

E-Mail: [e-mail]