RAD's MAXcess-3000 offers first toll-quality voice over Frame Relay; Supports up to 36 voice channels and 72 async sync data channels.

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 10, 1996--In a dynamic move that signals a new era in voice/data communications, Amnon Presler, president of RAD Data Communications, today demonstrated the new RAD MAXcess-3000, a high performance packet-switching bandwidth manager that integrates multi-protocol data, voice and fax over Frame Relay or leased lines.

The unit is being hailed as the first device capable of transmitting true toll-quality compressed voice, at rates as low as 4.8 Kbps, across a public frame relay network.

Carriers, CAPs, and systems integrators for larger corporations are examining the benefits of integrating voice with data and LANs over frame relay, replacing separate voice lines. The carriers approach the MAXcess-3000 as a means to obtain a competitive edge in selling or recommending cost-efficient turnkey solutions for voice and data over frame relay to their clients.

According to Presler, the secret behind the MAXcess-3000's voice quality is the incorporation of MPMLQ (Multi Pulse Maximum Likelihood Quantization) voice compression, based on the G.723 MPMLQ voice compression algorithm. RAD Data Communications is the first equipment vendor to implement MPMLQ in a packet-switching device. In addition to providing the highest quality voice, MPMLQ also allows tandeming, with no significant voice deterioration. Tests at AT&T Bell Labs and France Telecom (CNET) have shown the Mean Opinion Score (MOS) for MPMLQ to be 3.409 after 4 tandemings -- better than the 4-tandem MOS for 32 Kbps G.726 ADPCM.

The MAXcess-3000 is a high capacity, multi-protocol card nest that holds up to 12 system and I/O modules. Each port can function as either a trunk port or an I/O port, and any combination of I/Os can be configured in the same card nest. The MAXcess-3000 supports up to 36 voice/fax channels, or up to 72 async/sync data channels at rates up to 384 Kbps. All modules can be easily inserted and removed from the rear of the chassis while the unit is powered, without disrupting existing data/voice/fax traffic.

Switching between the different I/O cards is provided for network routing functions. To ensure high performance, the MAXcess-3000's architecture uses distributed processing.

To allow voice/fax signals to travel over Frame Relay networks, which may suffer from variable packet delays, RAD's MAXcess-3000 incorporates a jitter buffer configurable from 0 to 300 Milliseconds. Unlike other voice-over-frame-relay products, that require separate cards for voice and fax, all cards in the MAXcess-3000 support both voice and fax, and automatically discriminate between the two.

Other vendor systems are forced to fragmentize their frames in order to prioritize them for minimum delays. RAD's MAXcess-3000 eliminates this problem by supporting the Frame Relay+ protocol. Using this protocol, voice/fax always receives top priority and data frames are only segmented when higher priority frames are encountered. In all other cases, the frames remain intact.

Transparent data is also supported, including bit streams that are not HDLC-based or async, and which cannot ordinarily be passed over a frame relay network.

An SNMP agent provides management at any location by RAD's network management system, RADview; via TELNET; or by any standard SNMP management system.

The MAXcess-3000 supports various configurations: as an access mux and switch for Frame Relay networks; full-mesh connectivity for Frame Relay networks; point-to-point and leased line operation, drop and insert, and corporate (star) networks, utilizing the MAXcess-300/30 products.

For applications requiring a small number of I/O channels, the compact 5-module MAXcess-3004 is available. All I/O modules are identical and interchangeable between the two units for easy system upgrading.

The MAXcess-3000 is one of a family of fully compatible RAD products featuring complete interoperability. Systems can range from 2 voice and 2 data channels all the way to products capable of supporting 36 voice channels and 3 data channels.

Official release is July 10 and products are available for that delivery. Prices start at $3,900 for the MX-3000, and $2,800 for the MX-3004.

RAD Data Communications is an active member of the Frame Relay Forum and has over six years of experience in frame relay and X.25 development. With a complete line of PADs, switches, routers, and hubs, RAD offers mature, reliable, and cost-efficient frame relay network solutions.

RAD Data Communications, a leading manufacturer of data, voice, and networking products, provides WAN and LAN access solutions for public and private networks. RAD has a full line of DDS, T1/E1, sub-T1, and inverse multiplexers; DACS switches; CSU/DSUs; Frame Relay/X.25 PADs and switches; and rate and interface converters. RAD also provides a wide range of fiber optic devices, and internet and remote access products.

CONTACT: RAD Data Communications, Mahwah

Anne Ayalon, Director, Marketing,

201/529-1100, ext. 249, e-mail: [e-mail]