Hewlett-Packard Co got in on the Asynchronous Transfer Mode act this week with the first interface products for linking HP 9000 Unix computers to high-speed Asynchronous Mode networks. The switched networking technology is attractive for multimedia users because it provides full, guaranteed bandwidth to every user, supporting fixed-length, 53-byte cells – the small cell size makes it good for transmitting video simultaneously with speech and data. The adaptor for the HP 9000 700 workstation supports the 155-Mbps standard over multimode fibre and is soon to support unshielded twisted pair Category 5 copper wire. The Hewlett offering is an EISA bus adaptor with software drivers designed to optimise efficient use of the system and network connection to maximise network speed and minimise system overhead. Hewlett is also working on a new switching technology as the basis for its line of switching products, including frame switching for Ethernet and 100VG switching hubs, and cell switching for Asynchronous Mode campus and workgroup switches: frame switches using the technology are planned to ship in mid-1995. It will then turn to developing its own Asynchronous Mode campus or workgroup switches, and is commit ted to providing seamless integrat ion of its low-cost 100VG technolo gy with Asynchronous Mode networks. The ATM adaptor for Series 700 is expected in November at $2,000.
