Research Triangle Park, North Carolina-based NetEdge Systems Inc has announced a software release for its ATM Connect Edge Router, released last November (CI No 2,557). Release 1.4 features a Token Ring transparent switching capability, enabling it to provide media speed (24,000 packets per second) Asynchronous Transfer Mode access for both micro-segmented workgroups and high-speed backbones. The ATM Connect’s switching capability divides a Token Ring segment into multiple physical rings while maintaining the logical appearance of a single ring, thereby eliminating the need for extensive reconfiguration, says NetEdge. The device also features NetEdge Systems’ connection-independent routing, a technology said to enable the creation of virtual networks that span multiple media types, such as Token Ring and Fibre Distributed Data Interface or Token Ring and Asynchronous Transfer Mode. Unlike bridge or MAC layer approaches, which create virtual networks but require external routers to connect them, connection-independent routing integrates routing and switching, says the company. ATC is claimed to be configurable with up to 12 Token Ring ports in addition to the Asynchronous Transfer module. Each port is said to be capable of supporting up to eight separate virtual workgroups. The device ships with AppleTalk routing, adding to the system’s support for TCP/IP and Internet Packet Exchange protocols. The ATM Connect Release 1.4 software will be available March, with a four-port Token Ring module, for $12,100.
