Octocom Systems Inc, headquarterd in Wilmington, Massachusetts, used the recent ComNet exhibition in Washington to launch a network hub system that will form the basis of its wide area networking strategy. The Crescendo 840, described as an integrated network access product, enables the integration of multiple network access technologies for voice, data and image. The initial release supports the Frame Relay high-speed packet system, X25 access protocols and wide area services from modem links to ISDN. It provides X25 concentration as well as asynchronous packet assembler-disassembler – PAD – capability. Both of these functions can be integrated with modems to create an integrated access product. David Rich, Octocom’s product manager said, the Crescendo allows network supervisors to access a broad set of applications all within an integrated architecture. This is far less complicated and reduces the total number of components. The design of Crescendo has taken a modular approach, and as with all the modules in Crescendo the ISDN software is downloadable. The system is available with two digital input-output modules which can operate at speeds of up to 384Kbps. The first of these is a four port flexible input-output module which supports V.24, V.11 (V.35) and X.21. The second has eight V.24 ports. Both modules have downloadable software and can be used in redundant configurations. The physical connectors can be selected by a choice of plug-in hardware modules. Crescendo has been designed to enable traditional X25, SDLC and asynchronous device users to use Frame Relay networks. Octocom claimed that it will enable users to migrate devices from X25 to Frame Relay operation. The user’s X25 devices are completely shielded from the Frame Relay network, Rich said. The system has an integral capability to support modem nests with ability to control V.32bis-, V.32-, V.23-, V.22bis-,V.22- and V.21-compliant modems, in addition to its own high-speed 19.2Kbps modem, the company said.
