3Com Corp has announced what it calls its Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet system which, the company says, will enable Token Ring and Fast Ethernet networks to be cost-effectively integrated, while preserving Token Ring desktop investments by providing for wire-speed transmission of Token Ring frames in Fast Ethernet frames. 3Com’s Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet is an ASIC-based technology that, according to 3Com, is a more cost-effective way to integrate Token Ring, Ethernet and Fast Ethernet than traditional bridging and routing, as both Token Ring and Ethernet technologies can co-exist in the same Fast Ethernet infrastructure. Both can also connect to Fast Ethernet servers. In addition, Fast Ethernet can be used as a more costeffective and scalable aggregation point for multiple Token Ring switch connections, says 3Com. Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet includes 3Com’s SuperStack II Switch 2000 TR, a Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet module, a Fast Ethernet Switch and 3Com Fast Ethernet network interface cards.
