Broomfield, Colorado-based McData Corp has launched its LinkMaster 5300 HSSI Channel Extension system: it extends local channel speeds over fractional T3 links to multiple types of remote devices, and by implementing a multiplexer with HSSI, McData says that it enables users to allocate T3 bandwidth to individual device types, optimise device performance and consolidate multiple T1 or T3 links; the channel extension system was developed by McData and the original equipment manufacturer, Digital Link, and Digital’s multiplexer will be incorporated as part of the LinkMaster 5300 HSSI system; the system is available now and a Model 1 configuration, with two channel extenders and two multiplexors, costs $159,500, while a Model 2 configuration, with four channel extenders and two multiplexors, is $249,500; additional pairs of channel extenders come in at $50,000.
