IBM Corp and Synoptics Communications Inc have developed technology for supporting 16Mbps Token-Rings over unshielded twisted pair lines so that existing cabling can be used. The system boosts signals across the network and regenerates them to eliminate jitter and distortion, and the two want to get it added to the IEEE 802.5 standard. IBM is also claiming performance improvement of up to 80% on its Token-Ring adaptors for Micro Channel machines with a new Token-Ring Network 16/4 Adaptor A that replaces the current model. The new one also fits a half slot, and can help initiate sessions and distribute software to diskless machines. The improvements come from enhancements in input-output operations and instruction processing on the adaptor which costs $900 and will be available on Friday.
