BBN Communications Corp, Cambridge, Massachusetts has brought fault tolerance to its packet switches with two Dual-Processor Packet-Switching Nodes, the C/3D and the C/300D. The new nodes act as end-point X25 switches and concentrators, offer better performance, complete redundancy, and augment the inherent reliability of BBN’s packet-switching kit, the company says, noting that all its nodes operate as both X25 interfaces and transport switches with its integrated line of switching, acc ess, and network management and control kit for wide-area data net works. The fault-tolerant capabil ity is pitched particularly at us ers such as airlines, banks and manufacturers who can’t afford to have the ultimate end-user interr upted for any length of time. A proprietary Intelligent Bus Switch links the duplicated components so there is no single point of failure within and an active sparing tech nique splits traffic over two sets of components, ensuring that back-up components are ready for service at any time; they start at $54,000.
