Cabletron Systems Inc, Rochester, New Hampshire has finally announced the first in its series of Asynchronous Transfer Mode products, which are also the first to use its new Synthesis name (CI No 2,611). First up is the long-promised Asynchronous Mode Switch Module for the Multi Media Access Centre MMAC-Plus hub (CI No 2,533), which was developed with Fore Systems Inc. The module is said to have a 2.5Gbps switching capacity, and to support up to 24 workstations or Asynchronous Mode devices. It has optional interfaces for 155Mbps (Synchronous Optical Network), 100Mbps (TAXI), 45Mbps (DS3), 34Mbps (E3), 1.544Mbps (DS1) and 2.0Mbps (E1) speeds, and is also said to conform to the ATM Forum’s UNI 3.0 specifications, including switched virtual circuits based on Q.2931. It will cost from $20,000. It is manageable via Cabletron’s Spectrum management system – through a new module which is to cost $5,000 – or Fore’s ForeThought Internetworking Software. Cabletron has also announced a new range of Asynchronous Mode Access products, specifically for the MMAC-Plus, and MicroMMAC and NBR-Series workgroup products, which are designed to provide communications between existing network infrastructures and Asynchronous Mode. The Simple Network Management Protocol-manageable Asynchronous Mode Access Module for the MMAC-Plus incorporates a 155Mbps SONET interface and supports bridging, routing, switching and LAN Emulation, says the company. Prices start at $13,000. Finally, the company announced the BRIM-A6, for use in MMAC modules, including the EMM-E6 and the ESXMIM, or the company’s NBR-620 and MicroMMAC products. The BRIM-A6 has interfaces for SONET, TAXI, and DS3 connections, costing from $2,400. All the new products will be available within 90 days.
