Multimedia is one of this year’s favourite buzzwords in the computer world, and it’s becoming increasingly popular in the network world as well. Microbytes says that Dukane Network Integration Inc, St Charles, Illinois is chipping in by introducing a plan to combine data, sound and video all on a twisted-pair Token Ring local area network. The technology is expensive and the manufacturer is unsure how it will be applied, but it is nonetheless an interesting twist on standard network technology. The new TriLAN uses a 16Mbps Token Ring network and divides data, voice, and video signals into packets to be sent across the network. The signals are sent across a single shielded twisted-pair cable, which the company hopes will replace separate cables for computers, phones, and video signals. The network consists primarily of node cards and node coupling units. The units form the backbone of the Token Ring network. Up to eight units can be connected in a primary ring. The node cards fit inside an IBM personal computer and connect with a unit and up to eight node cards can be connected to one unit. Each node card can also connect to a digital telephone and a video camera or phone. This means that each primary ring can have 64 computers, phones, and video connections. In addition, a fibre optic link will be available for connecting primary rings. Also, for external telephone communication, a unit can be used to connect a primary ring to a PABX or the local phone company’s telephone exchange. The company says TriLAN will be available in the fourth quarter of this year. A complete system for eight to 12 users, excluding the cost of the personal computers, will sell for $15,000 to $20,000.
