Intel Corp has signed a memorandum of understanding with Cisco Systems Inc, to explore the possibility of licensing the latter’s InterSwitch Link virtual local network technology for incorporation into the next generation of Intel’s Fast Ethernet EtherExpress PRO/100 Smart Adapter. The InterSwitch Link protocol is said to eliminate the need for separate physical links to each virtual local net (so that just one Fast Ethernet adapter is needed per server to support multiple virtual local nets or workgroups) and has been implemented on Cisco’s Catalyst 5000 and 3000 switches and 7000 and 7500 routers. Intel hopes – with Cisco’s help – to develop chips to implement the InterSwitch Link specification on its EtherExpress adapter. Also as part of the pact, the two say they will join forces with other companies to propose virtual local network standards to the IEEE, and they also intend to sponsor a series of educational seminars on Fast Ethernet.
