Littleton, Massachusetts-based Nashoba Networks Inc has announced the Acton Token Ring Media Center, a modular system claimed to provide low-cost conversion options to different Token Ring cabling connections such as Node-to-Node, fibre to copper, RJ45 to DB9 and Ring/Out to Lobe. For use with any Token Ring switch, says Nashoba, the Acton serves as the cabling front end, enabling Token Ring switching regardless of cable types used in the network. Rings that use fibre ring in/out connections can use the Acton Fiber RI/RO module. The Acton 3 Port Media Access Unit is designed for situations where one or two dedicated servers need to be connected to a switched port. Each Acton Module can be used by itself with its own power connection, or can be configured in the Acton Media Center Chassis with other modules. A small number of modules can be used in stand-alone mode, and as the configuration grows, an Acton Chassis can be added. The primary function of the 19 rack-mount Chassis is to house and serve as a power source for up to 16 Modules. Configurations available are a three-port shielded and unshielded twisted pair Media Access Unit (all RJ45 connectors); shielded and unshielded twisted pair RI/RO plus one shielded twisted pair Media Access Unit port (all RJ45 connections); fibre RI/RO plus one shielded twisted pair RJ45 Media Access Unit port and one Fiber lobe plus one shielded twisted pair RJ45 Media Access Unit port. The list price for the Media Center 19 Chassis, which is available now, is $300. Prices for the modules begin at $325.
