Proteon International Inc, Boston, Massachusetts has launched a 16Mbps multi-protocol router that links IBM environments with various local and wide area networks and protocols. The p4100+ combines mixed local area network, wide area network and mixed protocol support with Source Routing bridging, and enables SNA networks to connect with other applications such as LAN Manager, Novell’s Netware, VMS, and Unix-based workstations. Proteon’s 16Mbps ProNet/16 network provides a backbone capable of running over fibre optics and unshielded twisted pair cabling, as well as standard twisted pair. By simultaneously supporting both routing and bridging, the p4100+ can route the major protocols including NetWare/IPX, DECnet, TCP/IP, Xerox Network System, AppleTalk, Apollo Domain, and Open Systems Interconnection. Local and remote IBM users on 4Mbps and 16Mbps Token Ring personal computer local area networks can access other local area networks as well as IBM midrange and mainframe systems. Spanning Tree Bridging enables DEC terminals to be connected to DEC hosts across local and remote Ethernet, and network interfaces include IEEE 802.5, CEPT, and X25. The p4100+ is modular and starts at UKP4,000 for the base system, and between UKP5,500 and UKP8,000 for packaged systems. It will be available next quarter, with the Spanning Tree Bridging following on later.
