Belgian cabling manufacturer Real Communications Equipment, based in Herstel, has launched in the UK a media access unit which enables Token Ring users to convert to a distributed hierachical star topology. The units, called Aura, come in three models for two, four or eight users. The eight-user model has one input and eight output ports. If the user has an existing Token Ring network, the unit connects to a terminal port and then distributes eight separate twisted pair cables, running at 4MHz or 16MHz. Each one can run for a maximum distance of 100 yards, at the end of which terminal can be attached, or another Aura unit, which also acts as a repeater. The system uses shielded or unshielded twisted pair or IBM Type 1 cable, for which greater distances can be achieved. The units are priced at UKP600, UKP850 and UKP1,500 respectively. The company’s UK base is in Leatherhead, Surrey.
