LANCAST Introduces Modular Hub for Complex Networks

New SuperHub 5000 Series Offers Cost-Effective Backbone Connectivity

February 13, 1996, Networks Expo Boston -- LANCAST, a leading provider of
innovative and cost-effective Ethernet solutions, today announced a
powerful and versatile modular backbone hub that allows users to combine
Ethernet and Token-Ring network segments.

The new SuperHub 5000 is a 12-slot card cage expandable from eight to 264
10Base-T ports or 132 Token Ring ports. Ethernet and Token Ring modules
can be mixed in any fashion while using the same system control module for
SNMP management.

The SuperHub 5000's modular structure can accommodate a mix of interface
cards and connectors to allow user flexibility on port configuration and
number of ports. Modules can be installed as needed and changed without
replacing the chassis and system board. The hub supports a wide variety of
protocols and interfaces including RJ-45, Telco, AUI, BNC, FOIRL and
10Base-FL. Hubs can be cascaded to accommodate the needs of large and
complex networks.

Built-in LEDs provide information on channel & ring attachment, Ethernet
packet collisions, manual and automatic Ethernet segment partitions,
10Base-T lobes and data reception/transmission.

"The SuperHub 5000 is part of our continuing strategy to provide high-end
products that address users' total networking needs," said Asbjorn
Sorhaug, LANCAST's executive vice president and chief operating officer.
"This is a very powerful folded backbone hub that will allow users in
mixed networking environments to connect and manage different network
segments in a very cost-effective manner."

Multi Channel Architecture

The SuperHub 5000 features a unique QuadChannel Architecture that provides
the hub with increased bandwidth, greater network security and simpler
load balancing of network traffic.

This multi channel architecture creates up to four Ethernet and two Token
Ring networks within the same system. Hub modules can be attached to the
different channels via remote and local network management. The channels
can be interconnected using switch or bridge modules or LANCAST's
SuperSwitcher Ethernet switch.

Fault Tolerance and Security Features

The hub modules are fully hot swappable to ensure high reliability and
allow for reconfiguration of the hub at anytime. The hot swap feature also
permits individual modules to be added or moved for servicing without
affecting the ongoing operation of other modules.

The SuperHub 5000 series offers enhanced network fault tolerance features
through redundant timing sources, power supplies and backup network
paths.

The system control module provides the hub's primary timing source while
all Ethernet hub modules serve as a secondary backup timing source. In the
event of a primary clock failure, any hub card can automatically take over
as a backup timing source.

Two slots are provided for power supply modules. Under normal operation,
the power modules complement one another with each providing half of the
total input power required. However, if one power module fails, the other
module will take over. The power supplies may be hot-swapped.

Between two concentrators, the FOIRL module provides redundant backup fiber
links for Ethernet while the 8-port Multi Access Unit (MAU) module
provides redundant backup ring paths for Token Ring.

A 12 port security module provides control over network eavesdropping and
intrusion. Eavesdropping is prevented by sending a jam signal to all nodes
except the destination node. Each port can be programmed to accept data
from up to 6 node addresses. Attempted transmission from any other address
will result in automatic port partition and network alarm.

Network Management

LANCAST's advanced ASIC technology ensures that every port on the SuperHub
5000 system is monitored in real-time to provide information on network
status and traffic at the channel/ring, module and port levels.
Information can be presented in tabular or graphical form. All events are
logged for future reference and can be used as an audit trail to monitor
performance and diagnose network problems.

The SuperHub 5000 features integrated network management using LANWARE.
Other SNMP-based network management systems can also be used to managed
the hub. The hub features both in-band and out-of-band management to allow
network managers to carry out local and remote network diagnosis and
management of the system. In-band management can be done from any Ethernet
port on the 5000 while out-of-band management is provided via the RS-232
console port of the system control module.

Pricing and Availability

The SuperHub 5000 is shipping now with a suggested list price of $2,695 for
the modular chassis. Individual module units range in price from $1,095 to
$1,895. LANCAST will feature the SuperHub 5000 this week in Booth #3024 at
Networks Expo.

LANCAST is a leading provider of innovative, cost-effective and
standards-based solutions for Ethernet networks. The company's
connectivity products include network interface cards, transceivers,
repeaters, intelligent workgroup hubs and switches for both 10 and 100
Mbps LANs. LANCAST sells its products worldwide through Ingram Micro as
well as through partnerships with catalog distributors, regional
distributors, large systems integrators and OEM customers. LANCAST was
founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire.

CONTACT:
Tonya McMurray
(603) 880-1833, ext. 106
Internet: tmlancast1@aol.com
 
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