3Com Introduces High-Density Enterprise Family Member to End-to-End Remote
Access Networking Systems

AccessBuilder Framework For Scalable Access Solutions; New Software for
ISDN Remote Site Access Routers

April 2, 1996 -- LAS VEGAS (NETWORLD+INTEROP 1996/BOOTH 3157) -- Global
data networking leader, 3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) today introduced
the AccessBuilder 7000 Access Concentrator to its family of end-to-end
systems for building secure, fault-tolerant Intranets and remote access
networks. Flexible and modular, this Ethernet device brings together a
high-density chassis with multiple analog, ISDN and WAN/leased line
technology modules for LAN-to-LAN connectivity. Connected to a Web server,
the AccessBuilder 7000 can be used to concentrate Internet traffic as well
as share information between central and remote sites.

This new product joins 3Com's existing family of scalable remote access
solutions, including:

 AccessBuilder 2000 and 4000 remote access servers

 AccessBuilder 8000 access concentrator for carrier networks
 (formerly the Aperture II)

 AccessBuilder Remote Office 500 and 600 ISDN access routers
 (formerly the Arpeggio Lite and Plus, respectively)
 for small offices

"When building access networks, enterprise users need systems that are
proven," said Bob Jones, general manager for 3Com. "With the AccessBuilder
7000, as well as the entire AccessBuilder family, customers can rely on a
brand of products that incorporate multiple technologies and robust
security under flexible, scalable and manageable platforms."

Version 5.0 Software

For users of the AccessBuilder Remote Office 500 and 600 products, 3Com is
offering a free software upgrade to Version 5.0 adding several new
capabilities to these products and the AccessBuilder 7000, such as:

* Sophisticated IP/IPX firewall filtering capabilities enabling
corporations to selectively determine the parameters, i.e. packet type,
for secure inbound/outbound network and Internet connections as well as
PAP and CHAP.

* Auto-configuration of Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) when connected to
either selective third-party devices or 3Com's own ISDN-optimized Fast
Connect technology found on the AccessBuilder 7000 and the AccessBuilder
Remote Office products.

* Unnumbered links which allow corporations to assign a single IP address,
rather than two, to effectively route traffic on both the LAN and WAN
ports.

AccessBuilder 7000 Access Concentrator

Proven in installations throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, the
AccessBuilder 7000 access concentrator provides central site enterprise
environments with high bandwidth connectivity using a combination of
analog, Primary Rate and Basic Rate ISDN (BRI and PRI), and WAN/leased
line connections. The device supports up to 112 simultaneous, secure and
resilient 64 Kbps connections making it ideal for central site remote
access applications where high port density is crucial. By using a unique
mid-plane bus to distribute power, management information, and channel
bandwidth, the AccessBuilder 7000 system allows modules to be changed or
replaced without affecting the processor architecture. This provides users
with a higher meantime between repair and failures.

System Management and Security

The AccessBuilder 7000 access concentrator and the AccessBuilder Remote
Office products can be managed both locally and remotely by an SNMP-based
platform running under Microsoft Windows 3.1. Several important functions
can be performed including, user-defined event storage, statistics
gathering, configuration storage and auto-configuration of new products,
and on-site upgrades via flash memory.

In addition to the software features of Version 5.0, the AccessBuilder 7000
system offers comprehensive network security features such as Ethernet
address checking, data encryption, and Caller Line Identification (CLI) as
well as integrated support for Security Dynamics' ACE/Server.
Cost-controlling features, data compression and spoofing, are implemented
in LAN-to-LAN applications using the AccessBuilder 7000 central site
device and either the AccessBuilder Remote Office 500 or 600 remote site
devices.

System Modules

Users can choose among four different network interface modules to fill the
AccessBuilder 7000 system's 16-slot chassis. Each module has a separate
routing processor to always ensure the highest levels of performance, even
at peak usage. Also, each one is hot-swappable, allowing for easy exchange
in the event of changes or replacement. The AccessBuilder 7000 system
modules include the:

* PRI/BRI Interface Module which uses intelligent call routing capabilities
to pass 64 Kbps data from up to 60 channels along the AccessBuilder 7000
backplane and onto other modules in the chassis. Intelligent call routing
allows the module to choose device destinations based on the phone number
called, phone number called from or the type of data contained in the
call.

* PRI/BRI Bridge/Router Module which occupies one or two slots, and
provides IP/IPX routing across ISDN and serial WAN links, dial- on-demand
allowing for added bandwidth as needed, intelligent protocol spoofing,
on-board 4:1 data compression, and comprehensive data encryption network
security for up to eight 64 Kbps data channels.

* PRI/BRI Terminal Adapter Module which supports four 64 Kbps ISDN channels
as well as asynchronous data rates up to 115.2 Kbps and synchronous rates
up to 64 Kbps. Using V.110 or V.120 rate adaption or the Hayes AT command
set ensures compatibility with existing modem-based applications.

* Triple Modem Module which supplies three V.34 modems on a single
high-density card allowing network node connections at speeds up to 33.3
Kbps. It also will automatically redial remote connections upon signal
loss and prevent interruption of normal leased line operations.

Pricing and Availability

Now available in the United States, the AccessBuilder 7000 is priced at
$4,585 for the chassis, power supply and management card. Analog and Basic
Rate ISDN modules are priced individually. In June, the company will
release Primary Rate ISDN capabilities.

As part of 3Com's approach to making ISDN easier for users to adopt, the
company offers free ISDN line ordering and provisioning. Simply call
1-800-NET-3COM, and select option 1 to gain instant access to 3Com's team
of ISDN professionals who will order and correctly provision ISDN lines or
provide users with information regarding the availability and cost of ISDN
in the United States.

3Com Corporation has helped more than 25 million people gain access to
critical information through high-speed networks. Designed to serve large
enterprises, service providers, small offices and homes, 3Com products
provide a scalable architecture to meet the present and future
connectivity needs of today's users. With research and development on
three continents, 3Com is one of the data networking industry's largest
and fastest growing companies. 3Com's innovative marketing, engineering,
sales and support simplify communication, optimize network reliability and
protect customer investments.
 
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