Olicom Introduces The CrossFire Token-Ring Switch

Boosts Bandwidth for Token-Ring Networks and Smoothes Migration to ATM

APRIL 2, 1996, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK -- Olicom (NASDAQ: OLCMF), a leading
supplier of high-performance networking solutions, today introduced the
CrossFire Token Ring switch -- the first in a range of LAN switch
solutions that give managers of Token-Ring networks the ability to
cost-effectively extend existing investments, boost productivity, and
migrate to ATM.

With today's announcement, Olicom further strengthens its position as a
price/performance leader in the rapidly growing Token-Ring switch market.
As part of its LAN switch product strategy, Olicom recently announced a
long-term agreement with Cisco Systems that includes joint development of
Token-Ring technology for future generations of Token-Ring switch
products. (Reference: Cisco and Olicom Forge Long-Term, Strategic
Token-Ring Alliance, March 26, 1996.)

"Token-Ring enterprise customers want affordable ways to get the most out
of existing LAN investments without getting stuck with limited technology.
The simplicity, attractive pricing, and low cost-of-ownership offered by
the CrossFire Token-Ring switch delivers not only unprecedented investment
protection, but also an open door to ATM," said Erik Johannsen, Director
of Product Marketing at Olicom. "Our goal is to deliver cost-effective
dedicated bandwidth to enterprise desktops. The CrossFire switch is the
first step toward that goal," Johannsen added.

High-performance Switch Architecture

The CrossFire Token-Ring switch provides 8 ports and can be expanded to 12
ports. Each port supports a shared or dedicated 4 or 16 Mbps Token-Ring
segment. An expansion slot can be used to add a Universal Expansion Module
(UEM) for either four Token-Ring ports, two Token-Ring fiber ports, or one
ATM 155 Mbps port that supports LAN emulation.

When transferring data between rings, each Token-Ring port supports three
options: cut-through, store-and-forward, and adaptive-cut-through
switching. Cut-through switching provides the lowest latency (delay) and
best performance. Store-and-forward provides increased fault tolerance,
but higher latency. Adaptive-cut-through uses cut-through mode by default,
but, based on a user-defined error-rate threshold, automatically changes
to store-and-forward. This "best of both" mode provides optimal
performance and fault-tolerance without the need for user intervention.

Scalable Bandwidth for Backbones and Servers

In Token-Ring enterprise networks, the demands for bandwidth have been
outpacing the supply. The result has been network congestion and
bottlenecks. The CrossFire Token-Ring switch provides increased bandwidth
in three key areas: the backbone, at server connections, and to desktops.

On the backbone, CrossFire Token-Ring switches can be used to replace
traditional bridges and hubs when connecting workgroups to server farms.
As a result of the advanced ASIC design and parallel processing
architecture in the CrossFire Token-Ring switch, there is an immediate
network performance increase. This processing power greatly decreases the
time it takes to transfer data from one ring to another -- about 30 times
more efficient than a traditional bridge.

To increase bandwidth at servers and desktops, the CrossFire Token-Ring
switch uses full-duplex operation -- the ability to simultaneously send
and receive network data. This enables a server to concurrently receive
data from one end station and send to another. Full duplex is particularly
well suited for network servers because they typically run multi-user
operating systems and applications that take advantage of simultaneous
operation.

For added investment protection, Olicom's most popular adapters, both new
and those installed in the field, can be used for full-duplex connections.
The full duplex technology used in the CrossFire Token-Ring switch is
fully compliant with the IEEE 802.5u standard for Dedicated Token-Ring.

Easy Installation and Low Cost-of-Ownership

By providing essentially "plug and play" installation and automatic
configuration, the CrossFire Token-Ring switch offers low
cost-of-ownership. For installation into a client/server workgroup,
existing workgroup rings are connected to ports on the switch, and servers
are connected to individual ports. No changes are necessary to existing
application and network operating system software, adapters, network
hardware or cabling. When powered up, the switch auto configures itself
and self detects the ring speed and type of connection for each port. In
most cases, a CrossFire Token-Ring can be installed and made fully
operational in minutes.

The stackable architecture of the CrossFire Token-Ring switch permits
cost-effective expansion of switched LANs. When adding switches to a LAN,
the CrossFire switch's CrossLink feature provides a scalable, high-speed
pipe between switches and can be used for building redundancy into the
backbone.

Migration to ATM

In mixed Token-Ring and ATM networks, the CrossFire switch serves as an ATM
edge device. The ATM 155 UEM, with its support for LAN emulation, provides
a high-speed backbone that enables Token-Ring clients to access servers on
an ATM network. This further reduces network bottlenecks and permits
flexible migration to ATM.

Pricing and Availability

The CrossFire Token-Ring switch will be available in volume in June 1996 at
a list price of US $5,600 -- a cost-per-port of $700 in the eight port
configuration and $617 in the 12-port configuration.

Olicom develops and markets Token-Ring, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and ATM
local area network products. In the Token-Ring market, Olicom is
established as one of the world's leading independent suppliers. Olicom
products, known for high performance and competitive prices, are
distributed worldwide by a network of strategic partners and resellers.
The company was founded in 1985 and is listed on the Nasdaq National
Market (symbol: OLCMF).

OLICOM USA, INC.
Kevin Kohleriter
Tel: (+1) 214 423 7560
Fax: (+1) 214 423 7261
E-mail: kevink@olicom.com
Web Server: http://www.olicom.com
 
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