RAD Introduces Stackable LAN/WAN Connectivity for Branch Offices and
Distributed Workgroups

STARstack FIRST TO INTEGRATE WAN ACCESS IN A STACKABLE LAN HUB

RAD Data Communications today announced STARstack, a new line of modular
stackable LAN/WAN connectivity devices that integrate scalable LAN access
with internetworking, data/voice integration and switching. The first
products in the STARstack series are the SAH-E and SAH-EM Ethernet hubs,
the RBH-E Ethernet bridge/hub and the ETS-4FD Ethernet/FDDI switch.
"Network managers look to stackable LAN access units to reduce hardware
build-up and simplify maintenance at the branch office," says Product
Manager Jonathan Gilad. " STARstack is unique among stackable solutions in
that it also addresses the other functionality that is a high priority for
branch offices: integrated WAN access. RAD's proven capabilities in both
the LAN and WAN access arenas enable it to offer an integrated solution
that ensures interoperability, simplified implementation and centralized
management."

STACKABLE HUB GROWS IN SIXTEEN-PORT INCREMENTS

For scalable workgroup connectivity, the SAH-EM base unit provides sixteen
10BaseT access ports and a built-in SNMP management agent. As the LAN
grows, up to four 16-port SAH-E hubs can be attached to the base unit,
providing 80 access ports in all. All five units can be managed via the
SNMP agent in the base unit.

DISTRIBUTED STACK SHORTENS CABLE RUNS

Gilad emphasizes that unlike most stackables, STARstack units don't have to
be adjacent to one another to be managed as a single stack. "SAH units can
be installed up to 500 meters from the base unit or from each other," he
says. "This provides a cost-saving solution for remote sites with isolated
workgroups, since an SAH hub can be deployed in proximity to each
workgroup, eliminating the need to run multiple cables through the
building to a central hub stack."

INTEGRATED STACKABLE SOLUTIONS

Combining branch office internetworking and LAN connectivity functions in
one compact unit, the RBH-E remote bridge/hub provides a WAN interface in
addition to sixteen 10BaseT LAN ports. The WAN interfaces can be
configured for Basic Rate ISDN or X.25/Frame Relay links. A high
performance transparent bridge, the RBH-E offers fast filtering and
forwarding as well as 4:1 compression at any WAN rate up to E1.
User-defined masking and connection-on-demand optimize WAN link
utilization. Automatic switchover to an optional backup WAN link ensures
maximal uptime.

AFFORDABLE SWITCH ACCESSES FDDI BACKBONE AND MANAGES HUBS

To provide cost-efficient high speed connectivity for a large number of
small distributed workgroups, RAD offers the ETS-4FD, a four- port
Ethernet switch with an FDDI interface and a built-in SNMP agent.
According to Hugo Silverman, Product Line Manager for LAN Products, an
FDDI interface is a major advantage in a workgroup switch. "Many network
managers can't afford to experiment with fast Ethernet solutions, and FDDI
is the only really mature, proven campus backbone technology on the
market," Silverman says.

In addition to providing access to an FDDI backbone and wire speed
switching between Ethernet segments, the ETS-4FD can manage all the
stackable hubs connected to its ports, eliminating the need for the SAH-EM
base unit in campus applications. The ETS-4FD supports up to ten STARstack
hubs (stacked or separate). A single or dual attached FDDI interface
connects the Ethernet segments to an FDDI backbone via single mode or
multimode fiber optic, STP or UTP cable.

RAD Data Communications designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of
high quality access product solutions for LAN/WAN applications. RAD is a
member of the $170 million RAD Group of companies, a world leader in
networking and internetworking product solutions.
 
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