Ariel Network Solutions (ANS) has announced the availability of Version 4 of RAD Data Communications` SPS and APS multiprotocol access devices, which include a host of features facilitating the integration of legacy protocol traffic (SDLC, HDLC, X.25 and async) and IP traffic over Frame Relay or X.25 networks.
"The growth of the Internet and other IP-based applications means that many organisations are racing to add IP support to their corporate networks, but network managers cannot simply drop their old equipment, particularly the hosts running critical applications such as financial and legal services," explains Mike Fisher, product manager at ANS.
"The addition of an Ethernet bridge/router to the range of scaleable FRAD/PADs enables corporate network managers to cost-effectively combine legacy and new protocols over Frame Relay/X.25 networks.
"RAD`s solution reduces equipment outlays, because a single box provides WAN access for both legacy and IP traffic," notes Fisher. "In Frame Relay applications, savings in WAN transmission costs are also achieved, because SPS and APS devices reduce the number of DLCIs required for multiprotocol transmission."
Featuring optional integral Ethernet bridging/routing, backup over ISDN, and 30-40% faster throughput, the upgraded devices are offered at the same (or even lower) price as the previous version. Ranging from one to 12 sync ports and from two to 24 async channels, RAD multiprotocol access is cost-justifiable even for small branches.
By enabling simultaneous operation of legacy hosts and IP-based NT servers, the upgraded products provide smooth and secure migration to client/server environments. "This is particularly important because it guarantees connectivity for hosts running critical applications, even during the change-over period when the new NT servers are being installed," says Fisher.
Reliability is ensured because the devices support backup over ISDN as well as PSTN. SNMP management is performed using the RADview application on a PC or UNIX platform.
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