Madge Networks is launching a High Speed Token Ring (HSTR) upgrade program designed to protect customers` investments and avoid major network upheaval. "The HSTR-Ready program enables existing Token Ring networks to harness HSTR capability via easy-to-install upgrade paths," explained Madge Africa MD Peter Turvey. "All products issued under the program will bear an `HSTR-Ready` logo which indicates that they comply with the emerging 100 Mbps HSTR standards." In the first stage of the HSTR-Ready program, Madge plans to offer slot-in modules for its entire Smart Ringswitch product family, a range of fully-featured switches which first started shipping in 1995. The modules are being designed to leverage the range`s capability of switching up to 1.5 Gbps as well as its unparalleled level of management and control. In addition, the modules will allow traditional Token Ring users a fast link to directly connected servers or HSTR backbone networks. The rollout is targeted to commence in the third quarter of this year following the expected ratification of the HSTR standards by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). "The premise behind High Speed Token Ring is to enable existing Token Ring networks to be scaled up to speeds of 100Mbps, full duplex, to accommodate increasingly heavy bandwidth demands," Turvey added.
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