Olicom has announced a new low-cost Token-Ring switch specifically designed for dedicated switch connections to the desktop, enabling a boost in throughput up to 32 Mbps for Token-Ring desktops and file servers. Olicom`s new CrossFire 8601 Token-Ring Desktop Switch, is said to be the industry`s first Token-Ring switch designed specifically for dedicated desktop connectivity. "The CrossFire 8601 provides an immediate and extremely cost-effective performance upgrade for existing Token-Ring desktops and servers, with minimal risk and minimal disruption to the network," said Louis Appunn, country manager of Olicom SA.The new CrossFire 8601, built around the same Token-Ring switch technology as Olicom`s CrossFire 8600 Token-Ring Switch, is designed to help extend the strategic value of Token-Ring networks by providing performance upgrades that leverage existing investments in Token-Ring hardware. "Low-cost desktop switching is crucial to the cost-effective and intelligent migration of Token-Ring enterprises," said Appunn."Providing 32 megabits of throughput to each desktop virtually guarantees the long-term productive life of existing Token-Ring desktop hardware. This kind of investment protection is central to our future strategy as we address the need for increased bandwidth among our Token-Ring customers."In line with Olicom`s CrossFire 8600 switch, the CrossFire 8601 utilises the first ASIC in the industry designed specifically for Token-Ring switching, resulting in a superior level of performance, functionality and integration of features.Whereas Olicom`s CrossFire 8600, with wire-speed uplinks to the ATM backbone, addresses the need for LAN segmentation in the workgroup and backbone, the CrossFire 8601 is geared to replace existing Token-Ring hubs. "In fact, the CrossFire 8601 was physically designed to replace IBM compatible CAU/LAMs within the existing wiring-closet, making it a true "plug-and-play" solution for Token-Ring networks," explained Appunn.Up to eight CrossFire 8601s and CrossFire 8600s can be combined together in a single stack for considerable scaleability and flexibility. The CrossFire 8601 is optimally deployed in a stack of switches that includes at least one CrossFire 8600, thereby enabling a direct uplink to the ATM backbone. "Together, the CrossFire 8600 and the CrossFire 8601 provide a most comprehensive and cost-effective switching solution for Token-Ring enterprises," added Appunn.
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