Following its merger with LAN technology specialist, Accton, SMC Networks has entered the server network interface card (NIC) market with the introduction of two new product sets through the local channel. That`s according to Greg Perkins, country manager at SMC Networks, who says both packages - TigerArray and TigerArray2 - provide a solution to management and access problems encountered on high-volume network servers, particularly those driven by Windows NT. The key, he says, is the combination of high-performance hardware, and load-balancing dynamic failover driver software. The hardware portion of the TigerArray solution comprises two SMC EtherPower II 10/100 32-bit PCI network cards - proven components which incorporate the company`s Intelligent PowerProcessing for added performance. The TigerArray2 differs, in that it comprises one dual-channel EtherPower II card - providing the functionality of two cards but occupying a single PCI slot. The load balancing driver software highlighted by Perkins as the differentiating factor, is included in both offerings. In the TigerArray package, the software combines both cards into a single `virtual` card. It then balances the entire load across both cards, effectively doubling the bandwidth of the server`s network connection. For TigerArray2, the load is simply streamlined. In addition, says Perkins, fault tolerance and failover is provided across the array. If a port connection on one of the cards fails, the software will automatically detect it, partition the port and dynamically rebalance the load. If the port comes back on line, the software will once more restore the balance across both adaptors. The TigerArray is also manageable, with a `control panel` application installed for configuring and monitoring the cards. Network personnel are also notified of errors, changes or failures, through SNMP (the simple network management protocol). "These offerings are part of what will become a broad line of networking solutions directly at the server operating system market," says Perkins. "When used in conjunction with an SMC 10/100 switch it`s possible for each port to run on full duplex, offering a total transfer rate of 400 Mbps between server and switch. This provides those networks running Windows NT with a high performance, redundant server connection." All SMC Networks products are distributed via Siltek Distribution Dynamics, Lattice Technologies and LAN Design. For further information, please contact SMC directly.
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