3Com Gigabit Ethernet Full-duplex Repeater Offers Switch
Features At Hub Prices; Networking Leader Complements End-to-End
Gigabit Ethernet Solution with SuperStack II Hub 1000 SX
08:04 a.m. Apr 13, 1998 Eastern
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 1998-- Complementing its
complete line of end-to-end Gigabit Ethernet products, global networking leader
3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS) today introduced the SuperStack(R) II hub
1000 SX - the lowest priced, full-duplex 1000Mbps repeater in the industry.
A logical choice for businesses seeking more bandwidth for less money, 3Com's
8-port SuperStack II hub 1000 combines the cost-effectiveness of a hub with the
performance characteristics of a switch, accelerating Ethernet signal transmissions
up to 100 times. In addition, 3Com's new full-duplex repeater is guaranteed to be
fully compliant with the final IEEE 802.3z Gigabit Ethernet standard, helping
customers pave the way to Gigabit Ethernet migration in the future.
"With 3Com's new SuperStack II hub 1000, our goal is to offer advanced
performance and functionality at the lowest possible price," said Randy Meals,
general manager, 3Com Advanced Products Division. "As the Ethernet leader,
we've produced a cost-effective product that not only prepares customers for
tomorrow's network, but also responds to today's increasing need for more speed
and more bandwidth." Low-Cost Solution for Faster, More Efficient Networks
Unlike traditional half-duplex repeaters or hubs available on the market today,
3Com's SuperStack II hub 1000 is a hybrid between a switch and a traditional
repeater. Like a traditional repeater, 3Com's new product forwards all incoming
packets to all ports on the hub.
However, full-duplex functionality enables the hub to simultaneously send and
receive information, ensuring smooth transmissions and eliminating packet collisions.
The resulting performance and efficiency improvements arm IS Managers with a
low-cost solution to a variety of today's evolving networking needs. In addition,
3Com's new repeater features packet flow control, which ensures that transmitted
information remains intact from origin to destination. Leveraging this switch-like
feature, 3Com's new full-duplex repeater helps network administrators maintain a
continuous flow of information, reducing packet loss and eliminating the need for
packet re-transmission - even under heavy workloads. GBIC Connector
Complements Total Gigabit Ethernet Solution
3Com's SuperStack II hub 1000 also features an additional port for Gigabit
Ethernet connections. This ninth port allows network administrators to customize
the product to connect to different media types, such as single mode fiber, and
support distances up to 5 kilometers. With a full line of Gigabit Ethernet switches
and network interface cards, 3Com offers industry's broadest, end-to-end Gigabit
Ethernet solution. Versatile Solutions for Growing Network Demands
Addressing multiple needs, 3Com's new SuperStack II hub 1000 offers customers
a variety of networking solutions, including:
Server aggregator/concentrator - connects up to eight servers into a Gigabit
Ethernet backbone. Today, individual servers are not capable of driving full-duplex
Gigabit Ethernet switched connections. However, concentrating multiple servers
using 3Com's new hub allows IS Managers to aggregate traffic from multiple
servers to drive up to a full gigabit of information over the network.
High-powered workgroup - connects up to eight high-powered desktops for
high-end, bandwidth-intensive workstation applications, such as publishing, imaging
and computer-aided design (CAD). Traditional high-powered work group
applications tend to have unpredictable data transmissions, at times requiring a
higher peak bandwidth to send or receive large multi-megabyte files, while only
needing low bandwidth for sustaining operation. Addressing these traffic bursts and
varying network demands, the SuperStack II hub 1000 seamlessly transmits
information, allocating bandwidth on an "as-needed" basis.
Switch Aggregator - offers scalable, standardized solution for aggregating 10/100
switches on to a Gigabit Ethernet backbone, equipping IS Managers with the base
infrastructure for Gigabit Ethernet networks. Pricing and Availability
3Com's SuperStack II hub 1000 SX will be available April 15 through traditional
3Com channels for a U.S. List price $799/port. In addition, 3Com's GBIC uplink
connector is priced at $595/unit and supports 1000BASE-SX media. 3Com plans
additional media support for 1000BASE-LX and 1000BASE-CX as part of future
offerings. About 3Com
3Com Corporation enables individuals and organizations worldwide to communicate
and share information and resources at anytime from anywhere. As one of the
world's preeminent suppliers of data, voice and video communications technology,
3Com has delivered networking solutions to more than 100 million customers
worldwide. The company provides large enterprises, small and medium enterprises,
carriers and network service providers, and consumers comprehensive, innovative
information access products and system solutions for building intelligent, reliable and
high performance local and wide area networks. For further information, visit
3Com's World Wide Web site at 3com.com or the press site at
http//www.3Com.com/pressbox.
Note to editors: 3Com and SuperStack are registered trademarks of 3Com
Corporation
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