Cray Communications Sets Data Communications Trend With $1,495, RISC-Based MatchBox Router; MatchBox Router Targets Cisco 2500, Bay Networks Access Node, 3Com 221, ACC Danube, Livingston Firewall; Features Simplest Installation and Configuration

Business Wire, June 26, 1995

ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 1995--Cray Communications today introduced its new MatchBox Router, which has functions and performance comparable to routers such as the Cisco 2500 family, 3Com 221, Bay Networks Access Node, Livingston Firewall, and ACC Danube. But at a list price of $1,495, the MatchBox Router is priced hundreds of dollars lower than any of those products, and is significantly easier to install and configure. The MatchBox Router provides full peer- to-peer routing, and comes standard with two high-speed WAN ports that support up to T-1 or E-1 speeds.

The MatchBox Router is available immediately through Cray communications' authorized resellers.

32-bit RISC processor

The MatchBox Router will be used in enterprise networks that are expanding to remote offices, and for Internet access. Its 32-bit, 32 MIPS RISC processor makes possible comprehensive filtering capabilities for network security without affecting forwarding performance. In addition, it helps keep performance high by supporting spoofing, IPX, RIP/SAP, and spanning tree hello packets, and by providing data compression. The MatchBox Router is equipped with dual Flash PROM for downloading software. It supports IP and IPX routing and uses the spanning tree algorithm to provide bridging. It has one Ethernet port, two WAN ports, and is SNMP managed. It provides dial-on-demand for ISDN access, and the WAN ports support T-1/E-1 and Frame Relay. While other branch office routers typically have a maximum speed of 128Kbps, the MatchBox Router can operate at speeds of 2Mbps. The MatchBox Router is compatible with any central site router that supports standard PPP interfaces.

Automated installation

Installing the MatchBox Router at a remote office is simply a matter of plugging the router into an electrical outlet, and connecting the WAN and LAN cables. The MatchBox Router detects which type of cable is being used, and automatically selects the correct V.24, V.35, or X.21 interface. "It doesn't even have an on/off switch," said Edwin B. Durham, Cray Communications product marketing manager. "Installing it is as simple as plugging it in."

Once it is installed, the MatchBox Router's RISC processor initializes the router, and its preconfigured IP address links it to the central site. Then, if required, a technician at the central site can dial in via Telnet and configure it, which generally takes less than 5 minutes. It also can be configured locally.

Universal GUI

The installer configures the MatchBox Router using Cray Communications' Universal Graphical User Interface. The Universal GUI presents the same menu- driven interface whether the user is on a local terminal, remotely via Telnet, or through any off-the-shelf SNMP network management system. The Universal GUI includes a QuickConfig utility that reduces configuring the router to selecting options from five pop-up menus. "The operator never has to go to a command line," Durham said. "Everything is completely menu-driven." Durham noted that comparable routers are much more difficult to install and configure. "In a recent head-to-head test, a reviewer called the 3COM 227 installation `tolerable', and said configuring it `isn't as easy as it could be'," Durham said. "The same reviewer characterized the Bay Networks Access Node and Access Stack Node as `difficult to install,' and said configuring the Cisco 2500 `is still not as easy as it should be.'

"The review also said that `once you have configured your [Cisco] router with Configuration Builder, all future configuration changes must be done manually from the terminal console,'" Durham said.

Low Cost of Ownership

Its combination of low initial purchase price, simplified installation, and reduced operating costs give the MatchBox Router a low overall cost of ownership, Durham said. "We found that over a five-year term, the MatchBox Router's cost of ownership is about half that of a similarly configured Cisco 2500," he noted. "Many of the Cisco's optional features are standard on the MatchBox Router."

Resilient software updates

The Cray Communications MatchBox Router accepts new software downloads without affecting normal operation. After the new software is downloaded, the network manager tests and approves it on the MatchBox Router, without affecting the network. If there is an error in the new software, the router continues to run the original software. If the new software runs successfully, the network manager sends an "approved" command that displaces the old software. This crossover takes about two seconds. Unlike other systems, there is no possibility of a failed load attempt disabling the router, even if the connection is broken during the download.

On-the-fly configuration

Configuration changes on the MatchBox Router take effect immediately. There is no need to reboot the router and disrupt users at a remote site.

Cray Communications provides full 24-hour, seven-days-per-week telephone support, and provides on-site worldwide support for the MatchBox Router through its network of authorized resellers and 51 offices on five continents.