U.S. ROBOTICS ANNOUNCES CISCO AS51 CARD FOR THE TOTAL CONTROL ENTERPRISE NETWORK HUB; First U.S. Robotics Cisco Product Offers Integrated, High-Density Dial-in Access for Telecommuters, Mobile Workers, Remote Offices

Business Wire, March 14, 1995

SKOKIE, ILL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 1995--The Corporate/Systems Division of U.S. Robotics Access Corp., a subsidiary of U.S. Robotics Corp. (NASDAQ: USRX), today introduced a new product which integrates Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) functionality into the U.S. Robotics Total Control Enterprise Network Hub.

The new product, the Cisco AS51 Card, results from a January 1995 alliance between Cisco and U.S. Robotics. The Cisco AS51 Card incorporates a version of Cisco's 16-port Model 2511 Access Server into U.S. Robotics' Total Control Enterprise Network Hub. A fully loaded Enterprise Network Hub, with three Cisco AS51 modules, supports 48 dial-up connections to enterprise networks at speeds of up to 115.2 Kbps from either individuals (telecommuters or mobile workers) or remote LANs.

No More Multi-Vendor Incompatibility Problems

The Enterprise Network Hub with Cisco AS51 combines the powerful features of U.S. Robotics' manageable, scalable communications platform for central sites with all the functionality -- and triple the density -- of Cisco's standalone 2511 Access Server. Because all dial-up functions are integrated into one chassis, many of the service, reliability and compatibility problems that can occur with separate channel banks, CSU/DSU gear, modems, routers and terminal servers from different vendors are eliminated.

Individual remote users requiring access to a corporate network -- e.g., software developers working at home, mobile professionals accessing e-mail -- can dial into centrally-located Enterprise Network Hubs with AS51 modules and access corporate resources via modem. Users on small remote LANs -- e.g., small schools, businesses or branch offices needing occasional access to an enterprise network -- may dial in using standalone Cisco access routers, modems, and U.S. Robotics' Total Control MP/8 and MP/16 modem pools, which are easily connected to standalone Cisco access routers to provide dial access for smaller offices.

The Enterprise Network Hub with Cisco AS51 will also appeal to the growing number of service providers offering dial-up Internet access. Service providers can use the product in a "backhaul" arrangement using the PSTN (public switched telephone network) to route modem calls to a central bank of Enterprise Network Hubs that provides network access; or in a distributed setup that places chassis in local points of presence to avoid user toll charges.

Flexible Platform Accommodates Digital or Analog Use

Depending on customer requirements and the tariffing of telephone services in the customer's area, the Enterprise Network Hub with Cisco AS51 can be set up for either digital or analog use. In the digital case, calls are delivered via channelized T-1 trunks. In the analog case, standard analog lines connect directly to the chassis' integrated modems. In both cases, calls are directed by the modems to the AS51 access server cards, which forward them to the appropriate network interface.

The Enterprise Network Hub is a flexible, modular, rackmountable chassis, with 17 card slots and available redundant AC or DC power supplies. A typical 48-port system incorporating AS51 technology would include:

-- A dual T-1 interface supporting up to 48 connections. Fractional T-1 is also supported, so users pay only for the number of channels they require.

-- 12 high-density quad modem cards (four modems per card), compatible with ITU-T standards from 28.8 Kbps to 300 bps. Digital, analog or combination analog/digital modems are available in two models: V.32 bis Plus, which handles connections up to 21.6 Kbps; and V.34/V.EverythingT, for connect speeds up to 28.8 Kbps and "V.Everything" compatibility with ITU-T V.34, Rockwell's V.Fast Class and AT&T's V.32 terbo.

-- Three AS51 access server cards, each supporting up to 16 asynchronous connections at speeds up to 115.2 Kbps. On the network side, each AS51 card supports an Ethernet connection and a synchronous serial WAN port. The user can select one of eight standard Cisco IOS feature sets for use with the cards.

-- An SNMP-based network management card with serial and Ethernet interfaces which manages the chassis' T-1 and modem cards. Management capabilities available through U.S. Robotics' Total Control Manager include configuration and monitoring, diagnostics, extensive statistical data on a per call basis, and local or remote management.

All power supplies and cards can be "hot swapped," i.e., inserted or removed without interrupting system operation.

Pricing and Availability

The Cisco AS51 Card for the Total Control Enterprise Network Hub is available immediately. Pricing depends on configuration. A fully loaded chassis (Dual T-1, 12 quad modem cards, three AS51 access server cards, network management card) with V.32 bis Plus modems and the IP feature set of the Cisco IOS is list priced at approximately $56,000. A fully loaded chassis with high-speed V.34/V.Everything modems and the Enterprise feature set of the Cisco IOS is list priced at approximately $81,000.