Xedia announces new fast-Ethernet switch for workgroup LANs; MADswitch 10 100 integrates 100Mbps connection with cell-based architecture and easy workgroup management

Business Wire, March 20, 1995

WILMINGTON, Mass--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 1995--Xedia Corp. today announced the expansion of its product family with the new MADswitch 10/100 Ethernet switch.

A cell-based switch, the MADswitch 10/100 integrates an installed 100Base-TX fast Ethernet connection into the Xedia SMART switch architecture, a software-oriented switching technology designed for workgroup LAN applications.

The new switch is engineered to provide a low cost-of-entry for full function Ethernet switching at the workgroup level. In addition to the new integral 100Base-TX link, it supports six wire-speed 10Mbps Ethernet connections within a compact desktop unit.

With the new MADswitch 10/100, Xedia introduces the second generation of its SMART switch architecture. A significant new element of the architecture is a dual-standard feature which allow users to select either cut-through or store-and-forward Ethernet switching modes. This enables the switch to provide the best performance for different types of prevailing network traffic.

The Xedia SMARTswitch architecture is fundamentally different from conventional Ethernet switching in a number of ways:

o Software-based design -- Each port has an embedded RISC

processor and the software which comprises the SMARTswitch

architecture is resident on flash ROMs. These flash ROMS can be

easily downloaded with new images which enables the entire

switch to be upgraded. This gives users a high degree of

flexibility to adapt new standards and upgrade to new features

on demand.

o Workgroup-oriented management -- The MADswitch architecture

is designed to help network administrators easily manage

workgroup LANs right down to the desktop level. It features:

o Front-panel LCD/keypad which makes the unit fully

configurable and manageable as a standalone switch.

o An embedded proprietary management agent that can be accessed

out-of-band using a dumb terminal connected to the unit's

RS-232 serial port, or in-band via TELNET over an Ethernet

network.

o TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) client/server

capabilities which enable a user to download new software

in-band using a TFTP client on a PC or workstation, or to

copy software download "images" from switch to switch.

o Full SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

capabilities, including support for standard MIB II

(Management Information Base) and Bridge MIB for virtual

networks as well as Xedia extensions.

o Redundant link support through industry standard IEEE

802.ld Spanning Tree Protocol.

"We've developed the MADswtich 10/100 as a future-oriented tool for linking workgroups into new types of enterprise networks," explained Xedia CEO Jens Montanana. "Because our architecture is cell-based and software-oriented, it's an ideal match for emerging standards such as ATM. And by virtue of a rich set of management features, it makes our switches exceptionally easy to set up and use in existing workgroup LANs."

The new MADswitch 10/100 is the second product in the Xedia family of Ethernet switches. In June 1994, the company began shipping its first switch, the MADswitch -- featuring a high-speed expansion port as well as six wire-speed 10Mbps switched ports. In 195, Xedia will introduce 100Base-FX and 155 Mbit ATM OC3 high speed modules for its switches.

To ensure widespread availability of its MADswitch products, Xedia is developing a worldwide system of distributors and value added resellers (VARs). To that end, the company recently announced distribution agreements with GBC Technologies in the U.S. and CTI Datacom in Canada and the Middle East. In addition, a number of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) such as CNet Technology Inc. are planning to integrate Xedia switching technology with their own products.

Concurrent with the introduction of the MADswitch 10/100, Xedia is announcing a new price structure for its products: $4550 (US) for the MADswitch 10/100 and $3450 (US) for the MADswitch 10. Pricing of the 100Base-FX and ATM modules will be determined in mid-1995.

Founded in 1992, Xedia Corporation is a leading innovator of next-generation LAN-enhancement products designed for workgroup applications. Currently, the company's charter is to create technologies that can dramatically lower the cost of entry for full-function, switched local are networks.

Xedia is based in Wilmington, Mass. and markets its products worldwide.

-0- Note: Photo is available, contact Anne Buckley at 508/658-7200 ext. 116.

CONTACT: Xedia Corporation

Anne Buckley, 508/658-7200 ext. 116

or

Leary & Tiziani

Michael McWilliams, 617/383-1041