HP Internet Advisor Breakthrough Makes Virtual Local Area Networks Easier to Understand and Optimize; New Enhancement Raises the Standard for Testing Virtual LANs

Business Wire, Dec 9, 1996

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 1996-- Hewlett-Packard Company today announces it has added the inter-switch link (ISL) protocol from Cisco Systems Inc. to its HP Internet Advisor data-communications test tool. The new enhancement helps network managers of virtual local area networks understand and optimize their VLANs rather than just troubleshoot them using time-consuming protocol-decode capabilities.

"The HP Internet Advisor's ISL test capability greatly simplifies the process of migrating from shared to switched networks," said Joe Hielscher, manager of switching software at Cisco Systems. "HP has effectively raised the standard for testing VLANs by providing a test capability for the Cisco ISL protocol as a VLAN trunking mechanism, a move that represents a strong endorsement of the ISL protocol as a solution to a real-world problem."

Until recently, local area networks (LANs) required components to be connected over a physical network. A VLAN, in contrast, is a broadcast domain that operates on a switched network designed to tie together a group of end stations. Cisco Systems' ISL protocol allows equipment to be configured into the LAN merely by adding the IP address rather than through a physically defined network.

"Very few network analyzers provide VLAN decodes, and, until now, none has provided analysis for Cisco's ISL protocol, which we believe is the most commonly used communication protocol for VLANs," said Rick Pearson, operations manager for HP's Communications Measurements Division.

VLAN DECODE AND ANALYSIS

New test capabilities in the HP Internet Advisor provide both decode and analysis of ISL protocol. For instance, statistics provide a graphical breakdown of VLAN traffic, showing the percentage of network bandwidth being consumed by each VLAN on the network. Tabular statistics can show traffic breakdown for each VLAN on the network. Additionally, expert analysis, including commentators, drill down, plain-language decode and on-line help, significantly increases the speed and ease with which users can diagnose problems on VLANs. Real-time analysis also permits a long-duration statistical look into network operation instead of just a snapshot view.

INTERNET ADVISOR BACKGROUND

The HP Internet Advisor is an industry-leading integrated data-communications test tool for local area, wide area and high-speed networks, including switched, full-duplex Fast Ethernet, ATM and fiber-distributed data interface (FDDI). The HP Internet Advisor maximizes network up time by helping network managers and network service providers anticipate network problems. The VLAN test capability runs on the Fast Ethernet undercradle (HP J3444A), which attaches to the Internet Advisor easily.

The HP Internet Advisor constantly monitors traffic on data-communication networks and distills meaningful diagnostic information from extensive data. Point-and-click drill down to expert commentators, statistical measurements, vital network "health" measurements and context-sensitive "help" allow users to "zoom in" on any area of interest and gain instantaneous access to expert-systems-based capabilities. These capabilities help provide the answers needed to solve network problems quickly and effectively.

The modular design of the HP Internet Advisor hardware and software allows for regular upgrades and enhancements. A software-update subscription service (HP J2899A UAF) helps ensure that HP Internet Advisor users always have the latest and most complete testing capability.

U.S. PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The VLAN test capability, available now, comes standard with the HP Internet Advisor Fast Ethernet undercradle (HP J3444A) for $15,000. The HP J2899A UAF software-update subscription service is $1,800. Customer delivery is expected to be four weeks after receipt of order.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 112,000 employees and had revenue of $38.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com Additional information on products from HP's Test and Measurement Organization can be obtained on the World Wide Web via http://www.tmo.hp.com Information about HP Internet Advisor products can be found at http://www.hp.com/info/advisor -0-

NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Sales information may be obtained by calling 1-800-452-4844 ext. 5033. Please do NOT use editor-contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales information.

Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specifications may vary in non-U.S. markets.

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CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard