New frame-relay access platforms and application-aligned software suites reinforce Sync's position as a premier provider of RFC1490-compliant frame-relay access solutions for IBM-centric networks

Business Wire, Jan 16, 1996

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 1996--Sync Research (NASDAQ:SYNX), a premier provider of RFC1490-compliant frame-relay access solutions, Tuesday reinforced its position by expanding its hardware platform offerings and introducing a series of new software suites for its award-winning FrameNode family of internetworking Frame Relay Access Devices (FRADs).

Sync has been a pioneer in the development of SNA over frame- relay and IBM-interoperable RFC1490 FRAD solutions. The FrameNode recently won DataComm Test Lab's Tester's Choice in an extensive test between leading FRAD and router performed by the Tolly Group.

Among other things, the FrameNode was lauded for its superior multiprotocol prioritization, bandwidth and burst management capabilities in multiprotocol serial and LAN environments.

The new and expanded hardware platforms combined with new application-aligned software suites on the 4200 series builds on this primacy and extends Sync's price/performance curve from high-end, high-connectivity regional and data-center applications down to single controller applications like stand-alone automatic teller machines (ATMs) and 5x94 controllers.

``The impetus behind these new hardware platforms and software suites is to provide IBM-centric customers with a diverse portfolio of FrameNode system configurations that precisely fit their remote, regional and central site applications from a price/performance perspective,'' stated Todd Krautkremer, vice president of marketing at Sync.

``This strategy parallels the natural segmentation occurring in the frame-relay market in respect to sites requiring specific combinations of serial and LAN protocols, ports and performance- support characteristics.''

Frank Dzubeck, president of Communications Network Architects and recognized industry analyst in the IBM internetworking arena, applauded Sync's new offering: ``The migration of IBM SNA private line network to frame relay is no longer fantasy but fact. This announcement by Sync Research adds even greater flexibility to an already flexible, IBM-customer-centric product line.''

FrameNode 4200 Series

Tuesday's announcement adds another chapter to Sync's FrameNode 4000 platform strategy, which was launched at Fall InterOp '95 in Atlanta, where it won Best-of-Show Finalist. The new two- and four-port stand-alone/stackable hardware configurations and application-aligned software suites join the previously announced eight-port unit to round out the product series.

4200 Hardware Platforms

-- 4200-2X/4200-2E/4200-2T: Supports two high-speed universal

serial ports, two async ports for local console and external

DSU/modem management connections, and is available with no

LAN port (4200-2X) or with one Token Ring (4200-2T) or

Ethernet (4200-2E) LAN port.

-- 4200-4X/4200-4E/4200-4T: Supports four high-speed universal

serial ports, two async ports for local console and external

DSU/modem management connections, and is available with no

LAN port (4200-4X) or with one Token Ring (4200-4T) or

Ethernet (4200-4E) LAN port.

-- 4200-8X/4200-8E/4200-8T: Supports eight high-speed universal

serial ports, two async ports for local console and external

DSU/modem management connections, and is available with no

LAN port (4200-8X) or with one Token Ring (4200-8T) or

Ethernet (4200-8E) LAN port.

4200 Software Suites

The new FrameNode 4200 software suites allow users to combine specific hardware and software configurations to create tailored FRAD systems with exceptional price/performance:

IBM FRAD Suite

-- Multiprotocol support for SNA/SDLC, BSC/3270, X.25/QLLC,

multipoint async and other serial legacy protocols;

-- SNA/LLC2 support over Token Ring or Ethernet with local LLC2

termination and MAC translational switching;

-- Dual NetView/390 and SNMP management agents.

Internetworking FRAD Suite

-- Single-protocol support for SNA/SDLC, BSC/3270, X.25/QLLC,

multipoint async and other serial legacy protocols;

-- Single-protocol support for IP, IPX or Source Route/

Transparent Bridging;

-- Dual NetView/390 and SNMP management agents.

Internetworking FRAD Plus Suite

-- Multiprotocol support for SNA/SDLC, BSC/3270, X.25/QLLC,

multipoint async and other serial legacy protocols;

-- Multiprotocol support for IP, IPX, SNA or Source Route/

Transparent Bridging;

-- Dual NetView/390 and SNMP management agents.

Customers can size the hardware platform and memory configuration that supports their long-range needs while selecting the precise software suite that meets their current application. Upgrading to high-end software suites on properly configured systems can be performed simply by downline loading across the network.

FrameNode 100 and 2200 Series

Whereas the 4200 series platforms and software suites provide support for a wide array of midrange and high-end frame-relay access applications, the new FrameNode 100 and 2200 platforms are designed to meet the needs of smaller, single-protocol sites.

FrameNode 100

The FrameNode 100 is a cost-effective monoFRAD that delivers all of Sync's renowned NetView and SNMP management capabilities to single port applications like remote ATMs or stand-alone SNA/SDLC or BSC controllers.