New software for HP Internet advisor solves strategic issues concerning IP-switching performance; IP-switching flow-analysis software reveals user data flows with Ipsilon algorithms

Business Wire, June 30, 1997

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 30, 1997--Network managers have a new tool for predicting the effectiveness of IP switching on a given network as Hewlett-Packard Company today introduces IP (Internet protocol)-switching flow-analysis software for the HP Internet Advisor internetwork analysis test tool.

The software, developed with Ipsilon Networks, Inc., helps network managers perform strategic network planning in two distinct ways: It makes it easy to identify and measure the network improvements that can be gained by migrating to IP-switching technology from routing and legacy technologies; and it helps network engineers test and optimize different IP-switch configurations before deploying them.

The software is used with the HP Internet Advisor LAN Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and fiber-distributed data interface (FDDI) protocol analyzers, and uses flow-analysis algorithms certified by Ipsilon Networks. The HP Internet Advisor is an integrated test tool for installation and maintenance of local area networks (LAN); wide area networks (WAN); and high-speed networks, including switched Ethernet, full-duplex Fast Ethernet, ATM and FDDI.

"Users experience the network through their application flows, so real-world flow analysis is a cornerstone of IP switching," said Larry Lang, vice president of product management for Ipsilon Networks. "Using Ipsilon-certified algorithms, the HP Internet Advisor converts measurements of existing network traffic into objective analysis of the acceleration that IP switching would provide. This HP innovation will provide useful insight to customers and network designers, as well as developers, support personnel and partners."

As specified in IETF RFC 1953, 1954 and 1987, and demonstrated by multiple vendors, IP switching accelerates backbones to handle the expanding bandwidth requirements of growing user populations and demanding new applications. Using asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) as the underlying switching fabric, IP switching allows most IP traffic to travel directly through an ATM switch, with about a tenfold improvement in latency and at nearly one-tenth the cost of comparable router technology.

HP Internet Advisor IP-switching flow-analysis software allows network managers to predict the effectiveness of IP switching on a given network, based on actual traffic-usage patterns, to gain maximum returns on investment in IP switches. Predictions can be made for switching efficiency, latency and packet flow based on existing Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and FDDI backbones. The software produces a definitive report showing the advantage of IP switching as a replacement for routing and legacy technologies.

The report is laid out in a multilevel format so the user can see the high-level traffic classifications and then drill down to see the detail necessary for optimizing network performance. Information in on-screen and printed reports may include a high-level traffic overview, switched-IP traffic breakdown, forwarded-IP traffic breakdown, non-IP traffic breakdown, bytes and packets per flow and flow duration.

U.S. PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

HP Internet Advisor IP-switching flow-analysis software (HP J3506A) is $2,500. Delivery is expected to be two weeks after receipt of order.

The HP Internet Advisor (HP J2300C) is available now at a starting price of $12,500.

ABOUT IPSILON NETWORKS, INC.

Founded in October 1994 and based in Sunnyvale, Calif., Ipsilon Networks, Inc. is the premier provider of high-performance IP switches, designed to accelerate today's IP networks to 21st century throughput. Ipsilon's flagship product, the IP Switch ATM1600, won the prestigious Grand Winner Best of Show award at the spring 1996 Networld Interop, was named one of the Most Important Products of 1996 by Information Week, and captured 1997 Hot Product honors from Data Communications. To date, Ipsilon's IP Switching protocols have been endorsed and implemented by more than 20 of the leading networking equipment vendors.

Customers who want more information about Ipsilon products can reach the company by phone at 1-888-IPSILON (1-408-990-2000) or visit its World Wide Web home page at http://www.ipsilon.com .

ABOUT HP

HP is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 114,600 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/go/internetadvisor .

CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard

Joel Salzberg, 719/531-4298

joel_salzberg@hp.com

John McCreadie, 408/553-7342

dearjohn@sc.hp.com

or

Ipsilon Networks, Inc.

Larry Blair, 408/990-2000

lblair@ipsilon.com