Allied Telesyn Announces 100Base-SX Product Line Supporting Economical Fiber Optic Networking

Business Wire, March 29, 1999

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 29, 1999--

World leader in media conversion and fiber optic networking

offers new products to meet the

TIA/EIA 785 100Base-SX fiber optic networking

Allied Telesyn International (www.alliedtelesyn.com), a worldwide leader in simplifying networking for businesses of all sizes, Monday announced two new media converters and a network adapter card to support the latest standard in economy for 100Mbps fiber optic networking, 100Base-SX.

The new 100Base-SX standard, currently in draft (TIA/EIA 785) defines a lower-cost fiber optic networking alternative Based upon a shorter wavelength transmission than the 100Base-FX fiber standard.

"100Base-SX lets network installations built across distances of 300 meters or less reap the benefits of 100Mbps fiber - most notably security and error reduction - at a lower cost than ever before," said Sean Keohane, Allied Telesyn's vice president of marketing and engineering.

"As a leader in both fiber optic networking and media conversion, it's only natural that Allied Telesyn lead the pack in providing the media converters to facilitate the transition to a 100Base-SX infrastructure, and the adapters to connect workstations in 100Base-SX fiber networks and network segments."

Fast Ethernet continues to grow in importance and is now the preferred technology for new network installations. The migration path from Ethernet to Fast Ethernet in copper-wired networks has been eased by the flexibility of 10/100 autonegotiating devices such as adapters, hubs and switches.

However, in fiber-cabled environments, the migration path from 10Mbps to 100Mbps has been delayed by the fact that each fiber standard specifies different wavelengths, thus contributing to a high upgrade cost for 10Mbps to 100Mbps fiber networks.

The short wavelength 100Base-SX solution to fiber optic data transmission changes the prospects for cost-effective 10/100 fiber networks. By using 850nm-wavelength optics for both 10Mbps and 100Mbps networks, compatibility with traditional devices is guaranteed while offering a cost-controlled route to higher performance with minimum risk.

100Base-SX furthers its overall compatibility by facilitating future upgrades to Gigabit Ethernet.

"The 100Base-SX standard is not meant to replace the 100Base-FX standard, but rather, to complement it," said Keohane. "For those users who need long distance Ethernet connectivity, FX is still the standard of choice. However, if one requires lower lifetime cost in a shorter distance network or interoperability with 10Base-FL, SX would be the standard to follow."

Allied Telesyn's new enhanced Fast Ethernet AT-2750SX adapter is the industry's first autosensing 10Base-FL/100Base-SX adapter. Designed for systems using the PCI bus, the AT-2750SX adapter is an easy-to-integrate network card that is fully-compliant with the OnNow and ACPI power management initiatives defined in Microsoft's PC97 and PC98 requirements.

When bandwidth is a top priority, the AT-2750SX also supports full-duplex operation, allowing simultaneous transmit and receive when used with a full-duplexing hub or switch for the ultimate in throughput.

AT-2750SX adapters are the easiest, most cost-effective way to upgrade from 10Base-FL to 100Base-SX. Automatically sensing the network speed, the AT-2750SX runs at 10 or 100Mbps with no reconfiguration or reloading of drivers or replacing cables.

The AT-MC105XL media converter converts Ethernet 100Base-TX to 100Base-SX fiber using an ST connector; the AT-MC106XL converts 100Base-TX to 100Base-SX fiber using an SC connector. Media converters feature Allied Telesyn's MissingLink feature, and a Link Test Switch. Each unit is equipped with two diagnostic LED's on each port, one for Link and the other Receive.

Both the AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL can be used in a standalone or rackmount environment.

Allied Telesyn's new 100Base-SX media converters and adapters will begin shipment in May, 1999. Certain to be the best overall value on the market, the AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL are priced at $250 (US list), and the AT-2750SX is $239.95 (US list); and all carry a limited lifetime warranty and Allied Telesyn's free, unlimited technical support.

About Allied Telesyn International

Allied Telesyn International simply connects the world with affordable, highly reliable networking technology and products. Allied Telesyn's product lines build networks that link people to information - in small networks, across large networks, and over the Internet.

Its Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity products for fiber optic, traditional copper and mixed networks keep cost of ownership low by delivering quality and backing it with superior warranties and free technical support.

Incorporated in 1987, Allied Telesyn is headquartered in Sunnyvale, and has locations throughout the U.S. and the world. Allied Telesyn's products are available through a large network of consultants, resellers, retailers and catalogs. The full range of products is also available to purchase online through Allied Telesyn's BuyLine catalog.