IBM Announces New Low Cost, Stackable Token-Ring Hub
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (June 09, 1998) – IBM today announced the 8239 Token-Ring Stackable Hub, a fully-managed and competitively-priced solution that enables superior network control through advanced network management capabilities. Further delivering on IBM’s commitment to protect customer investment in Token-Ring technology, the 8239 Hub is optimized for easy network expansion and advanced network management. The new IBM-developed hub’s practical design, ease-of-use and competitive pricing provides significant value to Token-Ring customers.
“IBM is the industry leader in Token-Ring. This announcement underscores our commitment to provide Token-Ring customers with new technologies to expand, upgrade and manage networks at the lowest possible cost of ownership,” said Jose Garcia, business line manager, workgroup networks, IBM’s Networking Hardware Division. “More than half of the Fortune 1000 companies will transmit critical data over Token-Ring networks and IBM will continue to protect companies’ investments in Token-Ring by providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions.”
The 8239 Stackable Hub will allow customers to leverage their existing investment in Token-Ring technology while providing a reliable framework for the future needs of their networks. The new Hub is designed for easy installation and includes the following features:
Advanced Network Management:
Provides full SNMP, RMON and RMON 2 support, allowing network administrators to capture statistical network data to better balance network loads.
Contains Token-Ring Surrogate Agent for additional proactive media management, supporting Ring Error Monitoring, Ring Parameter Server and Configuration Ring Server. This event-driven media management allows the 8239 to provide health and configuration information of adapters on the same network.
Features port security for control of access to the network and what action to take if a security intrusion occurs.
Offers in-band and out-of-band connectivity for Device Management, enabling customers to fully exploit advantages of shared Token-Ring, and Network Management (Model 001). The Model 002 provides out-of-band connectivity for complete device and stack management.
Ease of Installation and Expansion:
Designed for expansion. Users are easily added to the network by adding port expansion cards to the hub or by adding hubs to the stack. A maximum of eight 8239s may be stacked together, giving customers 256 ports for quick deployment.
Optimized for stackability, both copper and optical fiber Ring-In/Ring-out feature cards enable the stack to be easily connected to another IBM 8239 or other compatible hubs or concentrators.
High quality, superior reliability for critical applications:
Includes Dual Phase Lock Loop (PLL) for active re-drive and jitter attenuation. This simplifies the wiring rules and maximizes the number of devices that can attach to the hub.
The Dual Ring Recovery process ensures a reliable connection between the Ring-In/Ring-Out ports and any compatible devices.
Multiple Model 001’s in a stack can be used to distribute network management tasks, thus improving availability and reducing risk associated with a single point of failure.
About IBM’s Networking Hardware Division
IBM’s Networking Hardware Division (NHD) develops and manufactures industry-leading networking technologies and products, providing global end-to-end solutions for Token-Ring, Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, ATM, IP and SNA networks. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, IBM NHD also provides consulting, education, service and support worldwide to help customers achieve their business objectives. For additional information on IBM’s networking solutions, visit our website at http://www.networking.ibm.com or call 800-IBM-3333 or outside the U.S. dial 770-644-5997.
Source: IBM