Cisco Systems Inc and LanOptics Ltd have announced plans to jointly develop remote access technology which integrates routing and hub functionality for distributed corporate local network applications. LanOptics is contributing its intelligent concentrator technology, which is to be integrated with Cisco’s 3,000 fixed-configuration access routers. As well as incorporating Cisco’s multiprotocol bridging and routing software, the integrated router-hub will support LanOptics’ fault-tolerant features for Token Ring hubs: these include Speed Watch (which limits user access according to specified data rates); Fault Watch (which disconnects faulty adaptors); and Passive Fault Tolerant mode, which provides uninterrupted operation during a power failure. The companies say the first product will be made available in the first half of next year. They also say that they will work to integrate their network management systems on multiple management systems, although no more details were given.
