Rochester, New Hampshire-based Chipcom Corp has announced two modules for its range of hubs, including what is claimed as the first remote access server to be integrated within a hub. Also announced was a Edge Router Module, based on technology from Cisco Systems Inc, which represents the first fruits of Chipcom’s plan to open up its hub architecture to other manufacturers (CI No 2,502). The LAN Access Server module, which comes in eight- and 16-port versions, is designed to provide remote users with access to corporate Ethernet and Token Ring networks. It can be used with any of the company’s hubs, says the Chipcom. Simple Network Management Protocol can be used via the company’s ONdemand family of management applications and it supports network operating systems including NetWare, AppleShare, LAN Manager, Windows for Workgroups, LAN Server, Banyan Vines and DECnet. On the side area side, it is said to support Async, Sync, Integrated Services Digital Network and Switched 56Kbps communications. The Edge Router Module, developed jointly with Cisco, is designed to provide connections for one Ethernet or Token Ring local area network, and up to three wide area network connections. It is being aimed at the remote office, and is said to combine the full set of Cisco’s multiprotocol routing technology and Chipcom’s port-switching architecture. According to Chipcom, it can run at T1/E1 speeds over leased lines when configured for synchronous transmission, enabling users to move from asynchronous dial-up to leased lines as their needs increase. The Ethernet versions of the new products are due to ship in 30 days, with the Token Ring models following during the second quarter of next year. Pricing has yet to be announced.
