DEC has appointed Anixter (UK) Ltd as its UK distributor for its digital wiring product for local area networks, DECconnect II. The system will be pitched against the IBM Cabling System and AT&T’s Co’s Premises Distribution System – both of which are already distributed by Anixter. Anixter, the distributor of DECconnenct II in the US for nine months, will target installers of wiring systems in new buildings. The modular DECconnect system covers local network Ethernet communications for personal computers, workstations and departmental systems at 10Mbs, unshielded twisted-pair terminal communications, unshielded twisted pair cables for telephony, and standard broadband connection for video applications. Data using DEC 423 or RS232 is supported using unshielded twisted pair cables, whilst 10Mbps Ethernet is supported using Ethernet co-axial cable. Up to eight connectors can be used in one segment attached to each port of a multi port repeater. DEC highlights DECconnect’s Daisy Chain facility for the wall plate, which it claims allows a low cost option for daisy chaining thin Ehernet. DEC hopes the product will benefit from Anixter’s existing distribution channels in the UK, which comprise 12 regional offices and 100 sales staff.
