MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 28, 1994 -- The first switching product designed specifically for the workgroup, enhancing workgroup LAN performance without requiring modifications to client and server software, has been introduced by Cisco Systems as part the CiscoFusion[TM] architecture for switched internetworks.

The new Catalyst workgroup switch offers desktop computer users improved performance for their existing shared 10-megabit-per-second LANs and a way to access their application servers or core enterprise routers at 100-Mbps Copper Distributed Data Interface/Fiber Distributed Data Interface (CDDI[TM]/FDDI) speeds. By dedicating a separate Ethernet LAN to each workgroup client, and giving each of those Ethernets access to a CDDI or FDDI ring on which the group's application server sits, Catalyst solves the problems that have begun to plague users as workstation CPU power has increased and led to congestion on shared workgroup 10Base-T Ethernet LANs.

Catalyst is the first product resulting from technology Cisco obtained through the September 1993 acquisition of Crescendo Communications Inc., now called Cisco's Workgroup Business Unit. The Unit will address and deliver solutions for high-speed workgroups. The first LAN switching product offered by Cisco, Catalyst represents an important component of the CiscoFusion architecture for switched internetworks.

Catalyst is the first intelligent workgroup switch on the market that enhances client-server workgroup performance without requiring costly and time-consuming modifications to desktop client systems and servers.

"Most vendors have approached the issue of heterogeneous LAN translation connectivity via brute-force methods that don't adhere to FDDI format standards such as IEEE 802 LLC [Logical Link Control] and SNAP [Sub-Network Attachment Point]," said Michael Francini, Cisco's product line manager for the Catalyst family.

"Without adherence to standards, users have to modify their client software -- for example, by altering the network operating system or driver software -- and/or their server software -- perhaps by `hobbling' a protocol to function in a manner that could end up crippling overall network performance."

In contrast, Cisco's unique Automatic Packet Recognition and Translation (APaRT) technology recognizes and converts a variety of Ethernet protocol formats into industry-standard CDDI/FDDI formats. With no changes needed in either client or server end-stations, the Catalyst solution can provide an easy migration to 100-Mbps server access while preserving the user's investment in existing shared 10Base-T LANs.

The Catalyst switch technology and Cisco's multiprotocol router technology will complement each other in many networks, Francini added. "Catalyst will help augment the stability and security of routing by increasing effective bandwidth from the backbone to the desktop."

Catalyst uses advanced ASIC technology and a MIPS family RISC processor to direct traffic between client workstations without blocking communication with other workstations. This level of performance virtually eliminates collisions and provides full 10-Mbps bandwidth to each desktop.

Catalyst offers eight 10Base-T ports, expandable almost limitlessly by using multiples of the stackable units. Connection to 100-Mbps networks is made simply via a CDDI or FDDI interface, which can be used to extend the workgroup's reach from 100 meters between wiring closets to 30 kilometers across campus backbones.

Catalyst workgroup switches can be monitored and managed using CiscoWorks in conjunction with Cisco's Workgroup Director SNMP-based network management software. The Workgroup Director, which also runs with SunNet Manager, Netview/6000 and HP OpenView applications, displays a graphical representation of Catalyst front-panel indicators. Pop-up menus let the user examine and control internal Catalyst features -- e.g., enabling or disabling an Ethernet segment, monitoring statistics on Ethernet or FDDI ports, or configuring bridge filter parameters.

Pricing and Availability

The Catalyst workgroup switch begins shipping this month. The unit's base price of $9,600 includes eight switched Ethernets. A CDDI A/B option is priced at $995, an FDDI A/B option at $1,995, and a single-mode FDDI A/B option at $5,995.