SAN JOSE, Calif., March 13, 1995 -- In response to customerrequirements to support ever-increasing numbers of remote users who requiredial-in access to internetworks, Cisco today introduced a single-box accessserver solution that integrates Cisco InternetworkOperatingSystem (IOS) functionality with a bank of modems.
The product, Cisco's new AS5100 Integrated Access Server, results froma January 1995IOS alliance betweenCisco and U.S.Robotics, of Skokie,Ill.
The AS5100 incorporates a new version of Cisco's 16-port Model 2511Access Server and Internetwork Operating System (IOS) into U.S.Robotics'Total Control Enterprise Network Hub. It supports 48 dial-up connectionsto enterprise networks at speeds of up to 115.2 kilobits per second fromeither individuals (telecommuters or mobile workers) or remote LANs.
No More Multi-Vendor Incompatibility Problems
Kevin Kennedy, product management director of Cisco's Access Products, said"The AS5100 offers all the functionality of Cisco'sstand-alone access servers, but with triple the density it is ideal for usein central or regional offices, rather than just small branches. Andbecause all dial-up functions are integrated into one chassis, many of theservice, reliability and compatibility problems typically associated withusing separate channel banks, CSU/DSU gear, modems, routers and terminalservers from different vendors are eliminated."Individual remote users requiring access to a corporate network --e.g., software developers working at home, mobile professionals accessinge-mail -- can dial into a centrally-located AS5100 using a modem andCisco's new RemoteAccess Client software.
Users on small remote LANs -- e.g., small schools, businesses or homeoffices needing occasional access to the enterprise network -- can use oneof Cisco's lower cost access routers or a modem to dial into the AS5100.
The AS5100 will also appeal to the growing number of service providersoffering dial-up Internet access. Service providers can use the AS5100 ina "backhaul" arrangement using the PSTN (public switched telephone network)to route modem calls to a central bank of AS5100 that provides networkaccess; or in a distributed setup that places AS5100s in local points ofpresence to avoid user toll charges, then routes the calls to theirdestinations.
Set Up for Digital or Analog Use
Depending on user requirements for the number of simultaneous sessionsand the tariffing of services in the area, the AS5100 can be set up foreither digital or analog use. In the digital case, the PSTN delivers thecalls on channelized T1 lines. In the analog case, the POTS (plain oldtelephone system) lines connect directly to the AS5100's modems. In bothcases, calls are directed by the modems to the access server cards, whichforward them to the appropriate Ethernet or serial network interface.The AS5100 has a modular rack-mountable chassis, one or two AC or DCpower supplies, and 17 card slots which accommodate:
- a dual-port channelized T1 interface that can support up to 48 connections. Fractional T1 is also supported, so users pay only for the number of channels they require.
- 12 quad-modem cards that together support up to 48 modem connections. The modems support the complete U.S. Robotics AT command set. Digital, analog or selectable digital/analog modems are available in both V.32 and V.34 speeds.
- three access server cards, each supporting up to 16 asynchronous connections at speeds up to 115.2 Kbps. On the network side, each card supports an Ethernet connection and a synchronous serial WAN port. The user can select one of eight feature sets of Cisco's IOS for use with the cards.
- an SNMP-basednetwork management card with serial and Ethernet interfaces which manages the AS5100's T1 and modem cards.
The power supplies and all cards can be "hot swapped," orinserted or removed without interrupting system operation.
Pricing and Availability
The AS5100 is available immediately. Pricing depends on configuration.A fully loaded chassis (T1 card, 12 quad modem cards, three access servercards, network management card) with low-speed V.32 modems and the IPfeature set of the Cisco IOS is priced at $56,000. A fully loaded chassiswith high-speed V.34 modems and the Enterprise feature set of the IOS ispriced at $81,000 (U.S. list).Cisco Systems, Inc. is the leading global supplier of enterprisenetworks, including routers, LAN and ATM switches, dial-up accessserversand network management software. These products, integrated by Cisco'sInternetworkOperating System (IOS) link geographically dispersed LANs,WANs and IBM networks. Cisco is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., and inthe U.S. is traded under the NASDAQ symbol CSCO.
Posted: Mon Jan 26 13:10:31 PST 1998
