Virtual LAN Technology Helps Users Reduce Costs and Problems of Large Network Management; Intel Plans to Implement Cisco VLAN Technology on Fast Ethernet Adapter
HILLSBORO, Ore. - March 4, 1996 - Intel Corporation and Cisco Systems todayannounced plans to work together to deliver enhanced capabilities forvirtual local area networks (VLANs) to help companies reduce the costs andeliminate many of the problems of managing large client/server computernetworks. VLAN technology allows network managers to group users andstations together into logical workgroups, independent of the way they aregrouped physically. This capability is critical for reducing the costs ofbuilding switched networks. Intel and Cisco have signed a memorandum ofunderstanding in which they have agreed to negotiate a licensing agreementto implement VLAN communication between Intel adapters and Cisco switchedinternetworks. According to the memorandum, Intel will incorporate Cisco'sinterswitch link (ISL) virtual LAN technology in the next-generation ofIntel's Fast Ethernet EtherExpressTM PRO/100 Smart Adapter, optimized forservers. The two companies will also team with other companies to proposeIEEE VLAN standards, and work together on ongoing VLAN-related marketingprograms.
Using ISL-enabled Cisco switches, routers and Intel adapter cards, acustomer will need only to install one Fast Ethernet adapter in a server tosupport multiple virtual LANs, or workgroups. This provides significantcost savings, VLAN performance enhancements, network scalability, andconfiguration flexibility for network planners and designers. Cisco'sinterswitch link (ISL) protocol eliminates the need for a separate physicallink to each virtual LAN configured, greatly reducing the number ofdedicated links, switch ports, adapter cards, and router ports that aretypically required when configuring servers to multiple LANs.
"By increasing flexibility and reducing cost, VLAN technology will easeusers' migration to high-bandwidth workgroups," said Mark Christensen,general manager of Intel's Network Products Division. "Cisco's leadershipin LAN switching is a great complement to Intel's focus on thehigh-performance workgroup segment. Our alliance will benefitorganizations taking advantage of Fast Ethernet in their networks.""VLANs add a new level of manageability to high-performance switchedinternetworks," said Jayshree Ullal, director of marketing, WorkgroupBusiness Unit, Cisco. "By working with Intel, a leader in Fast Ethernettechnology, Cisco will be able to make these benefits widely available downto high-performance servers."
Better Management Control and Segmentation of the Network
VLANs address the costly administrative expenses with client moves, addsand changes by automating many of the configuration tasks, and placing themanagement control of these changes centrally. This greatly reducesadministrative overhead, minimizes the costs and problems typicallyassociated with cabling changes, and adds a layer of network intelligenceout to the server. With VLANs, network managers can better secure accessto the network and restrict the use of critical resources; improve clientperformance with the control of broadcast intensive applications; groupusers together logically while sharing common servers located centrally;and enhance backbone performance by distributing traffic loads acrossredundant links. These VLAN benefits are realized with the coupling ofIntel's EtherExpress PRO/100 Smart Adapter with Cisco's Fast EthernetCatalyst switches.To further the development of more open specifications, Intel and Ciscowill develop proposals on VLAN standards and present them to the IEEE 802.1committee and to other companies. The VLAN support in Intel'snext-generation EtherExpress PRO/100 Smart Adapter, due late this year,will be based on Cisco's ISL specification. Cisco will support Intel inthe development of silicon to implement the ISL specification on theadapter.
Intel and Cisco are also co-sponsoring a series of educationalseminars onFast Ethernet technology, which began in February and will continuethroughApril. The seminars, presented in 15 US cities, cover the latest trends inhigh-speed networking; the future role of Fast Ethernet; how Fast Ethernetcompares to, and complements, ATM and FDDI; and how to protect and optimizecurrent networking investments.
The Intel EtherExpress PRO/100 Smart Adapter provides high throughput andthe lowest CPU utilization available for high-performance servers on100Mbps Fast Ethernet, according to published reports by LANQuest. ThePRO/100 Smart Adapter provides dramatic improvements in server bandwidth,eliminating performance bottlenecks created by bandwidth-intensiveapplications, giving users faster response time across the network. Theentire family of EtherExpress PRO/100 Adapters runs at both 10Mbps and100Mbps, allowing users to install the cards today and seamlessly migrateto 100Mbps when ready.
Cisco's ISL VLAN technology is supported in the
All Intel networking products are available worldwide through a network ofdistributors and value-added resellers. Additional product information isavailable at (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers; at44-793-431-155 for European customers; or at (503) 264-7354 for otherinternational customers. Information about Intel is also available fromIntel's site on the World Wide Web at URLhttp://www.intel.com/comm-net/sns.
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer ofpersonal computer, networking and communications products.
Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the leading globalsupplier ofinternetworking solutions,including routers, LAN and ATM switches, dial-upaccess servers and network management software. These products, integratedby the
Posted: Fri Mar 19 10:35:23 PST 1999
