Accton Issues In Next Generation of Ethernet Hub Management With
EtherSmart

Microprocessor-controlled SmartWatch LEDs Give Network Managers Instant
Access to Diagnostic Information for Less Than $35 per Port

August 1, 1994 -- SAN JOSE, Calif.--Accton Technology Corporation today
introduced the next generation in Ethernet hub technology, the EtherSmart
500 Series local area network hubs. Unlike solutions that require complex
SNMP software, Accton's new EtherSmart hubs are the first workgroup
Ethernet hubs with built-in network monitoring. The result is an elegant
hub that is easy to administer, and is priced at less than $35 per port.

Accton plans to roll out the EtherSmart 500 Series with two new products,
the EtherHub-8s (EN2040) eight-port hub and the EtherHub-16s (EN2041)
16-port hub. Designed for 10BASE-T and 10BASE2 networks, both units offer
plug-and-play integration with no dip switches or other settings required.
Both units also come with a sturdy metal casing and can be floor, rack, or
wall mounted. Each unit includes a microprocessor which controls an array
of SmartWatch LEDs that provide network monitoring at a glance. The real
advantage of the SmartWatch approach is that it provides a comprehensive
picture of overall network conditions without having to evaluate the
status of the adapter at each workstation. And SmartWatch works with any
manufacturer's network adapter.

"Our objective in creating the EtherSmart family was to give users a highly
functional yet simple-to-use network diagnostic solution," said Jim Hsia,
Director of Marketing for Accton. "In most cases, network managers only
need answers to some basic questions: Is the network running? Is the
network overloaded? Is a particular workstation causing a problem or off
the network? With our microprocessor-based SmartWatch LED system, network
managers can answer these questions quickly, without having to rely on
complicated network management software. So our EtherSmart system allows
integrators to apply the KISS principle: Keep It Simple and Smart."

The EtherHub-8s: Ideal for Workgroups

The EtherHub-8s is the most affordable member of the EtherSmart 500 Series.
It's ideal for adding 10BASE-T ports to a 10BASE2 or 10BASE-T network. The
unit has eight 10BASE-T ports for workgroup connectivity and a BNC and a
10BASE-T port that can be used to daisychain to other hubs. It is also
extremely compact, measuring 1 x 8 x 4 inches.

On top of the EtherHub-8s is the SmartWatch LED system. Controlled by an
internal CPU, this array of 25 LEDs provides an easy-to-read visual
indication of the real-time network status. The color-coded LEDs indicate
cable links, partitions, collisions, and network utilization, giving
network managers at-a-glance information by glowing green yellow or red to
show status. For example, the color-coded bar graph displays network
utilization. And placing the LEDs on the top of the unit makes them easy
to read when the unit is floor- or wall-mounted.

The EtherHub-16s: Sophistication and Simplicity

The EtherHub-16s features 16 10BASE-T station ports and three backbone
ports so the unit can be daisy-chained using either 10BASE-T, 10BASE2
(BNC), or 10BASE5 (AUI) connectors. Power is provided using a universal
100-volt to 240-volt internal power supply, and the unit is designed for
rack, wall, or floor mount, measuring 1.7 x 17 x 6.8 inches.

The SmartWatch LED system is front-mounted on the EtherHub-16s and includes
48 color-coded LEDs to indicate power; CPU activity; BNC connection
status; AUI traffic; partitions; utilization and collision rates in bar
graph format; and twisted-pair connections, traffic, and partitions. The
EtherHub-16s also includes autojabber control, auto-reconnect, wiring
fault-detection, and polarity correction for flawless operation even in
the most demanding 10BASE-T environment.

"Our objective is to offer a rugged, sophisticated hub system that offers
true plug-and-play operation in the toughest network applications," Hsia
added. "We have given real attention to detail in designing these units.
For example, we put the daisy-chain switch on the front of our 16-port hub
and it is clearly marked so there's no guesswork about whether the hub is
connected or not. And the well-thought-out design of our SmartWatch LED
display makes this the easiest hub to use and maintain on the market."

SNMP Upgradeable

As the network grows, both devices can be upgraded to operate with more
sophisticated network management stations using SNMP (the Simple Network
Management Protocol). Accton will offer its own SNMP-based support
software, AccView/AI, later this year. By installing AccView/AI, managers
can take advantage of distributed desktop network management. AccView/AI
will be able to run on any Windows-based workstation and will support SNMP
agents installed in workstations and other devices throughout the network.
AccView/AI will work with various desktop SNMP agents, including those
supplied by Accton, Novell, and other vendors. Using AccView/AI, users
will be able to program the event manager to respond to user-defined
events and issue alarms to e-mail, pager, printer, or other channels.

"We recognize that networks are dynamic and tend to grow rapidly, so we
designed our EtherSmart hubs to grow with our customers' needs," Hsia
said. "While the SmartWatch LED system can be extremely valuable for
troubleshooting workgroup connectivity problems, SNMMP-based management is
still needed for effective enterprise administration. That's why we plan
to offer SNMP management support."

According to recent research conducted by Dataquest, the stand-alone
Ethernet hub market is the fastest growing segment of the LAN market
overall. Dataquest's research shows that from 9.5 million nodes installed
by the end of 1993, Ethernet nodes are expected to more than double to 21
million nodes by the end of this year.

Accton plans to replace its entire line of "dumb" Ethernet concentrators
with EtherSmart hubs. Pricing for the EtherSmart hubs will remain
comparable to the previous dumb hub models.

The EtherHub-8s retails for $299 and the EtherHub-16s retails for $599; an
effective price of $33 per station port. Both products will begin shipping
to retail customers this week, and both will carry Accton's Lifetime
Warranty. Accton's desktop SNMP software, AccView/AI, is expected to
become available later this year for a retail price of $299.

Accton Technology Corporation manufactures workgroup connectivity hardware
and software, including a complete product line for Ethernet and
Token-Ring networks. Accton has been ranked as one of the top 10
manufacturers of Ethernet adapters by International Data Corporation, and
was the first Ethernet adapter vendor to receive ISO-9001 certification.
Accton Technology Corporation is headquartered at 1962 Zanker Road, San
Jose, CA 95112; telephone (408) 452-8900; FAX: (408) 452-8988.

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