3Com extends client-server internetworking

3Com (UK) Ltd have launched what they see as the first client-server sys- tem developed by a networking company, and at the same time announced key internetworking capabilities which extend that system into an enterprise-wide environment. The 3+Open CSS (Client-Server Sys- tem) promises to improve network productivity by distributing the pro- cessing of computer applications among the most appropriate system resources. Other related products launched with 3+Open CSS enable a company to employ client-server networking throughout its network, thus maximizing on capital investment in hardware and

applications resources.

3+Open CSS Client-server systems divide applica- tion management, computation and presentation of data among those network devices best suited to the tasks (i.e. from desktop workstations to servers to minicomputers to mainframes), delivering faster response times and a higher overall system performance than is available from traditional file sharing systems. 3+Open CSS, say 3Corn, offers the flexibility, broad application support and ease of use of LANs while offer- ing many of the security, reliability and management features expected

Gandalf offers E thernet over twisted pair

As part of its policy of providing uni- versal connectivity on its Starmaster hybrid networking system, Gandalf Digital Communications have intro- duced StarPair, a system providing Ethernet functionality over a wide variety of transmission media, includ- ing twisted pair. As most buildings are already cabled with twisted pair, Ethernet can be delivered to the desktop at a reduced cost.

The main benefit, says Gandalf, comes from the ease with which changes to networks can be made. Staff movements within buildings are often expensive if coaxial cable has been used, but twisted pair move- ments may be only 25% of the co- axial cost. StarPair's multi-media connectivity also includes thick and thin coaxial and fibre optic cables, thereby opening up a variety of LAN configurations.

Such flexibility, the developers claim, allows network managers to choose the cabling scheme which best meets their cost and traffic-han- dling needs. More users can be con- nected to host computers, while installation resilience can be greatly

improved by using StarPair's alternate routing and balancing management capabilities.

The product consists of modules for each cable type that support up to 12 Ethernet connections. Through them, from five to 500 terminals or PCs can be connected to an Ethernet LAN operating at 10 Mbit/s. Operat- ing distances vary, from 150 m for twisted pair to 500 m for thick-net. For longer distances, repeaters can be incorporated, while device interconnection is provided by an integrated range of transceivers.

A hierarchical star-based topology is used by the StarPair system, which segments the network into logical subnets, thereby facilitating fault iso- lation and providing a centralized control point for network troubleshooting. The developers also see network management as a central feature of the system, with the emphasis being on practical, day-to- day functions to ensure optimum network operation. (Gandalf Digital Communications Ltd , Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berks RG/2 4SD, UK. Tel: (0344) 8602 72) [ ]

of larger, more expensive host-based systems.

3+Com CSS is a fully-configured package consisting of 3+Open LAN Manager system software with Demand Protocol Architecture (DPA), 3Com's network server and network workstations, and such net- work services as electronic mail and internetwork connectivity. The sys- terrf's open architecture supports multiple system protocols, enabling businesses to run existing DOS, OS/2, DECnet, Unix and Macintosh appli- cations while supporting corporate- wide growth into advanced distrib- uted computing on their local area networks.

Enterprise-wide internetworking Three services which extend 3Com's client-server offering into enterprise- wide environments were announced along with 3+Com CSS. Customers, say 3Com, can connect IBM, DEC, Hewlett-Packard and OSI environ- ments with 3+Com CSS using 3Corn's X.25 Public Data Network bridge, IBM-compatible Systems Network Architecture (SNA) gateway and Transmission Control Protocol/ Interest Protocol (TCP/IP) service for DOS workstations.

The 3+Open TCP with DPA allows DOS and OS/2-based PCs to share resources over TCP/IP networks. The GS/X.25 gateway server family extends the client-server environ- ment across wide area networks by integrating LANs and X.25 networks, thus delivering a high performance routing service, connection service and X.25 host front-end service for Ethernet, token ring or broadband LANs using standard XNS, TCP/IP or OSI protocols.

The release of the 3+Open Maxess SNA gateway allows DOS clients to run application programs written to I BM's Advanced Program-to-Program Communications (APCC)API to com- municate directly with mainframes and minicomputers. It also provides advanced 3270 terminal emulation, allowing DOS clients to access appli- cations written for the 3270 terminal family. (3Com (UK) Ltd , Pacific House, Third Avenue, Globe Park, Marlow, Bucks SL7 IYL, UK. Tel: (0628) 890670) []

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