ODS Responds to International Demand, Adds Line of Token Ring Stackable
hubs

TokenStack hubs provide connectivity for up to 60 Token Ring lobes

Richardson, Texas - April 24, 1995 - Today, Optical Data Systems, Inc.
(ODS), (NASDAQ-NMS:ODSI) announced a new line of TokenStack stackable hubs
to meet the high demand for Token Ring stackable products. The TokenStack
series will provide both managed and unmanaged hubs. The managed hub comes
with the ODS hub management tool that runs on HP OpenView for Windows
workstations and provides an SNMP agent with MIB II extensions as well as
RMON support. The hub tool provides facilities for single-point
configuration, control/updating of software and displays real-time status
information.

TokenStack Managed and Unmanaged Stacks

The TokenStack 1105-TSU and SNMP managed 1105-TSM are stackable hubs,
featuring an expandable hub concept for easy scalability. TokenStack is a
unique product that serves as a workgroup or branch office solution for
Token Ring LANs. Users can begin with one 1105-TSM or 1105-TSU hub to
provide the necessary connectivity for a small work group. When more
connectivity is needed, the workgroup can be extended by stacking
additional hubs through the interconnect capabilities provided by the
TokenStack 1105-TSM for a maximum configuration of 60 users per stack.

The 1105-TSM is a cost-effective solution that maintains good performance
and reliability. The TokenStack is 100% IBM compatible and includes
out-of-band, SNMP management, RMON support and UTP cabling without filters
and a compact design. The TokenStack 1105-TSU provides the same
connectivity as the TSM but does not include management capabilities.

The TokenStack hub is available in two versions which connect 10 or 20 UTP
Token Ring lobes. Each TokenStack supports connections for up to two
external 20-lobe STPs or UTPs making it possible to connect up to 60
network lobes. Both hubs support 16 Mbps and 4 Mbps protocols and RJ45 or
UDC connectors.

IBM Network Management

Because the TokenStack is completely IBM compatible and executes the same
commands as an IBM Controlled Attachment Module (CAU), the hub provides
the same information to the LAN Network Manager/NetView. Both managed and
unmanaged versions of the TokenStack are compatible and interoperable with
the IBM LAN Network Manager version 1.1 and IBM LAN Station Manager
version 1.0. The Infinity LanVision hub tool for workstations is supplied
with the TokenStack, allowing a user to monitor and control both the
1105-TSM and 1105-TSU. In large networks, the tool also allows new
versions of microcode to be downloaded into the unit's flash memory.

Network Availability

The TokenStack hubs improve the network availability by automatically
recovering from most network failures. If a cable between two hubs is not
properly functioning, then each hub will automatically disable the
connection, thereby ensuring that the workgroups can continue operation
independently. If the hub detects a failing station it will automatically
disconnect it from the ring to prevent the malfunctioning workstation from
disrupting network transmissions. When a disconnected workstation resumes
normal operation, an auto-connect utility makes sure that the segment is
reconnected to the network.

If the IBM LAN Network Manager is not able to communicate with the
LanVision TokenStack manager on the TSM during a network failure, the
Network Administrator can communicate with the TokenStack via a serial
out-of-band management port. This allows the administrator to retrieve
information from the TSM and take the necessary action to eliminate the
network failure, thus reducing the down-time of the network.

The IBM LAN Manager has a real-time list of each adapter address, lobe
number, TSU number, TSM number and status information on each network
component. This allows the network administrator to easily locate and
identify stations and network components for asset control, maintenance
and troubleshooting.

Pricing and Availability

TokenStack products will be available in volume quantities immediately. The
following table outlines pricing information:

TokenStack Hubs    Price    Description.....

1105-10TSM         $3,290   10 port token ring managed hub, UTP/RJ45
1105-20TSM         $4,490   20 port token ring managed hub, UTP/RJ45
1105-20TSU         $2,630   20 port token ring unmanaged hub, UTP/RJ45
1105-20TSU-UDC     $2,630   20 port token ring unmanaged hub, STP/IBM

Warranty/Technical Support

ODS offers a one-year warranty on all TokenStack hubs through the NetShield
service program. NetShield provides five distinct levels of network
maintenance and warranty options ranging from Standard to Platinum. The
Standard service includes free support from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Monday-Friday, CST. Users can also request information, post notes or
receive updates on the Internet at help@ods.com or via the ODS Home Page
at http://www.ods.com/

Optical Data Systems, Inc. (ODS)

Optical Data Systems provides intelligent hubs and related computer
networking and internetworking products. ODS' products support the five
industry standards currently in use today: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet (both),
Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) and the Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (ATM). ODS' products--intelligent hubs integrate user
modules, network management modules, multi-protocol bridges and routers
and other accessory products into complex LANs, MANs and WANs enabling
customers to create an integrated, highly reliable network infrastructure
to support their heterogeneous computing environment.

Optical Data Systems Inc
1101 E. Arapaho Rd
Richardson, TX 75081
214-301-3811,  fax 214-301-3893

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