LANCAST Introduces Industry's First Fast Ethernet Twisted Pair-to-Fiber
Media Translator

"the twister" Offers A Cost Effective Way to Extend Network Size

August 28, 1995, Amherst, NH -- LANCAST, a leading provider of innovative
and cost-effective Ethernet solutions, today announced the industry's
first 100Mbps Ethernet media translator to provide a cost-effective method
for extending Fast Ethernet networks to their maximum size.

LANCAST's "the twister" is the third in a family of Fast Ethernet repeaters
and translators designed to allow customers to go directly from twisted
pair to fiber optics networks. By providing users with affordable,
reliable and transparent media conversion, "the twister" allows the
seamless integration of UTP Category 5 and fiber optics Fast Ethernet
segments, giving users up to 2 kilometers between Fast Ethernet nodes.

"Five years ago, LANCAST invented the 10 Mbps media translator which links
network segments across any combination of media connections. That is
still our biggest selling product because it allows customers to solve
cabling problems without buying a whole new set of products," said Asbjorn
Sorhaug, LANCAST's chief operating officer. "With this new 100 Mbps
translator, we are now able to offer customers a way to cost-effectively
begin implementing the new Fast Ethernet technology."

Media Translation

The twister's shielded RJ-45 connector supports 100BASE-TX links up to 100
meters over Category 5 unshielded twisted pair cable. The SC-type fiber
optic connectors support 100BASE-FX links up to 2 kilometers over
50/125um, 62.5/125um or 100/140um multimode duplex fiber optic cable.

The twister fully restores and retimes signals from both Category 5 and
fiber cables so it is totally transparent to normal network operation. The
distance limitation imposed by each medium remains unaffected.

Signal activity is reliably translated to assure accurate communication and
collision detection in the connected segments. Five LEDs provide visible
verification of translator status and proper unit functioning and aid in
overall network diagnosis and management.

The twister's high performance 100 Mbps half duplex operation is fully
compliant with the latest IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet protocols and
standards to ensure interoperability with other Fast Ethernet-compliant
devices. For high bandwidth applications in a switched environment, "the
twister" supports full duplex operation for data rates up to 200 Mbps.

Pricing and Availability

The twister will begin shipping in September with a suggested list price of
$799. The twister carries a three-year warranty and will be available
through LANCAST's standard distribution channels.

LANCAST is a leading provider of innovative, cost-effective and
standards-based solutions for Ethernet networks. The company's
connectivity products include network interface cards, transceivers,
repeaters, intelligent workgroup hubs, switches and network management
tools for both and 100 Mbps LANs. LANCAST products are sold through a
solid distribution channel of catalog distributors, regional distributors,
large systems integrators and OEM customers. LANCAST was founded in 1981
and is headquartered in Amherst, New Hampshire.
 
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