Intel Creates New Scalable Network Switching Solution

Provides 10/100 Mbps Workgroup Connectivity Down to the Desktop

HILLSBORO, Ore., Nov. 17, 1997 – Breaking the mold of historical non-scalable switching technology, Intel Corporation today introduced the Intel Express 510T Switch, a scalable workgroup switch that provides 10/100 Mbps (Megabits per second) connectivity directly to the desktop. This is the first switch in a series of Express switching solutions expected to be announced during the next few months. This innovative solution will provide companies significant savings by helping network administrators easily scale their network bandwidth and connections over time.

The scalable switching solution offers the features typically found in more expensive chassis-based solutions, including flexibility, expandability and fault tolerance while providing the affordability and ease-of-use characteristic of stand-alone switching options. While the 24-port switch is currently capable of scaling up to 56 ports, future product releases will extend the Express 510T Switch's scaling capacity to 196 fully-managed ports. The unique scalable feature helps to reduce bottlenecks in the network by providing fast interconnectivity between the switches and connectivity directly to the desktop.

The Express 510T Switch's flexible base unit and 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation feature that recognizes 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps speed at each port allow the transition to Fast Ethernet to take place at the desktop. This enables users with differing needs to exist in the same workgroup environment and gives network administrators the ability to control the costs associated with migrating large groups of users to higher bandwidth solutions. With two expansion slots, the switch can accommodate additional TX ports, fiber connections and a stack interface module for scaling multiple switches. Additionally, the switch supports an easy migration path to Gigabit Ethernet.

"With the Express 510T Switch we've developed a new category for switches, incorporating the benefits of more expensive chassis-based switches with the affordability and ease of use that network administrators are looking for," said Frank Gill, executive vice president and general manager, Intel's Internet and Communications Group. "The flexibility and scalability of the Intel Express 510T Switch reinforces Intel's commitment to help businesses migrate their networks to keep pace with the growing demands of their businesses."

Also included is Intel Device View for easy Web and Windows*-based management. Intel Device View enables customers to administer Intel Express switches from virtually any networked PC. This intuitive software simplifies the management of Intel's hubs and switches, saving network administrators considerable time and effort.

Enabling efficient switching solutions is a key element of Intel's strategy of delivering comprehensive 10/100 Mbps networking solutions for high-performance PCs based on Intel processors. In addition to the Express family of switch products, Intel's line of networking products includes network hubs, routers, adapters and management software.

Pricing and Availability
Intel's Express 510T Switches will be shipping at the suggested list price of $4,775 (U.S.) per unit or $199 per port on Dec. 1. The four-port 10/100 TX Module and the two-port 100 FX Module will be available on Dec. 8 at the suggested list prices of $995 (U.S.) and $1,495 (U.S.) respectively. The Stack Interface Module will be made available in February at the suggested list price of $299 (U.S.). Intel Device View for Web will be available in February for existing customers to download free of charge from Intel's Web site. Information on Intel's entire family of switching solutions can be found at www.intel.com/network/products/express_switches.htm.

All Intel networking products are available worldwide through a network of distributors and value-added resellers. Additional product information is available at (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers; at (44) 1-793-431-155 for European customers; or at (503) 264-7354 for other international customers.

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