Intel Enhances Performance of Gigabit Connectivity

Scalable Solutions Help Optimize Network Speed and Control

HILLSBORO, Ore., April 28, 1998 – Intel Corporation today helped substantially increase the performance of Gigabit Ethernet server connections with the introduction of new solutions ranging from silicon to systems. The Intel® Express Gigabit Switch provides a 32Gbps (gigabits per second) nonblocking wire-speed throughput on all ports and modules helping to enhance network speed from switched connections to the backbone. Through Intel's unique silicon integration capabilities, the Intel PRO/1000 Gigabit Server Adapter helps to enable breakthrough server performance at nearly twice the industry average of other Gigabit Ethernet adapters and at nearly one-half the price. These two products, combined with Intel's existing line of networking products, offer more comprehensive network solutions for campus networking environments by enabling scalability from 10Mbps (megabits per second) to 100Mbps to 1000Mbps.

"Our Gigabit Ethernet products are a perfect example of how Intel is providing balanced computing solutions by matching the performance of the network to the performance of client and server platforms," said Frank Gill, executive vice president and general manager, Intel's Small Business and Networking Group. "For customers requiring increased speed, Intel's Gigabit Ethernet products provide a solution that can be affordably implemented and supported along with their existing Ethernet infrastructure."

The Intel Express Gigabit Switch, which was jointly developed with Lucent Technologies (via its acquisition earlier this year of startup Prominet Corporation), incorporates Lucent's Cajun Switch Architecture* to deliver increased capacity, consolidation of network traffic and enhanced network availability. The Intel Express Gigabit Switch also includes support for a redundant power supply and Web-based management tools helping to enable network administrators to easily ensure network "up-time," maximize productivity and ultimately, increase profitability.

The PRO/1000 Gigabit Server adapter is based on Intel's 82542 Gigabit Ethernet Controller, the most highly integrated Gigabit controller on the market today, combining the media access controller (MAC), on-board RAM and a high-performance 64-bit PCI interface into a single device. In addition, Intel has teamed with Compaq Computer, the industry leading server manufacturer, to deliver the highest possible performance, system compatibility and server up-time with features like PCI Hot Plug** and Intel's Adapter Fault Tolerance. Both the Intel Express Gigabit Switch and PRO/1000 Gigabit Server Adapter support IEEE 802.1p and 802.1Q standards. These standards help consolidate, control and maximize network traffic. When combined with features such as fault tolerance, link aggregation and redundant power supplies, Intel's Gigabit solution helps to ensure network connectivity to "mission critical" applications. The Intel Gigabit product family provides a more comprehensive solution that helps enable network administrators to deliver cost-effective, balanced computing performance across their entire networks.

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. Information on Intel's entire family of networking solutions can be found at www.intel.com/network.

Technical Features

Pricing and Availability

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

**PCI Hot Plug* is a result of the Compaq/Intel strategic alliance.