IBM Accelerates Network-Centric Computing with New Wireless and Network Enhancements

IBM's latest mobile computing and computer networking announcements aim to bring customers into the emerging world of network-centric computing, where information is accessible anytime, anywhere. The company's new wireless computing products and enhancements to its ATM network offerings are designed to provide low-cost solutions for small and wide-ranging user groups. These announcements include the introduction of new wireless laptop computer modems, a new Token-Ring switch, and enhanced Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) products.

Key Takeaways:

• IBM introduced its new Wireless LAN (local area network) Entry Product Family, a laptop computer adapter that communicates with the IBM 8227 access terminal, linking remote users to an Ethernet network.
• The new adapter enables users to access critical information, such as patient data, inventory information, and instructions, from anywhere, as if they were physically connected to an existing LAN.
• IBM announced three new wireless laptop computer modems: IBM Wireless Modem for ARDIS, IBM Wireless Modem for Mobitex, and IBM Wireless Modem for Cellular/CDPD, providing fast access to nationwide data communications services.
• The company's new IBM 8272 LANStreamer switch features ATM connectivity up to 155 Mbps and a price tag in the Ethernet range.
• IBM's ATM offerings now offer maximum throughput of 155 million bits per second (Mbps), in addition to the 25 Mbps and 100 Mbps previously available.
• The new ATM Concentration Module will permit customers to link their IBM 8260 intelligent Hubs to ATM high-performance servers, multimedia workstations, and other 8260s.
• The module employs economical SC (Subscriber Connector) connectors, which customers can use to link all the fiber-attached ATM elements in their networks.
• A new 155 Mbps ATM uplink connection for the IBM 8271 EtherStreamer switch and the new IBM 8272 LANStreamer switch for Token-Ring gives customers the option to connect high-speed ATM networks.
• A new 155 Mbps TURBOWAYS ATM adapter, with PCI bus and AIX support, tops off current 25 and 100 Mbps versions and furnishes desktop users with another choice when they decide to install powerful new high-performance ATM servers and workstations.
• Enhanced function for IBM's economical, entry level 25 Mbps TURBOWAYS ATM workstation adapter adds PCI bus support for OS/2 to the previously available DOS and Micro Channel capabilities.
• Four new or enhanced Ethernet switches, routers, and hubs were also announced, as well as upgrades to network management software.

Statistics:

• The new IBM 8227 access terminal can link remote users to an Ethernet network at speeds up to 10 Mbps.
• The IBM Wireless Modem for ARDIS, IBM Wireless Modem for Mobitex, and IBM Wireless Modem for Cellular/CDPD modems provide fast access to nationwide data communications services at speeds up to 9600 bps.
• The IBM 8272 LANStreamer switch features ATM connectivity up to 155 Mbps.
• IBM's ATM offerings now offer maximum throughput of 155 million bits per second (Mbps), in addition to the 25 Mbps and 100 Mbps previously available.
• The new ATM Concentration Module can link up to 10 IBM 8260 intelligent Hubs.
• The module employs economical SC (Subscriber Connector) connectors, which customers can use to link all the fiber-attached ATM elements in their networks.
• The new 155 Mbps ATM uplink connection for the IBM 8271 EtherStreamer switch and the new IBM 8272 LANStreamer switch for Token-Ring can transmit data at speeds up to 155 Mbps.
• The new 155 Mbps TURBOWAYS ATM adapter, with PCI bus and AIX support, can transmit data at speeds up to 155 Mbps.

Sources:

• IBM press release, [No date]
• IBM press release, [No date]