Interphase introduces next generation PCI ATM Adapter; features hardware-based ABR for optimized traffic management.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 1997--Interphase Corporation (Nasdaq/NMS:INPH), a leading international supplier of local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) technologies, today announced the 5575 PCI ATM Adapter which provides optimized 155 Mbps ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) connectivity for high performance servers and workstations. Based on the (i)chip+, Interphase's next generation ATM SAR, the 5575 provides numerous performance enhancing features and optimized traffic management capabilities including simultaneous handling of ABR (available bit rate), CBR (constant bit rate) and UBR (unspecified bit rate) ATM transactions.

"A new generation of applications, including the Internet and corporate intranets, is taxing the efficient operation of enterprise networks and the servers which drive them," said Gil Widdowson, ATM technical director at Interphase. "The 5575 offers high performance, reliability, enhanced network traffic optimization and ease of installation to those network managers deploying ATM in response to this problem."

Optimized ABR Traffic Management

With hardware-based ABR, the 5575 offers dynamic network adjustment which is up to a thousand times faster than software-based ABR alternatives. This faster response time to changing network congestion optimizes overall network performance by closely mirroring real-time network traffic patterns. An innovative Interphase cell scheduling algorithm offers continuous granularity on a per-VC basis, thus further optimizing network performance under congested conditions. This differs from the "rate queue" approach utilized by many other adapters which often leads to inefficient allocation of bandwidth when network traffic become heavy. The 5575 is compliant with the ATM Forum Traffic Management 4.0 specification.

Maximized System Performance

Based on proven Interphase (i)chip ATM ASIC technology, the 5575 adapter offers a number of features which enhance overall system performance by minimizing utilization of the PCI bus. The adapter supports 128K byte bursts, providing a faster and more efficient transport of data across of the PCI bus. Performance is further enhanced by the ability to select either on-board or off-board reassembly of packets, allowing the user to tune specific system performance based on the applications being run. In addition, by making the ABR implementation transparent to real time data handling software, CPU utilization is significantly decreased.

Industry's Simplest Set-up and Administration

With CellView, a powerful user installation and diagnostic utility, the 5575 features simplified set-up and configuration. CellView allows a system administrator to quickly configure Interphase ATM adapters and collect statistical information through an intuitive graphical user interface. Among its features, CellView displays all Interphase ATM boards installed in a system including hardware version level. CellView facilitates configuration of signaling parameters, LAN Emulation Client (LEC) interfaces, the LAN Emulation Server (LES) interface, LAN Emulation Configuration Server (LECS) interfaces, and emulated LAN mapping information. Further, CellView provides information on SONET, signaling, and cell level statistics, AAL5 statistics, LEC membership and statistics, and LEC/LECS statistics.

ABR vs. UBR Demonstration at Networld + Interop Las Vegas

Interphase will be demonstrating the new 5575 adapter in conjunction with its ATM Traffic Management comparison of ABR-based performance vs. the performance of UBR with early packet discard. The demonstration features dual systems displaying real-time video received from traffic-laden networks to illustrate the performance of ABR versus UBR under congested network conditions.

Pricing and Availability

The Interphase 5575 PCI ATM Adapter is available immediately for suggested list prices beginning at $850.00. The 5575 offers single mode fiber, multimode fiber and Category 5 UTP connectivity options and is available to OEM customers directly from Interphase or through the company's international distribution channel. The new Interphase adapter comes complete with drivers for Microsoft Windows NT, Novell NetWare, Apple MacOS, Solaris X86 and IBM AIX, and includes CellView, Interphase's graphical configuration and monitoring utility for ATM adapters. Driver updates are available directly from the Interphase Web site.

About Interphase Corporation

Interphase Corporation is a leading international supplier of high-performance computer networking, mass storage, and remote access products. The company's primary product lines are based on established and emerging technologies for the high-speed transmission and storage of information in local and wide area networking environments (LANs and WANs). The LAN and mass storage products are based upon ATM, FDDI, Fast Ethernet, SCSI and Fibre Channel technologies, and provide the network interface within server and desktop environments. The WAN products employ X.25, ISDN and xDSL technologies to provide connectivity solutions for remote sites in heterogeneous, multivendor networking environments. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Interphase markets its products to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, systems integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and large end-users through a worldwide sales and service network. Additional information about Interphase, its products and services, is available through the company's web site at http://www.iphase.com . -0-

Note to Editors: For a more comprehensive explanation of how ABR traffic management can increase overall network performance, contact Interphase for a copy of the whitepaper entitled "Increasing TCP LAN Performance By Using ABR Networks: Comparing UBR-based Traffic to ABR-based Traffic on an ATM Network".

Interphase, and the Interphase logo are trademarks, and in some jurisdictions may be registered trademarks, of Interphase Corporation or its affiliated companies. (i)chip+ and CellView are a trademarks of Interphase Corporation. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Interphase Corporation

Trade:

Michael Eckley, 214/654-5325

meckley@iphase.com

or

Financial:

Bob Drury, 214/654-5000

bdrury@iphase.com

or

Meltzer & Martin Public Relations

Robert Martin

or

Larry Meltzer, 214/953-0808

mmpr@onramp.net