T-1 WAN card from Network Peripherals combines layer 3 switching with Internet access to potentially eliminate dedicated routers. Card is designed for NPI's Gigabit Ethernet switches.

by Wayne Kawamoto [April 17, 2001]

Network Peripherals announced its new wide area networking (WAN) card for fixed enterprise network switches that combines Internet access with Layer 3 functionality.

According to the company, its new WAN card may be used to replace a dedicated router at a customer's site, which can save both money and space in customer premises equipment (CPE).

The new WAN card is designed for T-1 frame relay Internet access and may be used in NPI's Cornerstone6g, Cornerstone12g and Keystone24mg Gigabit Ethernet switches.

NPI believes the card is an ideal solution for mid-sized enterprise networks and work groups that need high-speed Internet access. The WAN card has an integrated channel service unit/data service unit (CSU/DSU) interface, which may eliminate the need for additional equipment between the T-1 interface and network.

"This WAN card will help ISPs better serve their customers by simplifying and reducing the cost of customer premises equipment," said James Regel, president and CEO of NPI.

"And it will help network owners adopt Layer 3 technology to relieve traffic congestion on their backbone while increasing speed and reliability. It's an important product advancement for NPI, allowing us to more aggressively pursue ISP, ASP, shared bandwidth, e-commerce and other wide-area infrastructure markets."

Pricing and availability
Available in May, the card will include two T-1 interfaces and will sell for a suggested retail price of $2,495. The product will be sold through NPI's network of value added resellers and OEM partners.

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