ZyXEL's New 56K Hub/Router Offers Best Value for SOHO and Small Business Connectivity
PLACENTIA, Calif., August 26, 1998 �V For many small businesses, the prospect of using hubs or routers to more efficiently access the Internet and route Internet traffic is intimidating because these products seem too technical (i.e., not user friendly) or too costly. In response to both of these issues, ZyXEL Communications today announced two new Internet routers with built-in hubs that enable simultaneous Internet and LAN connectivity for SOHO, small business, and branch office users.
"As the number of branch and remote offices continues to grow, corporate IS departments are challenged to support those offices," said John Moore, general manager and vice president of operations. "ZyXEL��s charter is to provide affordable products that will enable branch offices and telecommuters to effectively communicate and share resources with their headquarters."
Designed for 56Kbps public switching (PSTN) and ISDN networks respectively, the
Prestige 100MH and Prestige 100IH combine the best features of both a high-speed router for fast connectivity to the Internet and the functionality of a hub to allow multiple users to share a single Internet connection. In addition, the new Prestige routers address two deciding factors driving SOHO and small business buyers: affordability and ease of use. With a list price of $449 and an estimated street price between $329-359, both models are priced 30 percent lower than comparable products from other manufacturers.
The Prestige routers with built-in hubs are easy to manage and configure due to ZyXEL��s Prestige Web Configurator (PWC), a Java-based tool that provides a simple menu-driven interface. With the PWC, the typical setup and configuration time ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on a user��s level of computer experience.
"From a pricing and ease-of-use standpoint, we designed the Prestige models to take the risk out of the equation for the SOHO and small business users, who may be tentative about purchasing and using a router or hub," said Munira Brooks, marketing director for ZyXEL Communications Inc. "With this type of complete solution, small businesses and remote offices can enjoy greater speed when accessing the Internet."
The products�� core routing capabilities provide Internet access, LAN-to-LAN connectivity, and remote access. The integrated 4-port 10BaseT hub extends those capabilities to allow up to four users to connect through the same device. Thus, the need for separate Internet accounts and standalone modems for each PC is eliminated.
From a branding perspective, the Prestige 100MH and Prestige 100IH are the basis of ZyXEL��s Prestige SOHO series, according to Brooks. "The Prestige SOHO series routers provide high performance response, even when users are accessing the most graphically complex websites on the Internet or comprehensive database information on an enterprise intranet from a remote site," Brooks noted. Industry standard data compression and error control protocols are used to achieve the highest possible throughput.
The Prestige routers with built-in hubs are easy to manage and configure due to ZyXEL��s Prestige Web Configurator (PWC), a Java-based tool that provides a simple menu-driven interface. With the PWC, the typical setup and configuration time ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on a user��s level of computer experience.
"From a pricing and ease-of-use standpoint, we designed the Prestige models to take the risk out of the equation for the SOHO and small business users, who may be tentative about purchasing and using a router or hub," said Munira Brooks, marketing director for ZyXEL Communications Inc. "With this type of complete solution, small businesses and remote offices can enjoy greater speed when accessing the Internet."
The products�� core routing capabilities provide Internet access, LAN-to-LAN connectivity, and remote access. The integrated 4-port 10BaseT hub extends those capabilities to allow up to four users to connect through the same device. Thus, the need for separate Internet accounts and standalone modems for each PC is eliminated.
From a branding perspective, the Prestige 100MH and Prestige 100IH are the basis of ZyXEL��s Prestige SOHO series, according to Brooks. "The Prestige SOHO series routers provide high performance response, even when users are accessing the most graphically complex websites on the Internet or comprehensive database information on an enterprise intranet from a remote site," Brooks noted. Industry standard data compression and error control protocols are used to achieve the highest possible throughput.
Cost-Saving Connectivity
The Prestige SOHO Series routers feature ZyXEL��s Single User Account (SUA), which is an enhanced Network Address Translation (NAT). SUA permits an unlimited number of users to access the Internet while subscribing to only a single IP address.
Using SUA and dynamic IP address assignment, ZyXEL��s unique Multiple Single User Account allows access to the Internet and a corporation��s network using one address for each connection. With the Prestige 100IH, access can be simultaneous because the product offers two channels.
Without any additional configuration of the unit, ZyXEL��s SUA supports those Internet applications that require two-way communication between hosts and cannot run on traditional NAT environments, including Internet Relay Chat (IRC), MS Tracert, RealAudio, CU SeeMe, VDOLive, and Quake.
For maximum speed of up to 56Kbps, the 100MH model comes with a built-in 56Kbps analog modem allows users to take advantage of highest analog speeds available from the PSTN. In addition, the Prestige 100MH��s Dial-On-Demand feature minimizes user intervention when connecting.
Network Management and Robust Security Built-In
The Prestige SOHO series routers are both easy to install and maintain, beginning with ZyXEL��s new Java-based Prestige Web Configurator. Prestige��s built-in menu-driven user interface allows for simplified network management either locally or remotely via Telnet connections. The ability to act as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server simplifies the set-up of clients, including Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT. Call history and syslog features allow for comprehensive call tracking. The Flash EPROM makes upgrades and feature enhancements easy without losing a user��s configuration.
In response to an increasing emphasis on tight security, especially for remote users linking back to corporate enterprise networks, the Prestige models feature a password-protected system management terminal; user authentication by the Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) and Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) for PPP links between routers; and PPP call back that allows only authorized analog dial-up WAN connections to a network. In addition, the firewall filtering provides controlled access to and from a network.
The Prestige 100IH provides special analog port features, such as call waiting to place a call on hold while answering another incoming call, three-way calling to add another party to an existing call, call transferring to transfer an active call to a third party, and call forwarding. Through a reminder ring feature, users are alerted every time a call has been forwarded with a single ring to the telephone.
Pricing & Availability
Both the Prestige 100IH and Prestige 100MH are list-priced at $449, with an estimated street price between $329 and $359. The products are currently shipping.
About ZyXEL Communications
ZyXEL Communications Inc., (http://www.zyxel.com), located in Placentia, Calif., is a leading supplier of high-speed ISDN terminal adapters, ISDN remote access routers, modems, and compatible LAN/WAN data communications products. Since its inception, ZyXEL has built a strong reputation as a price/performance leader in connectivity devices by providing high quality and high performance at affordable prices.