Best ATM Switch

General DataComm Speeds To Victory

We've allotted only one category for ATM switches, and that makes picking a winner very difficult in this arena of strong contenders. There are two distinct categories of ATM switches: those that telcos buy for their central office and those that the rest of us buy for our networks. While the two are intended to be connected, their characteristics and cost points can be very different. We've chosen switches here that are used in both camps. General DataComm is a favorite among the carriers, while FORE and Newbridge are strong in the LAN market.
Our Well-Connected award goes to General DataComm (GDC). GDC rises to the top with its innovative technology. The company has aggressively purchased technology and companies that improve its ATM hand. GDC's APEX technology is leading edge, with some of the first software to do switched virtual circuits, while most of the rest of the industry still sets up permanent virtual circuits.
There has been a strong showing from the runners-up. In the LAN game, everyone's short list includes FORE Systems, which has been on the cutting edge of LAN ATM and is a leading producer of not only switches, but adapters and software as well. FORE's ASX-200 is arguably the switch to beat on the LAN.
Newbridge is also a serious player in the LAN arena. It has developed route server technology, and it is an active player in the ATM forum's discussions on LAN emulation and virtual router technology.

General DataComm APEX family of ATM products, $15,000-$300,000;
General DataComm, Straits Turnpike, P.O. Box 1299, Middlebury , CT 06762-1299. (203) 574-1118; fax (203) 758-9468. Circle reader service #366.

Runners-Up
Newbridge Networks 36150, Newbridge Networks, 593 Herndon Pkwy., Herndon, VA 22070-5241. (703) 834-3600; fax (703) 471-7080.
FORE Systems ForeRunner ASX-200 ATM Switch, FORE Systems, 174 Thorn Hill Rd.,
Warrendale, PA 15086-7535.
(412) 772-6600; fax (412) 772-6500.
LattisCell ATM Switch, Bay Networks, 4401 Great America Pkwy., P.O. Box 58185,
Santa Clara, CA 95052.
(408) 988-2400; fax (408) 988-5525.