Madge Blue+ 16/4 ISA adapter

The highest performing fully IBM-compatible Token Ring ISA adapter

Overview
Description
Specifications
Ordering Information

Overview

The Blue+ 16/4 ISA provides the unparalleled combination of faster overall network performance with 100% IBM compatibility. It is the industry's highest performing 100% IBM compatible adapter for Token Ring networks and is ideal for general purpose use in ISA bus client PCs. Blue+ ships with Madge's Fast Blue software which provides significantly enhanced network performance while maintaining a common driver set for both Blue+ and IBM Token Ring shared memory adapters. Blue+ 16/4 ISA is 100% IBM compatible and runs all IBM Token Ring software drivers - simply replace an IBM card with Blue+ and run drivers and applications software, risk-free.

Customer Benefits

Simplified support and installation
Guaranteed 100% IBM compatibility
Risk-free upgrade for IBM desktops

Key Features

Ultimate performance for ISA PCs
Runs IBM LSP 1.2+ AND Madge FastBlue software
Up to 2 1/2 x the throughput of equivalent IBM adapters

Introduction

The Blue+ 16/4 ISA uses Madge Networks' innovative RingRunner technology, which is already deployed at the heart of the Ringswitch. Madge's suite of networking solutions enables users to leverage their technology investment--now and into the future. Total network performance starts with Madge's range of Token Ring adapters and hubs and extends through the Madge Ringswitch to future ATM products.

100% IBM Compatible

The Blue+ 16/4 ISA adapter is a plug-compatible replacement for IBM adapters and will reliably run IBM drivers and applications up to 25% faster than on equivalent IBM shared memory adapters. This approach ensures that Blue+ is backwards and forwards compatible with all applications designed for IBM environments. Furthermore, no MIS re-training costs are incurred since system configuration and installation procedures are the same.

Unparalled Performance

Blue+ 16/4 ISA performs up to 90% faster than any IBM shared memory adapter. This performance increase enables workstation users to acccess distributed databases more quickly and to achieve faster response times from workgroup applications such as Lotus Notes. Improved network performance increases workgroup productivity which, in turn, positively impacts corporate profitability.

In order to unleash the full power of Madge Networks' RingRunner, every Blue+ 16/4 ISA adapter ships with FastBlue software. Fast Blue software is Madge's version of IBM's LAN Support Program. Furthermore, FastBlue is both 100% IBM compatible and is able to increase the throughput of IBM adapters and hence, overall network performance by up to 25%. Used in combination with Blue+ 16/4 ISA, performance gains can be up to 90%. Madge FastBlue software therefore allows users to enjoy the additional benefits of maintaining a common set of high performance drivers for both IBM and Madge adapters.

Easy Installation

Blue+ 16/4 ISA provides users with the flexibility of configuring the adapter either through a software configuration program or physical switch settings. Software configuration and installation procedures are executed through Madge's user-friendly, Windows-style graphical user interface. The software configuration profile is set up once and can be quickly duplicated across many Blue+ 16/4 ISA equipped PCs. This is ideal for LAN technicians who don't have time to open up PCs to change switch settings. LAN technicians and system integrators who have used the familiar physical switch settings can install large PC networks quickly and efficiently.

Blue+ 16/4 is equipped with Auto WireSense, an on-board technology which senses the media type being used to connect to the network. Auto WireSense gives users the freedom to mix media types in the same building. Furthermore, LAN managers can save time and costs when PCs are moved as no switch settings need to be changed.

Customer Support without Limits

Blue+ 16/4 ISA is backed by Madge's world renowned expertise in Token Ring. Madge's worldwide service and support organization continues to satisify the needs of our worldwide installed base of over 2,000,000 network adapters in the most demanding Global 1000 companies.

A worldwide network of field service engineers provide on-site support, software upgrades and other technical services. Customers can also download live technical information from on-line services such as CompuServe at any time. Blue+ 16/4 ISA comes with a Lifetime Warrranty and a 30 day installation guarantee which includes free technical hotline support and on-site assistance as required.

Specifications

Network type:        4 or 16 Mbps/s IBM and
                     IEEE 802.5 Token Ring
Supply Voltage:      +5V DC ą 5
Power:               15W maximum
Bus Interface:       16-bit ISA compatible
Data Transfer:       Shared Memory
Ring Interface:      9-pin D-type socket (STP)
                     RJ45 socket (UTP)
EMC:                 FCC class A
                     EN55022 class B (STP)
                     EN55022 class A (UTP)
                     EN50082-1
Memory:              256 KB dynamic RAM on board
IRQ options:         2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15
I/O options:         0A20 (primary), 0A24 (alternate)
Boot ROM:            Universal BootROM
Dimensions:          167mm x 90mm
Weight:              0.11kg (approx.)
Temperature range:   0-50deg.C
Humidity range:      10-80% non-condensing
Warranty period:     Lifetime (*)

*Full warranty details available on request

Ordering Information

Blue+ 16/4 ISA adapter          Fast Blue Site License
Part no.   Description          Part no.   Description

62-03      (single pack)        84-16      10 User License
62-13      (ten pack)           84-17      50 User License
62-23      (twenty pack)        84-18      250 User License