Madge LAN Support Software

Introduction
Fastmac Plus host-based performance drivers
Smart software adapter resident drivers
Easy implementation
Operating system support
Fault tolerant server features
Software upgradeability

Introduction

Madge LAN Support Software is a comprehensive set of drivers and utilities for all Smart 16/4 Ringnodes, including Fastmac Plus and Smart Software drivers for greater flexibility.

Fastmac Plus drivers provide the ultimate throughput for servers and clients using multi-tasking operating systems, as well as DOS/Windows clients where only a single protocol is required.

Smart Software is downloaded to adapter memory and uses the Eagle processor in the TI chipset to allow onboard protocol processing. This unique and elegant approach provides memory savings, high performance and multi-protocol flexibility for DOS/Windows client PCs.

Fastmac Plus host-based drivers

For optimum performance, Madge supplies a suite of server and client PC drivers based on the latest Fastmac Plus technology. Now in its second generation, Fastmac Plus can process over 30,000 frames per second and achieves 16 Mbps wire speed with 48 byte frames.

Fastmac Plus is implemented in Madge's ODI and NDIS drivers to deliver the highest performance levels in the industry with all major operating systems. In server applications the efficiency of Fastmac Plus is reflected in low CPU utilisation providing excellent scalability for multi-port servers. As an accredited member of the Novell Certification Alliance, Madge is currently testing new Fastmac Plus drivers that offer support for enhanced desktop features, such as Symmetric Multi-processing for servers and simplified client networking via Novell's Client-32 architecture.

Madge has sucessfully licenced this technology for use in the Token Ring products of some of the largest networking companies in the world, including Cisco, Bay Networks, Newbridge and Hewlett Packard. Most recently, Madge extended its long-standing relationship with Microsoft that began in 1988 with the licencing of Madge driver technology for LAN Manager. Microsoft has announced that it is the Madge driver source tree that will now be embedded in its next generation operating systems, starting with the new 4.0 version of Windows NT.

Smart software adapter-resident drivers

Madge's Smart Software is intended for multi-protocol DOS/Windows PCs and provides the unique ability to run up to seven protocols on an adapter. The Smart protocols are downloaded to memory on the adapter, saving valuable DOS conventional memory, and simplifying complex configurations. The complete range of Smart modules includes IPX, ODI, NDIS, LLC, NetBIOS, TCP, UDP, IP, DHCP giving users the widest selection of protocols in the industry.

In a multi-protocol environment, the flexible Smart Software architecture allows many protocols to be loaded and executed in parallel. Protocol processing is off-loaded to the Eagle processor in the TI chipset and performance is not degraded by the protocol mappers normally required when host resident driver are used. With common combinations of multiple protocols the Smart Software solution saves memory and can enhance performance, compared to conventional host-based implementations.

Madge is also the only Token Ring vendor to provide its own IBM compatible LLC and NetBIOS drivers, hence Smart 16/4 Ringnode users never need to buy the IBM LAN Support Program. By providing a full protocol stack, Madge ensures that customers have full control of their network PC configurations and prevent the need to reserve the upper memory space that is required to support shared memory adapters, such as those provided by IBM. For customers who have a large installed base of these traditional Token Ring cards, Madge has introduced its own Blue+ 16/4 ISA shared memory adapters that can run both IBM LSP as well as Madge performance enhancing FastBlue software.

Easy implementation

Most network operating systems are now shipped with drivers and installation support for Smart 16/4 Ringnodes. In addition, Madge supplies a menu driven installation program on a bootable disk for rapid installation and optimisation of the LAN Support Software in each environment. Madge's IFADAP utility, which can distinguish between Madge, IBM and Xircom adapters, simplifies integration in a mixed vendor environment allowing network administrators to support all portable and desktop users with one standard boot configuration.

Operating system support

All popular server and client operating system platforms are supported. The comprehensive driver software also supports 3270/5250 terminal emulators from IBM and other vendors and supports the required interfaces for popular TCP/IP protocol stacks such as LAN WorkPlace for DOS and Winsock. All DOS drivers are compatible with Microsoft Windows and MS DOS 3.3 upwards.

Fault tolerant server features

With the increasing deployment of enterprise servers, greater fault tolerance becomes a vital requirement. Madge's unique server adapter mirroring feature provides a simple cost effective back-up ring connection for both NetWare 3.x / 4.x and Windows NT servers. Adapters can then be used in pairs making a primary and secondary connection to the same ring. If a fault occurs, normal service is immediately restored by the driver switching to the alternate path. Unique Open Options for NDIS drivers ensure that OS/2 servers and clients recover in the shortest time from cabling faults.

Software upgradeability

Madge LAN Support Software is supplied as standard with all Smart 16/4 Ringnodes. Madge is engaged in a continuous program of driver enhancement. With each successive release of software, Madge delivers performance improvements, greater flexibility and even wider support. Madge LAN Support Software has a excellent compatibility record. Drivers are always designed and tested for backwards compatibility with the installed base of Smart 16/4 Ringnodes. Customers enjoy free upgrades extending the capabilities of their existing investment. Planned free on-line upgrades include: standards-based Dedicated Token Ring server drivers and updated drivers for Novell Client 32. Madge drivers will also ship "in the box" with the upcoming Green River (4.11) release of Novell NetWare as well as the Windows NT 4.0 release planned later this year.