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COMSAT’S LINK ONE OFFERS NET WORKING ACCESS

BETHESDA, Md.-Comsat Corp. said its new satellite-based tool will offer service providers access to advanced networking technologies normally associated with sophisticated wireline networks.

The product, called Link One, is scheduled to be commercially available in mid-1998.

Link One incorporates Asynchronous Transfer Mode, Frame Relay, Signaling System 7 and Integrated Services Digital Network technologies within one platform that is compatible with small satellite antennas, explained Comsat.

The company said Link One will make it possible to extend advanced business applications and networks to virtually anywhere in the world, including regions where traditional telephone infrastructure doesn’t exist.

Using Link One, network operators anywhere in a network and at any time can access the transmission rate they need, the company said. In addition, advanced networks can be created without having to be routed through a central hub, and the technology can be used to integrate satellite service and fiber-optic networks to ensure consistent service delivery.

Link One will support user information rates up to 2 megabits per second with small antennas (down to 2.4 meters) and up to 32 mbps with large antennas (11 meters). The platform operates on hardware and software developed by Comsat Laboratories, and with each Linkway 2000 unit, carriers can choose two of the four application interfaces. Up to 16 units can be stacked in one location, providing a maximum of 32 interfaces and an aggregate data rate of 32 mbps, added Comsat.

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