            D A T A   C O M M U N I C A T I O N S  P R O D U C T S

AST-Ethernet Family

High-Performance Local Area Networks for AST Premium Computer Products, IBM
Personal System/2(TM) Model 25 and 30, PC/XT/AT and Compatibles.

     o Meets IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Specification

     o Standard and Thin Wire Compatibility

     o On-Board Diagnostics

     o Utilizes Shared RAM for Fastest Computer to Network Adapter
       Communication (No DMA Conflicts)

     o Smart Switch(TM) Software Configuration Program Eliminates DIP Switch
       Concerns and Hardware Conflicts

     o Support for Sun's PC-NFS--Including TCP/IP Protocol Support

     o 5250, 3270 Local and Remote Gateway Support

     o Full Ethernet Cost/Performance Solution with AST Ethernet and AST
       EtherNode

     o No "Support Loops" with AST's Single Vendor Solution


The AST-Ethernet Family provides unsurpassed ratios of price/performance for
the high-end Local Area Network market.  Conforming to the IEEE 802.3
specification, it represents a combination of full-featured network adapter
boards designed for users who demand the most from PC connectivity and future
upgrade potential.

Unlike other Ethernet adapters, the AST-Ethernet Family has been designed to
take advantage of highspeed computers operating with zero- wait states. The
Dual Ported RAM design provides the fastest adapter to host data transfer rate
achievable while eliminating DMA channel conflicts. The AST-Ethernet board
provides either 8- or 16-bit host data transfer for high end file server
applications and workstations experiencing heavy LAN usage. ASTEtherNode
delivers low-cost 8-bit support for workstations undergoing normal LAN usage.

You'll notice that the members of the AST-Ethernet Family do not have hardware
configuration jumpers. All hardware is configured using a proprietary ASIC,
the AST Smart Switch. Even if power is removed from your LAN system, the
configuration is saved in an EEPROM on the ASIC.  A configuration utility
allows you to view or modify your hardware configuration from the keyboard
without having to touch the actual adapter.

Another practical use of hardware is the Remote Boot PROM, standard on
AST-Ethernet and optional on AST-Ethernode. It permits the incorporation of
inexpensive diskless workstations by remotely attaching the host computer to a
NetWare(R) V.2.0a, 2.1 or 2.11 network. Just think of the lower cost and
tightened securityassociated with the elimination of unnecessary local hard or
floppy disks.

The AST-Ethernet Family satisfies a large number of applications for any size
department or company. It is an ideal high-performance LAN solution for areas
such as desktop publishing, CAD/CAM, engineering and accounting.


System Requirements

IBM PC/XT/AT or compatibles or Personal System/2 Model 30 with 256K minimum
memory, AST-Ethernet network adapter, DOS 3.1 or later.


Specifications

AST-Ethernet Family  Thin Wire

Standard Protocol Compliance: IEEE 802.3 (IOBASE-2)

Bandwidth/Transmit Rate:      10 MB baseband CSMA/CD bus

Cable Type:         Thin Ethernet coaxial (RG 58 A/U or RG 58 C/U)

Maximum Number of Nodes*      86

Maximum Length (unabridged):  3000 feet (900 meters)

Max. Number of Nodes per Segment:  30

Maximum Length per Segment:   1000 feet (see Prod. Differentiation)

Max. Segments per Network:    3

Additional Segments** Allowed:     Up to 2

Transceivers Used:       On-board

Min. Separation Between Cable Taps:     1.5 feet (0.5 meters)

Type of Board Connector: Male BNC on end of board that connects to cable's
                         T-connector


AST-Ethernet Adapter Network

I/O Ports:     Starting I/O Address Options 380, 388, 390 and 398

Hardware Interrupt: 8-bit systems: IRQ 2-5; 16-bit systems; IRQ 2-5, 10-12 & 15

DMA Channels Used:  None required

Adapter Card-to-Host:     Shared RAM

Adapter Size:  Standard IBM ""full length''

Power:    2.7 A at 5V typical, 4 A max., 0.5 A at 12V max.


Specifications

AST-Ethernet Family - Standard Ethernet

Standard Protocol Compliance: IEE 802.3 (IOBASES)

Bandwidth/Transmit Rate: 10 MB baseband CSMA/CD bus

Cable Type:    Thick coaxil

Maximum Number of Nodes: 296

Maximum Length (unabridged):  8000 feet (2400 meters)

Max. Number of Nodes per Segment:  100

Maximum Length per Segment:   1600 feet (see Prod. Differentiation

Max. Segments per Network:    3

Additional Segments Allowed:  Up to 2

Transceivers Used:  External transceivers with 160 foot (50 meters) drop cable

Min. Separation Between Cable Taps:     8 feet (2.5 meters)

Type of Board Connector: 15 pin female D shell connector on end of board that
                         connects to transceiver



Product Differentiation

Description:                       AST-Ethernet             AST- EtherNode

Max. Thin Wire Length per Segment: 600 feet                 1000 feet

Data Bus Width:                    8- or 16-bit, self sensing    8-bit only

Data Transfer Method:              Shared Memory            Shared Memory

On-Board Memory:                   8Kb to 64Kb                   8Kb

LAN Controller:                    82586                         82586

Adapter Size:                      Full size                     3/4 size

*  This includes repeaters: each repeater reduces the maximum number of nodes
   per segment by 1.

** Additional segments are allowed only if there are no attached nodes(link
   segments). Unless a network contains exactly two adjacent link segments,
   you must connect segments with repeaters.AST, AST logo and AST Premium
   registered and AST-Ethernet, AST-EtherNode and Smart Switch trademarks AST
   Research, Inc.  All other brand and product names are trademarks or
   registered trademarks of their respective companies.  Copyright  1988 AST
   Research, Inc.  All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change
   without notice.
