Kontron´s New High Performance CompactPCI Ethernet Switch Provides Full Wire Speed Switching and Maximum Density

Embedded Systems Conference, San Francisco, March 13, 2002 - Kontron, a leading global embedded computer technology company, announces the release of a high performance CompactPCI fast Ethernet switch. The new XL-ES24 is a 6U managed layer 2/3 switch that provides maximum density, ultra-high connection speeds and improved reliability while minimizing external wiring. The XL-ES24 is compatible with Kontrons 2.16 compliant platform family which includes the XL-VHDS, XL-PSB and the newly released XL-LP42 high density packet switched platform. The XL-ES24 is ideal for telecom and datacom applications, especially for OEMs developing next-generation Internet and voice communications networks.

The XL-ES24 provides twenty-two 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for PICMG 2.16- compliant in-chassis switching duties to the mid-plane connectors. Layer 2 switching functions include two front-panel 10/100 RJ-45 ports and two Gigabit Ethernet (100/1000BASE-T) ports for flexibility, fast connection speeds and speedy "out-of-the-box" communication.

The switch provides an auto-negotiation function for 10M/100M or 100M/1000M speed, duplex (full and half) and flow control. It also has GVRP (GARP VLAN registration protocol) for automatic VLAN configuration distribution.

The new switch minimizes time-consuming and messy external cabling to interconnect boards. Console access is through an RS-232 serial cable to configure SNMP, Telnet, CLI and RMON management functionalities and for system diagnosis such statistics, history, alarm and event. The XL-ES24 features an easy-to-use browser and Web-based management capabilities; routing and switching are at full wire speed on all ports, utilizing non-blocking architecture.

The XL-ES24 is hot-swappable with corresponding LED indication, and also has status LEDs for Ethernet port link, speed and activity. The board is compatible with all PICMG 2.16 compliant systems.

The XL-ES24 is available for immediate delivery in OEM quantities.

Reader Service Inquires: Please forward all reader service inquiries to 888-294-4558; sales@us.kontron.com.

About Kontron: Kontron is a leading global embedded computer technology company. Kontron supplies a diversified customer base of OEMs, system integrators and application providers in the communications, automation, transportation, medical, military, aerospace, test and measurement, and encryption security markets. The company helps its customers to considerably reduce their time-to-market and to gain a competitive advantage with products including high-performance open computer platforms and systems, single-board computers, man-machine interfaces and mobile computers. Kontron is a member of the Intel Applied Computing Platform Provider Program (ACPP Program). Kontron employs over 1100 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. The company is listed on the German Neuer Markt stock exchange under the symbol "KBC".

For more information on Kontron, please visit: www.kontron.com

Kontron Media Contacts:
Dan Pirro
Corporate Director, Marketing Communications
Phone: 450.437.5682
dan.pirro@ca.kontron.com

Jennifer Rodriguez
Senior Marketing Communications Specialist
Phone: 858.677.0877
jennifer.rodriguez@us.kontron.com

Technical & Pricing
Jan-Philippe De Broeck
CompactPCI Product Manager
450.437.5682
jan-philippe.debroeck@ca.kontron.com