SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec. 14, 1998–Start-up FlowWise Networks, a pioneering developer of router acceleration products, today introduced AutoGuard(TM), an automatic bypass switch that eliminates the FlowWise Router Accelerator as a single point of network failure and allows users to replace the Router Accelerator on a live, production network. When combined with the FlowWise IMS 800 or IMS 1600 Router Accelerator, the new device provides organizations with a low risk, high availability solution for increasing the performance of business-critical networks.

When activated, the AutoGuard switch automatically directs traffic to bypass the Router Accelerator and connects all links directly to the backbone router. Except for a temporary reduction in network performance, the bypass process is transparent to users and enables the network administrator to replace the FlowWise Router Accelerator without network disruption. Remarkably, AutoGuard also works during a complete loss of power to itself or the Router Accelerator, forwarding network traffic to the backbone router while in a passive state.

According to RELM, Inc., an independent product testing laboratory, AutoGuard boosts the already-outstanding network availability of FlowWise Router Accelerators to an even higher level — an expected average of just one failure in 260,000 hours (30 years) of continuous operation.

“As organizations become increasingly reliant on their network for critical applications, financial transactions, and workflow, downtime has become unacceptable,” said Randy Fardal, vice president of marketing for FlowWise Networks. “For many organizations, that means removing single points of failure in the network. AutoGuard virtually eliminates the FlowWise Router Accelerator as a source for downtime, and provides increased reliability for critical applications. With AutoGuard, FlowWise Router Accelerators provide a dramatic boost in network performance and deliver previously unattainable levels of reliability.”

AutoGuard is installed in front of the IMS 800 or IMS 1600 Router Accelerator and the existing backbone router. Using auto-sensing technology, the AutoGuard bypass switch constantly audits the Router Accelerator for loss of power or loss of heartbeat and automatically directs traffic to bypass the Router Accelerator when it encounters a fault. AutoGuard is compatible with Cisco’s HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol), allowing use of Router Accelerators and AutoGuard bypass switches with dual, redundant backbone routers. The AutoGuard switch can be mounted in a standard 19-inch equipment rack and has 32 RJ-45 ports.

“The Router Accelerator concept offers organizations an outstanding combination of simplicity, price, and performance for extending the life of their installed routers,” said David Passmore, at NetReference, Inc. “With the addition of AutoGuard, a Router Accelerator is now better able to serve critical networks that require extremely high performance and reliability.”

Availability and Pricing

Priced at $2,500, the AutoGuard automatic bypass switch is available immediately. When purchased with the IMS 800 or IMS 1600 the price is $2,000.

About FlowWise Networks

Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., FlowWise Networks provides high-performance router acceleration products that are self-configuring. These products enable enterprises to enhance the performance of their networks, with virtually no disruption of service. FlowWise Router Accelerators boost the performance of Cisco Systems (Nasdaq:CSCO), Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT), 3Com (Nasdaq:COMS), and all other routers. The company has announced strategic alliances with Lucent Technologies (NYSE:LU) and Ericsson (Nasdaq:ERICY).

FlowWise Networks is financed by a combination of venture capital sources and corporate investors, including Battery Ventures, Venrock Associates, Mitsubishi Electronics, InveStar Capital, TL Ventures, and Alta Partners.