Abstract

Microcom, Inc. commissioned The Tolly Group to provide independent validation of the multi-user throughput of four major vendors of remote LAN access solutions. In tests conducted from January through March, 1994, The Tolly Group Test Lab benchmarked Microcom LANExpress, 3Com Access Builder, DCA Remote LAN Node, and Shiva LANRover/8E. Several hundred tests were conducted. These tests centered around upload and download of actual IPX and IP traffic between remote end stations and LAN-based NetWare and IP servers. The lab exercised all products using line simulators and servicing, incrementally, from one to a maximum of eight simultaneous users. Both traditional V.32bis as we as V.Fast modems were tested. As network managers begin deploying remote access on a large scale, issues like aggregate throughput and port fairness will become increasingly important.

The Microcom LANexpress exhibited significant performance benefits over the other products tested. Microcom's unique parallel port driver offers a dramatic increase in speed over traditional COM1 serial connections. And, even using the serial approach, the Microcom product leads in performance.