End-of-Sale For Token Ring Adapters
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END-OF-LIFE NOTICE, NO. 827
INTRODUCTION
Cisco Systems
® is announcing the End-of-Sale of two Token Ring port adapters: PA-4R and PA-4R-FDX. These products are being replaced by the new Dedicated Token Ring Port Adapter (PA-4R-DTR), which provides more functionality and higher throughput capability.
DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS
Table 1 lists the discontinued products and their replacements.
Table 1. Discontinued Products
| Existing Product Number |
Description |
Replacement Product Number |
| PA-4R(=) |
4-port Token Ring Port Adapter |
PA-4R-DTR(=) |
| PA-4R-FDX(=) |
4-port Full-Duplex Token Ring Port Adapter |
PA-4R-DTR(=) |
The End-of-Sale Date is July 30, 1999, and the Last Ship Date is August 30, 1999.
REPLACEMENT PRODUCT INFORMATION
The port adapters being discontinued have been available for more than two years and utilize electronic components that soon will no longer be available. As a result, Cisco has developed a replacement for these port adapters that uses newer technology components. The new Dedicated Token Ring Port Adapter (PA-4R-DTR) can replace either of the discontinued port adapters in most installations. The PA-4R-DTR Port Adapter, which is currently shipping, is the preferred choice for several reasons:
• It has a lower purchase price than the End-of-Sale adapters.
• It has a higher packet throughput capability.
• It has more functionality (for example, IEEE 802.5r concentrator port capability).
• It uses new, improved technology.
The PA-4R-DTR Port Adapter is supported in Cisco IOS
® Software Releases 11.1CA, 11.1CC, 11.3T, 12.0, and later (see Table
E:\Carolyn_Work\LWI.COM\CISVS-8343 CDO EOL PB Refresh\_orig\827_PP.htm - 35283for specific maintenance releases where support begins). The PA-4R-DTR Port Adapter is not currently supported in Cisco IOS Release 11.2 or in Cisco IOS Release 11.1 Mainline and earlier releases.
Table 2. Cisco IOS Release Support
Whenever possible, customers should select the PA-4R-DTR Port Adapter for their Token Ring connectivity on Cisco 7200 and Cisco 7500 Series routers. However, Cisco understands that some customers may have requirements to continue using one of the older adapters. For example, customers may require an older adapter if they have begun a rollout plan and have standardized on a Cisco IOS release that does not support the PA-4R-DTR. Customers planning on a new rollout of Token Ring port adapters should choose the PA-4R-DTR with an appropriate software release. If this is not possible, the rollout should plan to conclude prior to July 30, 1999. Beyond this date, Cisco cannot guarantee availability of the discontinued products.
SUPPORT PROGRAMS
End-of-Sale refers to the time when certain products are no longer available for new purchases. It does not apply to the service and support programs for those products. Cisco will continue to support the Token Ring port adapters after End-of-Sale through its SMARTnet
® and Comprehensive Maintenance programs. Customers with either of these service contracts are entitled to free software updates, 24-hour phone support through the Technical Assistance Center (TAC), and advance replacement hardware for repairs. Comprehensive Maintenance customers also receive onsite service. To meet specific requirements, customers who do not have a maintenance contract can purchase software updates and hardware repair services rather than full-service coverage. Cisco is committed to providing software support for a minimum of two years and providing hardware support for five years after the End-of-Sale date.
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