The Nortel Networks Access Stack Node (ASN) is a stackable router architecture providing cost-effective solutions for enterprise network centers. Nortel Networks Switched Internetworking Services (BaySIS) operating in the ASN provides features for today's evolving Internetworks with migration to the future of switched intra- and internetworking. The ASN provides seamless integration of multiple units stacked together for management as a single router. This architecture eases the management of a growing network because adding interfaces beyond a unit's capacity does not require replacement of routers - or additional complexity - in the network.
The ASN maximizes connectivity and enhances interoperability by supporting all major network and bridging protocols, wide area services, and IBM standards. Additionally, the ASN's fault-resilient system software ensures high network availability. The ASN uses a highly scalable architecture, which provides cost-effective, growth-oriented solutions for enterprise network centers.