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# Getting Acquainted with the MAX 800

What is the MAX 800?
What are PCMCIA cards?

The MAX 800 is a flexible, reliable, WAN-access switch providing users with remote access to network devices. This remote-access solution relies on use of credit-card sized adapter cards called PCMCIA cards.

## What is the MAX 800?

The MAX 800 is a flexible, scalable switch that provides access to a Wide Area Network (WAN). The MAX 8000 enables mobile workers in small offices and telecommuters to use analog or Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) to dial in over a WAN for connection to a LAN. They can access file transfer applications, printers, email, the Internet, and other network devices exactly as if they were connected directly to the local network.

Figure 1-1. A WAN access switch gives remote users access to LAN services

The MAX 800 offers a reliable network-access solution through the use of credit-card sized adapter cards, called PCMCIA cards (also called PC cards), and software upgrades.

## What are PCMCIA cards?

A PCMCIA card is a credit card-sized adapter card that slides directly into the MAX 800. It conforms to the specifications of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), which is the technical committee that sets the standards for credit-card sized adapter cards.

Type I PCMCIA cards are 3.3 millimeters thick and are used for various types of memory enhancements. Type II cards are slightly thicker and are used for memory enhancements and communications, such as modems. Type III cards are twice as thick as Type II cards and are used mostly for features that require a larger size, such as ISDN interfaces and removable hard disk drives.

Figure 1-2. A PCMCIA card

The MAX 800 accepts two types of PCMCIA card:

- Type II PCMCIA card modems, which must be on the Ascend list of approved PCMCIA cards. The list is published on the Ascend Web site (`http://www.ascend.com/modemlist`).

- Type III PCMCIA card ISDN adapters manufactured by Ascend.

The MAX 800 supports as many as eight PCMCIA card modems or four Ascend PCMCIA card ISDN adapters. You can also use a combination of modems and ISDN adapters, but each ISDN adapter card requires two PCMCIA card slots.

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