RIO is a state-of-the-art serial connectivity solution for medium to large-scale applications. It provides up to 128 serial devices via a single server slot, and can be expanded to 512 ports per server. Ports are added via 8 and 16 port modules that can be supplied with a wide range of serial interfaces. RIO provides an exceptionally high throughput - its unique architecture provides the host card and each port module with four 10 Mbps bus channels. Port modules can be installed up to 75 meters from the host card using twisted pair cabling, and can even be daisy- chained to extend the range. Additionally, port modules can be connected up to a mile from the host via fiber optic, or longer distances via leased line, using RIO's unique connectivity modules. Port modules can be added and removed while the system is "live" (hot swapped), which means you can reconfigure without interrupting operations - essential in environments such as manufacturing plants, test suites and hospitals. Relocated units retain original port names and settings. RIO also supports fault tolerant cabling, which will re-route data in the case of cable disruption; and for complete data security, supports the connection of a standby host in case of server crashes. To enable system administrators to manage sophisticated installations, RIO includes a superb graphical management suite, which displays a map of your system and enables configuration and diagnostics down to individual port level. Windows 2000 and NT users benefit from PortDirector, a graphical configuration and mapping utility included with the 2000 and NT driver.