CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:110 814175
Ms. Tracey Ellman
PBB Group
434 Deleware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14202
The tariff classification of "WaveSwitch" 100 and FDDI
interface components from Canada.
Dear Ms. Ellman:
In your letter dated August 22, 1995, on behalf of Plain
Tree Systems, Inc., you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The merchandise under consideration involves "WaveSwitch"
100 and FDDI interface components which are used to interconnect
automatic data processing (ADP) machines with other processor
units or units of ADP systems. These devices are utilized in a
LAN format.
The "WaveSwitch" 100 is a high performance switch for
Ethernet LANs. It transfers data packets between Ethernet LANs
and higher speed LANs such as FDDI or fast Ethernet, and between
the higher speed LANs. Adding WaveSwitch 100 to an Ethernet LAN
increases the bandwidth available to each work station or file
server, thereby eliminating congestion or preventing the onset of
congestion. The "WaveSwitch" 100 is available in an 8 port, 12
port or 16 port capacity. Each Ethernet port is a distinct
Ethernet LAN segment. The internal switching of 100Mbps allows
all Ethernet ports of the WaveSwitch 100 to intercommunicate
simultaneously.
The FDDI interface component is a single attachment station
(SAS) that can be upgraded to a dual attachment station (DAS).
It provides Token passing LAN capabilities at 100Mbps over a
physical medium of multi-mode fiber-optic cable. Installing a
single port SAS or dual port DAS interface in the WaveSwitch 100
immediately gives more bandwidth with dedicated 10 Mbps Ethernet
ports and easy access to the 100 Mbps backbone. The WaveSwitch
100 FDDI feature module can emulate a TCP/IP router for the
purpose of taking maximum length FDDI IP frames and fragmenting
them to the receiving Ethernet stations.
Noting Legal Note 5(B) to Chapter 84 of the HTS, these
devices appear to be principally used to connect the central
processing unit to other units or ADP machines, thereby serving
"control" and "adaption" functions.
The applicable subheading for the "WaveSwitch" 100 8 port,
12 port or 16 port units and the FDDI interface single port SAS
or duo port DAS components will be 8471.99.1500, Harmonized
Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for
control or adapter units for automatic data processing machines .
The rate of duty will be free.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section
177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport