RAD Group is a number of independent companies that develop, manufacture and market solutions for diverse segments of the networking and telecommunications industry.Companies share technology, engage in joint marketing activities and benefit from a common management structure.[2] In 1985, RAD provided initial funding and support to entrepreneur Benny Hanigal to start LANNET Data Communications, which developed a pioneering Ethernet switch, one of the first to offer Ethernet switching over simple twisted pair telephone cables rather than expensive coaxial cables.In late 1997 Madge Networks spun off its Ethernet division into a separate subsidiary, once again named LANNET, and then sold it to Lucent Technologies for $117 million in July 1998.[7] The RAD Group also sponsors Protocols.com, a leading site for network and computer science information and reference materials.