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                                                                    Exhibit 23.2

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the options assumed by Bay Networks, Inc. which options were
granted originally under the Rapid City Communications 1996 Stock Plan and Rapid
City Communications 1997 Stock Plan and assumed by Bay Networks, Inc. of our
reports dated July 19, 1996 with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and the financial statement schedule, of Bay Networks, Inc. included
in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 1996, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                      ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
July 2, 1997