EXHIBIT 5.1

                                February 23, 2000

Sync Research, Inc.
12 Morgan
Irvine, CA  92618

         REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed
by you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about February 23,
2000 (the "Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 124,615 shares of your Common
Stock (the "Shares") reserved for issuance under the Sync Research, Inc.
1996 Non-Executive Stock Option Plan ("the Plan"). As your counsel in
connection with this transaction, we have examined the proceedings taken and
are familiar with the proceedings proposed to be taken by you in connection
with the sale and issuance of the Shares under the Plan.

         It is our opinion that, when issued and sold in the manner referred to
in the Plan and pursuant to the respective agreement which accompanies each
grant under the Plan, the Shares will be legally and validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.

         We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever it appears in the
Registration Statement and any amendments to it.

                                   Sincerely,


                                   VENTURE LAW GROUP
                                   A Professional Corporation

                                   /s/ Venture Law Group