<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from 
the consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations of Computer Network
Technology Corporation as of and for the six months ending June 30, 1997 and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                    6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         DEC-31-1997 
<PERIOD-START>                            JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                              JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                      7,383,918 
<SECURITIES>                               22,422,309 
<RECEIVABLES>                              18,204,583 
<ALLOWANCES>                                  775,015
<INVENTORY>                                12,583,427 
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           62,971,092       
<PP&E>                                     29,579,230      
<DEPRECIATION>                             18,581,441    
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             79,988,186      
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                      20,199,949    
<BONDS>                                       807,955  
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               0 
<PREFERRED>                                         0 
<COMMON>                                      225,320 
<OTHER-SE>                                 58,754,962       
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               79,988,186         
<SALES>                                    29,196,827          
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           42,443,410          
<CGS>                                       8,942,890          
<TOTAL-COSTS>                              18,039,821          
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                            8,055,640<F1>       
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0      
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             16,050       
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             (767,426)       
<INCOME-TAX>                                (287,000)      
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         (480,426)      
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0  
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0      
<CHANGES>                                           0  
<NET-INCOME>                                (480,426) 
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (.02) 
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (.02) 
<FN>

<F1> Amount presented represents engineering and development expense.
</FN>