Harmonic Demonstrates Ethernet Switching Modules for Deep-Fiber Optical Node Platform.
The Western Show 2000
West Hall Booth No. 3631
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 2000
CURBswitch, NODEswitch and NODEcmts Designed to Provide Unprecedented Architectural Flexibility for the Deployment of Deep Fiber Networks
In a move that promises to reshape thinking associated with the deployment of deep fiber architectures, Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq:HLIT) today announced that it is demonstrating a family of Ethernet switching modules for its PWRBlazer node platform at the Western Cable Show in Los Angeles. These Ethernet switching modules are designed to enable operators to seamlessly evolve a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network into a fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network.
Harmonic's family of Ethernet modules have been developed to transport baseband IP traffic over cable networks. The CURBswitch and NODEswitch modules announced today are the latest additions to the PWRBlazer node module family and will provide Ethernet over FTTC/FTTH capability. The module family also includes Harmonic's NODEcmts, introduced earlier this year, which provides Ethernet over HFC capability. All Harmonic Ethernet node modules are designed as plug-in modules for Harmonic's PWRBlazer Scaleable Node Platform. Architectural migrations can therefore be realized by the swapping of intelligent node modules into the flexible PWRBlazer node platform.
Chris Bonang, Harmonic's director of Market Development, Broadband Access Networks division commented: "Many operators believe that they have to choose between HFC and more expensive FTTH networks. Our family of Ethernet modules will enable them to avoid making an either/or decision -- they can build an HFC system which can evolve into a FTTC/H system. In fact, operators will be able to provide standard HFC and FTTC/H service offerings on the same system, cost-effectively tailoring service offerings to specific subscriber requirements. This flexibility is the true innovation of this module family."
Harmonic's CURBswitch and NODEswitch modules bring switching intelligence and functionality traditionally located in cable network headends deep into the network's architecture, within an environmentally hardened node. The NODEswitch module is located between the headend and the FTTC or FTTH CURBswitch modules. For operators that install twisted pair to the home, the FTTC CURBswitch will provide multiple 10/100BaseT, 10/100BaseFX connections in FTTC applications or MDUs. For operators that install fiber in the last mile of their network, the FTTH CURBswitch will provide up to twelve 100 Mbps connections via either single-mode or multi-mode fiber. IP services may initially be offered over HFC using the NODEcmts, then FTTC/H CURBswitches can be added selectively and cost-effectively to provide additional services to high-bandwidth customers. The NODEcmts, NODEswitch and CURBswitch modules will be able to co-exist in the same networks, providing exceptional flexibility.
The CURBswitch and NODEswitch modules are expected to be available in Q3, 2001. The family of Ethernet modules will be demonstrated at Harmonic's booth no. 3631 at the Western Cable Show 2000, West Hall, Los Angeles Convention Center, November 29 - December 1.
About Harmonic Inc.
Harmonic is a leading provider of innovative broadband solutions that deliver video, voice and data to communications providers around the world. Harmonic's technically advanced fiber optic, digital video and IP data delivery systems enable network operators to provide a range of interactive and advanced digital services that include high-speed Internet access, telephony, digital video, HDTV, video & audio streaming, and video-on-demand.
Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Harmonic employs approximately 1000 people and operates more than 15 R&D and sales & system integration centers globally. Harmonic's customer base includes the world's largest communications providers. Harmonic's stock is traded on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol "HLIT." For more information, check the company's website at www.harmonicinc.com.
This press release includes forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, migration of HFC networks to FTTC or FTTH, new modules' Ethernet over FTTC/FTTH capability, realization of architectural migrations by swapping modules, operators' ability to evolve HFC systems into FTTC/FTTH systems and to tailor service offerings, moving switching intelligence from network headends into a node, specific features of the CURBswitch, co-existence of different modules in the same network and availability of the NODEswitch and CURBswitch modules, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are also subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors detailed in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q. |
