Ascend Communications Reconstructs Core Transmission Network Layer and Advances the New Public Network
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 1998--
Service Providers are Lowering Operational Costs and Increasing
Network Flexibility With New Network Architectures Built With
Multiservice Core Technology
Delivering on the promise of the New Public Network (NPN), Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASND), today announced its strategy for expanding the reach of its multiservice core switching technology to reconstruct legacy transmission networks. Service providers can now eliminate the need for costly transmission equipment such as SONET/SDH Add-Drop Multiplexers (ADMs) and Digital Cross-Connect Systems (DCSs), as they build new network infrastructures optimized to carry data and other legacy TDM services. Ascend is now working with service providers, including Williams Communications, Inc. (NYSE:WMB) to test and deploy optical networking solutions to connect it's GX 550 "Smart" Core ATM switch directly to Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing equipment (DWDM), without using traditional SONET/SDH transmission equipment.
"Ascend's vision shows how IP, telephony, ATM, and DWDM will combine to create a network that supports all of today's services and all of the new services that subscribers will be demanding, while controlling infrastructure cost and complexity," said Tom Nolle, president of CIMI Corp.
"With this announcement, Ascend is moving to take its place as a major infrastructure vendor. The vision they've promoted is credible, and their customer experiences to date validate both their credentials and their directions."
Reaching Into the Transmission Network
With the exponential growth of data traffic -- particularly IP traffic -- service providers are now building data switching networks that rival the speeds of the historic transmission network.
Rather than using the traditional layered architecture approach of a switching network, transmission network, and optical network, service providers can now leverage advances in multiservice switching technology where the functionality of legacy transmission equipment -- SONET/SDH ADMs and DCSs -- resides directly in the switching network.
This integrated switching/transmission network provides the same services and functionality of the traditional network architectures, but at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, as a result of this simpler network architecture, overall network reliability is increased due to fewer network devices that are deployed, operated, and managed.
"The Williams Network is a clear example of what the New Public Network will become. Williams has been able to take advantage of new capabilities on data switching equipment to build a network that does not require costly legacy transmission equipment," said Frank Semple, president of Williams Networks. "We share the same vision as Ascend for providing all services from a single, simplified network architecture."
All Services Delivered From One Multiservice Network
The reconstruction of the public network enables a simplified network infrastructure, a diminished amount of hardware equipment, and stronger management functions across the network. This will help service providers and carrier customers lower operational costs and increase the flexibility of networks.
Rather than having to provision services across multiple separate networks, service providers can now quickly turn up new revenue-generating services.
Traditional transmission network functions such as multiplexing, grooming and protection, are now provided on the switching network. Service providers can now use the GX 550 "Smart" Core ATM switch for both data service delivery as well as the underlying transmission network for IP, Frame Relay (FR), ATM, private line, and voice services.
Capabilities necessary to provide ADM functionality in the switching network is now available in the GX 550 switches. Complete DCS functionality in the GX 550 is currently under development.
Optical Networking is Real Today
Ascend is working with service providers, including Williams Communications, Inc. to test and deploy OC-48/STM-16 optical networking solutions. To meet the service deployment needs of Williams, Ascend is currently conducting interoperability testing and planning live field trials between the GX 550 and DWDM equipment from Pirelli and CIENA.
Ascend and these DWDM vendors will continue development to deliver joint protection schemes and integrated network management to further reduce service provider network costs.
Poised For Leadership At The Network Core
Reinforcing Ascend's leadership at the core of service provider networks around the world, this strategic direction leverages Ascend's multiservice core technology to deliver all services -- IP, FR, ATM, private line, and voice -- from one network.
"This strategy exemplifies Ascend's core mission -- to give customers the tools they need to build the New Public Network today, where all services are delivered from one highly flexible network at the lowest cost," said Daniel E. Smith, executive vice president and general manager, Core Systems Division, Ascend Communications, Inc.
"Additionally, by basing their network on Ascend's market-leading switching innovations, network service providers can expand their own product reach and offer new revenue generating services."
About Ascend Communications
Ascend Communications, Inc. develops, manufactures, sells and services wide area networking solutions for telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers and corporate customers worldwide.
Press and industry analysts, please contact Lucia F. Graziano, Ascend Communications, Inc., 978/952-1291 or lucia.graziano@ascend.com. Investors and financial analysts, please contact Kristina Graziano, 510/747-2345 or kristina.graziano@ascend.com. For all other inquiries please call toll-free: 800/ASCEND4.
For more information about Ascend and its products, please visit the Ascend web site at www.ascend.com, or send e-mail to info@ascend.com. Ascend is headquartered at One Ascend Plaza, 1701 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, CA 94502; phone is 800/ASCEND4 and fax is 510/814-2300.
Note to Editors: The foregoing statements may contain forward looking statements that are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from these expectations as a result of factors including, but not limited to, the company's success in developing, introducing or shipping new products, competition, the mix of distribution channels employed, the company's dependence on single or limited source suppliers for certain components used in its products, risks inherent in international sales, seasonality and general economic conditions. These and other factors are discussed in Ascend's 10-K, 10-Q and other filings made periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT:
Ascend Communications, Inc.
Lucia F. Graziano, 978/952-1291
lucia.graziano@ascend.com
or
Alexander Communications
Julie Asher, 404/897-2300
jasher@alexandercom.com
KEYWORD: GEORGIA CALIFORNIA
BW1203 JUN 08,1998
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