Ascend Announces High Density DSL Solution for Seamless Connectivity to Service Provider ATM Networks
ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1999--
The Ascend OC-3c/STM-1Card Enhances Leading DSL Technology; Enables
Service Providers to Connect DSL Interface Directly to ATM
Infrastructure
Ascend Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASND), a leader in wide area networking (WAN) and Intelligent Networking (IN) solutions for providers and users of the next-generation public network, today unveiled its asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) OC-3c/STM-1 card, which enables service providers to connect directly to service provider core ATM networks through both the DSLTNT(TM) xDSL concentrator and the MAX TNT(TM) WAN access switch.
Delivering enhanced capabilities for Ascend's leading digital subscriber line (DSL) products, the OC-3c/STM-1 card supplies service providers with a streamlined connectivity solution for increased scalability that enables greater value-added services. Leveraging Ascend's large installed-based of access solutions, the high-density Ascend OC-3c/STM-1 card concentrates traffic and sends it directly to an ATM network.
This enables carriers, PTTs, Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs), Regional Bell Operating Company (RBOCs) and other service providers to upgrade their access infrastructure speeds, providing end-users with faster access.
Using the OC-3c/STM-1 card, the Ascend DSL interface enables service providers to offer multiple services to customers, allowing them to conduct video on demand sessions, high-speed Internet access, and use the telephone simultaneously over a single copper wire. The OC-3c/STM-1 card concentrates all these sessions into a single high-speed connection and distributes them to their respective Internet service providers (ISPs).
As end-user demand for multiple services grows, this card supports many combinations of access lines for a cost-effective, scalable connectivity solution for the service provider customer.
The Ascend OC-3c/STM-1 card provides mapping and protocol conversions between Frame Relay and ATM, and for optimized network performance. Layer-2 and Layer-3 routing and switching allows service providers to deliver more services without installing additional cards.
Available for fiber and copper interfaces, the OC-3c/STM-1 card provides total interoperability with all existing ATM switching products, including the Ascend CBX 500 and GX 550 switches, and is designed to install and configure without inhibiting user applications.
According to a December 1998 report from Dataquest, "Worldwide xDSL Market Share and Forecast, First Half 1998," Ascend has become one of the five leading DSL vendors in a number of market segments. Dataquest's rankings show Ascend climbing from eighth place and fifth place, respectively, into the top four in both worldwide xDSL revenue and xDSL ports shipped between 1997 and the first half of 1998.
Ascend was also ranked as one of the top two xDSL vendors in central office (CO) Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) worldwide port shipments in the same timeframes, and among the top five in each of the North American segments.
"Large service providers are demanding the seamless connectivity our OC-3c/STM-1 card supplies," said John Kasha, DSL product manager for Ascend. "Our OC-3c/STM-1 card is opening up the carrier market by enabling faster access to services, without incurring additional costs. As Ascend continues to provide cost-efficient solutions that extend the success of the service provider industry, it further raises the bar in offering customer-focused solutions."
Pricing and Availability
The ATM OC-3c/STM-1 card is available immediately for the DSLTNT, and will be available for the MAX TNT in Q1 of 1999. U.S. pricing for both starts at $13,250. Customers outside the U.S. should contact their local Ascend representative or reseller for pricing and availability information.
About Ascend Communications
Ascend Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASND) develops, manufactures, sells and services wide area networking solutions for telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers and corporate customers worldwide.
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. For Investor Relations, please call our communications hotline at 800/648-3059 or 760/704-4423 (outside the U.S. & Canada).
Additional investor information can also be accessed on our Web site at: ascend.com. Ascend is headquartered at One Ascend Plaza, 1701 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, Calif. 94502; phone is 800/ASCEND4 and fax is 510/814-2300.
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.
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CONTACT:
Ascend Communications
Michael Robinson, 978/952-1576
michael.robinson@ascend.com
or
Alexander Ogilvy Public Relations
Christine Andrews, 415/923-1660 x138
candrews@alexanderogilvy.com |
