Ascend Delivers Direct ATM Connectivity for Its MAX TNT and DSLTNT Products
ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4, 1998--
ATM Interface Card for Ascend's MAX TNT and DSLTNT Access Switches Provides Connectivity to Ascend's GX 550 and CBX 500 ATM "Smart" Core Switches and the B-STDX Multiservice Switch
Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASND) the leading provider of wide area network (WAN) solutions for providers and users of the Public Network, today announced the availability of the company's new Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) DS3 Card for the MAX TNT(TM) WAN access switch and the DSLTNT(TM) multiservice Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) concentrator. The card delivers a direct interface into ATM switches, such as the Ascend GX 550 and CBX 500 ATM "Smart" Core Switches and the B-STDX Multiservice Switch, without additional conversion equipment.
"This ATM card is one of the many multiservice interfaces that make the MAX TNT and DSLTNT the most versatile, cost-effective access platforms in the industry," said David Boone, product line director for the MAX TNT at Ascend. "Introduction of this card on the MAX TNT and the DSLTNT platforms adds ATM connectivity to further enhance Ascend's end-to-end, multiservice solution set."
"At a significantly lower cost than installing multiple T1 lines and routers, the ATM DS3 card enables the roll-out of DSL services over ATM networks without expensive hardware add-ons or lengthy software conversions," said Ashok Dhawan, general manager, High Speed Access at Ascend. "By developing a single platform with direct migration to high-speed ATM, Ascend delivers interoperable products that optimize network performance and expand high-speed access services, like SDSL and ADSL."
Through a large scale deployment of the ATM DS3 Card, Dakota Services, Ltd., a national telephone company specializing in data communications, is using the ATM DS3 Card in conjunction with two hundred DSLTNTs enabling ATM functionality in 10,000 ports. The deployment aggregates Dakota's legacy T1 traffic from seven networks into ATM -- significantly enhancing the company's access services.
"Ascend's integrated solution will give us a competitive advantage through a broader range of high-speed services," said Ted Lasser, COO of Dakota Services. "The Ascend alternative, MultiDSL integrated with ATM, keeps our costs controlled, deploys higher bandwidth and allows us to compete in emerging markets."
As previously announced, Dakota Services has chosen Ascend's DSLTNT to deploy services in the Midwest including Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, and Ohio.
As part of Ascend's end-to-end high-speed solutions, the ATM DS3 Card enables network service providers to offer ATM access services. Seamlessly integrated into an existing TNT architecture, the card concentrates traffic from multiple access lines and sends it directly to an ATM network. Providing scalability for higher WAN transmission rates, the card supports one unchannelized DS3 port with an integrated Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit (CSU/DSU).
The high density ATM DS3 Card provides direct access into ATM networks through the MAX TNT and the DSLTNT platforms. By routing directly into the ATM network, service providers maintain one platform for multiple lines while increasing bandwidth and access services. Some of the key features of the ATM DS3 Card include:
-- Direct ATM access. The TNT ATM DS3 Card provides network
scalability and grants immediate access to the ATM network, which
enables a broader range of services through one unchannelized DS3
port with integrated CSU/DSU.
-- ATM Routing and Frame to ATM switching. This new feature
optimizes network performance and increases performance with no
additional cards through Layer 3 routing support and Layer 2 PVC
switching.
Pricing and Availability
The new ATM DS3 Line Card is available now, and is priced at $12,995. The International pricing and availability may vary. Customers outside of the US should contact their local Ascend sales representative.
The award-winning MAX TNT is the industry's highest density carrier-class WAN access switch. The MAX TNT can scale up to 720 channels and support high-volume, multiservice access requirements, including analog, ISDN, Frame Relay and xDSL traffic. It can also concentrate VPNs, dial-up and dedicated traffic in a single platform.
The DSLTNT has the ability to operate as a Layer 2 multiplexer and is certified NEBS-compliant Level 3, which means it conforms to the rigorous requirements for central office operation in global carrier networks. The high-density DSLTNT can support up to 1,344 IDSL ports, 1,440 SDSL ports, or 540 RADSL ports in a single seven-foot telco rack. 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 Lee Kallman, Alexander Communications, 404/897-2300, lkallman@alexandercom.com; Investors and financial analysts, please contact Kristina Graziano, 510/747-2345, 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, 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.
CONTACT: Ascend Communications
Todd Koch, 510/747-2672
todd.koch@ascend.com
or
Alexander Communications
Lee Kallman, 404/897-2300
lkallman@alexander.com
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