2Wire Delivers HomePortal Residential Gateway to Consumers for Ultra-Fast Internet Access and Easy Home Networking.

Business Editors and High Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 2000

2Wire(TM), Inc. (www.2Wire.com), the leading provider of residential gateways, today announced availability of the full line of 2Wire HomePortal(TM) residential gateways. The award-winning HomePortal products will be made available through a number of distribution channels, including Dell, Office Depot, Flashcom and InternetConnect, as well as through 2Wire's online store at www.2Wire.com.

The 2Wire HomePortal is the first consumer product to transform a fast Internet connection over broadband into a rich avenue capable of delivering data, telephony, networking and next-generation entertainment services throughout the home. 2Wire's HomePortal 1500 and HomePortal 100 residential gateways enable consumers to enjoy true convenience and maximum security in sharing a single broadband connection for high-speed Internet access throughout their homes, and for easy networking of multiple PCs and peripherals.

"The HomePortal is an ideal product for sharing a single broadband access and for home networking, with support for multiple, emerging home networking technologies and unlimited adaptability to future technology developments," said Brian Hinman, president and CEO of 2Wire. "The HomePortal is wired to be the premier home networking device, delivering a full spectrum of broadband services and applications to the home through an integrated and intuitive consumer device."

2Wire's HomePortal residential gateways combine high-speed Internet access over broadband with in-home networking functionality using existing home telephone wiring, enabling multiple users within a household to enjoy a variety of Internet, telephony and entertainment applications simultaneously. By plugging the HomePortal into any telephone jack, consumers can instantly gain high-speed Internet connectivity and the ability to network PCs, peripherals and Internet appliances via a home phoneline network (HomePNA) without adding any additional wiring.

Using the HomePortal, consumers gain access to streaming audio and video, broadband gaming and value-added services like automatic backup, content filters and unified messaging. The HomePortal provides commercial-grade firewall protection, as well as VPN capability and enhanced protection against common Internet attacks.

The HomePortal offers support for multiple networking protocols, including USB, Ethernet, HomePNA and wireless, as well as multiple operating systems, including Microsoft Windows 98, 95, 2000, ME, NT and Mac OS, to allow families to easily network a variety of equipment and share access while leaving their phone lines open and static-free. In addition, the HomePortal includes an integrated software package that enables consumers to automatically configure and install the device and manage the network using an intuitive browser-based interface. 2Wire's HomePortal is also easily upgradeable to incorporate new features, such as telephony, as they become available to the residential market.

HomePortal Product Family

2Wire's HomePortal residential gateway enables feature-rich Internet, telephony, entertainment, and other services to be delivered to computers, phones and entertainment equipment - all through a single user-friendly, elegant device. The HomePortal combines several in-home networking architectures including Ethernet, HomePNA, USB and wireless through Ethernet support to manage an integrated data, voice and entertainment network.

2Wire's HomePortal 1500 offers a complete, simple and secure broadband and home networking solution for new DSL customers, incorporating a DSL modem and comprehensive home networking capabilities including a network hub, router, business-grade firewall and value-added software. The 2Wire HomePortal 1500 offers support for downstream speeds of up to 8 Mbps and 1.5 Mbps upstream.

Designed to work with a customer's existing DSL or cable modem, 2Wire's HomePortal 100 is designed to enhance existing broadband service by enabling the creation of an effective home network that can be set up and managed easily and affordably.

Pricing and Availability

2Wire's HomePortal residential gateways will be made available through Dell, Flashcom and InternetConnect beginning this month, and through select Office Depot stores and the Office Depot web site this fall. The HomePortal products are now available through 2Wire's online store at www.2Wire.com.

Suggested list prices are US$599 for the HomePortal 1500 and US$349 for the HomePortal 100. Subsidies may be available for the HomePortal 1500 when it is purchased in conjunction with new DSL service.

About 2Wire, Inc.

2Wire, Inc. delivers a full suite of broadband products and services to the residential marketplace. 2Wire HomePortal products are the first intelligent residential gateways to integrate the wealth of options available through the Internet and create a complete home data, voice, and entertainment network. 2Wire's web site (www.2Wire.com) offers comprehensive, impartial information on DSL, the future of broadband services, and home networking, and the most complete and accurate DSL look-up service in the United States.

2Wire was recently named one of the top up-and-coming communication technology companies by Communication Systems Design magazine, and one of the Hot 100 Private Companies by Upside magazine. The 2Wire HomePortal series was recognized with three significant honors at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2000, including Best of Show.

2Wire, the 2Wire logo and HomePortal are trademarks of 2Wire, Inc.(c)2000, 2Wire, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.