@link Selects PairGain's Avidia System for Nationwide Network; Growing CLEC to Deploy Next-Generation ATM Edge Switch in 1,100 Central Offices.

TUSTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 13, 1999--

PairGain(R) Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:PAIR), a leader in broadband access systems, today announced it has struck a major agreement for the purchase of its Avidia(R) System by @link Networks Inc., a rapidly growing Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC).

Over the next phase of deployment, @link plans to install the Avidia System in more than 1,100 central offices throughout its nationwide network. @link's network strategy is based on end-to-end quality of service (QoS), a significant competitive advantage afforded by the Avidia System. The ATM-based, multifunction Avidia System firmly supports @link's build-out strategy by enabling any given class of service provisioning and by supporting multiple DSL services from a single platform.

"As we move the benefits of ATM switching closer to the outer edge of the central office network, PairGain's Avidia System will enable the delivery of integrated, next generation services in a more economic fashion to each and every one of our customers," said Theodore Lasser, president of @link. "The Avidia System features the right combination of performance, flexibility, density and management support to make our network strategy a reality."

"Our success with @link highlights PairGain's commitment to the CLEC market and further validates our foresight in developing the Avidia System as one of the solutions of choice for carriers building tomorrow's access networks," said Mike Pascoe, president and chief executive officer of PairGain. "The Avidia System enables @link to deploy the only known end-to-end, carrier class QoS network that fully supports every DSL transport technology, IP routing and ATM-based edge switching. All in a single, intelligent platform."

The Avidia System

The Avidia System is based on a distributed ATM switching fabric that provides adaptation for IP and frame relay traffic. It combines the redundancy, scaleability and quality of service support required in carrier networks of any size. The Avidia supports G.lite, full-rate DMT ADSL, SDSL, HDSL2, T1, IP voice and frame relay services, in addition to ATM over ADSL and Ethernet frames over SDSL.

"The Avidia System features superior reach and an unequaled capacity of 1,296 ports in a single seven-foot rack at a breakthrough price point," said Kevin Woods, director of product marketing of PairGain's Megabit Access Business Unit. "This is particularly attractive to @link and other CLECs, because the Avidia System can reach more subscribers more efficiently than any other solution."

The Avidia System can be configured as a DSLAM, access server or LAN extension concentrator and is ideal for high-speed Internet access, telecommuting and private network applications. Only the Avidia System delivers the service flexibility, port density and deployment options necessary for widespread broadband network access, a combination that is ideal for ILECs, PTTs, CLECs, ISPs and private enterprise owners worldwide.

@link Networks Inc.

@link Networks is a data CLEC with headquarters in Waukesha, Wis. @link provides xDSL-based data communications networking services for businesses, ISPs, and network integrators. With its certification to provide DSL broadband services nationwide and interconnection agreements with every RBOC, GTE and Sprint, @link has one of the most extensive xDSL service deployments in today's marketplace. @link Networks can be reached at 888/221-4375, or via the World Wide Web at www.dslnet.com.

PairGain Technologies Inc.

PairGain is the leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and sale of DSL networking systems. Service providers and private network operators worldwide use PairGain's products to deploy DSL-based services such as high-speed Internet, remote LAN access and enterprise LAN extension.

For more than 10 years, PairGain has been recognized as a technology leader and industry innovator of telecommunications equipment. The company offers the widest range of DSL-based systems available. Product lines include HiGain Solitaire(TM) HDSL2 solutions, HiGain(R) T1/E1 access systems, PG-FlexPlus(TM), PG-Flex(R) and PG-Plus(R) subscriber carrier systems, the Avidia(R) System, Megabit Modems(R) and Campus-HRS(TM) megabit access products. Well over 1.5 million PairGain DSL nodes are installed in over 70 countries. Additional information about the company is available on the Internet at www.pairgain.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this announcement are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the company's operations, markets, products, services and prices and other factors discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All trademarks within are the property of their respective manufacturers.