ASC Introduces Next-Generation Equipment Solutions for MTU Service Providers.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

SUPERCOMM 2000

Booth No. 5907

VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2000

ASC Adds Ethernet/VLAN Port to A-1240 for Higher Bandwidth

Business Services

Advanced Switching Communications, Inc. (ASC), a provider of broadband services access platforms announced the addition of an Ethernet port and virtual local area network (VLAN) support to the stackable A-1240 unit for an enhanced product offering for multi-tenant unit (MTU) service providers. The A-1240 with Ethernet/VLAN support gives MTU service providers higher bandwidth options -- up to 100 Mbps and a flexible multi-protocol platform for both voice and data services. ASC announced separately today that MTU service provider BroadBand Office is deploying the A-1240 with Ethernet/VLAN.

A Complete MTU Solution

ASC's A-1240 provides MTU service providers with a complete "mini-central office" system in a compact, pizza box-sized platform. The broadband access platform extends network footprint into office buildings cost effectively, differentiates service offerings and simplifies the delivery of next-generation voice and data services. ASC's innovative product architecture provides a complete and scalable access network equipment solution, from the pizza box-sized A-1240 to the 18-slot A-4000 chassis product, for efficient delivery of advanced broadband services. Key advantages of ASC's A-1240 broadband access platform over existing MTU equipment solutions include:

- Ethernet/VLAN capabilities separate tenant traffic to provide

support for service level agreements.

- Smooth, scalable end-user bandwidth options that can be

upgraded remotely via software, scale up to 100 Mbps and

support new application services.

- The A-1240 requires no change in customer equipment. Voice

connections are made over T1 connections that connect to

existing customer voice equipment, such as PBX systems.

- Unique software capabilities allow the service provider to

reduce provisioning time and improve customer response times

with little disruption on the customer end.

- ASC's MultiStream capabilities enable scalable network

connections from the building into the service provider

network that can seamlessly add bandwidth as customer

penetration grows including: T1/E1, T3/E3, or NxT1/E1.

"The rapidly evolving MTU service provider market is embracing new, innovative approaches to deliver services and setting a new standard for end-user products and services," said Mahesh Prasad, director of service provider marketing for ASC. "Our Ethernet/VLAN capabilities in the A-1240 and overall product features provide MTU service providers with a strategic advantage as they race to establish presence nationwide."

The New Edge of Network Access

ASC's Ethernet/VLAN capabilities round out the full suite of features that make ASC's complete product line ideal for next-generation MTU service providers both inside the office building wiring closet and throughout the access network, including:

- ASC's exclusive MultiStream (TM) broadband technology:

- Software flexibility to support multiple services, on a port

by port basis, including ATM, frame relay, and multiple

standards-based bundles, including inverse multiplexing over

ATM and multi-link frame relay;

- A menu of bandwidth options for the enterprise customer and a

wide range of building-to-network connectivity options for the

service provider;

- Remote provisioning and management via software;

- Quality of Service (QoS) features to preserve voice quality and provide
differentiated service levels; and

- Compact and stackable "pizza box" sized products that fit comfortably inside
the office building, central office or point of presence without sacrificing
functionality or port density.

"ASC has designated a very flexible and scalable platform for the multi-tenant office environment," said Andrew Cray, senior analyst at Aberdeen Group (Boston). "By combining a low-cost, pizza box-sized aggregation switch with Ethernet/VLAN support, multi-tenant providers can turn up a new building with minimal expense, making it easier to turn up service in dozens of buildings in a short time-frame."

The A-1240 broadband access platform will be featured at ASC's booth, #5907, at Supercomm in Atlanta, GA, June 6-8.

About ASC

Advanced Switching Communications Inc. is an innovative provider of broadband access platforms for telecommunications and Internet service providers. ASC's architecture provides the flexibility and scalability that enables service providers to deploy broadband services aggressively. ASC equipment is NEBS compliant and interoperable with the industry's leading telecommunications equipment providers. ASC customers include 2nd Century Communications, Intermedia Communications Inc. and UUNET. Privately held and headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, ASC is led by a management team of executives from high technology industry leaders including AT&T, 3Comm, Newbridge Networks, Netrix and U.S. Robotics. More information about ASC is available online at www.asc.com .