Accelerated Networks Announces First Shipping GR-303 Voice Functionality for xDSL.

MOORPARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 1999--

Only GR-303 Implementation Offering Quality of Service

for DSL-Based Integrated Access Networks

Accelerated Networks Inc., innovator of integrated broadband access solutions, Friday announced general availability of GR-303 functionality for its ATM-based access solution.

GR-303 is a widely accepted standard defined by Telcordia (formerly Bellcore) that allows CLECs and other forward-thinking service providers to extend the functionality of their Class 5 voice switches, as well as providing key voice management and provisioning capabilities.

The Accelerated Networks solution is the first generally available solution to offer distributed GR-303 features over a DSL-based access network. Combined with Accelerated's flexible, standards-based architecture, the addition of GR-303 gives service providers more deployment choices than ever before. Based on a highly robust ATM architecture, Accelerated's GR-303 implementation provides Quality of Service (QoS) levels necessary for providers to guarantee subscriber service level agreements. The key benefits gained by the addition of GR-303 are:

-- Dynamic bandwidth allocation. Bandwidth not being used for GR-303 voice services can be entirely dedicated to carrying other services.

-- Local voice switching. CLECs with collocations can route local calls directly from the collocation nearest the subscriber, avoiding costs associated with unnecessary routing from central POPs to local exchanges.

-- Highest industry capacity. Support for multiple interface groups allows for up to 150,000 DS-0s of voice capacity in a NEBS-defined 7-foot rack, at a cost of less than $25 per DS-0 using 6:1 oversubscription.

-- Oversubscription of Class 5 switch ports gives service providers the ability to greatly extend subscriber capacity without the capital expense of adding additional Class 5 infrastructure.

-- Accelerated multiservice access platforms (MSAPs) can extend current TDM deployments by providing TDM to GR-303 gateway functionality at the central office

-- Support for timeslot management channels (TMC), embedded operations channels (EOC) and path protection switching (PPS) for robust, intelligent management of call requests

-- Voice management using common management information protocol (CMIP) assures seamless integration into service providers' existing OSS infrastructure

-- Distributed architecture leverages GR-303 capabilities across the access network, from customer-located integrated access devices (IADs) to central office MSAPs acting as gateways to upstream voice networks.

As providers deploy IADs at customer locations, provisioning of integrated voice and data services without increasing operational costs is of paramount importance. Accelerated Networks' distributed implementation of GR-303 ensures that voice and data service provisioning is flexible and powerful enough to keep pace with this rapid deployment.

"We realize that GR-303 is instrumental to our business plan, enabling us to make the most out of our voice switch capacity," said Mel Beckman, chief technology officer of Rangefire.com, an enhanced services provider (ESP). "Accelerated Networks' solution, with the addition of this significant feature, is a flexible voice and data integration platform for providers like us who understand the key to success is offering a bundle of voice and data services."

Accelerated Networks is currently shipping its GR-303 solution. It has successfully completed protocol certification testing at Nortel with DMS 100 switches, and expects Bellcore, Lucent and Siemens certifications shortly.

"The goal for voice-oriented CLECs is to extend the productive life of enormously expensive voice switching infrastructure," explained Fima Vaisman, assistant vice president of marketing for Accelerated Networks. "For data CLECs, the goal is to get into the voice game less expensively. GR-303 delivers both."

About GR-303

Telcordia Technologies' (formerly Bellcore) GR-303 family of requirements specifies a set of next generation integrated digital loop carrier (NG-IDLC) generic criteria that creates an integrated access system supporting multiple distribution technologies and architectures, and a wide range of services (narrowband and broadband) on a single access platform. GR-303 defines a set of requirements for NG-IDLC systems that includes open interfaces for mix-and-match of local digital switches (LDS) with remote digital terminals (RDT).

GR-303-based integrated access systems:

-- promote increased network architecture flexibility by providing a consistent approach to deploying a wide range of access system technologies in a consistent manner

-- reduce capital costs through supplier competition and operating costs through a standards-based Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) compatible operations environment that provides remote operations capabilities

-- reduce operations costs by providing access systems that support standards-based, TMN-compatible network management capabilities;

-- help increase revenues by providing an access platform for services such as Internet access.

(source: Telcordia Technologies)

About Accelerated Networks

Accelerated Networks, a privately held company based in Southern California, develops integrated broadband access solutions for local access providers. These systems enable providers to offer a full complement of bundled voice and data services over a single xDSL or T1 access line. Its Accelerator products include both customer-located integrated access devices (IADs) and central office-based multiservice access platforms (MSAPs) -- the first complete integrated broadband access solution in the industry.

In addition to allowing providers to offer enhanced services and generate additional revenues, Accelerated's products dramatically reduce the costs of provisioning and operation, and allow service providers to reduce their time to market. Since its introduction, Accelerated Networks has garnered four prestigious industry awards, including Best of Category and Best of Show at NetWorld+Interop Atlanta 98, Data Communications' Top 25 Startups and a 1999 Hot Product of the Year. The company received funding from New Enterprise Associates, US Venture Partners, ONSET Ventures, Walden International Investment Group and Siemens AG. More information on Accelerated Networks and its product line can be found at www.acceleratednetworks.com.