Adtech Introduces Second-Generation Broadband Test Modules; New "Version II" Modules Test ATM, Frame Relay, and other Transmission Technologies at Speeds up to 155.52 Mbps.

HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 1998--Adtech, Inc. announced that it is now shipping its Version II line of test modules for its AX/4000 Broadband Test System (formerly AX/4000 ATM Test System).

Designed for testing broadband networks and switching equipment, these second-generation modules provide full-rate operation at speeds up to 155.52 Mbps.

Version II modules feature high-density field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to allow automatic hardware upgrades and to enable the modules to test multiple transmission technologies.

"These modules are not limited to any single transmission technology," said Mike Gouveia, Adtech vice president. "The AX/4000 system automatically reprograms the hardware to match whatever technology the user chooses to test. If the user connects to an ATM interface, the module will operate in native ATM mode. If the user connects to a Frame Relay interface, the module will operate in native Frame Relay mode."

Gouveia indicated that the capability to reprogram the hardware on demand enables the modules to support future transmission technologies when they become available for the AX/4000 system.

According to Gouveia, the FPGAs used in Version II modules are also extremely fast, enabling the modules to take more measurements and to generate more traffic variations. "Even though Version II pricing remains similar to our first generation ATM test modules, performance has increased well over 10,000 percent," Gouveia said. "With eight Version II modules installed, one AX/4000 system can now maintain over 500,000 full-rate measurements continuously and in real time."

The two Version II modules now shipping are a Generator and Generator/Analyzer, with a Generator/Dual Analyzer module scheduled to ship soon. All three modules include a traffic generator with eight simultaneous traffic sources and eight live distribution models for generating test cells or frames and realistic broadband traffic.

The Generator/Analyzer module can automatically identify up to 2,040 substreams from an incoming stream based on identifiers such as VPI/VCI for ATM or DLCI for Frame Relay. It also analyzes every substream simultaneously with full Quality of Service (QoS) measurements and individual policing.

The upcoming Generator/Dual Analyzer includes the same features as the Generator/Analyzer but it can also operate with two interfaces for bi-directional SVC signalling tests, QoS analysis, and protocol decoding.

Version II modules are fully compatible with all existing AX/4000 systems and features including remote multi-user access, Bellcore ATM Conformance and Interoperabilty Test Suites, Windows(r) and UNIX(r) based control software, and over 20 interchangeable port interfaces for connecting to transmission media. Because all modules in an AX/4000 chassis operate simultaneously, Version II modules also support live interworking tests between different technologies such as ATM and Frame Relay.

Adtech, Inc. (www.adtech-inc.com) is a leading manufacturer of broadband test systems and data link simulation equipment. Located in Honolulu, the company also has regional offices in California, Chicago, Massachusetts, Washington D.C. and the United Kingdom.

Note to Editors: Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark licensed exclusively through X/Open Company, Ltd.

    CONTACT:  Adtech, Inc.
               Mike Gouveia, 800/348-0080 or 808/734-3300
               [e-mail]
               www.adtech-inc.com