Agere Systems Introduces Single-Port Active Ethernet to Provide Power-Over-Ethernet Cable for Wireless Networking Systems.

Business & Technology Editors

ALLENTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2001

Agere Systems (NYSE: AGR.A) today announced the availability of a single-port ORiNOCO(TM) Active Ethernet power injector that enables business and IT managers to reduce the cost and time required to set up enterprise-level wireless networks.

Agere is now offering the single-port injector for smaller wireless networks, along with its previously introduced 6-port and 12-port Active Ethernet injectors for larger wireless LANs.

Active Ethernet enables an access point to obtain its power and its data connection over a single standard Ethernet cable, rather than requiring two separate cables. Because the power runs over a data cable rather than an AC power line, it requires less time to install and fewer construction regulations, therefore reducing cost of installation.

"Not only does using the single port Active Ethernet enable IT managers to reduce costs and installation time, it makes the actual installation much simpler," said Jan Haagh, ORiNOCO Product Manager at Agere Systems. "The new single-port Active Ethernet power injector, combined with our new ORiNOCO installation wizards and software, is part of our overall objective to make setting up and installing wireless LAN systems as easy as possible."

All ORiNOCO Active Ethernet devices include a unique safety feature called Automatic Load Sensing that ensures that power is fed only to network equipment that can accept it. This feature prevents permanent damage to the equipment and costly network downtime.

The Active Ethernet power injector provides DC power (48 volts) for up to 300-feet Ethernet cable runs. Active Ethernet works with all Agere wireless LAN access points, access servers, and outdoor routers including the ORiNOCO AP-500, AP-1000, OR-1000 and AS-2000.

Single-port Active Ethernet power injectors are available at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $169. Six-port Active Ethernet power injectors are available for $749 MSRP and 12-port Active Ethernet power injectors are available for $1199 MSRP.

Agere Systems' Wireless Communications and Networking (WCN) business is a global leader in wireless local area network (WLAN) technology. It designs and sells ORiNOCO products through a network of OEM customers including personal computer makers such as Apple Computer, Compaq Computer, Dell Computer, Gateway Computer, Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM, and Toshiba Corp. Agere Systems also has established WLAN sales channels to enterprise customers through Avaya Inc., and to end-users through e-commerce sites, retail outlets and a vast array of networking technology resellers. The ORiNOCO line of products encompasses a full range of Wi-Fi certified indoor and outdoor WLAN products, as well as enhanced security products for public areas and security-conscious enterprises. More information about Agere Systems' ORiNOCO products is available at http://www.orinocowireless.com or at 1-866-ORiNOCO for callers within the United States and [phone] for international callers.

Agere Systems is the world's No. 1 provider of components for communications applications with leadership in optical components and integrated circuits. This dual capability uniquely positions Agere to deliver integrated solutions that form the building blocks for advanced wired, wireless, and optical communications networks. Agere also designs and manufactures a wide range of semiconductor solutions for communications-related devices used by consumers such as cellular phones, modems, and hard disk drives for personal computers and workstations. In addition, the company supplies complete wireless computer networking solutions through the ORiNOCO(TM) product line. More information about Agere Systems is available from its Web site at http://www.agere.com.

Agere Systems, the Agere Systems logo, and ORiNOCO are trademarks of Agere Systems Inc.

Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance.

This release contains forward-looking statements based on information available to Agere as of the date hereof. Agere's actual results could differ materially from the results stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, completion of the distribution or sale of Agere stock by Lucent Technologies Inc., customer demand for our products and services, control of costs and expenses, timely completion of employment reductions and other restructuring activities, price and product competition, keeping pace with technological change, dependence on new product development, reliance on major customers and suppliers, availability of manufacturing capacity, components and materials, general industry and market conditions and general domestic and international economic conditions including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations. For a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see the prospectus filed by Agere with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2001, and Agere's subsequent reports on Form 10-Q. Agere disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.