Agilent Technologies Selects 3Com Total Control 1000 Cable Modem Termination System for Cablelabs Testbed.

Business Editors and High Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 2000

3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS), a leading provider of carrier-class cable modem termination systems (CMTS), today announced that Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A) has selected the 3Com(R) Total Control(R) 1000 platform as a supported CMTS for the Agilent cable modem interoperability testbed developed for Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. (CableLabs(R)), the industry's premier testing organization for cable modem interoperability. 3Com and Agilent have co-developed software for the Total Control 1000 CMTS to address Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) testing requirements. Accordingly, Agilent will furnish CableLabs with a testbed incorporating the 3Com Total Control 1000 CMTS for use in an upcoming CableLabs DOCSIS modem certification wave.

The Agilent cable modem testbed combines the 3Com Total Control 1000 CMTS with Agilent test equipment, including Agilent's vector signal analyzer, vector signal generator, digitizing oscilloscope, power meter, DOCSIS protocol analyzer, RF switches and filters.

"The Total Control 1000 CMTS continues to be recognized as the most flexible and scalable platform within the data-over-cable industry," stated Irfan Ali, senior vice president and general manager, 3Com Carrier Networks Business. "Being selected as a major contributor to Agilent's test system further illustrates how the 3Com CommWorks(R) architecture is helping to ensure cable modem interoperability and further advance broadband technology to the benefit of cable operators and their subscribers."

3Com CMTS Provides Unique Advantages for Agilent Testbed

The 3Com Total Control 1000 CMTS is an important option for Agilent's cable modem testbed design - a comprehensive testing platform that addresses the increasing number and complexity of data-over-cable equipment. By incorporating the 3Com Total Control 1000 CMTS into Agilent's testbed, a device-control environment that provides a comprehensive set of DOCSIS physical and Media Access Control (MAC) layer characteristics, equipment states and condition data can be created and collected for evaluation. The Total Control 1000 CMTS supports every Test Support Interface (TSI) required by the Agilent testbed to easily create and control special conditions using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), and can be easily adapted to support future testing requirements such as the emerging DOCSIS 1.1 specification and Voice-over-IP (VoIP).

With 3Com Total Control 1000 CMTS implementation, the Agilent testbed allows complete test-data collection and the ability to study a cable modem's complex processes and operations, from initial ranging through enrollment completion and normal operation. This includes more in-depth reverse plant signaling and TDMA burst analysis than previously possible during CableLabs certification waves, thus advancing the thorough nature of the industry's premiere interoperability testing program.

3Com Total Control 1000 CMTS solutions are part of the CommWorks architecture, a comprehensive, modular and open definition for the design and deployment of service-capable packet networks by service providers of all types. The CommWorks architecture is the only industry offering that provides unique service and provisioning capabilities to truly extend revenue opportunities for cable operators. Additionally, the CommWorks architecture is the only industry offering with two CableLabs-qualified CMTS solutions:

--   the 3Com Total Control 1000 Standard CMTS, which meets and
     exceeds most cable operator requirements for internet broadband
     access solutions; and

--   the 3Com Total Control 1000 Enhanced CMTS, a next-generation CMTS
     system designed to support extremely large-scale deployments and
     meet the needs of cable operators seeking to extend their
     offerings to next-generation subscriber services.

All Total Control 1000 Standard CMTS systems are completely upgradable to the enhanced CMTS solution and both CMTS solutions are fully software upgradable to provide DOCSIS 1.1 compliance.

About the CommWorks Architecture

The CommWorks architecture encompasses all areas of 3Com's carrier portfolio, reflecting the multiservice nature of the company's offerings in enhanced data services, IP telephony, wireless data access, and broadband access. The CommWorks architecture gives service providers a cohesive, methodical migration path as they shift from circuit-based networks to feature-rich and efficient packet-based IP networks. The architecture includes a full line of products and services to support complete IP-based infrastructures. With open interfaces throughout, the CommWorks architecture allows service providers worldwide to quickly develop differentiated enhanced services and stake out leadership positions in their markets. 3Com Carrier Networks developed the CommWorks architecture in a standards-based environment designed to drive the evolution of IP-offerings through partnerships that will provide the building blocks for the next-generation of telecommunication service providers.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com simplifies how people connect to information and services through easy-to-use, connectivity products and solutions for consumers and commercial organizations. The company also provides access infrastructures and IP services platforms for network service providers. For further information, visit www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.

3Com, CommWorks and Total Control are registered trademarks and the 3Com logo is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.