Ahead Communications Unveils New Multiservice WAN Switching Architecture for Xedge6000.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MIDDLEBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2003

Ahead Communications Systems, Inc. announced today the availability of its next generation Xedge6000(TM) multiservice wide area network (WAN) switch architecture.

With the new version 6 installed network operators can dramatically increase Xedge6000 ATM port concentration density as well as expand the number of managed connections per shelf. A wealth of new features including an IP Service Gateway (ISG) allows operators to apply advanced multiservice solutions as well as reduce overall operational costs. The ISG extends native IP connectivity across a wide area network lowering the cost of branch/remote IP access-to-centralized routing resources. Engineered with standards-based IP quality of service (QoS) capability, the ISG can cost effectively deliver delay sensitive IP voice and video or other high priority data over the WAN. With version 6 an Xedge 6640/5 platform accomodates up to 240 DS1/E1 ATM UNI ports and 6000 PVC connections per shelf. A 16 port ATM plugin module can support T1/E1 cell mapping into T1 or E1 frames or IMA frames for each link. Combined with the industry leading 16 port high density low speed circuit emulation module, the Xedge becomes an ideal platform for edge concentration and switching of both legacy and packet based traffic. Version 6 also provides a recently patented survivability feature, Select Route, a precedence and priority control technique that allows network operators to guarantee bandwidth availability delivery of customer defined priority traffic connections.

"The Xedge 6.0 platform takes edge multiservice switching to new level," said Anton Kaeslin, President of Ahead Communications Systems. "It offers unmatched Quality of Service for both ATM and IP enabled multiservice applications."

Already deployed in service provider and large private networks worldwide, the Xedge6000 family facilitates the convergence of voice, video and data service applications across packet-based broadband networks. ProSphere(TM), a JAVA/SNMP based platform independent network manager, facilitates Xedge multisevice operations. With ProSphere network operators can manage an integrated multiservices solution with an application friendly and web-enabled client-server system.

Ahead Communications backs its multiservice wide area network solutions with dependable and skilled professional design, training, and support services. Performed by senior design engineers with hands-on experience implementing multiservice solutions, AheadCom's professional service offerings encompass all phases of the multiservice integration from design phase, through capacity analysis and planning, installation, and project life cycle support.

About Ahead Communications Systems (www.aheadcomusa.com)

Ahead Communications Systems, Inc. (ACU) is a worldwide leader and pioneer in the design, manufacture and distribution of multiservice switches. ACU provides solutions for network operators in transportation, utilities, education, and government as well as Independent service providers and its installed base of international incumbent carriers. By integrating legacy TDM, IP, frame relay, AAL-2 voice and MPEG-2 video for transport over a wide area network, ACU simplifies the commissioning of turnkey multiservice networks.