Ando Corporation to Exhibit First OC-48c IP Core Network Probe for Packet-over-SONET Networks at Networld + Interop in Las Vegas on May 8-10.

Business Editors and High Tech Writers

Networld+Interop 2001

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2001

Ando Prepares for Early Customer Trials of RMON2 Based Probe -

Offers IP Carriers Expanded Monitoring of High-Speed Optical

IP Core Networks

Ando Corporation's IP Products Division today announced plans to exhibit its first-to-market OC-48c IP Core Network Probe for Packet-over-SONET (POS) networks at Networld + Interop in the Las Vegas Convention Center on May 8-10. The probe will enable detailed, real-time monitoring of IP traffic at the core of POS networks at wire speed up to OC-48c - something currently not possible with existing solutions. Additionally, the probe will allow for standard RMON2 and SNMP based traffic reporting as well as MPLS and Diffserv monitoring - important components in realizing the full potential of next generation IP networks.

Ando's IP Core Network Probe is designed to satisfy the need for effective monitoring of today's high-speed optical core networks. Currently, IP carriers attempting to monitor the core of POS networks have only two options: maintain full router performance and rely on expensive over-provisioning of bandwidth rather than effective management, or reduce router performance by as much as 30% and turn on proprietary monitoring options. Most carriers are opting to maintain optimum router performance, thereby limiting their knowledge of the core traffic to simple, layer-2 (or "port level") information.

"At a time when IP carriers are looking to reduce capital expenditures and overhead while at the same time increase their bottom line, the costly strategy of over-provisioning is not going to be sustainable as a business model," says Hiro Sato, general manager, Ando's IP Products Division. "Instead, IP carriers will need to invest in solutions that help them get more out of their existing network infrastructure."

Ando's hardware-accelerated IP Core Network Probe is centered around a sophisticated statistical engine that offers true wire speed performance and reliability. Additionally, the probe is a passive device deployed independently of existing network equipment, thereby offering detailed, layer-3 and above information without impacting router performance.

"Network managers currently operate almost blindly at the core of the IP network as well as at peering points between providers," adds Sato. "Ando's probe will enable them to deploy a detailed metering device at these interconnect points and understand the source and destination, volume, type, priority, and label of IP traffic flows. This information feeds into higher level management and billing systems, offering carriers revenue generating and cost reducing opportunities to satisfy the needs of both customers and investors."

Deployed in conjunction with a network management system or IP mediation platform, Ando's IP Core Network Probe will enable advanced network management and IP usage-based billing by gathering information at the core of the network, including: source; destination; application type; priority; MPLS label; number of packets; and number of bytes.

Ando is currently signing up providers to participate in upcoming trials this summer of its IP Core Network Probe. Additionally, the company is in discussions with network management and related applications vendors, as well as systems integrators that are looking to extend the reach of their current IP Network monitoring solutions through the use of the IP Core Network Probe.

About Ando Corporation

Ando Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Ando Electric Ltd., a pioneering test and measurement company based in Japan. Ando's IP Products Division, headquartered in San Jose, Calif., is focused on meeting the core monitoring and management needs of next generation IP providers and carriers, and works closely with key customers and partners on the development, strategic marketing, sales and support of next generation network core monitoring products. For additional information on Ando, please visit www.ando.com.