Artel Video Systems introduces higher performance ATM fiber optic line extender.

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--October 21, 1996--

MegaCell Increases Range and Versatility

of ATM Transmission Solutions

To expand the range and flexibility of routers and switches, Artel Video Systems, a leading provider of fiber optic transmission systems, has introduced the MegaCell ATM fiber optic line extender and converter. MegaCell enables the transmission of ATM, SONET and SDH data at various data rates over distances of up to 120 km. MegaCell is capable of supporting a variety of data rates from 34 to over 400 Mb/s.

"With the introduction of MegaCell, we have provided the datacommunications world with an added measure of transmission flexibility," said Harold E. "Hal" Charnley, President and CEO, Artel Video Systems. "ATM switch and router plants can now be extended beyond the traditional local loop distances wherever fiber is available."

MegaCell was designed to fill the present void in support for enterprise and edge equipment in large campus and metropolitan environments. The primary applications for MegaCell include extending ATM transmission distances, connecting dissimilar fiber types and regenerating optical signals. The system can significantly increase the reach of low powered multi-mode ATM switch and access modules, as well as classical high-speed router ports. In addition, it supports conversion from single to multi-mode fiber; from optical to electrical, and electrical to optical transmission.

"MegaCell has multiple personalities," said Tom Ertel, Vice President of Engineering at Artel. "This unit can extend the reach of ATM enterprise and edge switches for datacommunication applications. It can also serve as a low cost regenerator for marginal SONET networks in the telephony world."

MegaCell is uniquely positioned as a way to take advantage of existing multi-mode ATM fiber infrastructure in situations where a greater than normal fiber loss is encountered, or a new more distant node is required. In an ATM application, a MegaCell transceiver is placed between the optical network interface and the fiber at each end of the path to provide up to 34 dB of link budget, which equates to a transmission distance of over 120 km at 1550 nm. The unit accepts inputs from OC-3c single, or multi-mode ATM UNI fiber ports. Alternatively, MegaCell can convert a variety of electrical inputs into optical outputs. Some examples include 45 Mb/s UNI, or HSSI ports, as well as 155 Mb/s STS-3 ATM or SONET sources. In an OC-3 SONET loop environment, units may be configured like the ATM model mentioned above, or at a midpoint repeater site.

MegaCell may also be utilized as an electrical to optical converter for literally any type of telecom equipment from 34 Mb/s to over 400 Mb/s. For example, the 45 Mb/s version may be used as a low cost optical extension from a Central Office, MTSO, or Carrier Serving Area to interconnect electrical facilities from an Electronic Digital Crossconnect System (EADCS), M1-3 multiplex or video codec.

This 155 Mb version is available immediately. Additional models, including Model 44: HSSI-44.2 Mb/s and Model 45: DS3-44.7 Mb/s, will be available within 90 days.

Technical information and pricing is available by calling Artel's corporate headquarters at 800-225-0220. Information on the company and additional products is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.artel.com.

Artel Video Systems, Inc.

Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, Artel Video Systems designs, manufactures and sells broadcast quality fiber optic video transmission equipment. Artel's products offer solutions to a wide range of applications where totally transparent transmission of video, audio and data over fiber is required. Artel currently lists among its customers television broadcasters, Regional Bell Operating Companies, foreign telephone and telegraph systems, educational and medical institutions, cable television systems operators and U.S. government facilities as well as members of the Artel Link Program, a network of value-added resellers. -0-

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