Asante Introduces New 8-Port Gigabit Workgroup Switch; Lowest Cost-Per-Port Gigabit Copper/Fiber Switch.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2001

Asante Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASNT.OB) today announced a new solution for networking problems in businesses and campuses. The FriendlyNET(TM) GX4-800GBIC Gigabit Ethernet switch delivers on Asante's commitment to make flexible networking solutions affordable to a variety of organizations, regardless of size.

Affordable, Powerful Ethernet Switch

Asante's FriendlyNET GX4-800GBIC switch builds on the success of other GX4 FriendlyNET switches, which continue to lead the industry in both performance and value. The new GX4-800GBIC contains 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports -- 7 ports of 10/100/1000BaseT and 1 port of 1000BaseX GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter) module interface -- which provides the flexibility to easily connect workgroups to a fiber- or copper-based Gigabit backbone.

"This is the most advanced unmanaged Gigabit switch on the market," announced Bob Young, Asante's vice president of operations. "Compared with other 8-port Gigabit switches, the new FriendlyNET GX4-800GBIC is half the price -- just $250 per port. Asante's advanced technologies and high-volume manufacturing allow us to price the product so that it's an easy choice for businesses and departmental workgroups."

Moving Workgroups Faster and Further Ahead Than Anything Else

Compared with traditional Fast Ethernet hubs, the FriendlyNET GX4-800 delivers over 10 times the available bandwidth per port. When connecting two high-performance workstations, the switch can transmit and receive at 1000 Mbps simultaneously. Suddenly 250 MB files transfer in seconds -- not minutes.

Compatible with Both Past and Present Systems

Every 10/100/1000BaseT port on the FriendlyNET GX4-800 can accommodate older (slower) 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, which helps businesses to connect with older Mac, PC, and Linux systems. The switch is adaptable to previously installed wiring (Cat 5 UTP) -- even if the cables were inadvertently miswired. Each Gigabit port features AsanteQ(TM), Asante's innovative technology that automatically corrects for the most common wiring errors (such as MDI crossover or pair swaps, skews, and polarity) and negotiates the highest data transfer rates.

GigaNIX 1000TPC -- The Perfect Complement to the GX4-800GBIC

The easiest way to upgrade network servers and high-performance workstations is to install an Asante GigaNIX network interface card. "The GigaNIX adapter provides the most affordable Gigabit network solution," Young continued. "Comparable adapters are priced at least $70 higher."

Price and Availability

Most Asante FriendlyNET GX4 switches are available now from Asante resellers, e-commerce sites, systems integrators, and at www.asante.com.

-- GX4-400, 4 port 100/1000BaseT switch with GigaNIX adapter:

Estimated Street Price in North America (NA-ESP): $1149.

-- GX4-224, 2 port 1000BaseT and 24 port 10/100BaseT switch with GigaNIX
adapter: NA-ESP: $1399.

-- GX4-800GBIC, 7 port 10/100/1000BaseT and 1 port 1000BaseX GBIC: NA-ESP:
$1999. Available within 30 days.

-- GigaNIX 1000TPC, 10/100/1000BaseT adapter for Windows: NA-ESP: $149.

-- GigaNIX 1000TA, 10/100/1000BaseT adapter for Mac OS, Windows, and Linux:
NA-ESP: $249.

Call 800/303-9121 for Asante educational pricing.

About Asante

Asante Technologies, Inc., is the leading provider of network solutions for the education, enterprise, and service provider marketplaces. The Company's FriendlyNET products simplify networking and provide Internet access for mobile and office professionals. The Company's IntraCore products support multi-service applications for large enterprises. For additional information, visit www.asante.com or call 800/566-6680 for FriendlyNET products or 800/303-9121 for IntraCore products.

Note to Editors: Asante is a registered trademark; FriendlyNET, AsanteQ, and IntraCore are trademarks of Asante Technologies, Inc.