Asante Ships New Multi-Service Gigabit Ethernet Switches; IntraCore Architecture Supports Converged Telephony, Video and Data Networks.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2000

Asante Technologies, Inc., (NASDAQ:ASNT.OB) today announced the first shipments of two new multi-service Gigabit Ethernet network switches based on the company's IntraCore(TM) Architecture. The IntraCore 9000 and 8000 series switches were designed to meet customer requirements for value-priced solutions supporting converged telephony, video and data networks.

"These new systems demonstrate Asante's commitment to the vision of telephony, video and data services transported on a single network infrastructure," said Don Miller, general manager of the IntraCore Networks products. "Both deliver wire-speed, non-blocking, feature-rich, 10/100/1000 Mbps switched Ethernet in configurations that are easy to deploy and offer the best overall value in the industry. The flexibility of these systems gives users unprecedented choice in tailoring a precise network solution that can scale with their changing requirements without exhausting their budgets."

The IntraCore 9000 Gigabit Ethernet Chassis Switch

The IntraCore 9000 is a chassis-based, Gigabit Ethernet switch that can accommodate up to 192 10/100 Ethernet ports for high-density, wiring closet applications, or up to 16 switched Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-capacity network core requirements. Initial modules for the system include 24-port, 10/100 switched Ethernet modules with either RJ-45 or RJ-21 connectors and a two-port Gigabit Ethernet module with GBIC slots for flexibility in choice of Gigabit Ethernet implementations.

The IntraCore 8000 Stackable Gigabit Ethernet Switch

The IntraCore 8000 is a stackable, Gigabit Ethernet switch that combines the flexibility found in chassis-based systems with the convenience and affordability of a stackable switch. The unprecedented level of modularity in this design lets customers purchase only what they need, when they need it. Each stackable unit is identical and provides 24 switched 10/100 Ethernet ports.

Chassis-like configuration flexibility is provided through a variety of configuration options that include three switched port expansion slots, a stacking module slot, and an MII module slot. The switched port expansion slots accommodate a variety of plug-in modules including an eight-port, switched 10/100 Ethernet ports and a one-port, switched Gigabit Ethernet module.

The system's unique stacking architecture eliminates the typical bandwidth bottleneck found in many current stackable switch designs through the implementation of a high performance stacking mechanism that adds incremental bandwidth as new units are added to the stack. This design maintains overall high performance regardless of system configuration. Each unit features 16 Gbps backplane capacity and up to four units may be configured in a single stack for a maximum of 192 switched 10/100 Ethernet ports, or up to 12 switched Gigabit Ethernet ports and 96 10/100 Ethernet ports.

IntraCore Architecture Delivers A Common Feature Set

Asante has developed the IntraCore Architecture to address the requirement for multi-service networks that support all applications and data types. The architecture is standards-based, providing multi-vendor interoperability, a migration path from current systems and investment protection. IntraCore's added value comes from creating innovative ways of embracing industry standards and technology advances to create products capable of meeting real-world requirements for converged, multi-service networks.

The overall design incorporates a family of tightly woven ASICs, designed as system building blocks. These building blocks enable the rapid development of advanced networking systems that are timed to meet market requirements. The architecture ensures consistently high performance as systems scale their capacity and feature capability. The ASICs contain embedded processors that allow systems to be easily upgraded to incorporate new features and industry standards without having to develop new hardware. This approach extends the useful life of the system and protects customer investments.

The Core Switching Engine is the centerpiece of all IntraCore products and is a high-performance, non-blocking, multi-Gigabit switching fabric with scalable bandwidth capacity. The Core Switching Engine is data and format independent and can support either frame or cell-based interfaces. This capability is extremely important as enterprise (primarily frame based) and service provider (cell based) networks move closer together.

The second element of the architecture is Infrastructure Connectivity. IntraCore specifies standards-based, high-performance, cost-effective technologies for connectivity among devices in the network.

At the network edge, Layer 2 switched 10/100/1000 Ethernet meets requirements for high-speed connectivity of desktop computers and scalable, cost-effective data transmission for trunks to the network core.

In the network core, Layer 2/3 switched 10/100/1000 Ethernet meets requirements for high-speed, scalable, cost-effective data transmission and support for all multi-service data types. High performance servers can be centrally located for added physical security.

Adding queuing techniques combined with multiple priority levels and support for industry standard 802.1Q and 820.1p enable Quality of Service within the network.

Price and Availability

Initial shipments of the products to Beta site customers have begun. Asante is now taking orders for IntraCore switches. List price for a fully managed, 48-port 10/100 switched Ethernet configuration for the IntraCore 9000 is $7,999. Switched 10/100 Ethernet modules (24-port) are $2,499. The price for a switched Gigabit Ethernet module with two GBIC interfaces is $1,999.

The IntraCore 8000, which comes with 24-port 10/100-switched Ethernet and full management, lists for $2,399. The eight-port expansion modules are priced at $749, and the single-port Gigabit Ethernet expansion modules with GBIC interfaces are $899.

General customer availability is anticipated Q2 CY2000. Customers will be able to purchase these new products via www.asante.com, systems integrators, and business partners.

About Asante

Asante Technologies is the leading provider of network solutions for the education, enterprise and service provider marketplace. The Company's IntraCore Networks products support multi-service networks running telephony, video or data applications. For additional information, visit www.asante.com or call 800/303-9121.

Note to Editors: Asante and IntraCore, are trademarks of Asante Technologies. All other brand names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.