Aurora's Advanced Solutions for HFC and Fiber Deep Architectures Continue to Evolve.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

BroadBand Plus 2002

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2002

BroadbandPlus Demo Unveils New Products with Enhanced Performance,

Features and Capabilities for Increased Cost-Efficiency and Revenue

Generation

Aurora Networks, a leading developer of advanced optical transport and distribution systems for broadband networks, will demonstrate its product solutions for hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) and fiber deep architectures at BroadbandPlus - The New Western Show (December 4-6, 2002, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, Booth #4812). New products being demonstrated at the show include: Aurora's Scalable Node, dual channel digital return transceivers and dual channel receivers for node segmentation, high performance 1310 nm DFB transmitters, a 24 dBm high powered EDFA, gain flattened optical amplifiers, and the Aurora Ethernet Transport solution.

Aurora's advanced optical solutions for HFC and fiber deep architectures continue to evolve, with new products providing enhanced performance, added features and new capabilities, all leading to increased cost efficiency and network capacity for multiple system operators (MSOs). Additionally, Aurora's unique integrated digital transport technology with built-in support for Fast Ethernet channels provides MSOs with easy, scalable and low cost entry into the lucrative small to medium-sized business (SMB) market.

"We're very excited to share our new products and enhancements with our customer base at BroadbandPlus," said John Dahlquist, Vice President of Marketing for Aurora Networks. "The show is evolving, becoming more focused on broadband revenue opportunities for MSOs, and Aurora is evolving along with it, continuing to provide new, industry leading products and solutions that allow cable operators to get the most out of their networks. We encourage everyone to stop by our booth for a hands-on demonstration of our complete system offering."

Aurora products and systems being demonstrated at Broadband Plus 2002 include:

Scalable Node

Aurora's 4000 Series Scalable Node is fully segmentable in the forward and return directions, providing a cost-effective method for greatly increasing the available bandwidth per user for larger node service areas. This highly flexible segmentation capability allows the network to be scaled for the balancing of forward and return traffic loads to meet the MSO's requirements. Also, node monitoring is integrated in the platform, eliminating the costly addition of a traditional status monitoring transponder.

All Aurora nodes feature Aurora's patented digital return capability to reduce capital and operating costs, while increasing capacity, performance and reliability. The 4000 Series node also supports the Aurora Ethernet Transport solution, providing multiple Fast Ethernet connections that can be used for voice, video and data services to SMBs.

Dual Channel Digital Transceivers and Receivers for Node Segmentation

Aurora's "2-fer" digital return transceiver and receiver product line supports cost-effective growth in high-speed data and telephony penetrations by increasing the usable return bandwidth of existing fiber plant. By utilizing Aurora's "2-fer" transceivers, Series DT4200 and DT5200, in the 4000 and 5000 Series nodes, respectively, and dual density receivers (Model DR3021) in their return path designs, MSOs can effectively double available bandwidth per user while conserving fiber resources, resulting in significant cost savings.

High Performance 1310 nm DFB Transmitters

Aurora's new, high performance family of 1310 nm DFB transmitter modules is the industry's most space efficient, with up to 14 modules housed in a three rack unit platform. Designed for simplicity in operation and performance, Aurora's high power, high performance 1310 nm transmission system is easy to install and maintain.

Optical Amplifiers

Aurora will also introduce new "gain-flattened" additions to its comprehensive family of optical amplifiers. These gain-flattened amplifiers simplify alignment and improve the overall performance of dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM) systems. They are available in both single and dual packaged EDFAs for each module.

Also newly available is a high power 24 dBm optical amplifier for 1550 nm distribution applications. The high output power of the FA3524 reduces the number of amplifiers previously required to generate many high level outputs, therefore reducing space requirements and network costs.

Aurora Ethernet Transport

Aurora Ethernet Transport offers the lowest cost-of-entry and fastest return on investment for MSOs looking to increase revenue by serving business customers passed by their networks. The solution includes:

-- Model NI3000 Network Interface Module, located in the headend, which interfaces with MAN/WAN routers/switches and manages the Aurora Ethernet transport network.

-- Model OE1110 Ethernet Access Device for business premises, which interfaces with office LAN switches/routers.

-- Opti-Trace Monitoring and Management software, which enables provisioning and management of Fast Ethernet services.

Aurora Ethernet Transport provides 1.6 Gbps bandwidth over single mode fiber, and can be further expanded using DWDM multiplexing. As a Layer 1 transport, it is transparent to Layer 2 and higher protocols, enabling datacom protocols for robustness and security (e.g., QoS, IPSec) to be overlaid very inexpensively on an MSO's network. Very low latency (under 1 millisecond) makes the Aurora Ethernet Transport ideal for video streaming, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and other latency-sensitive applications.

Aurora Ethernet Transport will be demonstrated at two venues at BroadbandPlus, Aurora's booth #4812 and CableNET(R).

Visit Aurora

To schedule a private demonstration at BroadbandPlus 2002, please contact Cora Wickersham at [phone] or [e-mail] or stop by Aurora's booth #4812.

About Aurora Networks

Founded in November 1999, Aurora Networks designs, develops, and markets advanced optical communications systems for traditional hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks and advanced, fiber-deep broadband networks. The company's advanced technology delivers significant increases in bandwidth and functionality while providing substantial cost savings when compared to traditional network technology. Aurora Networks is privately held, with headquarters at 2803 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054-1838. For more information on Aurora Networks or its products, e-mail [e-mail], phone [phone] or visit www.aurora.com.