Aurora Networks Debuts Virtual Hub Platform; 'VHub' Dramatically Reduces Capital Expenditures for Hub Deployments.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Aurora Networks, a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical transport systems for broadband networks, announces the debut of its Virtual Hub Platform at Cable-Tec Expo, June 16 - 18, 2004 in Orlando, Florida.

The Virtual Hub or "VHub" leverages several new technologies from Aurora to dramatically change the way multiple system operators (MSOs) deploy hub facilities in their networks by eliminating most capital expenditures normally associated with advanced services rollouts. Comprised of field hardened dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM) optical passives, node-installed EDFAs and optical switches, the VHub allows MSOs to configure hub sites within a compact strand- or pedestal-mounted housing. A single VHub can feed 16 to 24 unique optical signals to areas of 10,000 to 20,000 households, and requires no external cooling or ventilation.

"The VHub is one of the most exciting and revolutionary products Aurora has introduced this year," said Ron Wolfe, Senior Product Manager for Aurora Networks. "With this platform, MSOs can quickly and easily deliver services such as VoD, VoIP, high speed data and network DVR, without the need to acquire property, construct controlled facilities or deploy distributed servers and switching devices. A single master facility can feed a large number of VHubs in surrounding communities -- large or small -- providing significant cost savings," said Wolfe.

The products that enable the Virtual Hub Platform include the following:

The Aurora NC4000 series Optical Node Chassis provides a rugged and environmentally stable enclosure for the optical components of the VHub. The NC4000 is available with a PC4001 expansion chassis module that allows installation of up to 12 different optical networking modules. Single or dual redundant power supplies are available.

The OS42S1S Optical Switch allows signals to be fed over diverse routes, providing a highly reliable network infrastructure. The OS42S1S has a typical switching time of less than 5 milliseconds, and is capable of operating over a temperature range from -40 to +85 degrees Celsius. The switch can be fully monitored and remotely controlled.

The FA4517S EDFA allows amplification of optical broadcast and narrowcast signals, as needed, for extending reach or overcoming passive losses associated with splitting and combining of optical signals. For the first time, MSOs have a solution that extends the reach of their networks without the need to construct costly, environmentally controlled facilities or enclosures. The FA4517 EDFA can operate from -40 to +85 degrees Celsius, and can be fully monitored and controlled from a remote location. The EDFA is capable of operation in either constant current (constant output power) mode for broadcast applications, or in constant gain mode for narrowcast or switched digital video applications where the input power can be expected to vary under normal circumstances.

The OP4538 Optiplex broadcast/narrowcast optical combiner is the heart of the Virtual Hub platform. This device creates eight unique optical service carriers from a single broadcast and a single DWDM narrowcast input, carrying up to 40 ITU optical channels, passing the remaining DWDM channels to an optical output port for cascading of multiple Optiplexes. Occupying just two slots in the 12-slot NC4000 series chassis, as many as three Optiplex modules can be installed in a single node housing, providing up to 24 unique broadcast/narrowcast signals to downstream nodes. Like all of Aurora's field-deployable products, the OP4538 is rugged, reliable and designed to operate over the temperature range from -40 to +85 degrees Celsius. Although the OP4538 is a passive device, it can be detected remotely via Aurora's integrated management platform.

Visit Aurora

For more information on this highly flexible optical networking platform, visit the Aurora Networks booth (#1157) at the Cable-Tec Expo, July 16-18, 2004 in Orlando, Florida. To schedule an appointment, please contact Cora Wickersham at [phone] or [e-mail].

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 HFC network technology. Aurora Networks is privately held, with headquarters at 2803 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, California 95054. For more information about Aurora Networks or its products, e-mail [e-mail], phone [phone] or visit www.aurora.com.