Aurora Networks Expands CWDM Ethernet Access Product Line; New Products Support Additional High-Speed Data Services and Business Customer Applications.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Aurora Networks, a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical transport systems for broadband networks, has expanded its CWDM Ethernet Access product line with new products to support additional high-speed data services. Aurora CWDM Ethernet systems have been deployed by several large multiple system operators (MSOs), enabling them to launch new services for small to medium-size business customers.

This all-optical, coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) Ethernet-to-the-business solution uses the fiber optic portion of existing hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) infrastructure to bring revenue-generating, high-speed data access to business customers over multiple CWDM wavelengths. The new products include Gigabit Ethernet media converters, and indoor and outdoor optical multiplexers and demultiplexers.

"We are very committed to working with our customers to define and develop new, advanced products for our Ethernet product line to enhance the success of their business," said Wim Mostert, Director of Technical Business Development for Aurora Networks. "The CWDM Ethernet Access platform allows customers to leverage their existing HFC architecture to add to their revenue streams in a very cost-effective manner."

The first addition to the CWDM product line is a family of Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) media converters, complementing the existing Fast Ethernet media converters. Both series are available for ten different ITU grid CWDM wavelengths, and provide the system operator with powerful, standards-based Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and open standard remote monitoring (RMON) capabilities. New, very high-speed data customers can be added using the same system architecture as used for Fast Ethernet (FastE) connections at speeds up to 1000 Mbps. GbE media converters can also be used for simple upgrades of FastE connections from 100 Mbps up to 1000 Mbps full duplex Ethernet connections.

Both the MC2410 GbE media converter and MC2401 FastE media converters fit into the same Aurora CH2016 16-slot, SNMP-managed chassis. Like the MC1401M FastE version CPE, the standalone MC1410M GbE media converter is an independent Ethernet device with its own SNMP and RMON management and monitoring system. The status of the device is reported using open SNMP protocol, and can be accessed independently, via its own IP address, from any other Ethernet device in the network using the built-in web page or telnet access tools. The MC1410M and MC1401M are IEEE and ITU standards-based Ethernet devices, and will therefore operate seamlessly with any open-standard Ethernet device in the network.

Aurora has also added a family of 5- and 10-wavelength CWDM optical multiplexers and demultiplexers to its outdoor optical passive offerings to complement the OP941S single wavelength outdoor filters. The OP94D 5- and 10-channel CWDM demultiplexers and OP94M 5- and 10-channel CWDM multiplexers provide additional ease of installation in areas where the high concentration of business customers requires multiple Ethernet connections to be dropped off from the same fiber splice location. Aurora's outdoor CWDM filter family for splice enclosure installation is derived from outdoor DWDM filter technology. These filters are specially developed for a wide range of outdoor temperatures and humidty, and proven to be highly stable over time and temperature.

In addition, Aurora has expanded its family of indoor CWDM optical passives with single-wavelength, 5- and 10-channel indoor optical multiplexers and demultiplexers. The OP34F1D family of indoor filters provide the flexibility to add individual CWDM wavelength taps at the hub or headend in areas where low penetration of business customers is anticipated, while maintaining the ability to add new customer connections without interrupting existing service.

Also new to the CWDM optical passives family are integrated, bi-directional optical test points, providing an additional tool to monitor wavelengths in either direction without interrupting the mainstream analog video or combined CWDM transmission services.

The Aurora CWDM Ethernet Access platform operates with several other Aurora products, including the TDM Ethernet Access platform and Aurora Wi-Fi products, to provide customers with a wide range of tools for delivering high-speed commercial data services. Aurora's expanding Ethernet Access platforms are part of an ongoing initiative to support telecommunications service providers with innovative solutions for delivering video, voice and data services to their customers.

Visit Aurora

For more information on the expanded Aurora CWDM Ethernet solution, 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.