Axerra Networks and Narad Networks Field Test Scalable T1 Solution for Wireless Backhaul over HFC; Field Tests Demonstrate That Joint Solution Meets Stringent Latency and Differential Delay Requirements of Mobile Wireless Backhaul.

BOCA RATON, Fla. & WESTFORD, Mass. -- Axerra Networks, "The Pseudo-Wire Company(TM)" and a leader in providing circuit emulation and service emulation solutions over packet access networks, and Narad Networks, Inc., a provider of high performance switched broadband access solutions, announce successful field testing of their T1 backhaul solution. The two companies will highlight their mobile wireless backhaul over HFC solution at CTIA Wireless 2006, April 5-7, Las Vegas, in the Axerra booth (#152).

The combined solution of Narad and Axerra delivers an end-to-end latency of less than 8ms enabling Multiple System Operators (MSOs) to satisfy the most stringent differential delay requirements of mobile wireless backhaul. This new benchmark in HFC performance is achieved using the Axerra AXN Pseudo-Wire platforms and Narad's switched Ethernet over Coax solution, avoiding the need for fixed wireless solutions or costly new fiber construction.

"Mobile operators are looking for cost-effective primary backhaul service and for redundancy and route diversity options," said Michael Collette, Narad Networks CEO. "This QoS-based solution will allow mobile operators to choose between cable operators and incumbent local exchange carriers as suppliers of backhaul service, driving down the cost of infrastructure."

"The combined Axerra/Narad solution allows MSOs to cost-effectively attack the $2 billion wireless backhaul market. Using the HFC network reduces MSO build costs, and Narad's NBAN architecture resolves the scalability and performance shortcomings of prior HFC transport," said Gadi Tamari, CEO, Axerra Networks.

Axerra Networks' family of AXN Pseudo-Wire Gateways and Access Devices(TM) furnish full-service capabilities over the HFC and fiber infrastructure of cable networks, including leased line T1 PCM Voice, T1 Private Line Data, Ethernet Private Line, native Frame Relay, ATM, HDLC, and IP services. The low latency and high-precision clock recovery features of Axerra's Pseudo-Wire solution support the most demanding applications of the T1 Business Services and Mobile Wireless Backhaul markets. The AXN family is a scalable solution that addresses SMB locations and cell sites, MTU and Hubs, and the carrier-class CO environment.

Narad's Ethernet-over-Coax solution provides up to 100 Mbps x 100 Mbps of additional bandwidth over each coaxial cable span. In combination with Narad Ethernet switches, these 100 Mbps symmetrical links can be switched onto the coax plant at multiple points to provide Gigabits of symmetric bandwidth per node. Narad's switched Ethernet-over-Fiber solution provides Gigabit fiber capacity while making optimally efficient use of existing fiber plant. Narad's Ethernet-based outdoor switches support fiber, coax and wireless transmissions.

About Axerra Networks

Axerra Networks is the leading provider of Pseudo-Wire circuit emulation and service emulation solutions over packet networks. Axerra's AXN Pseudo-Wire Gateways and Access Devices(TM) enable cable MSOs, mobile wireless operators, competitive access providers, and incumbent carriers to extend IP + legacy data and voice services in native format over Ethernet, IP, and MPLS networks. The result is greater operational efficiency, new revenue opportunities, and a smooth migration strategy to a single converged network, without stranding any revenue streams from profitable legacy services. With Axerra's Pseudo-Wire solutions, service providers can convert any packet access network (Carrier Ethernet, broadband wireless including WiMAX, cable HFC, xDSL, PON, etc.) into a full-service alternative to TDM access. For more information, visit: http://www.axerra.com.

About Narad Networks

Narad Networks is a provider of switched broadband access solutions that enable cable operators to leverage existing coaxial cable and flexibly use fiber and wireless media to deliver high capacity, high performance IP services, including voice, data, video, and enterprise networks. The company's QoS switches and service management software, along with its broad spectrum fiber and coax transmission technologies, support multi-gigabit transport for both commercial and residential customers. Narad's patented Ethernet-over-Coax solution meets the needs of coax-based users that have voice or data needs beyond that which cable modems can offer, while Narad's switched Ethernet-over-Fiber solution provides unprecedented IP capacity to fiber-based customers. Narad is currently deployed with North American and European cable operators.

Based in Westford, Massachusetts, Narad is a privately held company with venture funding from Argo Global Capital, Polaris Venture Partners and other leading venture capital firms. For more information, visit http://www.naradnetworks.com.