Basis Communications Delivers First Open-System DSL Network Processor Platform Integrating Silicon and Networking Software.

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 1999--

Unique DSL Network Processor Platform Combines

High-Integration Silicon With DSL Service Protocol Stacks

and Real-Time OS in One Product

Basis Communications today announced a DSL Network Processor platform targeted at Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) such as DSL modems, routers or bridges for high-speed Internet access.

For the first time, a completely integrated product is available that includes: a DSL Network Processor chip (BC6911) with an embedded ARM RISC core and ATM SAR processor; networking protocol stacks for DSL service provisioning; an industry-standard real time operating system; and an open API to add such IP-based applications as NAT, DHCP, and SNMP.

"The DSL Network Processor platform is the first of Service-Specific Network Processor(TM) platforms in our roadmap targeting the convergence of voice, video and data over broadband WAN services," said Nabil Damouny, vice president of marketing, Basis Communications. "The DSL Network Processor platform provides a solid foundation for next generation WANs featuring value-added IP-based applications such as Voice over IP and Virtual Private Networks."

According to IDC research analyst, Kimberly Funasaki, "In conjunction with DSL as the physical layer technology, network service providers have recognized the importance of ATM's role as a Layer 2 protocol in offering support of multiple services as well as management of Quality of Service. The market for ADSL CPE modem chipsets alone is expected to have a 133% compound annual growth rate from 1999-2002."

Today, various flavors of DSL services such as G.Lite, full-rate ADSL, IDSL, and HDSL2 are deployed as a Layer 1 foundation for high-speed Internet access. Network Service Providers use PPP over ATM protocol to effectively support diverse content -- data, voice, and video -- and management of Quality of Service (QoS).

"The DSL Network Processor platform offers the comprehensive software and silicon necessary to implement PPP over ATM provisioning on top of a myriad of Layer 1 technologies," stated Ashis Khan, Basis Communications' marketing director. "Basis is continuing to establish close relationships with DSL Layer 1 technology providers, and recently announced a partnership with Alcatel Microelectronics," Khan said. -0-

     The DSL Network Processor platform combines:

--   The DSL Network Processor chip which integrates an ATM
     Segmentation and Reassembly (SAR) processor, ARM(R) RISC core,
     CRC generator and checker, hash table for VPI/VCI lookup, PCI bus
     controller, Utopia interface, and a set of I/O peripherals.

--   DSL service protocol stacks (RFC 2364 PPP over AAL-5
     encapsulation, RFC 2225 Classical IP and ARP over ATM, RFC 1483
     multi-protocol encapsulation over AAL-5).

--   An industry-standard real-time-operating system and development
     environment (WindRiver's VxWorks(R)).

-0-

The product also includes TCP/IP stacks and a well-defined API to add IP applications, such as address management and network management.

Budgetary pricing for the DSL Network Processor platform is US$45 in quantities of 1,000. Product availability is scheduled for Q3, 1999.

Basis Communications, headquartered in Fremont, is a provider of Service-Specific Network Processor platforms combining networking silicon and software for the convergence of voice and data over wide area Internet-centric networks. As a spin-off from Cirrus Logic, Basis Communications maintains and supports an existing Wide Area Networking (WAN) product base, and has a roadmap to develop standards-based open-system networking platforms targeting the broadband WAN services market. Additional information about Basis Communications is available at www.basiscomm.com.

Note to Editors: ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. VxWorks is a registered trademark of WindRiver Systems. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders.