Basis Communications Unveils Internet Friendly Edition of New DSL Network Processor.

Business/Technology Editors

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2000

DSL Service-Specific Network Processor(TM) platform

incorporates routing, PPP & dynamic addressing

Basis Communications today unveiled a second edition of its new Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Service-Specific Network Processor(TM) platform with features that will make it the best friend of equipment makers searching for a simple way to stay on the leading edge of Internet access demand.

The second edition of Basis' DSL Service-Specific Network Processor platform enhances the bridging capabilities of the original version with robust routing capabilities. The second edition is Basis' response to the trend toward increasing services demanded by small enterprises, home offices and even households to get more functionality from the Internet.

The second edition platform integrates silicon with networking and operating-system software, providing a complete, optimized foundation for next-generation DSL customer premises equipment. The total system solution cuts design time in half because equipment makers no longer have to perform the integration themselves.

Although the roll-out of second-edition processor platform comes on the heels of the successful completion of Beta tests of the original model, the first version is completely upgradable.

"The newest subsystem incorporates routing and, point-to-point and dynamic addressing protocols directly on the platform," said Stephen Price, Basis' senior marketing director for its family of Service-Specific(TM) platforms. "With such a foundation in hand, equipment designers can eliminate up to six months of work typically spent in the first stages of designing routers and residential gateways."

Specifically, the enhanced platform is compatible with the complete Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) suites. In particular, it will offer Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), permitting IP addressing on the fly; Routing Information Protocol (RIP), preferred by Internet service providers (ISPs) for its speed; and PPP over asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) to facilitate access to the Internet. An innovative buffer management scheme also has been added, significantly enhancing routing performance.

"The high degree of integration in the platform reflects the trend among small- and medium-size businesses and even homes to use the Internet for seemingly everything under the Sun," said Price. "Today's routers open up the power of the Internet. People like the added addressing functionality, fire wall support and protocol compatibility that maximize and secure their access to the Internet. The second edition of the DSL Service-Specific platform makes it simple to get that functionality off the assembly line early in the market window, while keeping it affordable."

Basis' DSL network processor platform is an integration of silicon with a real-time operating system and networking protocols that adapt Ethernet packets for transport via PPP and ATM. The platform can be used in conjunction with standard DSL services, including G.Lite and full-rate asynchronous DSL (ADSL). An open application program interface allows equipment makers to add existing or new IP-based applications to the platform with complete compatibility.

Orders are currently being taken on the second edition platform, which will be generally available in early March. The suggested price per unit from distributors is $24 each in lots of 1,000. In addition, the original platform is completely upgradable through Basis' distributors.

About Basis Communications

Basis Communications Corporation, a privately held company headquartered in Fremont, California, develops Service-Specific Network Processor(TM) platforms, a unique union of silicon and software that simplifies the development of next-generation telecommunications access equipment. From its solid foundation in developing narrowband products for network equipment makers, Basis is expanding its vision to encompass broadband platforms that make telecommunications progress simple. Additional information about Basis Communications is available at www.basiscomm.com.

Service Specific and Service-Specific Network Processor are trademarks of Basis Communications Corporation.