Brix Networks and Tollgrade Communications Demonstrate End-to-End VoIP Management for Cable Networks.

CHELMSFORD, Mass. -- -- Scalable, Standards-based Performance Management System Helps Make Cable Operators' Triple-Play Services Successful

Brix Networks (www.brixnet.com), the trusted provider of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) performance management and service assurance solutions, today announced the first scalable, commercial performance management system targeted specifically at cable-based VoIP services that lets operators reduce customer churn, strengthen loyalty, grow their subscriber base, and increase the average revenue per user.

Built on Brix Networks' award-winning software, BrixWorx(TM) for Cable now makes it possible for a cable operator to proactively monitor end-to-end VoIP performance across the backbone of their network, into their Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) plant, and all the way out to the customer's residence -- providing near-real-time notification of customer-visible outages and impairments.

Today's announcement was made in conjunction with the Cable-Tec Expo 2005 being held June 14-17 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Brix Networks is supporting its strategic alliance with Tollgrade Communications in Tollgrade's booth number 1180 where this functionality is being demonstrated.

"VoIP is the most challenging component of triple play services, and visibility into and across the HFC is typically the hardest part for cable VoIP operators," observed David Kaufman, director of product management at Brix Networks. "BrixWorx for Cable delivers scalable, non-intrusive monitoring that enables operators to dispatch the right technician the first time and also solve problems before they happen."

CableLabs(R), the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have developed standards to address some of the key challenges of cable VoIP performance management. Brix Networks has combined and optimized these standards into BrixWorx for Cable:

--NCS Loopback - As defined by CableLabs, allows non-intrusive test calls from the cable NOC to the customer residence.

--RTCP-XR - As defined by the IETF, allows cable EMTAs to report on VoIP statistics from the customer residence.

--E-Model - As defined by the ITU, is a scalable, algorithm for predicting call quality.

According to Kaynam Hedayat, CTO at Brix Networks and co-author of the RTCP-XR VoIP management protocol, "We are aggressively leading the efforts to introduce an open, standards approach in the performance management industry. From defining metrics to the introduction of new protocols, Brix is enabling the deployment of pervasive and comprehensive performance management platforms by taking advantage of native network protocols, standards-based extensions to current protocols, and definition of new protocols."

"In order for cable MSOs to meet the high quality expectations of traditional voice subscribers, they require a VoIP test solution that extends deep into the often problematic HFC plant," said Pete Van Peenen, vice president, cable marketing and sales at Tollgrade. "Upon integration with Tollgrade's recently announced CMD-E and VoIP-enabled DOCSIS transponders, Brix now provides cable MSOs with enhanced visibility that allows them to proactively manage call quality from the gateway to the HFC end-of-line."

Brix Networks' seamlessly integrated hardware and software products -- collectively called the Brix System -- are strategic and indispensable network management tools that proactively monitor VoIP quality. The Brix System features the unique Brix Tri-Q(TM) Analysis that provides total VoIP service testing across each of the three most important areas that impact users: signaling quality (call setup performance), delivery quality (media path network performance), and call quality (overall voice clarity and call experience).

The Brix System improves the overall effectiveness of networks, and allows organizations to maximize their investment in -- and increase the value of -- all their business-critical IP services.

About Brix Networks

Brix Networks is the trusted provider of real-time performance management and service assurance solutions that allow carriers, service providers, cable companies, large enterprises, and government agencies to build, operate, and assure their VoIP networks and services. The Chelmsford, Mass., U.S.A.-based company's award-winning hardware and software products let network operators proactively manage the quality and reliability of their offerings. Additional information about Brix Networks can be found on the company's Web site at www.brixnet.com, and by calling 978-367-5600, or 1-888-BRIXNET.

Brix Networks, Brix, Brixnet, the Brix Networks logo, BrixWorx, and Brix Tri-Q are trademarks of Brix Networks, Inc.

CableLabs is a registered trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.

All other company or product names mentioned may be trademarks of their respective holders.