Cascade expands presence in the Internet with the introduction of carrier-class remote access; new high capacity access switch enables service providers to meet booming demand for dial access.

WESTFORD, Ma.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 1996--Cascade Communications Corp. (NASDAQ: CSCC) today announced the AX 800 and AX 1600 High Capacity Access Switches, making an aggressive move into the dial access segment of the Internet and carrier markets with a carrier- class solution for central site remote access.

Designed specifically to meet the rigorous requirements of service providers, the AX family offers the industry's highest modem density in a single shelf. The products mark the emergence of a new market segment for central site remote access switches, characterized by their unparalleled capacity, performance scalability, availability, and network management.

"Now, for the first time, service providers can rapidly scale their dial-up networks to meet the explosive demand for access driven by the growth of the Internet and telecommuting applications," said Jim Dolce, vice president, remote access marketing, Cascade Communications Corp. "This is the same emphasis on scalability that made us a leader in the Frame Relay and ATM markets."

The AX switches integrate analog modem-based applications with high speed digital services, such as ISDN and leased line connections. Their integral, high performance routers are optimized for high density traffic, and combine with Frame Relay and ATM switching to give network operators the flexibility needed to position their networks for future growth and change.

"There is a definite requirement for remote access switches to meet the stringent demands of the carrier market. The Cascade AX 800 and AX 1600 High Capacity Access Switches are positioned to address these needs and we're looking forward to testing the products," said Robert Bentley, manager of data engineering, LDDS WorldCom.

The carrier-class features of the AX family include:

o Capacity: The AX family delivers the highest dial-up densities

for modem and ISDN access in the industry. The model 1600

supports up to 672 integrated digital modems or up to 1,344

ISDN connections in a single shelf -- translating to an

unprecedented 2,016 modems or 4,032 ISDN connections in

one eight foot rack. This unsurpassed port density provides

the lowest cost-per-port available today in large

scale installations and minimizes space requirements.

o Performance Scalability: Unsurpassed performance is delivered

through a distributed, multiprocessor architecture that scales

as the network expands. When combined with a high speed,

1 Gbps system bus, this architecture assures the highest

level of throughput in the industry.

o Availability: Multi-level hardware redundancy is combined with

the fully distributed system software to guarantee the

highest levels of service availability.

o Manageability: CascadeView/UX Network Management System offers

a unified management for the AX family, under the same

management umbrella as our Frame Relay and ATM switch

products. This centralized management platform provides

network configuration, performance monitoring, and security

for an entire network of switches using Simple Network

Management Protocol (SNMP).

The product's innovative software architecture delivers enhanced features designed to create new revenue opportunities for service providers. "We believe service providers will seek opportunities that reach beyond traditional Internet dial-up access," said Dolce. "In fact, many service providers have already discovered new revenue-generating possibilities in areas like wholesale Internet access and outsourcing of corporate remote access. The advanced feature set of the AX switches allow service providers to leverage their investment in network infrastructure by supporting the provisioning and management of these new services."

In addition, the AX family puts Cascade in a unique position to deliver on the promise of Quality of Service (QoS). "As the Internet matures, business users will seek more guaranteed service quality from their service providers," continued Dolce. "With our presence in the access and backbone segments, we are now able to create the necessary linkage required for control of end-to-end quality of service."

In a recent report, Forrester Research estimated that over one million new ports will be added to the Internet in the next 12 months. Existing commercial grade remote access servers support as many as 48 ports, but Forrester believes that 500+ port capacity will be the key for carriers as they build out networks to meet the burgeoning demand for remote access. According to Paul Callahan, group director, Forrester Research, "Carriers will be starving for ports. High-density equipment will rule the roost -- anything with less than 500 ports will not get a second look. With their command of the carrier customer base...Cascade will block any new entrants." According to Katherine Weldon, senior analyst, Yankee Group, "Cascade's new high-end remote access switch sets a new standard for high availability, high density, and performance. Given the enormous growth of Internet access and remote LAN access, carriers and ISPs require much higher levels of performance than available commercial-grade platforms. Cascade's new offering will provide them the ability to grow their current service offerings and expand into new areas such as outsourcing of remote access and provision of multiple levels of service for Internet access. We see Cascade's new products as raising the current standard of remote access alternatives to a new level."

Pricing and Availability

The AX 800, ideal for applications that require mid-range capacity is priced in the range of $27,500 to $200,000. The AX 1600 is targeted for scalable high-end applications, and is priced in the range of $32,500 to $485,000. Both will be available for commercial shipment in Q4, `96.

About Cascade Communications Corp.

Cascade Communications Corp. (NASDAQ: CSCC) is at the forefront of broadband data communications with its family of scalable, carrier-class Frame Relay, ATM, and Remote Access switching products. Used by public carriers and Internet service providers worldwide, Cascade's products are forming the foundation of the public network infrastructure for global communications. Cascade is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts, USA, with offices throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia/Pacific.

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This press release contains certain forward-looking statements which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Specifically, comments related to the demand for the Company's products, including the size, characteristics and growth of the remote access market, should be considered forward-looking and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the rate of growth in market demand for data communications services; the acceptance of the Company's products; intense competitive conditions and rapid technological change. For a more detailed description of the risk factors associated with the Company and the data networking industry, please refer to the Company's 1995 Form 10-K and Second Quarter 1996 Form 10-Q.

CONTACT: Cascade Communications Corp.

Lucia F. Graziano, ([e-mail])

[phone]

or

Neva Group

Susan Shelby, ([e-mail])

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