Cisco Introduces Point-to-Multipoint Broadband Fixed Wireless Solution; VOFDM Technology Extends Customer Acquisition and Revenues for Service Providers.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2001

Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today introduced the Cisco WT-2750 Multipoint Broadband Wireless System, a carrier-class solution for fixed wireless communications. Designed specifically for service providers, the Cisco WT-2750 provides performance, scalability, security and ease-of-provisioning equal to that of alternative wireline broadband networks, such as cable and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). As a result, service providers now have an alternative or complementary "last mile" access solution that enables them to deploy services in areas where cable and/or DSL are not available or cost-effective, without the costs and labor associated with laying fiber or copper wires.

Based on the award-winning Vector Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (VOFDM) technology, the Cisco WT-2750 system utilizes multipath signals to enhance or recreate transmitted signals, dramatically increasing overall system performance and scalability for service providers. This technology, which was recently adopted by the Broadband Wireless Internet Forum (BWIF) in an effort to drive industry standards, operates in both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight environments. This not only allows service providers to target a larger customer base for broadband services, but also enhances overall market penetration, revenue stream and profitability.

"The WT-2750 system extends Cisco's family of broadband solutions to include MMDS and UNII point-to-multipoint wireless products that specifically address the high-performance requirements of small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as residential customers," said Carson Chen, vice president and general manager of Cisco's Wireless Access Business Unit. "VOFDM technology -- paired with a DOCSIS MAC layer -- is quickly becoming the solution of choice for microwave broadband wireless access, and delivers uncompromised performance, wireline-grade link availability, end-to-end quality-of-service, security, provisioning and management support."

Dallas-based airBand Communications is a national provider of wireless broadband Internet access and is a member of the Cisco Powered Network Program.

"As a service provider focused on faster and more widely available Internet access, airBand sees great promise in Cisco's new multi-point broadband wireless system," said Andrew Lombard, CEO of airBand. "When coupled with Cisco's leading core network infrastructure, the new wireless system promises end-user capabilities in terms of price, speed and availability that go beyond other alternative broadband systems."

Cisco's broadband wireless systems seamlessly integrate with the industry-leading Cisco uBR7200 Universal Broadband Router (uBR) and Cisco 2600/3600 family of Modular Access Routers, and extends Cisco IOS(R) software over wireless connections. Unlike traditional first-generation microwave systems, Cisco's VOFDM technology ensures a robust, fiber-quality end-to-end connection over a wireless network. Additionally, with the support of BWIF and its numerous members, VOFDM is quickly becoming a viable standard for broadband fixed wireless transmissions, enabling interoperability and integration with heterogeneous service provider environments.

Members of BWIF will drive product roadmaps that will lower product costs, simplify deployment of advanced services, and ensure the availability of interoperable standards-based solutions based on VOFDM technology. BWIF members will also cross-license to other BWIF members, the technologies required to implement the standard on a worldwide, royalty-free basis.

About Cisco Broadband Solutions

Cisco is the market leader in deployment of broadband solutions, delivering service-enabling infrastructures for cable, DSL and wireless customers. Cisco's multiservice broadband solutions enable service providers to rapidly deploy a breadth of revenue-generating services such as corporate Internet/Intranet access, secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), residential and business Voice-over-IP services, and entertainment services such as digital video or streaming media. With Cisco's multiservice broadband solutions, service providers also gain access to world-class professional services, business programs and the New World Ecosystem of best-of-breed partners.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at http://www.cisco.com.

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