Cisco Systems Unveils Enhanced Data Communications Network Solution.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2000

Improved Scalability and Ethernet Support Positions Cisco as the Lead

Innovator in Standards-based Central Office Solutions

Cisco Systems, today announced the extension of its standards-based Central Office (CO) Data Communications Network (DCN) solution for optimizing and simplifying service provider operations networks. With this announcement, Cisco is the first to offer a comprehensive, standards-based LAN solution, optimized for evolving central office needs.

To aid service providers in their move to New World IP and OSI protocols for CO management, Cisco has added the Catalyst 2924M XL DC, a NEBS Level 3/ETSI compliant Fast Ethernet switching platform to its solution. A Data Communications Network (DCN) is an out-of-band network that connects network elements to their respective operations support systems (OSS). Its primary function is enabling surveillance and status of a service network, but it also facilitates network operations and management such as provisioning, billing, planning and service restoration.

"Although in the early transition stages, the shift from legacy management interfaces to the standards-based Ethernet interface already has service providers requiring more flexible Ethernet switching platforms. Cisco's Catalyst 2924M XL DC DCN platform supplies that flexibility with 10/100Mbps Ethernet interfaces and modular up-links to meet current and emerging CO needs. More importantly with its addition, the Cisco DCN solution is leading the evolution of today's DCN ," said Susan Scheer, Director of IXC and Alternate Carrier Marketing for Cisco's Service Provider Line of Business.

Cisco's Catalyst 2924M XL DC complements the current Cisco DCN solution which includes the Cisco 3662-DC-CO and Cisco 2600-DC series modular routers, the Catalyst 1924-DC Ethernet switch, and the Cisco IOS Telco Feature Set.

The Catalyst 2924M XL DC offers 24 auto-sensing 10/100Mbps Ethernet ports, a choice of fiber, ATM, or Gigabit Ethernet up-links, and simplified Ethernet switch management not previously offered by the Cisco DCN solution. In addition, Cisco's Catalyst 2924M XL DC enables service providers to lay a foundation for the management of new technology management interfaces, and it advances Cisco's DCN leadership position by offering Fast Ethernet switching for higher speed applications. The connectivity for emerging high-speed service provider applications, such as SS7 server connectivity, is delivered using the Catalyst 2924M XL DC's two expansion slots that accept multiple high-speed up-link modules.

"Cisco's Catalyst 2924M XL DC has fulfilled a much needed system requirement that was not available in the past. Cisco's new Catalyst product combines 10/100 BASE-T, 100-BASE-T fiber up-link module support and DC power - all critical elements for AT&T's Central Office Intranet system," said Chuck Davis, NSDNet Architect for AT&T NSDNet Division. "In addition, Cisco greatly improved the management interface of the Catalyst 2924M XL DC with an IOS command format and an Internet browser management system."

Cisco's Catalyst 2924M XL DC is a Fast Ethernet switch that delivers high performance, ease of use, and flexibility to the CO operations environment. The Catalyst 2924M XL DC with its 12" deep footprint features dual input -48v DC power and NEBS Level 3 and ETSI compliance meets stringent CO requirements. The fiber up-links are ideal for isolating ground planes between equipment floors in the central office. Cisco's Switch Clustering Technology enables CO LAN growth through the interconnection of up to 16 Catalyst 2924M XL DC and 1924-DC switches, regardless of physical proximity, to form a single-IP managed network. Cisco's Virtual Switch Manager enables network administrators to easily manage a cluster of switches through a simple web interface.

The new Cisco IOS(R) Interswitch Link (ISL) VLAN trunking feature added to the Telco Feature Set enables more network elements to be supported by one Cisco DCN routing platform and provides one DCN implementation that supports the movement of SONET/SDH management protocols from OSI to IP. The DCN solution now uniquely scales for large, fast growing SONET/SDH transport networks using the OSI or IP protocols for management. The ISL trunking feature over Fast Ethernet provides an economical configuration to accommodate fast SONET/SDH network elements growth.

"Service providers need a scaleable platform that optimizes equipment space and reduces deployment and operations costs," said John McConnell, Principal Analyst for McConnell Associates. "With the introduction of its enhanced DCN, including the Catalyst 2924M XL DC switch, Cisco has taken a progressive approach to intelligent management of the Central Office with a robust solution that future-proofs investment."

Pricing & Availability

The Cisco Catalyst 2924M XL DC along with the Telco feature set found in the Cisco IOS(R) software is available now.

Pricing is $4495 for the Catalyst 2924M-XL DC unit.

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.

Cisco, Cisco IOS, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.