Core Networks Introduces CMTS Manager at SCTE's Cable-Tec Expo 2001.

Business/Technology Editors

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2001

Powerful new tool provides extensive network monitoring, enhanced

capacity planning, and faster configuration for cable market

Core Networks Inc., developer of industry leading activation, support, and network management solutions for the high-speed Internet over cable market, announced the launch of its sophisticated network intelligence and monitoring tool, the CMTS (Cable Modem Termination System) Manager today at SCTE's Cable-Tec Expo 2001.

The latest innovation in the company's CoreOS(TM) solution suite allows service providers to rapidly capture market share by proactively managing and monitoring their ever-expanding cable modem networks. The CMTS Manager helps cable operators configure, monitor and manage their data transport equipment for maximum return on investment.

The CMTS Manager captures critical statistics from all DOCSIS CMTS systems in the network on an ongoing basis. This information is available on a live and historical basis, providing extensive insight into current and past performance of all key upstream and downstream variables in an easy-to-use web-based interface. The tool simplifies routine network management tasks enabling service providers to reduce training and staffing costs while focusing on key subscriber support.

"To succeed in delivering reliable and profitable broadband services, cable operators need advanced monitoring tools to automate network troubleshooting and capacity management," said Michael Harris, president of broadband research firm Kinetic Strategies, Inc.

Cable operators can access a broad range of graphical and statistical reports generated by the CMTS Manager to quickly identify and diagnose network issues. These statistics help identify heavily congested areas and load balancing opportunities. Capacity planning is a critical growth area the CMTS Manager directly addresses. Signal-to-Noise Ratio graphs, Out-of-Spec Modem reports, Upstream and Downstream Utilization graphs per port, registered and unregistered device information all aid in lowering management costs and improving the quality and stability of an ever expanding network.

The CMTS Manager and the CoreOS(TM) suite allows service providers to keep traffic flowing across their networks and seamlessly performs node moves and splits, re-assigning subscribers, and reducing the load in high network traffic areas. All appropriate subscriber-specific information is automatically updated to reflect the new settings. As new subscribers join the network at an ever-increasing pace, they are rapidly activated and brought into the monitoring system with ease.

"Service providers are serious about network monitoring and need to arm themselves with the right tools to proactively manage and scale their networks," said Robert Daigle, Manager of Product Marketing, Core Networks. "The CMTS Manager provides them with a business-critical tool for maintaining high levels of network performance and subscriber satisfaction."

The CMTS Manager will be demonstrated at the Core Networks booth (#1615) at SCTE's Cable-Tec Expo, May 8-11, at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, FL. The product is currently in field trials with several Core Networks' customers and will be generally available in Q3 2001.

Built with a flexible and open architecture the CMTS Manager is DOCSIS 1.0 compliant and works with all qualified and certified 1.0 hardware. Support for DOCSIS 1.1 CMTS products is under development. The CoreOS(TM) CMTS Manager is a critical tool and scaleable tool for rapidly expanding cable networks.

About Core Networks Inc.

Core Networks Inc. (www.CoreNetworks.com) develops, markets, and supports broadband activation and network management solutions for cable operators. The company's flagship product, the CoreOS(TM) Broadband Provisioning and Management System, addresses three primary areas in the delivery of broadband services: activation and provisioning, monitoring and management, and subscriber care and self-care. Core Networks has customers deploying and field-testing CoreOS(TM) in six countries around the world. The company has been a vendor member at CableLabs since 1998, and works with major CMTS and cable modem vendors, as well as other industry partners to ensure advanced feature support and compatibility. Established in 1998, Core Networks is headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.