Corning Introduces New Fiber Solution for Transoceanic Submarine Systems; Vascade R1000 fiber solution revolutionizes long-haul undersea networks.

Business Editors

CORNING, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2001

Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) today introduced a new undersea optical fiber optimized for transoceanic networks. The Corning(R) Vascade(TM) R1000 fiber solution is an advanced dispersion-managed fiber solution for transoceanic systems.

The Vascade R1000 fiber solution enables the use of more channels, a wider bandwidth spectrum and longer system reach than can be achieved through other submarine fibers. This is the first commercial fiber solution to enable utilization of the entire C-band, making it possible to cross the Atlantic or the Pacific oceans at 10 Gb/s without signal regeneration. Higher power and managed dispersion also provide a clearly visible upgrade path to higher data rates and channel counts for undersea networks.

"Increasing the reach, channel count and transmission rate of optical fibers is the key to a successful network, particularly when considering the grand scale of a transoceanic network," said Alan Eusden, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Optical Fiber. "Corning is offering network operators installing the world's largest networks--undersea networks--the technically advanced solution they need to achieve greater reach, speed and capacity at a significant cost savings."

Wendell Weeks, president, Corning Optical Communications added, "We continue to see demand for our leading-edge submarine fiber technology. Corning enjoys strong leadership and expertise in undersea fiber-optics, which is evidenced by leading submarine network operators continuing to request our advanced performance products."

An extraordinary step in the bandwidth race, the Vascade R1000 fiber solution utilizes dispersion-management fiber technology for undersea systems. Dispersion management is achieved by combining one fiber with positive dispersion and positive slope, Corning Vascade L1000 fiber, with a second fiber with negative dispersion and negative slope, Corning Vascade S1000 fiber. The result is an integrated fiber solution that creates synergy by combining a high effective area fiber, which handles more power, with a complementary fiber design to achieve managed dispersion with a nearly flat dispersion slope.

The Vascade R1000 fiber solution is the second Corning Vascade product to be introduced for submarine networks. Vascade L1000 fiber, designed for short-haul submarine networks and dispersion compensation in long-haul submarine networks, was introduced in May at the Suboptic 2001 International Convention in Kyoto, Japan. The Vascade R1000 fiber solution will premiere on opening day of the IBC Submarine Communications conference in Rome, which will be held November 6-8.

Established in 1851, Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) creates leading-edge technologies for the fastest-growing markets of the world's economy. Corning manufactures optical fiber, cable and photonic products for the telecommunications industry; and high-performance displays and components for television, information technology and other communications-related industries. The company also uses advanced materials to manufacture products for scientific, semiconductor and environmental markets. Corning's revenues in 2000 were $7.1 billion.