Datacom Textron Announces the N XT -- Network Test Tablet; A Revolutionary New Concept in Network Test Technology.

Business Editors, Technology Writers

EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2000

Datacom Textron a Division of Greenlee Textron / Subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) today announced the N XT(TM) -- Network Test Tablet and Interchangeable Test Modules.

The N XT is a modular network test platform utilizing the Windows CE Operating System. Windows CE enables the N XT to provide on-board applications like E-mail, Internet Explorer and Pocket Word. It also allows the N XT to enhance its capabilities through third party software applications. The N XT also has a built-in Type II PCMCIA slot, which supports unlimited flash memory, modem communications, Ethernet attachment and more.

The highlight of the N XT platform is its expandable design, which gives the user the flexibility to perform a multitude of tests spanning LAN/WAN/TELCO through Xpand(TM) modular technology. Through Xpand interchangeable modules that plug directly into the N XT platform, the user can easily change its functionality as testing and troubleshooting needs vary. From Fiber Optic verification and Category 6 certification with the XA.C.T.(TM) module to Network Diagnostics and Analysis with the XAMINE(TM) module, the N XT was designed with the advanced requirement of today's Network Engineers, Technicians, Integrators and Installers in mind. The XA.C.T. module sets a new standard by integrating both Category 6 twisted pair and fiber optic testing capabilities into one module. The XAMINE module transforms the N XT platform into a powerful network diagnostic and troubleshooting tool for 10 and 100 Mbps Ethernet networks, identifying problems from the NIC to the HUB and everything in between. The N XT, XA.C.T. and XAMINE will be available in the first quarter of 2000 through authorized Datacom Textron distributors and resellers, (U.S. list pricing: N XT Network Test Tablet $2,295. Xpand modules -- XA.C.T. Advanced Cable Test module for Category 6 and Fiber Optic test $6,600

-- XAMINE Diagnostic Analyzer $1,495).

The XA.C.T. Advanced Cable Test module for N XT meets TIA Level III requirements and provides extended performance beyond Category 5 and 5e standards. With a swept test frequency range to 350 MHz, XA.C.T. provides measurement bandwidth well above what the approaching Category 6 and ISO Class E standards will require. Critical measurement functions are performed using both Full Vector and DSP technologies yielding excellent dynamic range and high-speed performance. XA.C.T. fiber optic testing capabilities provide simultaneous bi-directional multimode optical loss at both 850 and 1300 nm wavelengths. XA.C.T. has a built in library of common cabling and network standards and will automatically calculate the optical loss budget then provide a simple pass/fail indication. XA.C.T. also provides Singlemode optical loss at both 1310 and 1550 nm wavelengths.

XAMINE Diagnostic Analyzer for N XT is a PCMCIA based module that provides powerful network diagnostic and troubleshooting features for 10 and 100 Mbps Ethernet networks. XAMINE helps manage moves, adds, and changes, provides network analysis, statistics, utilization and performance diagnostics. XAMINE offers three specialized toolkits with tests specific for troubleshooting TCP/IP, NT, and NetWare. XAMINE graphically displays test data with the use of charts, graphs, and drawings, which simplify interpretation of results.

No other field test instrument allows you to communicate through the device itself in so many ways. N XT is the first field test instrument of its kind to offer email, providing a means to send and receive messages in the field. Now field technicians and service providers have a way to easily receive trouble tickets, report field problems and send real-time test data back to centralized site management. In addition, Datacom Textron pioneered the concept of voice communications over the cable under test with LinkTalk(TM). LinkTalk provides voice communications over the cable under test, even if the cable is mis-wired. The combination earphone/microphone headset provides a convenient hands-free approach to keeping you in contact with a partner.

"The strength of the N XT Network Test Tablet is its scalability. It will include future interchangeable modules for Category 7 and ISO Class F, xDSL, advanced network analysis, and high performance fiber testing with more planned." Said Lisa Schwartz, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Staff Scientist, and Director of Technology Development. She continued, "The N XT is so versatile, the user can transform the N XT into the exact piece of test equipment they need when they need it. Because of this flexibility, users will experience extended ownership cycles and achieve dramatic purchase savings. We're not forcing them to purchase yet another dedicated application test products that will soon become obsolete when test standards change or they find they need extended capabilities."

Datacom Textron has been a technology leader for more than 15 years. Datacom Textron is a rapidly growing company that has taken on the challenge of keeping pace with network testing technology. Best known for its award winning LANcat(R) series of cable testers, noted for ease-of-use, field reliability, superior measurement accuracy, and patented modularity. Datacom continues to focus on research and development of diagnostic tools and software for information technology networks, with a keen awareness of the changing technological environment. Datacom Textron is recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of Cable Testers in the world. The NETcat(R) series of network analysis instruments pioneered industry development of affordable physical layer troubleshooters capable of diagnosing common network problems associated with NICs, Hubs, Routers and Switches. Datacom Textron is an ISO 9001 company.

For more information, contact Datacom at 800/468-5557; 425/355-0590, by fax [phone]. E-mail at [e-mail], or visit Datacom's web site at http://www.datacom.textron.com.