Gluon Networks CLX Class 5 Switch Gains CALEA Compliance.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PETALUMA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 2003

Gluon Networks, Inc., a developer of next-generation converged local Class 5 switching systems for local telecommunications service providers, today announced that its Converged Local Exchange (CLX) switch has successfully completed solution verification testing for traditional circuit-switched services. Testing was conducted with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) or lawful electronic surveillance requirements.

Electronic surveillance is one of the most valuable tools in law enforcement's crime fighting arsenal. In many instances, criminal activity has been either thwarted, or, if crimes have been committed, the criminals have been apprehended as a result of lawfully-authorized electronic surveillance.

In October 1994, Congress took action to protect public safety and national security by enacting CALEA. The law further defines the existing statutory obligation of telecommunications carriers to assist law enforcement in executing electronic surveillance pursuant to court order or other lawful authorization. As a result of the events of September 11, 2001, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 was enacted and further defines the role of electronic surveillance and its importance in the fight against terrorism.

Centered on the local Class 5 switch, the three primary techniques of lawfully-authorized electronic surveillance are available to law enforcement: pen registers, trap and trace devices, and content interceptions. Pen registers and trap and trace devices, which account for the vast majority of lawfully-authorized surveillance attempts, record/decode various types of dialing and signaling information utilized in processing and routing the communication, such as the signals that identify the numbers dialed or the originating number of a telephone communication. A third and more comprehensive form of lawfully-authorized electronic surveillance includes not only the acquisition of call-identifying, or dialed number information, but also the interception of communications content.

The interface specification between telecommunication service providers (TSPs) and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) was developed as a Joint Standards Project between ANSI accredited Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Committee TR-45 and ANSI accredited Committee T1-Telecommunications. TIA TR-45 J-STD-025A provides the necessary requirements to support Federal Communications Commission FCC 99-230, CC Docket No. 97-213, Third Report and Order which states: "A TSP, manufacturer, or support service provider that is in compliance with this Standard will have a "safe harbor" under Section 107 of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), Public Law 103- 414. A (TSP) shall be found to be in compliance with the assistance capability requirements under (CALEA) Section 103, and a manufacturer of telecommunication transmission or switching equipment or a provider of telecommunication support services shall be found in compliance with (CALEA) Section 106."

About FBI-CIS: (www.askcalea.net) CALEA Implementation Section (CIS) was established in 1995 in response to the delegation of implementation responsibilities to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by the Attorney General. CIS spearheads CALEA implementation efforts by fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to the Attorney General through consultation with the telecommunications industry and privacy advocates. CIS represents the interests of the entire law enforcement community before Congress, other government agencies involved in the implementation of CALEA, and the telecommunications industry.

About Gluon Networks, Inc: (www.gluonnetworks.com) Gluon Networks, founded in 1999, develops, manufactures and distributes next-generation converged Class 5 switching systems for local telecommunications service providers. The Gluon Converged Local Exchange (CLX) integrates the functions found in Central Offices -- such as voice and DSL access and switching, CALEA, circuit-to-packet interworking, signaling and transport -- into a single, compact and very scalable system. Gluon Networks, headquartered in Petaluma, California, employs approximately 120 people in its two company locations, including a development center in Plano, TX. Gluon Networks investors include US Venture Partners, JP Morgan Partners, New Enterprise Associates, ONSET Ventures and Vanguard Ventures.

Gluon, the Gluon logo, Converged Local Exchange and CLX are trademarks of Gluon Networks, Inc.