LVL7's New Distributed IP Software Architecture and Integration with Broadcom's StrataXGS to Speed the Availability of Stackable Ethernet Switches.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MORRISVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2004

Hot-Swap, Fast Failover Stackable Switches Powered By FASTPATH (R)

Distributed Architecture Enables Deployment of Intelligent

Applications at Edge of Network

LVL7 Systems, a provider of the award winning FASTPATH(R) merchant IP networking software for Layer 2, 3 and 4 Ethernet products announced today that it is developing a next-generation distributed software architecture for stackable Ethernet switches and is working with Broadcom Corporation to enable full non-disruptive dynamic stacking. LVL7 is leveraging its FASTPATH Distributed Software Architecture and Broadcom's advanced API and driver technology to optimize the partitioning of stacking functionality between the silicon, driver and networking application. FASTPATH Distributed Architecture is being integrated with the latest generation of StrataXGS(R) silicon from Broadcom Corporation, a leading provider of Ethernet switching silicon solutions enabling broadband communications.

The reliable and redundant 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet stackable switch solutions enabled by the FASTPATH Distributed Architecture will allow intelligent applications to reside at the edge of the network in a low cost stackable Ethernet switch, yet scale as the network grows by simply adding additional switches to the stack to increase port capability and processing power. This will enable applications such as security, Voice over IP, Wireless mobility, Broadband Access, Digital Music and Video on Demand. This new generation of Ethernet stackable switches will allow Network and IT managers to expand and optimize the utilization of their networks by easily adding additional switches to existing stacks without network disruption.

"By enabling a cost effective dynamic network architecture to support the ever growing demand in complexity of user applications, LVL7 has developed the vision of expanding the concept of 'intelligence at the edge' to 'scalable intelligence across the edge'", said LVL7 CEO, Dr. Albert Bender. "Distributed applications on distributed edge switches provide the Network Administrator the greatest flexibility at the lowest cost. Broadcom with its feature rich StrataXGS silicon is the ideal partner to deliver this vision."

To realize a stackable Ethernet switch, recent innovations in switching silicon need to be married with advanced systems software and a fully dynamic silicon driver that together, allow networks to be reconfigured without rebooting individual switches. The industry leading Broadcom(R) StrataXGS silicon family has the advanced features required to optimize the design of a stackable Ethernet switch.

"We're pleased to see LVL7 take full advantage of the Broadcom Switch Software API," said Dr. Ford Tamer, Broadcom's Group Vice President, Networking Infrastructure Group. "The combination of Broadcom's advanced API and driver technology with LVL7's FASTPATH Distributed Architecture will enable our common customers to significantly improve time-to-market for next-generation stackable Ethernet switches."

The integration of FASTPATH software and Distributed Architecture with the Broadcom StrataXGS product family will be available for both the VxWorks(R) and Linux(R) operating systems.

Broadcom's StrataXGS is the company's third generation Gigabit Ethernet switch architecture that offers the industry's first complete multi-layer (Layer 2 through Layer 7) scalable and stackable GbE switches optimized for enterprise business networks. Included within the StrataXGS family are the BCM5690, BCM5691, BCM5692, BCM5693, BCM5670, BCM5671, BCM5673 and next generation silicon.

FASTPATH(R) Distributed Architecture Features

The LVL7 distributed architecture couples with the Broadcom intelligent driver enables full dynamic stacking to include;

-- Single IP Address Management

-- Redundant Management Control

-- Support for Redundant ring topology 

-- Automatic election of Primary and Backup Management Units

-- Distribution of Configuration and Code

-- Hot Plug Support of Units

-- Offline configuration of modules

-- Support for all protocols across the stack including

Routing, QOS, Multicast and Layer 2 Switching including

VLANs, port mirroring, and Link aggregation

Benefits of FASTPATH Distributed Architecture for OEMs and TEMs

FASTPATH Distributed Architecture is the industry's first operating system independent networking software that offers Enterprise OEMs and Telecommunication Equipment Manufacturers (TEMs) a platform for delivering turnkey, stackable Ethernet solutions integrated on Broadcom silicon that are system tested, LVL7 certified and interoperable. The stackable offerings will be production ready, allowing OEMs and TEMs to get to market quickly with a fully functional system at a fraction of the cost and with virtually zero development risk. OEMs and TEMs can further reduce their support costs by having a common software platform across all Fast and Gigabit Layer 2 and Layer 3 stackable products.

Benefits of FASTPATH(R) for End Users

End users deploying infrastructure products that feature FASTPATH Distributed Architecture can leverage the inherent advantages of a scalable, modular, intelligent infrastructure to implement advanced applications at the edge of the network and to easily expand the networking infrastructure from a single pizza box to multiple interconnected switch stacks as demand increases.

Technology Demonstrations Available

Demonstrations of stackable FASTPATH Distributed Architecture integrated with Broadcom silicon are now available. To arrange a demonstration or receive more information, please email your request to: [e-mail] or call us at [phone].

About LVL7 Systems

LVL7 (Level 7) Systems, Inc. offers integrated networking IP software that accelerates the development of Ethernet communications equipment. Optimized for both the Enterprise and the Service Provider markets, LVL7's FASTPATH software enables Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers (TEMs), Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) and Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to reduce new product development costs and time to market. A 2002 winner of the prestigious Best of Interop award, LVL7's integrated FASTPATH(R) software includes L2, L3, L4 protocols and management applications and is available as part of certified turnkey, production-ready system. Now in its fourth generation, FASTPATH is compatible with multiple embedded operating systems including VxWorks(R) and Linux(R) and is integrated with PowerPC, MIPS and ARM CPUs and switching silicon from Broadcom, Infineon, Intel(R), Marvell(R) and SwitchCore. LVL7 is a privately held company located near Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. For more information about LVL7's FASTPATH software, visit www.LVL7.com.

Broadcom(R) and StrataXGS(R) are trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries.