Layer 2 Communications Selects Unisphere Networks' ERX-1400 for IP Infrastructure Deployment Across Asia Pacific.

Business/Technology Editors

SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 20, 2001

Wholesale telecommunications carrier to use edge router for

regional IP services roll-out

Unisphere Networks, Inc., a leading provider of IP infrastructure to enable broadband data and voice services, and Layer 2 Communications (Layer 2), an international bandwidth and IP services provider, today announced that Layer 2 has selected Unisphere Networks' ERX-1400 Edge Router for its IP services roll-out. The ERX-1400 was chosen for its ASIC-based architecture that enables wire-speed performance of IP routing and services.

Unisphere Networks' ERX technology will allow Layer 2 to increase the selection of advanced IP services that it offers its customers, such as the wholesaling of services like virtual routing, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), and Layer-2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP). Layer 2 is an initial party to the Asia Pacific Cable Network (APCN 2), a next-generation cable network with a design capacity of 2.5 Terabits per second that is expected to be operational in October 2001. Layer 2's international network will include Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, and the U.S. in its initial phase. This will be followed by roll-outs in Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea, China, and the Philippines.

"After a rigorous technical and commercial evaluation, we selected the ERX-1400 because of its line-rate performance, high quality, and for its ability to scale to meet the future needs that we are anticipating," said Murat Kivilcim, general manager, Operations and Engineering, Layer 2. "The ERX will enable us to deliver a new range of feature-rich IP services to our customers while maintaining wire-speed performance and service flexibility."

"With our major network asset, APCN 2, soon to be in place, we will be delivering valuable Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees and application-sensitive wholesale services. This will enhance our ability to maximize returns from our investment in the physical capacity of the cable during a margin-conscious market," added Kivilcim.

"Layer 2 is building an innovative next-generation network, that will enable it to deliver a broad range of advanced IP services to new markets in the Asia Pacific region," said Shaun Page, general manager, Australia and New Zealand, Unisphere Networks. "We look forward to continuing our relationship with Layer 2 by providing the technology that will assist it in its efforts to keep its services prices competitive, capably delivered, and on the leading edge."

About Layer 2 Communications

Layer 2, established 1998 with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia, is a dynamic young organisation led by a very experienced senior management team. It boasts a robust communications network supporting leading edge telecommunications applications and services to meet business' needs. Layer 2 offers price competitive and capably delivered Leased Bandwidth Services, International Private Leased Circuits and Wholesale IP services, bringing to its clients solutions that are market focussed and commercially flexible. Further information can be obtained at www.l2c.net

About APCN 2

The Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 (APCN 2) involves the region's major carriers. It will connect top Asian markets, including China. APCN 2 highlights include:

-- Enormous bandwidth of 2.56 terabits per second, equal to 2,560 gigabits per second, large enough to handle more than 33 million telephone conversations simultaneously, assuming a circuit speed of 64 kilobits per second;

-- State-of-the-art Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing, a new technology enabling large-volume information transmissions via various wavelengths on a single optical fiber;

-- Self-healing ring configuration which prompts instant rerouting of data transfers along APCN 2 in event of cable-system disruptions;

-- Direct connections to eight countries.

The 19,000 km-long APCN 2 cable system is progressively becoming operational. When completed, it will connect China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. APCN 2 will also provide seamless interconnection with other major trans-oceanic cable networks linking the USA, Europe, Australia, and other parts of Asia.

About the ERX

Unisphere Networks' ERX edge router delivers the next-generation IP infrastructure that allows world-class service providers to deploy high-speed Internet connections and value-added IP services to both businesses and consumers. The ERX product family provides wire-speed performance, sophisticated routing capabilities, carrier-class reliability and high capacity port density. The ERX also enables a number of new revenue-generating service policies such as IP Quality of Service (QoS), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Unisphere Networks' ERX family includes three models - the high capacity ERX-1440 and ERX-1400 and the mid-range ERX-700. The ERX-1440 is a 40 Gigabit, IP edge router that offers service providers integrated IP routing, subscriber management, and IP services/service creation capabilities at wire-speed. The ERX-1400 provides scalable capacity for tens of thousands of users, making it ideal for service providers that operate high capacity points-of-presence (PoPs). Its modular, 14-slot chassis features a wide range of interface options, including T1/E1, T3/E3, channelized and unchannelized OC3/STM-1, OC12/STM-4, and Fast/Gigabit Ethernet. The ERX-700, designed for applications that require mid-range capacity, has the same features and performance of the ERX-1400 in a more economical 7-slot package.

About Unisphere Networks

Unisphere Networks, Inc. is a provider of data and voice platforms for service providers. Unisphere Networks' edge router, service mediation switch, and network and service management solutions help service providers create and deliver innovative IP solutions. Unisphere Networks also offers service providers technical expertise and professional services in order to deploy and maintain next-generation networking solutions. For more information, please visit Unisphere Networks at www.unispherenetworks.com.

Unisphere is a trademark of Unisphere Networks, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.