Leading German NSP mediaWays Expands Converged Data/Voice Network With 3Com Total Control 1000 Multiservice Access Platform.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2000

Implementation to Include Advanced SS7 Technology from 3Com Carrier Networks Business and Siemens ICN; Jointly Developed Solution

is Designed to Improve Network Availability, Reduce Capital Costs

3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS), a leading provider of carrier-class systems for delivering Internet Protocol (IP)-based enhanced services, announced today that mediaWays, Germany's leading network service provider, is using the Total Control(R) 1000 multiservice access platform to triple the number of data/voice ports deployed in its network by the year 2001.

The expanded mediaWays network will also include advanced Signaling System 7 (SS7) technology jointly developed by 3Com Carrier Networks Business and Siemens Information and Communication Networks (ICN). The universal signaling solution from 3Com and Siemens delivers flexible SS7 features and IP connectivity to allow mediaWays to seamlessly integrate its IP networks with the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

With this extension of its network infrastructure, mediaWays -- a leading Internet service provider and technology trend setter -- can make use of technology that enables it to offer additional services, such as voice-over-IP (VoIP) and data call services. The new system will allow mediaWays to meet the increasing demand for network connections from its growing customer base as well as enabling it to offer more competitively priced carrier services.

Enhanced data services, IP telephony and universal signaling are integral pieces of the CommWorks(R) architecture, 3Com Carrier Networks Business' versatile solution for multiservice packet-based networking. The CommWorks architecture allows service providers like mediaWays to deliver narrowband enhanced data services, IP telephony, wireless data, and broadband access over a single converged network.

"The CommWorks architecture allows service providers to use the same packet-based network for voice and data," said Irfan Ali, Senior Vice President and General Manager, 3Com Carrier Systems. "This ability to deliver multiple services over the same network allows service providers to realize operational cost savings, simplify network maintenance and management, and easily and quickly add new services and access technologies."

"mediaWays is extremely pleased with the reliability of 3Com, the levels of support and the fast delivery it provided," said Volker Tappe, Director Networks, mediaWays.

Universal Signaling Solution Enhances Cost-saving Opportunities

The SS7 network is an intelligent overlay network to the PSTN that allows for fast call set-up, via high-speed circuit switched connections, as well as the ability to handle data transfer over voice lines. The 3Com/Siemens universal signaling solution consists of a media gateway and a universal signaling platform to provide more cost-effective access for service providers who are using the SS7 signaling system. It accommodates a full range of cost-saving signaling applications such as Internet access dial-traffic offload, universal signaling for VoIP and Internet supplementary services. In addition, the solution will enable mediaWays to provide higher network availability to Internet service providers (ISPs) and their users for less capital outlay. The SS7 technology also makes it possible for mediaWays' customers in the future to offer telephony services over the same connections that they currently offer data services.

"3Com's proven four-year track record of supporting a large scale Total Control network was one of the deciding factors in mediaWays' decision to select the 3Com and Siemens partnership for what we believe to be Germany's largest ever SS7 project," said Karl-Heinz Momm, 3Com Carrier Networks account manager. "Against stiff competition from other networking suppliers, our solution has been chosen for its robustness and cost effectiveness, and we look forward to working in partnership with Siemens on this prestigious project."

The universal signaling platform developed jointly by 3Com and Siemens is a universal signaling node at the edge of the network, providing protocol mediation and advanced signaling in a multi-protocol, converged network environment. Integrated administration of Internet connections is another important feature of this solution.

The communication between the universal signaling platform and the media gateway is closely related to the Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) being standardized by the International Telecommunications Union and the Internet Engineering Task Force. The universal signaling platform acts as the interface between the IP network and the telephone network in accordance with SS7 and MGCP standards and controls the required data stream conversion and link monitoring.

The SS7 gateway is an intelligent service exchange node that integrates services between the circuit and packet networks to deliver significant cost savings with InterMachine Trunks (IMTs) for voice trunk access instead of ISDN Primary Rate Interfaces (PRIs). It also allows for the implementation of Local Number Portability (LNP), Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN), and other services for expanded revenue opportunities.

About the CommWorks Architecture

The CommWorks architecture encompasses all areas of 3Com's carrier portfolio, reflecting the multiservice nature of the company's offerings in enhanced data services, IP telephony, wireless data access, and broadband access. The CommWorks architecture gives service providers a cohesive, methodical migration path as they shift from circuit-based networks to feature-rich and efficient packet-based IP networks. The architecture includes a full line of products and services to support complete IP-based infrastructures. With open interfaces throughout, the CommWorks architecture allows service providers worldwide to quickly develop differentiated enhanced services and stake out leadership positions in their markets. 3Com developed the CommWorks architecture in a standards-based environment designed to drive the evolution of IP-offerings through partnerships that will provide the building blocks for the next-generation of telecommunication service providers.

About 3Com Corporation

With more than 300 million customers worldwide, 3Com Corporation connects more people and organizations to information and each other in more innovative, simple and reliable ways than any other networking company. 3Com delivers web-enabled solutions to consumers, small- to medium-sized business locations and network service providers. For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.

Note to Editors: 3Com, CommWorks and Total Control are registered trademarks and the 3Com logo is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.