MICOM announces high-speed digital modules for Marathon and NetRunner integration products; new Digital Direct Modules provide direct connection to PBX and WAN.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 29, 1996--MICOM Communications Corp. (NASDAQ:MICM) introduced its new Digital Direct Series Modules at ComNet 96.

The new modules are designed to fit MICOM Marathon integration multiplexers or NetRunner integration routers, providing high-speed T-1 DSX-1 digital interface to a PBX and a T-1 interface to the wide area network (WAN). The modules increase the voice capacity of Marathon or NetRunner by 200 percent while reducing equipments costs by 30 percent.

The new Digital Direct Series (DDS) is composed of three modules: the T-1 Access Module, the Digital Voice Module and the Digital Voice Expansion Module.

The T-1 Access Module has a DSX-1 connection that allows a Marathon or NetRunner to directly connect to a PBX. The module, in conjunction with the Expansion Module, accommodates up to 24 Digital Voice Modules, each with a 40 MIPS digital signal processor (DSP).

Each DSP can compress a single voice channel from the PBX, reducing the bandwidth from the normal 64Kbps down to as little as 4Kbps. The Marathon or NetRunner multiplexes the 24 compressed voice channels for transmission over one or more WAN connections (leased line or frame relay).

Voice traffic, which formerly consumed a full T-1 circuit, is reduced by up to 16-to-one. This frees up bandwidth for other traffic types, permitting voice and fax transmissions to share the same connection used for data, LAN and video traffic.

By integrating voice/fax traffic onto existing LAN/WAN or data lines, interoffice long distance charges are completely eliminated. The result is a significant reduction in a company's remote communications costs.

Using a digital interface to the PBX eliminates the analog-to-digital conversion between the PBX and the network, further improving voice quality. By using only one T-1 interface in the PBX, up to 24 analog interfaces are eliminated, reducing PBX connectivity costs.

Moreover, the voice/fax capacity of a single Marathon or NetRunner is increased from 8 to 24 channels, a 200 percent boost. Correspondingly, the cost for MICOM equipment at the PBX site drops by up to 30 percent.

The T-1 Access Module also includes a built-in CSU for directly connecting the Marathon or NetRunner to the WAN, and an 8-channel multiport DSU. Two of the 8 channels are for external devices, such as high-speed ports or video codecs. The remaining 6 channels are for WAN links internal to the MICOM unit.

The DDS Module also includes full "Drop and Insert" functionality, as well as allowing selected voice channels from the PBX to bypass the compression processor, and be routed straight on through to the WAN connection. These two features combine to provide for maximum utilization of purchased bandwidth.

Additional Marathon and NetRunner features, Silence Suppression, Dynamic Rate Adaptation, Frame Relay and cell-based MicroBand ATM technologies, make it easy and cost effective to "piggy back" voice traffic onto existing data or LAN lines, without compromising voice quality.

DDS Modules are designed to meet FCC, UL, CSA Standard agency compliance, as well as standards compliance with ESF Standard -- AT&T 54016, ANSI T1.403, AT&T pub 62411.

Suggested list pricing is $3,500 for the DDS T-1 Access Module, $800 for the DDS Digital Voice Module and $1,200 for the Digital Voice Expansion Module. Direct Digital Series Modules are available from certified MICOM distributors.

MICOM Communications is the worldwide market leader in providing integrated networking solutions under the brand names "Marathon" and "NetRunner." MICOM products save companies money by integrating remote data, voice, fax and LAN traffic over private and public networks.

Represented by distributors in more than 85 countries, MICOM has headquarters at 4100 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, Calif. 93063. Telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: MICOM, NetRunner, Marathon and Microband ATM are registered trademarks or trademarks of MICOM Communications Corp.

CONTACT: MICOM Communications Corp., Simi Valley

Sharon Porter/Mike Griesgraber, 805/583-8600 (media)

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Francine Good, 805/583-8600 (investor relations)

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