Memotec Incorporates Conexant's AutoBaud Technology in Its CX950 Multiservice Access Switch, Providing the World's Fastest Connections and True Interoperability.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

MONTREAL & NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 9, 2000

Memotec Communications Inc. (TSE:MCM), a worldwide leader in integrated access solutions, Wednesday announced that two of its products will support AutoBaud(TM) technology developed by Conexant Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:CNXT) to speed synchronous digital subscriber line (SDSL) service deployments and interoperability.

By adopting Conexant's ZipWire(TM) SDSL modem solutions, which include AutoBaud technology, Memotec offers customers greatly expanded interoperability with a wide range of central office systems, while also providing faster DSL connect times, quicker recovery from circuit changes and freedom from time-consuming pre-provisioning.

SDSL is a high-speed Internet access technology that operates at a variety of data-transmission speeds. AutoBaud technology allows different SDSL equipment to automatically determine the highest available line rate for an optimal connection, making all SDSL equipment truly interoperable.

"Providing integrated voice and data access solutions is our focus," said Mark Silverman president of Memotec. "With the upcoming addition of Conexant's xDSL and AutoBaud technology into our CX950 multiservice access switch and future products, our customers can be assured they will be getting an interoperable solution enabling them to connect at the highest possible data rates."

"By working together using AutoBaud technology, Conexant and Memotec will help bring quicker connection times and less installation hassle to carriers, Internet service providers and end users," said Mark Steenstra, director of SDSL marketing for Conexant's Network Access Division.

"AutoBaud enables true product interoperability, nearly eliminating concern over compatibility between the modem/integrated access device and the carrier's central office equipment."

Conexant's AutoBaud technology is designed to significantly enhance the connection set-up process between SDSL equipment operating at any one of the line rates that SDSL technology supports, from 144 Kbps to 2320 Kbps, and to reduce time-consuming, manual-line qualification. AutoBaud allows carriers to automatically qualify and determine the maximum data rate supported by the line, alleviating the need for sending a service technician.

In addition, AutoBaud enhances interoperability by allowing the premises device to sense central-office equipment in use, thus enabling it to load the appropriate Layer 2 protocols prior to the connection being established.

AutoBaud technology was endorsed in October 1999 by a group of telecommunications companies as the basis for a hardware-independent DSL interoperability platform.

Conexant offers the industry's broadest line of multi-megabit xDSL products for high-bit rate DSL (HDSL), asymmetric DSL (ADSL) and SDSL connectivity. The company's ZipWire SDSL family has been adopted by the industry's top competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), who use Conexant's solutions for delivering rate-selectable Internet access and other business connectivity applications like telecommuting and branch office support.

About Memotec

Memotec Communications is a networking company that provides data, voice and video convergence solutions for telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers and corporate customers. Its product line of access devices and edge switches provides consolidation of multiservice traffic over packet-based and cell based networks such as frame relay, IP and ATM.

Memotec enables enterprise and carrier customers to lower operational costs and increase productivity by consolidating multimedia traffic over a common infrastructure.

With offices around the world, and more than 100,000 products installed in more than 94 countries to date, Memotec serves the diverse and specialized needs of customers in Latin America, North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific Rim. Memotec Communications is based in Montreal and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MCM).

About Conexant Systems Inc.

With a revenue run-rate of approximately $2 billion per year, Conexant is the world's largest independent company focused exclusively on providing semiconductor solutions for communications electronics.

With more than 30 years of experience in developing communications technology, the company draws upon its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products for a broad range of communications applications.

These products facilitate communications worldwide through wireline voice and data communications networks, cordless and cellular wireless telephony systems, personal imaging devices and equipment, and emerging cable and wireless broadband communications networks.

The company aligns its business into five product platforms: Network Access, Wireless Communications, Digital Infotainment, Personal Imaging, and Personal Computing. Conexant is a member of the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 Indices. For more information, visit Conexant at www.conexant.com.

Conexant's Network Access Division provides semiconductor system solutions across a broad range of telecom and datacom infrastructure platforms and applications, including network processors, multiservices access processors, wide area network (WAN) solutions, digital subscriber line (xDSL) technologies, and optical networking IC solutions.

By building upon today's broadest line of ICs and expertise in high-speed analog and digital connections, Conexant is well positioned to drive telecommunications infrastructure expansion. For additional information visit www.conexant.com.

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