N.E.T. Cost-Effectively Extends the Multiservice Benefits of the IDNX Backbone to Remote Locations.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 1996--N.E.T. today introduced the N.E.T.(TM) PortExtender(TM) module and PortExtender desktop units to cost-effectively extend the benefits of the IDNX(R) multiservice bandwidth manager to remote locations. The PortExtender capability allows remote locations to take advantage of multiservice capabilities such as frame-relay access, multidrop services and internetwork services such as Point-to-Point Protocol. The PortExtender feature allows network service providers and enterprise network managers to extend the functionality of the IDNX network to remote users -- both in terms of service and management/diagnostics.

"By extending the reach of the IDNX network with the new PortExtender feature, we continue to add significant value to a proven system at relatively low incremental cost to the network provider," said Sam Ezekiel, vice president, marketing, N.E.T. "The flexible provisioning capabilities of the IDNX multiservice system are continually cited by network service providers and enterprise network managers along with the inherent system characteristics such as excellent network availability, reliability and manageability."

In a digital data network environment, network service providers can provision services and make changes quickly with comprehensive management and diagnostic capabilities of PortExtender desktop units at the customer site. This means that no on-site call is required to make changes to the network service. The network service provider can provision data rates up to 128 kbps over copper local-loop facilities. These high-speed connections can be supported over non-conditioned, non-loaded, standard twisted-pair wire up to a range of five kilometers. The PortExtender module supports redundant links, which could be extended from the client premises to IDNX nodes located at the same or separate central office sites, to ensure a high level of applications availability and to help ensure end-to-end fault tolerance in a network designed in a mesh topology.

In an enterprise environment, the PortExtender module allows provisioning of remote data ports within a campus or high-rise building environment -- again, over standard twisted-pair wire up to a range of five kilometers. In this application, the PortExtender feature serves as baseband- line drivers. By replacing traditional line drivers which would be required for this type of application anyway, the PortExtender feature simplifies cabling and network operations while increasing the IDNX system's port density. Available in 8- and 16-port versions, the PortExtender module only takes up a single slot in an IDNX system thereby maximizing space usage.

The new N.E.T. PortExtender modules and PortExtender desktop units are available immediately. The 8-port version carries a customer list price of $8,400; and the 16-port version lists at $13,400. The V.24 PortExtender desktop unit carries a customer list price of $545; and the V.36 PortExtender desktop unit, which can also be configured to support V.11 or V.35 interfaces, lists at $610. Contact your local N.E.T. representative for further ordering information.

The N.E.T. family of multiservice bandwidth managers consists of five models with sophisticated networking functions that combine efficient multiplexing, intelligent call-routing, LAN internetworking and routing, frame relay switching, ISDN signaling and network management.

N.E.T., headquartered in Redwood City, Calif., is a leading worldwide supplier of multiservice backbone networks used by enterprises and global carriers in more than 50 countries. N.E.T. multiservice WANs integrate voice, data, and video traffic with frame relay, LAN internetworking and ISDN capabilities for today's mission-critical applications. The company is certified to the worldwide ISO 9001 standard for design, manufacturing and servicing. Join us at our worldwide Web site: http://www.net.com for further information. -0-

Note To Editors: N.E.T. and PortExtender are trademarks, and IDNX and the N.E.T. logo are registered trademarks of Network Equipment Technologies, Inc.

CONTACT: N.E.T., Redwood City

Jo Minola, 415/780-5177