REPEAT/Norwegian Communication Service Provider Nextra AS Chooses Unisphere Networks' ERX for Broadband Access Network.

Business/Technology Editors

REPEATING...Please note dateline should read Oslo, Norway

OSLO, Norway--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2001

Siemens to deliver Unisphere's ERX Edge Routing Switch and

Seabridge's Attane XpressPass Broadband Concentrator

for its next generation DSL network

Nextra AS, a Norwegian communication service provider, has chosen Unisphere Networks' ERX Edge Routing Switch for its broadband access networks. The order is part of a Pan-European framework agreement with Siemens Information and Communication Networks (ICN) group. Unisphere Networks will work with Siemens and Seabridge to deliver Nextra with an edge routing and broadband access solution.

The ERX-700 Edge Routing Switch from Unisphere provides broadband xDSL access to the IP network in its function as a broadband remote access service (BRAS.) The BRAS is the point of entry into the Internet, used by subscribers to dial into their service provider's network. Nextra will install the ERX to support new DSL services in cities throughout Norway. Nextra plans a larger ERX-supported Pan-European rollout following the successful deployment of the Norwegian network later in 2001.

The Attane XpressPass 140/144 Broadband Concentrator from Seabridge provides advanced traffic management functions for minimizing the number of damaged packets sent to the network and for grooming network traffic.

Nextra chose Unisphere's ERX based on its ability to offer high port density, wire speed performance, N:1 redundancy, advanced QoS capabilities, and its ability to support Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) at the edge of Nextra's next-generation network. Through the support of MPLS at the edge of their network, the ERX offers a complete end-to-end MPLS solution and provides Nextra with intelligent IP-traffic-engineering functions such as: packet-classification per flow-queuing and scheduling at full speed, IP-based Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), support for Label Distribution Protocols (LDP, CR-LDP and RSVP) to enable interoperability, and maximize flexibility for network operations with the ability to offer customers new services such as BRAS for xDSL-access and QoS guarantees.

"In a tight selection process, we chose the Siemens solutions because it was obvious that the ERX and XP systems had been designed with the needs of carrier-class next-generation networks in mind, and because of the expertise in IP networking that Siemens brought with them. With the ERX and XP, we have the ability to meet the demands of the increasing Internet traffic that we expect in the next several years," said Per Bjork, CTO of Nextra AS. "In particular, we are very excited about the traffic management capabilities that the ERX and XP gives us, which will allow us to optimize our network and more easily bring to our customers cutting edge services."

"We are excited about this opportunity to work with an innovative company such as Nextra in bringing new telecommunications services to the European marketplace," said Jim Dolce, president and CEO, Unisphere Networks, Inc. "This announcement showcases the power of Unisphere's ERX as well as the strengths the combined Siemens/Unisphere relationship brings and the commitment of Siemens to bringing next-generation technology to service providers worldwide."

"Siemens are proud to be a partner for Nextra in Europe," said Magne Orderl0kken, director IP and Broadband Networks Siemens AS. "Nextra is an innovative communication service provider with high ambitions, and we are glad to provide Nextra with leading edge products and support."

About the ERX

Unisphere Networks' ERX edge router delivers the next-generation IP infrastructure that enables service providers to deploy value-added IP services to both businesses and consumers. The ERX product family provides wire-speed IP routing at optical rates, wire speed packet classification, carrier-class reliability, high capacity port density, and service enabling software such as the BRAS Feature Pak.

About the Attane XpressPass

The award-winning Attane XpressPass Multiservice Broadband Concentrator Platform from Seabridge is leading the way to scalable, versatile and competitive broadband multiservices delivery. Seabridge's Patent-pending VPut technology is a key feature of the XpressPass. VPut enhances goodput performance for best-effort traffic (like IP), minimizing the number of damaged packets sent to the network. VPut works by grooming network ATM switch traffic at the VP level, seamlessly complementing other XpressPass traffic management mechanisms like CAC and EPD/PPD. The Attane XpressPass Multiservice Broadband Concentrator platform is well-suited for a wide range of applications, including access to ATM and IP networks of carriers and service providers and the building of private ATM, IP, voice and frame relay networks.

About Nextra

Nextra is an Internet-based communications service provider (CSP) - offering an extensive range of complete communications solutions. Nextra, which is owned by Telenor, one of Europe's leading telecommunications companies, is primarily a business ISP, with a particular focus on helping medium sized businesses exploit the opportunities presented by the Internet. For more information about Nextra please go to www.nextra.com.

About Unisphere Networks, Inc.

Unisphere Networks, Inc. is a provider of data and voice platforms for service providers. Unisphere's edge routing switch, service mediation switch, and network and services 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