TranSwitch Envoy Family Accelerates Migration to Ethernet-Based Next Generation Networks.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SHELTON, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 2003

Two new devices bridge the gap between POS-PHY/SPI and Ethernet

for multi-service edge and access applications

TranSwitch Corporation (NASDAQ: TXCC) today introduced its new Envoy(TM) family of versatile Ethernet controllers for next generation multi-service networks.

The first two devices, Envoy-8FE (TXC-06840) and Envoy-2GE (TXC-06842), are designed to simplify network architecture decisions and reduce development costs and time-to-market (TTM) for communications OEMs. Envoy enables the rapid migration of existing ATM, frame relay and SONET/SDH networks to high growth next generation networks, including Fast Ethernet (FE) and Gigabit Ethernet (GE) technologies. It gives OEMs and carriers the flexibility to deploy multi-service edge and access systems today to meet tomorrow's customer needs.

High port density, standardized interfaces and low power consumption are key to the successful deployment of Ethernet services. Today OEMs who require Ethernet and standard system interface compatibility must frequently choose multiple VLSI devices and integrate them using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). With the introduction of the Envoy family, development cost and time for Ethernet-based systems are significantly reduced. The Envoy-8FE Octal Fast Ethernet Controller and Envoy-2GE Dual Gigabit Ethernet Controller are fully integrated, programmable bridging devices that offer a highly cost-effective way to connect telecom POS-PHY Level 2/SPI-3 interfaces to standards-based Ethernet interfaces in data communications.

The Envoy family speeds development of Ethernet-based next generation platforms for the metro and access markets. These platforms cover a wide range of applications including 3G wireless base stations, 3G wireless Radio Network Controllers (RNCs), multi-service switches, IP DSLAMs and edge routers. The Envoy devices provide a complete system level solution when combined with other TranSwitch products such as the PHAST(TM), ASPEN(R) and CUBIT(R) families and standard off-the-shelf Network Processing Units (NPUs). The Envoy line also complements the EtherMap(TM) family of Ethernet-over-SONET solutions as well as other products in TranSwitch's SONET/SDH portfolio.

"Now that Ethernet technology has proven to be highly scaleable, growing from 10/100 Mbps to 1 Gbps and now to 10 Gbps, Envoy-8FE and Envoy-2GE will allow designers to increase port density and thus revenue while lowering capital and operating expenses for their platforms," stated Haroon Rafik, Product Manager of Access Solutions at TranSwitch. He continued, "With the introduction of TranSwitch's Envoy family of Ethernet controllers, edge and access system vendors can meet the ever-increasing demands of service providers while offering the best combination of features with time-to-market advantages."

Envoy-8FE incorporates eight 10/100 Mbps IEEE 802.3 compliant Media Access Controllers (MACs), which can be configured in full-duplex or half-duplex (CSMA/CD) mode. Other features include programmable Inter-Packet Gap (IPG), support for Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tagged frames and automatic PAUSE frame generation and termination. For Fast Ethernet applications, Envoy-8FE can seamlessly interface to PHY devices through eight independent SMII ports.

Similarly, Envoy-2GE features two IEEE 802.3 compliant Gigabit Ethernet MACs. On the Gigabit Ethernet interface, the controller's two independent GMII ports connect directly to standard Gigabit Ethernet PHY devices. On the switch side, both the Envoy-2GE and Envoy-8FE interface directly with POS-PHY Level 2/SPI-3 compliant devices, including standard network processors.

Envoy-8FE and Envoy-2GE offer loss-less flow control via large on-chip system buffers, eliminating the need for external memory. The Envoy products also incorporate a state-of-the-art flow control mechanism to avoid port congestion and traffic loss. Jumbo frames are supported for Gigabit Ethernet, enabling increased data throughput by reducing overhead.

Both the Envoy-8FE and Envoy-2GE are packaged in a 376-lead 23mm X 23mm Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA) and are priced at $58 each in 1K quantities. The devices are currently available for sampling. Additional information on the Envoy series is available at http://www.transwitch.com.

About TranSwitch Corporation:

TranSwitch Corporation, headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, is a leading developer and global supplier of innovative high-speed VLSI semiconductor solutions - Connectivity Engines(TM) - to original equipment manufacturers who serve three end-markets: the Worldwide Public Network Infrastructure, the Internet infrastructure, and corporate Wide Area Networks (WANs). Combining its in-depth understanding of applicable global communication standards and its world-class expertise in semiconductor design, TranSwitch Corporation implements communications standards in VLSI solutions which deliver high levels of performance. Committed to providing high-quality products and service, TranSwitch is ISO 9001 registered. Detailed information on TranSwitch products, news announcements, seminars, service and support is available on TranSwitch's home page at the World Wide Web site - http://www.transwitch.com.

Forward-looking statements, including statements regarding technology development and product availability, in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, risks in technology development and commercialization, risks in product development and market acceptance of and demand for the Company's products, risks associated with competition and competitive pricing pressures; risks of downturns in economic conditions generally, and in the telecommunications and data communications markets and the semiconductor industry specifically, risks associated with foreign sales and with high customer concentration, risks of dependence on third-party VLSI fabrication facilities, intellectual property rights and litigation, and other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

TranSwitch, ASPEN and CUBIT are registered trademarks of TranSwitch Corporation.

Envoy, PHAST and EtherMap are trademarks of TranSwitch Corporation.