Vitesse Enhances Fiber Media Support in Dual Media Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Roadmap.

New Octal PHY Delivers Native Support for 100BASE-FX, Reducing Implementation and Management Costs in Networking Installations

CAMARILLO, Calif. -- Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation (Pink Sheets:VTSS), a leader in Gigabit Ethernet IC solutions, today announced it will include Fast Fiber (100BASE-FX or 100FX) support in all future multi-port, dual media, Gigabit Ethernet transceivers (PHYs). The native support of both 100FX and 1000BASE-X in future dual media PHYs reduces the implementation and management costs of networking installations. The availability of 100FX support begins with Vitesse's new Octal PHY, the VSC8658, which is now in production and offers a highly integrated and cost-effective solution for 10/100/1000BASE-T, 100BASE-FX and 1000BASE-X applications.

Allowing the flexible selection of a media interface in Ethernet applications enables customers to deploy switching in various environments. While copper Gigabit Ethernet transceivers provide cost-effective high-speed uplink and cascading capabilities up to a 100m reach distance, Ethernet ports supporting pluggable optical Gigabit Ethernet interfaces allow network extensions over large distances that can exceed 80 kilometers on a singlemode fiber-optic link. The SerDes interface resources on every port of Vitesse's new dual media PHYs will enable 802.3u compliant 100FX communications on ordinary multimode fiber-optic (MMF) link spans up to 2 kilometers long. Furthermore, the flexible selection of media interfaces enables the connection of existing equipment, such as 100FX print servers, and eliminates the need for intern media converters, such as 10/100TX to 100FX converters.

"Vitesse is focused on providing IC solutions that accelerate the transition from 10/100 to Gigabit Ethernet and, at the same time, reduce the implementation and management costs of networking installations by supporting backwards compatibility. With the introduction of the VSC8658, we take total savings a step further by reducing the costs of ownership through our technology expertise in cable diagnostics, integration and low power dissipation," said Sean Michaud, director of marketing at Vitesse.

The VSC8658 leverages the industry-leading feature set of the VSC8558 device, which eliminated 500 components and saved 12 square inches of board space in 48-port systems by integrating MAC and media-side terminations. Other distinguishing features of this highly-integrated, feature-rich, Enterprise PHY include:

* Simplifies networking installations by offering Auto-Media Sense (AMS) and auto crossover handling. The AMS feature intelligently detects and configures itself to support copper or fiber media on a per port basis

* Auto MDI-II/MDI-X detection on each port automatically detects and corrects for crossover connection. The automated crossover handling allows direct switch-to-switch or switch-to-hub connections during network installation without the need for crossover cables or patches

* Supports Vitesse's VeriPHY[TM] Cable Diagnostics that prevents manufacturing fallout and erroneous equipment return due to defective or improperly installed cables

* Consumes less than 500mW of power per port when operating in its lowest power mode.

About Vitesse

Vitesse designs, develops and markets a diverse portfolio of high-performance, cost-competitive semiconductor solutions for communications and storage networks worldwide. Engineering excellence and dedicated customer service distinguish Vitesse as an industry leader in Gigabit Ethernet LAN, Ethernet-over-SONET, Fibre Channel, Serial Attached SCSI, Optical Transport, and other applications. Vitesse innovation empowers customers to deliver superior products for Enterprise, Access, Metro, and Core applications. Additional company and product information is available at www.vitesse.com.

Vitesse is a registered trademark and VerifPHY is a trademark in the United States and/or other jurisdictions of Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holders.

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