Wave7 Optics Announces Patent-Pending ''Idle-Code Mitigation'' Technique Enabling Performance Breakthrough for RF Video Overlay Services Delivered Via EPON and GPON FTTP Systems.

ATLANTA -- Wave7 Optics, a leading supplier of fiber-to-the-home and -premises (FTTH/FTTP) broadband network equipment for residential and business services, today announced the introduction of its patent-pending "idle-code mitigation" technique, enabling delivery of enhanced RF video services via EPON and GPON FTTP systems. Wave7 Optics has pioneered the delivery of RF video over FTTP networks and adds this new innovation to an already broad and impressive array of technology breakthroughs for optical access networks.

One of the key characteristics of data transmission, the use of idle codes, can cause significant interference to RF video signals through a phenomenon known as Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS). Specifically, the downstream data wavelength (1490 nm) is close enough to the required video wavelength (1550 nm) to cause SRS interference. Idle periods significantly exacerbate this problem because the repetitive idle pattern has strong frequency components that overlap key television channels. That interference can result in a significant degradation of the video quality, rendering the RF video service unacceptable to subscribers.

Wave7's patent-pending technique dramatically reduces this SRS degradation of the video signal, restoring video quality. Importantly, this technique does not violate IEEE 802.3ah or ITU-T G.984 standards, is completely compatible with existing standards-compliant equipment, is software-based, and enabled via an optional software key.

"We have shown this patent-pending technique to several customers as part of a lab demonstration and all have come away very impressed with the level of video signal improvement," said Jack Bryant, VP of Worldwide Sales for Wave7 Optics. "We believe this to be a very important development for service providers intent on deploying RF video over EPON or GPON based FTTP networks. This also illustrates an important benefit of our Trident7(TM) system, to interoperate with an enormous installed base of RF video head-end and set-top box equipment already deployed worldwide."

Wave7 Optics is an acknowledged authority in the area of video transport over PON topologies. Wave7 was first to commercialize an integrated RF return for standard digital set top boxes, allowing its customers to support two-way services over PON. This patent-pending RF return solution is essential for "video on demand" and other interactive services.

"This idle-code mitigation technique is an extremely valuable technique because RF video overlay remains a significant component of FTTP deployment," said Jim Farmer, CTO of Wave7 Optics. "When it comes to video and PONs, carriers deploying Trident7 based EPON or GPON can choose between RF and IPTV or both without experiencing any degradation of the video quality. We believe, in fact, that IP and RF will continue to co-exist in FTTP networks for the foreseeable future. With the Trident7, network operators can simultaneously deploy traditional RF broadcast services to deliver basic and premium channels, and IP-based technology for video-on-demand and premium services."

Wave7 Optics is exhibiting the Trident7 and Last Mile Link FTTP systems at the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, June 21 - June 23, 2006, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, booth 816.

About Wave7 Optics

Wave7 Optics (www.wave7optics.com) has established itself as an industry leader in optical broadband access systems with an expanding FTTP product portfolio featuring a variety of architectural options, based on IP and Ethernet or ATM standards, for "triple play" voice, video and data services. The company's patented Last Mile Link(TM) and Trident7 systems are gaining market share rapidly around the world with service providers in the IOC, CLEC, MSO, municipal, utility and real estate development categories.