Xspedius Communications, LLC, Completes Migration to Next Generation IP Core Network with Lucent Technologies and Juniper Networks Solution.

MURRAY HILL, N.J., SUNNYVALE, Calif. & O'FALLON, Mo. -- Xspedius Can Deliver New and Existing VoIP and Data Services on Converged MPLS Core Network

Xspedius Communications, an integrated communications provider (ICP) headquartered in O'Fallon, Mo., Lucent Technologies (NYSE:LU) and Juniper Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:JNPR) today announced that Xspedius has completed its migration to a next generation core network and is delivering services to customers across the new infrastructure.

After migrating from an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) core network to an IP/MPLS (Internet Protocol/Multiprotocol Label Switching) core network based on solutions from Lucent and Juniper Networks, Xspedius' network backbone is more efficient and more capable of handling increasing bandwidth demands and higher speeds to support both existing and new data services, including Voice over IP services (VoIP), in the future.

The Lucent and Juniper Networks multiservice network solution enables Xspedius to converge IP (Internet Protocol), ATM and Frame Relay Services on an MPLS core with the same quality of service as an ATM core network.

"With the successful completion of this MPLS migration, Xspedius' backbone is performing better than ever," said Randall P. Muench, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Xspedius. "Customers have noticed the marked difference in performance, and operating efficiencies have increased because we spend less time troubleshooting and addressing real world issues such as QOS attacks. In fact, we have trialed our first product offering using elements of the platform - a dynamic bandwidth for integrated T1 users. The market will be seeing much more from Xspedius thanks to this leading edge platform."

"The Xspedius customer base is comprised of small and medium-sized business users, as well as larger enterprise customers, and regional service providers," said Gerry Cafaro, vice president of sales for Lucent. "This demanding and varied customer base calls for a backbone network with the flexibility to support multiple protocols. Xspedius clearly sees the Lucent-Juniper solution as a perfect fit for its needs."

"The integrated solution from Lucent and Juniper Networks enables Xspedius Communications to transform its network by creating an IP/MPLS-based infrastructure, enabling end-to-end high performance and assurance for supporting business-critical applications such as Voice over IP," said Christine Heckart, vice president of marketing at Juniper Networks. "This intelligent IP/MPLS infrastructure is a key requirement for service providers evolving today's networks to Infranets, which combines the ubiquitous connectivity of the Internet with the assured performance and security of a private network."

The MPLS core network deployment was part of an agreement announced last summer, under which Xspedius used a Lucent Accelerate(TM) Next Generation Networking solution to create a VoIP-ready network capable of providing its business customers with future VoIP applications such as voice virtual private networks, virtual contact centers, managed bandwidth services and unified communications, as well as traditional voice services. As a result of its relationship with Juniper Networks, Lucent delivered, installed and will maintain Juniper routing platforms to support the enhanced IP services on Xspedius' network. Lucent Worldwide Services provided the network integration and installation, and will provide ongoing maintenance and professional services.

Xspedius has deployed Lucent's 5E-XC(TM) switch from the Accelerate(TM) portfolio, the Juniper Networks M-series routing platforms and Lucent's PacketStar(R) (PSAX) 4500 Voice over Packet Media Gateways.

Accelerate(TM) Next Generation Networking Solutions

Lucent's Accelerate(TM) solutions help wireline and mobile service providers rapidly deliver profitable IP-based solutions that support the convergence of traditional voice services with multimedia services, including Web-based features. As a result of combining Bell Labs technology and expertise and Lucent service offerings, Accelerate(TM) solutions will help enable more efficient, secure and reliable VoIP services than available to service providers previously. For more information about Accelerate(TM) solutions: http://www.lucent.com/accelerate.

Lucent and Juniper Networks Relationship

Leveraging the companies' combined expertise in networking, the Lucent and Juniper relationship delivers market-ready unified solutions through a strong joint development program that has produced industry-leading ATM-over-MPLS interworking to support network convergence and the ability to manage Juniper Networks routing platforms under the familiar Lucent NAVIS(R) iOperations Software suite currently used by Lucent customers to manage their multiservice switches. Lucent and Juniper Networks also are collaborating on other joint developments to enable service providers to transform their networks smoothly and profitably.

About Xspedius Communications

Xspedius Communications, LLC, employs a unique blend of innovation and efficiency to provide businesses across the southern U.S. with facilities-based competitive local communications services. A privately held company based in O'Fallon, MO, Xspedius Communications offers integrated voice, data and Internet services over a network covering more than 3,500 route miles across the country, while maintaining industry-leading growth. For more information about the company, visit http://www.xspedius.com.

About Juniper Networks, Inc.

Juniper Networks transforms the business of networking by creating competitive advantage for our customers with superior networking and security solutions. Juniper Networks is dedicated to customers who derive strategic value from their networks, including global network operators, enterprises, government agencies and research and educational institutions. Juniper Networks' portfolio of networking and security solutions supports the complex scale, security and performance requirements of the world's most demanding mission critical networks. Additional information can be found at http://www.juniper.net.

About Lucent Technologies

Lucent Technologies designs and delivers the systems, services and software that drive next-generation communications networks. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent uses its strengths in mobility, optical, software, data and voice networking technologies, as well as services, to create new revenue-generating opportunities for its customers, while enabling them to quickly deploy and better manage their networks. Lucent's customer base includes communications service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide. For more information on Lucent Technologies, which has headquarters in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, visit http://www.lucent.com.

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M-series is a trademark of Juniper Networks, Inc.