Press Release

Laurel Networks Expands ST-series Family with New ST50 Service Edge Router

Delivers All ST200 Multi-service Functionality in a Smaller, Lower-cost Platform; Adds ShadeTree 3.1 System Software and Granular ST50 MiniPHY Cards

June 7, 2004 - Pittsburgh, PA - Laurel Networks, Inc. today introduced the ST50™ Service Edge Router, delivering all of the proven multi-service functionally of its high-capacity ST200™ Service Edge Router in a smaller, lower-cost platform. Like the ST200, the ST50 combines Internet routing, Layer 2 switching, broadband subscriber management, high availability and integrated service management, while adding ST50 MiniPHY (physical interface) cards with enhanced levels of interface granularity. New ShadeTree™ 3.1 System Software (shared across the ST50 and ST200) adds non-stop sessions, IPv6 and LAC (L2TP Access Concentrator) functionality.

"With the same hardware and software as the ST200, the ST50 immediately expands Laurel's addressable market," said Steve Vogelsang, vice president of marketing and co-founder of Laurel Networks. "The ST50 complements the high-density ST200 by providing a smaller package with excellent interface diversity for aggregation in small or remote POPs. This allows us to further expand our footprint in large carrier deployments while offering a great entry package for smaller deployments."

The ST50 shares proven ST200 hardware-based forwarding and ShadeTree software, immediately delivering all of the features of its sibling. All advanced ST200 services including robust Internet routing, scalable IP VPNs, Layer 2 switched services, high-performance B-RAS (broadband remote access server) functionality and triple play-capable QoS (quality of service) are available on the ST50 upon release. Like the ST200, the ST50 maintains wire-speed performance with all services enabled on every port.

Key ST50 Features:

ShadeTree 3.1 System Software: The new ShadeTree 3.1 release for the ST50 and ST200 adds non-stop sessions, IPv6 routing and forwarding and LAC functionality.

Non-Stop Sessions ensure that subscriber sessions stay up across a software upgrade or route control processor failover. ShadeTree also features advanced recovery capabilities including Laurel Instant Versioning (LIVE) hitless software patches, non-stop forwarding, fast re-route and graceful restart to ensure the system is always available —- even under extreme conditions.

IPv6 Routing and Forwarding offers investment protection by supporting the next generation of the Internet Protocol.

LAC Support expands ST50 and ST200 B-RAS applications by enabling PPP session aggregation onto L2TP tunnels.

Highly Granular MiniPHY Cards: The ST50 supports 16 MiniPHYs, which combine ST200 PHY service flexibility with new levels of interface granularity. This is critical to carriers seeking a low entry cost with the flexibility to add services and subscribers. The ST50 initially supports 1-port Gigabit Ethernet MiniPHYs (up to 16 per system with support for 802.1 Q VLANs, 802.1p prioritization and PPPoE) and 1-port OC-3c/STM-1 MiniPHYs (up to 16 per system with support for PPPoX for DSL, PPP/POS and ATM).

Next-Generation B-RAS: The ST50 supports up to 32,000 active sessions with features enabled to deliver the advanced services outlined in the DSL Forum TR-59 architecture. Unique integrated ATM switching reduces the number of devices service providers need to deploy and maintain, providing significant savings.

Complete Internet Routing including IPv6, BGP-4, IS-IS-TE, OSPF-TE, RIPv1, RIPv2, LDP, RSVP-TE and MPLS IP VPNs enables backbone routing, session management and dynamic business or wholesale VPN routing.

Layer 2 Switching of ATM, Frame Relay and Ethernet enables network element consolidation while delivering current and future services. Like the ST200, the ST50 supports ATM virtual paths or virtual circuits, Ethernet switching, PWE3 compliant ATM, Frame Relay or Ethernet and any-to-any service interworking.

Sophisticated-per-Connection/Session QoS precisely delivers multiple service classes to prioritize mission-critical services over best-effort traffic. The result is dependable, predictable performance for all types of traffic — even delay-sensitive voice and video.

Fully Integrated Service Management provides seamless integration with higher-level operational support systems (OSSs) via the Laurel Provisioning System™. Policy management supports dynamic self-provisioning of broadband services via web portals.

Availability
The ST50 Service Edge Router may be ordered now with delivery in July 2004. ShadeTree 3.1 System Software is available in June 2004.

About Laurel Networks
Laurel Networks service edge routers combine Internet class routing, Layer 2 switching and broadband subscriber management with the sophisticated QoS, high availability and integrated management needed to deliver advanced services with non-stop performance. Service providers worldwide have chosen the ST-series platform to profitably deliver next-generation high-growth business and consumer services including value-added Internet, VPNs, switched services, voice-over-IP, video-on-demand and advanced broadband. For more information, visit www.laurelnetworks.com.