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UTStarcom Debuts High-Density, Scalable iAN-8000 Multi-Service Access Node

Posted on: Monday, 13 September 2004, 06:00 CDT

ALAMEDA, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UTStarcom, Inc. , a global leader in IP access networking and services, today introduced the iAN-8000 (TM), a high-density, next-generation, Multi-Service Access Node (MSAN). The new platform incorporates the functionality of UTStarcom's AN-2000 IP Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (IP DSLAM) and iAN-2000 VoIP Media Gateway platform, as well as the functionality of a traditional Digital Loop Carrier (DLC).

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031229/UTSLOGO )

By consolidating for the first time UTStarcom's traditionally standalone access devices into one standards-based platform, the company believes that the iAN-8000 provides operators the maximum amount of service flexibility. Consolidation may also free operators to add services and applications efficiently, without incurring additional infrastructure expenses.

The Convergence of Proven Technologies

"Convergence is one of the biggest trends in telecommunications, so we designed the iAN-8000 to enable converged services via one flexible, scalable, and cost-effective platform," said Chang Kao, general manager of the Broadband Strategic Business Unit of UTStarcom. "We believe the iAN-8000 is a cost-effective, efficient way for service providers to capitalize on the ever-growing audience for VoIP and broadband applications. Operators that employ leased copper lines can now easily migrate their Time Division Multiplex (TDM) voice customers to VoIP and other IP-based services such as the triple play of voice, data, and video -- all over the same lines."

The UTStarcom technologies incorporated into the iAN-8000 are robust, widely deployed, and customer tested. The AN-2000 is a leader in the IP DSLAM market. UTStarcom was recognized by Infonetics Research as the world's second-largest IP-DSLAM provider for the second quarter of 2004. The AN-2000 is also deployed as a next-generation DLC by major carriers globally. The iAN-8000 is interoperable with UTStarcom's mSwitch(TM), a market leader in next-generation softswitches. According to Infonetics Research, UTStarcom ranked second in the number of next-generation softswitch ports shipped worldwide in the second quarter of 2004. The iAN-8000 also interoperates with other softswitches.

Service Provider and Enterprise Applications Supported

Operators can configure the iAN-8000 to deploy a wide range of narrowband and broadband voice and data applications to subscribers over a wireline network infrastructure. This flexibility allows the platform to support both service provider and enterprise applications.

Service providers can use the access node to enable an easy migration from legacy TDM networks to next-generation IP networks. Simultaneously, the iAN-8000 enables full IP-based, xDSL data applications using either TDM (Ethernet over E1 lines) or IP backhaul, to achieve data transmission rates of up to 20 Mbps.

In the enterprise, the platform can function as a PBX, providing access to the operator's Central Office (CO) via FXO/FXS or E1 lines. Enterprises can also use the iAN-8000 to extend PBX functionality via the Internet to remote locations such as branch offices.

Multi-Service Platform Is Used Throughout Network

Service providers can deploy the iAN-8000 throughout their networks, which allows them to bring new VoIP and broadband applications to the widest possible service area. In the CO, the iAN-8000 enables providers to offer multiple services from one platform, including TDM voice, VoIP, and both Asymmetric DSL 2 (ADSL 2) and ADSL 2+, which is particularly important for offering the triple play of voice, data, and video service. Support for the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for telephony and teleconferencing applications is scheduled for the second half of 2005. Because the platform incorporates a DLC, service providers can also deploy it in Points of Presence (POPs) and other remote locations to extend their voice service reach beyond the area served by the CO.

Installed in the basements of commercial and residential Multi-Tenant Units (MTUs), the iAN-8000 can support both IP-based xDSL and broadband Fast Ethernet/Gigabit Ethernet (FE/GE) 10/100 service. In the direct Ethernet application, an iAN-8000 deployed in a building basement brings Ethernet directly to the subscriber. The platform can support up to 20 concurrent Ethernet LANs in the direct-to-subscriber Ethernet application.

The media gateway function allows providers to aggregate VoIP calls from enterprise PBXes and backhaul them over one line to the CO. In addition to IP over Ethernet, the iAN-8000 provides other backhaul options, including the Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) and H.248 for VoIP service, Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) for international fiber-optic transmission, and V5.1/V5.2 for TDM.

"Carriers like the flexibility and capability to migrate from TDM and DSL broadband networks to include VoIP and next-generation softswitch services," said Michael Howard, principal analyst and co-founder, Infonetics Research. "UTStarcom's iAN-8000 offers the flexibility of serving many services from a single, densely populated platform that are normally delivered from two or three different platforms, and the iAN-8000 is based on UTStarcom's proven technology platforms -- the AN-2000 IP DSLAM and the IP-based mSwitch softswitch."

iAN-8000 Provides High Density, High Scalability

Service providers can mix and match services supported by the iAN-8000 based on their subscriber demand. The platform is dense and scalable; up to five fully loaded chassis can operate as a single managed system. Each 16-slot chassis supports up to 384 ports, providing a maximum of 1920 POTS, VoIP, or IP-xDSL ports in a five-chassis system. Thus instead of needing three partially populated platforms to support multiple services, the service provider needs only one, densely populated, cost-effective platform.

Operators can incrementally populate the iAN-8000 by adding 24-port slot cards commensurate with subscriber demand, eliminating costly wholesale platform upgrades and providing network deployment flexibility. The iAN-8000 also makes it easier for service providers to migrate customers to new services at their own pace. Service providers can start the transition to new services gradually, on a port-by-port basis, and ultimately create a large broadband network simply by adding cards and chassis as needed.

About UTStarcom, Inc.

UTStarcom is a global leader in IP access networking solutions and international service and support. The company sells its wireline, wireless, optical and switching solutions to operators in both fast growth and established telecommunications markets around the world. UTStarcom enables its customers to rapidly deploy revenue-generating access services using their existing infrastructure, while providing a migration path to cost-efficient end-to-end IP networks. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company has research and design operations in New Jersey, China, and India. UTStarcom is a FORTUNE 1000 company.

For more information about UTStarcom, visit the company's Web site at http://www.utstar.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

The foregoing statements regarding, without limitation, anticipated new product releases, the anticipated results and revenue-generating ability of such products, the trend toward convergence in telecommunications, the growing audience for VoIP and broadband applications, the ease of migration to next generation services, the efficiency and cost effectiveness of consolidation and UTStarcom's ability to help its customers provide increased flexibility and functionalities are forward-looking in nature and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These factors include rapidly changing technology, possible delays in system deployments or product introductions, competitive pressures on UTStarcom and its customers, and other uncertainties. The Company also refers readers to the risk factors identified in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031229/UTSLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

UTStarcom, Inc.

CONTACT: Chesha Kamieniecki, Senior Manager of Investor Relations,+1-510-749-1560, or Andy Tennille, Public Relations Associate,+1-510-749-1212, both of UTStarcom, Inc.; or media, Stephanie Gallagher ofEngage PR, +1-510-748-8200, ext. 213, or stephanie@engagepr.com, forUTStarcom, Inc.

Web site: http://www.utstar.com/

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