

Sycamore Networks Expands Ethernet Capabilities of SN 9000 Intelligent Multiservice Switch
CHELMSFORD, Mass.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Sycamore Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCMR), a leader in intelligent bandwidth management solutions for fixed line and mobile network operators worldwide, today announced Ethernet service enhancements for the SN 9000 Intelligent Multiservice Switch. The new Multirate Ethernet Card expands the rich diversity of service interfaces supported by the SN 9000 to include Ethernet line rates from 10/100/1000 Mbps to 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
Designed to simplify the convergence of packet and circuit services in metro core and regional networks, the 8-port Multirate Ethernet Card for the SN 9000 provides flexible and efficient Ethernet transport for optical and electrical services at 10/100/1000 Mbps line rates – on a single card. With the addition of multirate Ethernet capabilities, the SN 9000 offers network operators a broader range of service offerings in a highly compact, pay-as-you grow systems architecture. The ability to cost-effectively meet diverse service needs and capacity requirements in a single multiservice platform allows network operators to dramatically improve utilization of service bandwidth and reduce overall network costs.
"While simplicity and cost savings drive continued interest in Ethernet service deployment, the real challenge for network operators is how to achieve these benefits without disrupting existing revenue generating services or introducing further complexity into the network," said Jim Mooney, vice president of product management at Sycamore. "The SN 9000 Multirate Ethernet Card delivers cost-effective network evolution while enabling network operators to simplify multiservice provisioning and operations."
The Multirate Ethernet Card for the SN 9000 supports carrier-class Ethernet Private Line services, as defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF), and delivers optimal levels of resource utilization and service resiliency via implementation of standards-based Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Virtual Concatenation (VCAT), and Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS) protocols. The card uses small form-factor pluggables (SFPs) to support 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet services for both optical and electrical configurations. Each port can be provisioned for a different type of Ethernet service, allowing operators to meet site-specific capacity and service requirements with maximum configuration flexibility.
Proven in government and Tier 1 service provider networks, the SN 9000 Intelligent Multiservice Switch combines high-density service aggregation and the functions of multiple network elements in a single, economical platform. Key regional and metro core applications include low and high-order cross connect, SONET/SDH add-drop multiplexer, MSPP, international gateway, intelligent optical mesh, 10 Mbps to 10 Gigabit Ethernet service delivery, and integrated optical transport. With reliable support for rapid end-to-end provisioning of circuit, packet, and optical services, in any network architecture and any topology, the SN 9000 extends bandwidth optimization to diverse network segments and multiple service layers.
The Multirate Ethernet Card for the SN 9000 will be generally available in April.
About Sycamore Networks
Sycamore Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCMR) is a leading provider of intelligent bandwidth management solutions for fixed line and mobile network operators worldwide. From multiservice access networks to the optical core, Sycamore products enable network operators to lower overall network costs, increase operational efficiencies, and rapidly deploy new revenue-generating services. Sycamore's global customer base includes Tier 1 service providers, government agencies, and utility companies. For more information, please visit [ www.sycamorenet.com ].
We wish to caution you that certain matters discussed in this news release constitute forward-looking statements regarding future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that actual results or events could differ materially from those stated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, actions, inquiries and findings that may result from certain stock option matters, including the restatement of previously issued financial statements and certain purported shareholder derivative actions filed against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors; the Company's reliance on a limited number of customers; variation in the Company's quarterly results; industry pricing pressures and the high cost of product development required to remain competitive and keep pace with evolving features and technologies desired by customers; the consolidation of both suppliers and customers in the telecommunications marketplace and general economic conditions. Certain additional risks are set forth in more detail in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.