Ericsson receives first order for new optical networking system from Telecom Finland

Business Wire, June 4, 1997

STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 1997--Ericsson has received the first order for its newly-launched ERION optical networking system from Telecom Finland.

This represents one of the first installations in Europe of dense WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology.

When implemented, Telecom Finland will be able to handle efficiently the increasing amount and changing usage patterns of services being transported in their current fiber network.

The Telecom Finland order is for a WDM pilot system together with a SNMP-based management system. It will run between the cities of Helsinki and Tampers, spanning a distance of more than 250 kilometers transporting all kinds of traffic especially SDH and ATM signals. Deliveries for the pilot installation will begin in June and comprehensive testing of the WDM system in Telecom Finland's network will commence immediately.

"Telecom Finland is known as one of the most technically advanced network operators in Europe," says Rory Buckley, head of Ericsson's business unit Transport & Cable Networks. We believe today's order will make Telecom Finland the European pioneer in WDM."

ERION (ERIcsson Optical Network), which is a family of products, carries multiple optical signals on a single optical fiber. It uses different wavelengths of light for each signal, thus multiplying the capacity of existing fiber links several times. This means that telecoms operators can avoid the cost and delay of laying new fibers on congested long-distance routes.

ERION also allows different signal formats to be carried on the same fibers, eliminating the need for equipment to convert varying types of signals. In the Finnish network, a single fiber pair can be used to carry multiple services. In this first release of ERION, up to eight different signals can be multiplied on one fiber pair for up to 600 kilometers without regeneration.

Ericsson's 90,000 employees are active in more than 130 countries. Their combined expertise in fixed and mobile networks, mobile phones and infocom systems makes Ericsson the world-leading supplier in telecommunications.

CONTACT: KATHY EGAN

LARS JONSTEG

212/685-4030