Ocular Taps IBM Networking Technology as Key Element in Its Single Switch Architecture

Business Wire, Jan 8, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2001

IBM Switch Fabric and Ocular ASIC Technology Combine to Create

First Single-Fabric TDM Cross Connect/Data Switch

Ocular Networks, Inc., the developer of next-generation optical networking solutions for metropolitan area networks, today announced it has incorporated IBM's Packet Routing Switch technology into its Single Switch Architecture. The Single Switch Architecture allows carriers and providers to leverage optical bandwidth for next-generation services by carrying both Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) and data services natively over a single switching fabric. Ocular chose IBM's switching technology because of its high-density, scalability, low latency, and unmatched reliability as well as for IBM's strong technical support reputation.

"Ocular's choice of IBM as its switch technology partner was a critical decision," said Dr. Chris Roller, vice president of research and development at Ocular Networks. "To leverage the tremendous amount of intelligence built into the switch fabric of our Single Switch Architecture, we needed a switch technology that met a very stringent set of performance parameters. And we looked for a partner with a proven track record and a strong future roadmap--these requirements all led us to IBM."

"Our comprehensive suite of networking technologies is designed to provide the fast switching and reliable data throughput required by advanced optical systems like those Ocular is developing," said Jim Northington, vice president of IBM's Microelectronics division. "We are excited to work with Ocular Networks to help bring the benefits of our technology into their unique applications."

Single Switch Architecture Meets Current and Future Demand

Ocular's Single Switch Architecture is designed to solve carriers' TDM, IP, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switching needs today while supporting different future traffic mixes as they evolve. The Single Switch Architecture uses a single switching fabric for ATM, IP, and TDM traffic rather than implementing a separate fabric for each protocol. By using a single fabric, the Single Switch Architecture eliminates the complexity and performance issues of managing bandwidth and traffic among three separate fabrics. Combined with a highly advanced software control plane, this unique single-fabric approach allows carriers and providers to build converged networks that support any mix of traffic, without having to pre-allocate switching and bandwidth capacity. As a result, the Single Switch Architecture enables carriers and providers to support their current, often TDM-heavy traffic mixes and to migrate automatically to higher ratios of ATM and IP traffic in the future without additional investments in switching infrastructure.

Along with the switching fabric provided by the IBM Packet Routing Switch, Ocular is developing five application-specific integrated circuits based on multiple patents to build carrier-class function into the Single Switch architecture. This Ocular Networks proprietary technology characterizes incoming traffic; chooses the correct path, priority, and quality of service parameters through the switching fabric; and performs bandwidth management functions associated with both TDM cross-connect and data-switching functions.

For more information about the Single Switch Architecture, please see the company's recent press release or visit its corporate Web site at www.ocularnetworks.com.

About Ocular Networks

Ocular Networks develops optical access solutions that allow local service providers to offer voice and data services to customers both on and off the fiber network. Founded in 1999, Ocular is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. The company is led by a seasoned team of executives with a unique blend of experience spanning the optics, data, telecom, and service provider markets. Their backgrounds include such companies as Ciena, Cisco, Alcatel, Newbridge, Lucent, Tellabs, Bell Labs, Ameritech, and Sprint.

Ocular Networks investors include Bessemer Venture Partners, Columbia Capital, and Highland Capital Partners. These investors have backed such successful companies as Ciena Communications, Aptis Communications, PSINet, Maker Communications, and Torrent Networks. For additional information about Ocular and its products, contact the company at 703-803-9124 or at www.ocularnetworks.com.