New 3M Volition Category 5e Cabling System Targets Distributed Networks, Small Businesses, Homes

Business Wire, May 7, 2002

Business Editors & Technology Writers

NetWorld Interop 2002 Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2002

3M Introduces Innovative Copper System

to its Volition Cabling Systems

Opening the door for distributed networks, small businesses and homes to use its revolutionary 3M(TM) Volition(TM) cabling systems, 3M Company (NYSE:MMM) today introduced 3M Volition Category 5e copper structured cabling system.

The Volition Cat. 5e system is a complete, end-to-end passive cabling system that includes an innovative tool-less jack, high-performance cable, patch panels and faceplates. It is designed for today's shorter distance applications with economical installation providing a flexible future transition to fiber optics networking. 3M says that the Volition Cat. 5e system is notable for technological innovation and maximum performance, reliability, flexibility and ease of use. 3M has offered a fiber optic LAN wiring solution since 1997 and is expanding its market offering with the copper system.

"Market demand for copper systems continues to grow in importance for applications up to Gigabit Ethernet," said Ed McGlynn, marketing manager, 3M Telecom Enterprise Department. "Although fiber offers bandwidth over distance and provides the migration path for the future when transmission speeds will exceed gigabit, copper is well-positioned for today.

"Small businesses, home offices and residences are growing markets for copper systems like the Volition Cat. 5e because they don't need lightning-fast speeds and cable runs are generally less than 100 meters. Their requirements typically are within the 10 Mb to 1 Gb range. Large enterprises would use our copper system as a cost-effective way to connect laptops, PCs and workstations to a fiber backbone."

At the core of the Volition Cat.5e system and key to its easy installation is the innovative 3M Volition RJ-45 jack, which is unlike most jacks. It provides fast termination for Volition Cat. 5e cable and can be wired for either TIA 568A or 568B standards. No punch-down tools are required, and dust protection is assured with an integrated spring-loaded shutter especially needed in installation and in demanding environments. The Volition jack can be reused, eliminating the need to buy new connectors or wait for new deliveries in cases of rework.

Traditional IDC 110-style jacks also are available for the Volition Cat. 5e system. The 110-style jacks come in white, black, blue and orange, and support 568A and 568B wiring standards. Both jacks use the industry-standard keystone latching mechanism.

The Volition Cat. 5e system includes 350 MHz cable, available with both plenum and riser ratings in blue, orange and white. It matches or exceeds bandwidth needs for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit applications; copper FDDI; 4/16 Token Ring; and 155 Mbps, 622 Mbps and 1.2 Gbps ATM.

Volition patch panels allow mounting of jacks to 19-inch racks, and are available in 24-port or 48-port configurations. Faceplates enable one-click jacks to be used with Volition wall adapters and can work in surface mount applications. A complete range of keystone style faceplates is available for use with both Volition Cat. 5e jacks.

About 3M Volition Cabling Systems

3M created its revolutionary Volition cabling systems to provide comprehensive solutions that fully address end-user requirements for cabling and networking equipment. These end-to-end systems have been designed with 3M Innovation with more than a dozen 3M patented components, including breakthroughs in connector design, cabling and networking gear. 3M's first Volition system was a robust, affordable fiber optic local area network. Its significant innovations include 3M VF-45(TM) fiber interconnect, fiber transceiver receptacle and a highly flexible and durable fiber patch cord. Volition systems are standards-based products that are rapidly and easily installed.

About 3M Telecommunications

3M telecommunications products, technologies and services allow the world's service providers to offer high bandwidth connectivity with network solutions from the central office to the subscriber. The company's focus consists of technologies and services in telecom access, enterprise networks and optical transport systems and components for telecommunications OEMs. With a 40-year history in the telecommunications industry, 3M customers include every major telecommunications service provider in the world.

About 3M

3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in health care, safety, electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations, brands, marketing channels and other important resources. 3M, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information about 3M go to www.3M.com or www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/index.jhtml.>