Laurel Networks Releases New System Software Designed to Enhance IP Video Delivery to DSL Subscribers; ShadeTree 3.2 Eases Subscriber Management by Automating Many Capabilities

Business Wire, May 2, 2005

PITTSBURGH -- Laurel Networks(R), Inc. today introduced a new version of its ShadeTree system software with features that enhance a carrier's ability to deliver IP video to expanding residential markets by automating subscriber management functions. ShadeTree 3.2, which operates across both Laurel ST200 and ST50 broadband services routers, supports features critical for delivering secure, uninterrupted broadcast and unicast video, voice, and data services over digital subscriber lines in a way that allows carriers to easily scale their operations.

The new software streamlines service providers' ability to service residential customers by automating the discovery, authentication, and network configuration of home media devices, such as IPTV set-top boxes. It also enables non-stop forwarding for multicast traffic - even in the event of primary control processor failure.

"Servicing residential customers is a lot different than servicing business users who are used to waiting for weeks to have their VPNs configured and installed. Home users won't wait for service and won't tolerate service interruptions. They want easy-to-use service on demand. Carriers whose infrastructures lack enhanced subscriber management capabilities won't be able to scale their operations to meet subscriber demand," explained Steve Vogelsang, vice president of marketing at Laurel.

Shadetree 3.2 also offers the ability to migrate Internet subscribers onto a converged broadband services router. Key features include:

--Dynamic discovery and provisioning of Ethernet subscriber interfaces,

--Support for AAA subscriber management for DHCP clients such as IPTV set-top boxes,

--A flexible DHCP option policy to handle future home media devices with new DHCP options, and

--Support for the IETF Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) protocol to detect and recover from Ethernet link failures.

Shadetree 3.2 trials are scheduled in 2Q, with general availability scheduled for 3Q 2005.

About Laurel Networks

Laurel Networks delivers routing technology that helps service providers transition from the standard Internet-only service delivery model into full-fledged triple-play networks. Designed for enhanced network scalability, Laurel's ST-series(TM) routers allow service providers to add advanced broadband applications, like video on demand or voice over IP, without incremental cost as the subscriber base grows.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Laurel operates sales and support facilities across the US, Europe and Asia. Its routers are deployed by some of the world's largest service providers including: Level 3 Communications, KT, Dacom, and Arsys. The company also maintains strategic partnerships with CIENA, a leading global provider of innovative network solutions, and with Marconi, a global telecommunications equipment, services and solutions company. For more information, visit www.laurelnetworks.com.

Laurel Networks and Laurel are registered trademarks and ST200, ST50, ST-series, IP Video Routing Solution, ShadeTree, Laurel Provisioning System and Leading Edge Routing are trademarks of Laurel Networks, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.