Netopia Launches VDSL2 Hardware Platforms for IPTV and 3-D Reach Extreme Wi-Fi Solutions

Business Wire, Oct 10, 2006

PARIS -- Netopia, Inc. (Nasdaq:NTPA), a market leader in broadband service assurance solutions, introduced several new hardware products at Broadband World Forum Europe in Paris today, including its VDSL2 MiAVo platform, optimized for triple-play services like IPTV, and a new 3-D Reach[R] Extreme high-powered wireless gateway. They join Netopia's broad family of high-speed DSL products being showcased at Broadband World Forum, including residential, business, and bonded ADSL2 triple-play gateways, and Netopia's Dial-Up-to-DSL Conversion Solution. In addition, the new VDSL2 MiAVo gateway with an integrated Firecomms (www.firecomms.com) plastic optical fiber (POF) transceiver will be featured in the Alcatel booth (BWF booth #4000).

Netopia's MiAVo Gateways support both VDSL2 and Bonded ADSL2

Broadband World Forum marks the official launch of Netopia's VDSL2 MiAVo gateway. However, it is already well positioned in the market. More than 20 service providers worldwide are currently testing it for potential IPTV and triple-play deployments, and a major service provider has already chosen Netopia's VDSL2 MiAVo as its IPTV gateway.

"Netopia is committed to offering our service provider customers a complete solution across infrastructure choices," said Christopher Thompson, Netopia's vice president of marketing. "For example, our MiAVo Series gateways - specifically designed for the delivery of bandwidth-intensive, QoS-reliant services such as IPTV, video on demand, and VoIP - is available with VDSL2 for IP-based networks and bonded ADSL2 for existing ADSL2 networks. Over time, we believe service providers will adopt a portfolio of WAN technologies to meet customers' needs; for example using VDSL2 in dense urban areas and ADSL2 to serve more dispersed communities with longer loop lengths."

Supporting the company's ability to offer a broad range of products across multiple WAN interfaces, Netopia's embedded software has been designed to be rapidly deployed on a broad range of best-of-breed chipsets, including Texas Instruments, Ikanos, and Connexant. The product line includes an automatically-installing ADSL2 modem to assist the migration of customers from dial-up to DSL; the cost-optimized 2200 series; the performance-optimized 3300 series; and the MiAVo triple-play platform. The full line of Netopia DSL solutions can be automatically installed, configured, and managed through automated configuration and management systems that support TR-069, including Netopia's own NBBS.

3-D Reach Extreme Extends Wi-Fi Range and Performance

3-D Reach is Netopia's wireless technology, delivering superior Wi-Fi range, performance, and coverage. Today at Broadband World Forum, Netopia announced 3-D Reach Extreme for the 3347 family of gateways. 3-D Reach Extreme products are optimized to provide superior coverage by custom-tuning an integrated high-power radio and incorporating orthogonal antenna placement to eliminate dead zones and dropped connections. 3-D Reach Extreme products feature adjustable radio output of up to 400mW in the Americas, and are set to 100mW in Europe to conform to EU regulations.

Also announced was the 3-D Reach Express line of gateways and accessories, which deliver a high-value, cost-optimized Wi-Fi solution to service providers. 3-D Reach Express on Netopia's 2247 gateways delivers adjustable output of up to 200mW in the Americas, again set to 100mW in Europe for EU regulations compliance. Based on a multi-card architecture, incorporating common off-the-shelf components, and leveraging Netopia's embedded subscriber software, 3-D Reach Express provides premium Wi-Fi access at a competitive price.

Dial-Up-to-DSL Conversion Solution

Netopia is also introducing its Dial-Up-to-DSL Conversion Solution to the European market. Netopia's ADSL2/ADSL2 Pocket Modem instantly converts dial-up Internet connections to DSL without requiring a CD or a lengthy installation process. It plugs directly into the USB port on any computer running Windows XP and automatically reconfigures Internet Explorer browser settings to broadband, allowing subscribers to install their DSL service themselves, without a support or help desk call. It is the ideal tool for service providers to use to convert their dial-up subscribers to broadband. Its low cost, small form factor, and light weight - less than 3.5 ounces - allows carriers to incorporate it into creative marketing and outreach programs.

Service Assurance from the Gateway to the Desktop

With its extensive lineup of DSL gateways coupled with release 7.7 of its embedded software and with management solutions like NBBS and eCare, Netopia now offers a complete solution to deploy and manage broadband services from the gateway to the desktop - and with the support of the TR-111 specification, soon all the way to the set-top box.

"Performance-leading hardware products are a key component of our service assurance solutions," said Thompson. "Paired with our embedded software and our NBBS and eCare subscriber management solutions, Netopia products offer a unique and compelling solution which is simply unavailable from any other single vendor in the marketplace."