SDSL: Carrier Access Corporation Introduces Access Bank II/SDSL; Overcomes CLEC Data Installation Problems - Product Announcement

EDGE, On & About AT&T, Jan 18, 1999

Carrier Access Corporation, a leading provider of digital access solutions to competitive voice and data communications carriers, introduced Wednesday a revolutionary solution for providing integrated voice and data services using SDSL. The Access Bank II/SDSL uses Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) technology to solve the challenges of deploying integrated voice and data services to small and medium sized businesses.

"Most companies are using SDSL technology for transport from the customer location to the wiring center, however, at CAC, we've incorporated SDSL technology into our Access Bank IIs to solve the building wiring issues between the phone closet and the LAN," said Dale Hartzell, product manager at CAC. SDSL can transport data between the SDSL router or modem and the Access Bank at data rates up to 1.1 Mbps over a single pair of the existing unshielded twisted pair wiring in a building at distances up to 12,000 feet. The only wiring that usually exists in a building between the phone closet and the data room is unshielded twisted pair. Traditional V.35 CPE connections are limited to the same room and require specialized cables. Ethernet connections are also distance-limited and require CAT-5 cabling, which often requires pulling new cable to the phone closet. Also, Ethernet connections do not provide a clear service demarcation, so customer LAN problems result in truck dispatches to troubleshoot non-carrier problems. SDSL over unshielded twisted pair eliminates these deployment headaches. In addition to solving the customer site wiring issue, the CAC Access Bank II/SDSL provides a complete multi-line voice and Internet data solution that addresses the major problems of mass-market data deployment. By using the Access Bank II/SDSL in conjunction with SDSL routers and modems, carriers get a data solution that simplifies configuration of the data CPE, provides a clear, manageable service demarcation point, provides the flexibility to deploy in a number of different data configurations, and supports easy upgrade of the data CPE to match different customer needs. CAC is partnering with California-based Netopia, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTPA) to develop the Access Bank II/SDSL solution. Working together, CAC and Netopia have developed SDSL hardware and software compatible with the Netopia routers. Netopia's DSL equipment was also developed in partnership with Copper Mountain Networks. "We are very excited about the integrated voice and data solution offered to carriers by using our SDSL products in conjunction with CAC's Access Bank," said Michael Trupiano, senior vice president and general manager of Netopia's Internetworking Solutions Group. "Netopia has focused on making industry-leading data products that are both highly reliable and simple to install, configure and upgrade, which is critical for CLECs and ISPs who are seeking to deploy integrated data services successfully." "The ability to employ new technology as it becomes available is critical for our customers to offer new services that provide competitive advantages. Using SDSL routers and modems for in-building data deployment allows our customers to leverage the competitive, innovative market for data solutions," said Roger Koenig, CEO of Carrier Access. Carrier Access Corporation is a leading provider of Multi-service Digital Access (MDA) equipment to competitive telecommunications carriers, including competitive local exchange carriers, Internet service providers, and wireless carriers. Carrier Access products are used in the digital last mile for the provisioning of enhanced voice and high-speed data services by carriers to businesses and government end users. CAC Access Bank and Wide Bank family products are connected to T1, HDSL, digital radio and T3 access transmission technologies. Additional information about CAC and its products can be found at www.carrieraccess.com. Netopia, Inc. is a market leader in providing Internet presence for small, growing businesses, including website services and high speed Internet connectivity solutions. Netopia's innovative products and unique customer support provide users with "What the Internet Experience Should Be." The Company has been successful in helping millions of Internet and Intranet users increase their productivity. With its Netopia Virtual Office platform, Netopia has established strategic partnerships with Netscape, Earthlink, and GeoCities. With its Netopia Internet Router family, Netopia has established strategic partnerships with France Telecom, Bell Atlantic, PSINet, UUNet and Verio. FMI: www.netopia.com.