AUSTIN, Texas and TAIPEI, Taiwan -- VIA Networking Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of network solutions, today announced the Velocity line of Gigabit Ethernet Controllers for the next generation of high-speed networks, satisfying even the most intense data transfer requirements.

Supporting 10/100/1000Mbps triple-speed operation over copper cabling, the Velocity line of controllers enables leading-edge performance in a low-power, highly integrated package, making them ideal for a diverse range of PC client or server LAN- on- Motherboard (LOM) applications.

Integrating Cicada's patented SimpliPHY(TM) transceiver technology, VIA Networking's Velocity Controllers feature best-in-class narrow band noise tolerance, providing trouble free deployment in "real-world" network cabling and systems. To further minimize host-side CPU utilization, the controllers adopt an adaptive interrupt scheme to reduce interrupts made to the processor, enhancing overall system performance.

The VIA Networking Velocity line of Gigabit Ethernet Controllers also includes VIA's sophisticated GigaCheck(TM) link management software, integrating Cicada's powerful VeriPHY(TM) cable diagnostics suite that enables comprehensive cable plant analysis and status reporting, greatly simplifying network management and troubleshooting.

"As the market makes the transition from 10/100 to Gigabit Ethernet, networks can make full use of the latest PC advances," commented Jerry Sun, Special Assistant to the President, VIA Networking Technologies Inc. "With the Velocity line of Gigabit Ethernet Controllers, and our strong partnership with Cicada, we feel that VIA Networking is in an excellent position to provide customers with a high performance, full featured Gigabit solution."

"The release of the Velocity Controllers by VIA Networking is another strong endorsement by an established industry leader of Cicada's widely deployed SimpliPHY(TM) transceiver technology," commented David McLean, President and CEO of Cicada Semiconductor. "Incorporating our proven SimpliPHY(TM) technology, the Velocity controllers feature unbeatable PHY performance, which is crucial for enabling the rapid, low cost transition to Gigabit networking."

Cicada Semiconductor Inc.

VIA Technologies Inc.