Fujitsu Joins Ethernet, DS1

RICHARDSON, Texas -- Fujitsu Network Communications Inc., a leading supplier of IT and networking solutions, today announced the general availability of its new FLASHWAVE(R) 4020 Ethernet Service Platform (ESP). This new device simultaneously delivers Ethernet and DS1 services and dramatically lowers the overall cost of deployment for these services, while extending the proven reliability of SONET directly to customer premises. The compact size, low power requirements and ability to transport traditional voice and next-generation data services across a single, converged access network positions the FLASHWAVE 4020 ESP as an ideal solution for operation in small to midsize customer sites.

The FLASHWAVE 4020 ESP is available today in an OC-3 or OC-12 version to fit into existing networks and accommodate a variety of subscriber bandwidth needs. The device can be configured for 1+1 protected, Unidirectional Path Switched Ring (UPSR) or unprotected network applications through a dual optical network interface.

Both the OC-3 and OC-12 versions of the FLASHWAVE 4020 ESP offer seven DS1 interfaces, plus four 10/100Base-T Ethernet ports, allowing service providers to provision advanced Ethernet over SONET (EoS) services. Additionally, the FLASHWAVE 4020 ESP supports Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS), and both high- and low-order Virtual Concatenation (VCAT), which enables service providers to transport Ethernet across existing SONET networks efficiently.

"The successful launch of our FLASHWAVE 4010 remote extension module and the customer traction for this product illustrates that combining advanced SONET features, carrier-class reliability and popular interfaces in a low-cost, fully enclosed unit is exactly what carriers need to profitably converge access networks," said George Chase, group president and chief operating officer of Fujitsu Network Communications. "The FLASHWAVE 4020 ESP is developed in our Richardson, Texas and Pearl River, New York development centers with those guiding principles in mind. Since its capabilities are available at a dramatically lower price than competing solutions, we expect significant customer interest in the FLASHWAVE 4020 ESP."

Fujitsu Network Communications Inc. (FNC)