RAD Data Communications Lowers the Cost of Ethernet Access to T3 Services for Wireless Providers

RIC-T3/ETH Interface Converter Supports LAN Connection over Wireless Links and SDH/SONET Networks

MAHWAH, NJ, and at the CTIA WIRELESS 2002 SHOW, ORLANDO, FL, March 18, 2002 - RAD Data Communications, a leader in unique access solutions, has announced details of the company's solution portfolio, which is ideal for wireless providers. This includes the introduction of the RIC-T3/ETH interface converter that reduces the cost of connecting routers and switches to T3 services. This product, which is also available in an E3 version, is priced attractively lower than competitive solutions in the market.

"Many of the planned and existing wireless deployments currently lack a viable solution for transporting high-speed Ethernet," says Gabriel "Gaby" Junowicz, Business Development Manager for Cellular and Wireless Networks at RAD Data Communications. "A common method used by carriers to extend their networks to areas lacking wireline infrastructure is through the use of wireless T3 links."

Motty Anavi, Director of Product Management at RAD Data Communications, Inc., notes, "Our new interface converters offer carriers and private corporate networks a simple, low-cost solution for transporting LAN traffic over wireless T3 links between POPs, instead of installing expensive ATM access devices between the LAN and the radio link."

The RIC-T3/ETH converter supports both carrier/ISP applications and enterprise applications. "ISPs serving rural areas have a new business opportunity by delivering broadband infrastructure and Ethernet services over wireless links," adds Junowicz. RAD's new converter also helps Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to cut costs of expensive equipment, such as high volume router interfaces, in their POPs. The RIC-T3/ETH allows connection to the router's Ethernet port rather than an expensive T3 port. This results in substantial cost savings across the ISP's network.

"The growth in demand for LAN access to T3 services is driving many organizations to look for cost-effective means to connect their routers and switches within the campus as well as to the broadband networks," says Anavi. "If they don't have fiber reaching every point in the campus then the RIC-T3 and a wireless modem are an excellent alternative." He adds, "the RIC-T3/ETH is engineered at a price point several thousand dollars below the alternative of a high cost T3 router module or ATM access device."

Another key advantage of the product solution is that customers are able to fully utilize their T3 bandwidth. "The RIC-T3/ETH achieves 94.5%-99.75% bandwidth utilization of the T3 link, without the heavy overhead associated with packet or cell-based technologies," explains Anavi.

In addition to the RIC-T3/ETH converter, RAD will be highlighting at CTIA Wireless 2002 several other solutions for fixed wireless providers that provide interworking. Such solutions present providers with voice and data services over the full gamut of Ethernet, TDM, and ATM-based wireless links.

About RAD
Established in 1981, privately owned RAD Data Communications (www.rad.com) has achieved international recognition as a major manufacturer of high quality access equipment for data communications and telecommunications applications. These solutions serve the data and voice access requirements of service providers, incumbent and new carriers, and enterprise networks, by reducing infrastructure investment costs while boosting competitiveness and profitability. The company's installed base exceeds 4,000,000 units and includes more than 150 carriers and operators around the world. These customers are supported by 18 RAD offices and more than 200 distributors in 105 countries.

RAD is a member of the RAD Group of companies, a world leader in networking and internetworking product solutions.