German Carrier noris network Achieves Gigabit Ethernet Speeds With ADVA Optical Networking's Next-Gen SDH System

Two large rings running at Gigabit Ethernet speeds with greater stability and low latency - European expansion in the planning


MAHWAH, N.J. and MARTINSRIED/MUNICH, Germany, Dec. 13, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- noris network AG recently deployed ADVA's Fiber Service Platform (FSP) 1500 systems to support a two-ring, Gigabit Ethernet network throughout Germany. The FSP 1500 makes it possible for the service provider to transport high bit-rate Ethernet, data, and voice services quickly and inexpensively via its existing Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) network infrastructure.

The new redundant network has been in service since November 2004 and connects a large, multi-node northern ring (Frankfurt-Dusseldorf-Hannover-Magdeburg-Leipzig-Nuremberg) with another large, multi-node southern ring (Munich-Stuttgart-Strasbourg-Frankfurt-Nuremberg). As a result, the Nuremberg-based provider of centralized IT services and outsourcing now offers its customers in Germany a comprehensive infrastructure with multiple 10, 100 and 1000Mbit/s connections.

Previously, noris network's existing SDH connections had reached full capacity. Customer demands to replicate data and transport to remote data centers over greater distances, however, continued to grow. Banks and insurance companies, as well as large corporations with numerous branch offices, are among those enterprises increasingly outsourcing their data backup. This trend is expected to only grow as a result of regulations such as Basel II. noris network needed a solution to both increase network capacity and scale to Gigabit Ethernet speeds.

ADVA's FSP 1500 system was selected primarily because it offers high-performance Ethernet transport with low initial investment and minimal operating expenditures. New Generic Framing Procedure (GFP) technology enables noris network's legacy SDH network to seamlessly aggregate up to eight 10/100/1000Mbit/s Ethernet and Fibre Channel (FC) applications on a combined STM-16 interface. Additional product benefits include carrier-class compliance, small footprint, and ease of use, resulting in a strong value proposition.

"The advantages of the FSP 1500 can also be found in its quick and easy implementation. noris network independently installed the network within just 14 days. The ADVA team had already staged the FSP 1500 for a test in advance and the final connection was completed without a hitch. The Linux operating system connected to the network also made system administration and operation considerably easier for the IT managers," explained Christian Cehovin, Sales Director, Central and Eastern Europe at ADVA.

"The centralization of IT services offers enormous savings potential for many companies. With the FSP 1500, ADVA has developed a product that enables the high reliability that companies require. This transforms the wide area network into a local area network - at a fraction of the previous costs," commented Ingo Kraupa, chairman of noris network AG. "Next year, we plan to set up other locations in Paris, Amsterdam and London - with the aim of expanding our existing network to cover all of Europe."

ADVA's FSP 1500 utilizes the most recent ITU standards designed to make existing SDH networks more data aware and enable smooth, seamless voice and data interworking: GFP, Virtual Concatenation (VCAT), and Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS). Leveraging all three methods makes the FSP 1500 a unique SDH access solution capable of in-service upgrades and highly valuable to carriers who plan to extensively roll out Ethernet and storage services to their enterprise customer base.

ABOUT NORIS NETWORK AG

noris network AG is a nationwide provider of centralized IT services and outsourcing in Germany. The core business centers on the operation of complex IT hosting and network infrastructures, and Internet access and security products comprise additional parts of the portfolio. Thus, the company's business activities range from enterprise networks to professional applications operation. With the help of its solution partners, noris network AG is able to map a complete range of business processes, from consulting and planning, to development and integration, and to supervised system operation. The company's own nationwide network equipped with 2.5Gbit/s bandwidth also allows connections to secure computer centers. For more information, please visit www.noris.de.

ABOUT ADVA OPTICAL NETWORKING

ADVA Optical Networking (FSE:ADV) is a leading global provider of optical networking solutions for rapid and cost-effective provisioning of high-speed data, storage, voice, and video services in the metropolitan area. ADVA's carrier-class Fiber Service Platform (FSP) product portfolio is explicitly designed to enhance services, simplify networks, and reduce the total cost of ownership. ADVA's solutions have been deployed at over 90 carriers and several thousand enterprises worldwide. ADVA's products are sold through an international network of blue-chip distribution partners in addition to its own direct sales force.

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CONTACT:

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 ADVA AG Optical Networking, Martinsried/Munich and Meiningen, Germany 
 ADVA Optical Networking Inc., Mahwah/New Jersey, USA 
 ADVA Optical Networking Corp., Tokyo, Japan www.advaoptical.com

 FOR PRESS AND INVESTORS: 
 ADVA Optical Networking 
 Alexa M. Schmidt 
 t +49 89 89 06 65 240 (Europe) 
 t +1 201 258 8293 (U.S.)
  t +81 3 5408 5891 (Asia) 
 public-relations@advaoptical.com 
 investor-relations@advaoptical.com

 noris network AG 
 Kirsten Meier 
 t +49 911 9352-0 
 marketing@noris.net