Press Releases

For Immediate Release - San Francisco, CA
April 3, 2005

Aurora Networks Completes Initial Installations of Expanded Virtual Hub Platform

Enables the Triple Play in Markets Once Deemed Cost-Prohibitive or Fiber-Constrained

San Francisco, CA — April 3, 2005 — Today at the NCTA’s National Show, Aurora Networks announced the expansion of its innovative Virtual Hub (VHub) as well as the completion of the platform’s initial installations. The leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical transport systems for broadband networks products is demonstrating this revolutionary new platform in Booth 5485 today through April 5 during the cable confab in San Francisco.

Aurora’s VHub features field-hardened DWDM optical passives, EDFAs and optical switches which enable multiple system operators (MSOs) to deliver the triple play of voice, video and data services in areas that were previously either cost-prohibitive or fiber-constrained. Aurora’s VHub technology can be used to reduce capital expenditures for network upgrades and capacity expansions by tens or, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars.

"When we released the VHub in June 2004, the reception was greater than we anticipated. We’re pleased to announce that our initial installations have gone very smoothly," said Ron Wolfe, Senior Product Manager for Aurora. "With this platform, MSOs can deliver advanced services such as VOD, VoIP, and high speed data without the need to construct controlled facilities, acquire property, or deploy distributed servers and switching devices and other cost-prohibitive capital expenditures normally associated with advanced services roll-outs. A single master facility can feed a large number of VHubs in large and small surrounding communities."

The VHub is equally adept at enabling existing HFC networks to expand capacity without additional fiber. By converting an existing node location to a VHub, just two or three fibers can feed up to 16 satellite node locations—greatly multiplying the available bandwidth per user.

With its vast range of available module types and highly configurable design, Aurora’s VHub platform can be used in a wide variety of applications ranging from simple amplification of long-haul fiber spans to complex optical hub sites serving either traditional or fiber-deep HFC networks of up to 20,000 households. The FA4517S EDFA provides ample power for most traditional HFC applications, while the new FA4522S high power EDFA allows each of the 16 broadcast/narrowcast outputs to be split to feed up to eight fiber deep HFC nodes in a service cluster.

The products that comprise Aurora’s VHub platform include:

The Aurora NC4000 Series Optical Node Chassis provides a rugged and environmentally stable enclosure for the optical components of the VHub. The NC4000 provides single or dual redundant power supplies and a fully featured monitoring transceiver for installations with active components.

OS42S1S Optical Switches have a switching time of less than 20 milliseconds and to support redundant and/or diverse routes for a highly reliable network infrastructure.

The FA4517S and the new FA4522S EDFAs provide amplification of optical broadcast and narrowcast signals as needed for extending reach or overcoming passive losses associated with splitting and combining of optical signals. Both EDFAs are temperature hardened for operation in field environments ranging from -40 to +85 degrees C. Additionally, the new FZ4522S supplies 22 dBm of output power and supports fiber deep HFC networks.

The OP4538 Series Broadcast/Narrowcast Optical Combiner provides optical combining of broadcast and narrowcast signals, eliminating the need for signal regeneration and RF combining. This device creates eight unique optical service carriers from a single broadcast and a single DWDM narrowcast input, passing the remaining DWDM carriers to an optical output port for cascading multiple combiners.

For a detailed explanation of this powerful and highly flexible optical networking platform, visit the Aurora booth #5484 at The National Show in San Francisco or contact Aurora Networks at info@aurora.com, phone 408.235.7000 visit www.aurora.com.

About Aurora Networks
Founded in November 1999, Aurora Networks designs, develops, and markets advanced optical communications systems for traditional hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks and advanced, fiber-deep broadband networks. The company's advanced technology delivers significant increases in bandwidth and functionality while providing substantial cost savings when compared to traditional HFC network technology. Aurora Networks is privately held, with headquarters at 2803 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, California 95054. For more information about Aurora Networks or its products, e-mail info@aurora.com, phone 408.235.7000 or visit www.aurora.com.