Press Releases

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

Aurora Networks Gets SMART with Launch of Cutting-edge CWDM Fast Ethernet Access Solutions

San Francisco, CA — April 3, 2005 — Today at the NCTA’s National Show, Aurora Networks, a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical transport systems for broadband networks, debuted its CWDM Fast Ethernet Access System with SMART Media Converter™ technology.

By implementing the IEEE 802.3ah OAM standard, Aurora's newest solution brings carrier-class capabilities to WAN and access Ethernet networks. The standard provides Multiple System Operators (MSOs) with operational, administration and maintenance (OAM) management capabilities, previously only available for enterprise-class Ethernet networks. Existing customers can upgrade their products' CPE software to support the new IEEE standard.

"By leveraging SMART Media Converter technology, Aurora has engineered a CWDM Ethernet Access System that MSOs can use to improve significantly the quality, reliability and ease of deployment of their commercial services. The launch of our newest product exemplifies Aurora’s commitment to continuous innovations and customer satisfaction," said Luis Yu, Product Manager.

Aurora’s CWDM Ethernet Access solution includes the MC2401B series SMART Media Converter™ modules for the CH2016B SMART Media Converter™ chassis, and MC1401B series Customer Premises Equipment. Both series of Aurora’s SMART Media Converter™ equipment feature multi-vendor interoperability, remote IP-less CPE management for streamlined plug-and-play deployments, remote loopback, RMON statistics and remote CPE environmental monitoring. In addition, Aurora’s integrated bidirectional bandwidth rate limiting feature frees the headend router from bombardment by extraneous traffic. The system also has a configurable CPE ping sweep support option which allows for network ping sweeps.

Aurora’s SMART Media Converter™ MC2401B Series Modules
The MC2401B series SMART Media Converter™ modules are designed to enable network planners to connect 100 Mbps twisted pair network segments to single-mode fiber optic access networks. When installed in a CH2016B Chassis, the MC2401B can manage and monitor fiber optic conversions in mission critical enterprise and service provider applications via the user-friendly, rack-based web, telnet and SNMP management interfaces provided by the CX2001B Management Module.

Aurora’s SMART Media Converter™ MC1401B Series CPE
Aurora’s MC1401B series of SMART Media Converter™ CPE are available in 10 different models that offer fiber port wavelengths from 1430 to 1610 nm in 20 nm increments for CWDM architectures. With a receiver input sensitivity of –34 dBm and output power of 0 to –5 dBm from the fiber optic port, these converters can support a fiber link length of 80 kilometers.

Aurora’s SMART Media Converter™ CH2016B Chassis
The CH2016B offers a reliable, compact design for the installation, powering and management of up to 16 rack-mounted SMART Media Converter™ modules. All chassis modules and power supplies are hot-swappable. The high packaging density provided by the CH2016B makes it ideal for both headend and hub applications where rack space is at a premium. The CH2016B chassis supports two redundant powering options: a 100-240 VAC input (model CH2016BA-1) or a -48 VDC input (model CH2016BD-1). The CH2016B chassis includes one dedicated slot for SNMP-compliant integrated monitoring with the CX2001B Management Module.

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.