Transition Networks Delivers SLA Assurance to Telecoms and Cable Providers

Multiport Network Interface Device (NID) Increases Uptime and Reliability while Guaranteeing Service Performance Requirements

Minneapolis, MN — March 8, 2012 — Transition Networks Inc., the fiber access technology expert, a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ-GM: JCS), today announced the launch of its latest Network Interface Device (NID): the S3280. This device expands on advanced timing over packet networks and is specifically designed to allow telecoms and cable providers to deploy scalable services quickly, verify service performance promised honoring their Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) to customers, while minimizing capital expenditures.

The S3280 allows service providers to offer their subscribers tiered Ethernet services, based on advanced features like differentiated Quality of Service (QoS) and bandwidth allocation per Ethernet Virtual Circuit (EVC). This device also enables service providers to offer SLA-quality service and support through scalable, intelligent User Network Interface (UNI), creating a greater differentiation of service offering from their competition. Within these tiered services SLAs can be supported and verified through the use of built in performance monitoring statistics. S3280 reduces Operational Expenses (OpEx) by providing methods to quickly detect and resolve faults without the need to dispatch a technician to remote locations. Remote fault detection and troubleshooting help increase customer satisfaction while minimizing operational expense.

The features of the S3280 are geared for mobile backhaul and business Ethernet delivery, while also designed to support Carrier Ethernet 2.0 (CE2.0) applications. The S3280 represents a compact platform designed to accommodate today’s demands and grow with tomorrow’s Ethernet requirements. The S3280’s capabilities are based on precise end-to-end performance measurement tools that allow providers to deliver a myriad of services from a single platform.

“Customers continue to put more demands on service providers to offer reliable services that are faster yet more cost-effective. Transition Networks is committed to helping service providers exceed their customers’ expectations as well as their competitive edge and profitability that is the result of adding new services faster and more efficiently” said Kevin Faulds, Director of Product Management at Transition Networks. “The new S3280 provides a cost-effective way to meet even the most stringent customer demands and addresses wide-scale deployment challenges while providing deterministic features similar to traditional TDM circuits such as; Service OAM, Frame Delay (FD), Frame Delay Variance (FDV or Jitter), Frame Loss Ratio (FLR), single and double tagging, Quality of Service (QoS), bandwidth allocation and remote diagnostics.”

Product Features
The new S3280 builds on Transition Networks’ existing S3240 platform by adding additional port configurations as well as increasing the feature set of the device. All of the ports can either be customer or network facing, allowing for fiber to fiber, copper to fiber, or copper to copper handoffs. Some of the new features and capabilities include a complete Ethernet OAM suite that includes Ethernet Link OAM (IEEE 802.3ah), Ethernet Service OAM (IEEE 802.1ag) and Performance Monitoring (ITU-T Y.1731). This device also fully supports IPv6 and SNMPv3 making it a viable solution for next generation networks.

This feature-rich, intelligent Network Interface Device incorporates both E-Line and E-LAN services for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connectivity between locations. In addition to, advanced security features such as: SSL, SSH, Multi-layer Access Control Lists (ACL), TACACS+, and management VLANs to prevent unauthorized access to anyone who isn’t a network adminstrator. The S3280 incorporates a standards based SONET-like ring recovery mechanism titled ITU G.8032v2, which guarantees sub-50ms recovery in the event of a link failure along with interoperability between different manufacturers. The S3280 also adds 1588v2 clocking mechanisms which is critical in ensuring proper timing and packet delivery in high quality mobile services.

The S3280 has a normal operating temperature of -20°-65°C but offers providers a short-term extended temp range of -40°C to 75°C to allow for deployments in semi-controlled backhaul applications. The S3280 has three power input standards. Either 100-240VAC, or dual redundant DC power inputs ranging from 18-57VDC. The fanless design of the S3280 increases the product’s reliability over the duration of its deployment.

Provisioning, management and monitoring of the S3280 can be performed from a web-browser, the integrated CLI (either via telnet or the console port), or with an SNMP system.

Product Configuration
Transition Networks’ S3280 is a standalone NID.

Product Availability
Please contact Transition Networks at (800) 526-9267 or +1-952-941-7600 for pricing and more information on the S3280 product line and accessories Or you can visit www.transition.com/S3280 for the latest product information, including datasheets and manuals.

About Transition Networks Carrier-Grade Products
Transition Networks has achieved international recognition as a major manufacturer of high quality access and backhaul equipment for data communications and telecommunications applications. Transition has been a long-time active member of the MEF and a pontificator for the proliferation of Ethernet technology in Carrier access networks. Transition Networks has previously achieved Carrier Ethernet Generation 1.0 certification (MEF 9, 14, and 21), and the S3280 is already Carrier Ethernet 2.0-compliant.

About Transition Networks Inc.
Transition Networks Inc. is top manufacturer of high quality access and backhaul equipment for data communications and telecommunications applications. Based in Minneapolis, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in 50 countries, including Ingram Micro and Tech Data. Transition Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ-GM: JCS).

Statements regarding the Company’s anticipated performance in 2012 are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: competitive products and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company Contact:
Jacob Pomplun
Transition Networks, Inc.
(952) 996-1575
[email protected]

Editorial Contact:
Kim Miller
Tier One Partners
(617) 610-0583
[email protected]