Transition Networks Expands Network Interface Device (NID) Product Line and Functionality

S3280-TST simplifies circuit provisioning and troubleshooting

Minneapolis, MN — October 7, 2012 Transition Networks Inc., the fiber access technology expert, a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ-GM: JCS), today announced the expansion of its Network Interface Device (NID) portfolio with the release of the S3280-TST. This device expands on advanced timing over packet networks and is specifically designed to allow telecom and cable providers to deploy scalable services quickly and verify service performance. With these new advancements, service providers are able to easily monitor and manage their network operation, ensuring customer Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are being met, while minimizing capital expenditures.

S3280-TST Network Interface Device (NID)
The S3280-TST expands upon the S3280 features that allow 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). The S3280-TST enables wire-speed loopback at a port or VLAN level to assist with circuit provisioning and troubleshooting from a remote location. With a standard test set, service providers are able to generate and transmit traffic at line rate from a central office or point of presence to the S3280-TST and ensure that the circuit is optimized and correctly functioning. When initiating a loopback at the VLAN level all other customer traffic on that port will continue to flow without interruptions. In addition to wire-speed loopback, future firmware releases will support RFC 2544 and ITU Y.1564 test and report generation.

This S3280-TST is built with service providers in mind offering SLA-quality service and support through a scalable, intelligent User Network Interface (UNI). This creates 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. Transition Networks S3280-TST reduces Operational Expenses (OpEx) by providing methods to quickly detect and resolve faults without the need to dispatch a technician to remote locations.

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

“Service providers are continually looking for ways to reduce operating expenses while provisioning and troubleshooting networks.” Said Kevin Faulds, Director of Product Management at Transition Networks. “The S3280-TST’s remote loopback and testing enables the user the ability to maintain customer satisfaction without the need for additional test sets or technician dispatches.”

Key Product Features
The new S3280-TST builds on Transition Networks’ existing S3280 family. All of the ports can be customer or network facing, allowing for fiber to fiber, copper to fiber, or copper to copper handoffs. 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). The products also fully support IPv6 and SNMPv3 making it a viable solution for next generation networks.

This feature-rich, intelligent Network Interface Device incorporates E-Line, E-LAN and E-ACCESS services for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connectivity between locations. The S3280-TST also has advanced security features such as: SSL, SSH, Multi-layer Access Control Lists (ACL), TACACS+, and management VLANs to prevent unauthorized access.

The S3280-TST incorporates a standards based ring recovery mechanism ITU G.8032v2, which guarantees sub-50ms recovery in the event of a link failure along with interoperability between different manufacturers. The S3280-TST includes IEEE 1588v2 clocking mechanisms that are critical in ensuring proper timing and packet delivery in high quality mobile services.

The S3280-TST has a normal operating temperature of -20° to 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-TST has three power input standards: which include 100-240VAC or dual redundant DC power inputs ranging from 18-57VDC. The fanless design of the S3280-TST increases the product’s reliability over the duration of its deployment.

Provisioning, management and monitoring of the S3280 family can be performed from a web-browser, CLI (either via telnet or the console port), with Transition Networks Element Management System (EMS) or via SNMP.

Product Availability
Please contact Transition Networks at (800) 526-9267 or +1-952-941-7600 for pricing and more information on the S3280 product family including the S3280-TST and related accessories. Or 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 Networks 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 and S3280-TST are 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.