Transition Networks Introduces New 24-port Power-over-Ethernet Plus (PoE+) Managed Switch at the BICSI Fall Conference & Exposition

New 10Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Switch Expands Transition Networks Power-over-Ethernet Product Portfolio
with Increased Power and Bandwidth Capabilities

Minneapolis, MN — September 16 , 2013 — Transition Networks Inc., the switching and conversion technology expert, a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: JCS), today announced the release of its new Enterprise-grade 24-port PoE+ managed switch. The SM24TAT4XA supports the IEEE802.3at PoE+ standard, which provides up to 25.5 W to PoE powered network devices. This new managed switch supports (24) PoE+ ports and an additional (4) 1G/10G open pluggable MSA compatible SFP+ slots for increased bandwidth and scalability.

The increased demand for data has driven the advancement of PoE powered network devices, such as pan-tilt zoom (PTZ) security cameras, netbooks, feature-rich IP telephones for video conferencing applications, and IEEE 802.11n wireless access points. These advanced devices consume more power and have increased the need for additional power output from PoE Ethernet switches. The SM24TAT4XA supports the IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standard, which meets the power consumption needs of today’s networks. The new 24-port PoE+ switch injects 34.2 W of simultaneous power output to (12) ports or 15.4 W simultaneous power output to all (24) copper ports per the IEEE 802.3af PoE standard.

In turn, the rapid growth of data continues to drive demand for high speed links in networks of all varieties and sizes. Transition Networks designed the SM24TAT4XA with (4) 1G/10G open pluggable SFP+ ports to deliver key performance improvements related to bandwidth, latency, scalability, and reliability to meet the demands of today’s data-rich networks. This switch allows network managers to not only meet demand for increased power consumption, but also provides network managers with the ability to run 1Gigabit or 10Gigabit Ethernet over the medium of their choice at various transmission distances.

“Our new managed PoE+ switch provides network operators with a flexible solution for delivering power and Ethernet services to a wide range of devices – including network cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones and access control sensors.” said Kevin Faulds, Director of Product Management at Transition Networks. “This release is a continuation of our effort to provide new products and solutions that enable our customers to extend the reach and maximize the value of their existing Ethernet infrastructure.”

Product Features and Configuration
The SM24TAT4XA features (24) 10/100/1000 PoE+ ports with (4) additional 1G/10G open SFP+ ports and meets IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at Power-over-Ethernet standards. The new PoE+ switch also comes equipped with Automatic PoE Reset (APR), which will turn-off and reboot remote devices automatically by cutting power to the devices when they cannot be detected by the switch. This provides an easy and cost-effective method for managing unattended powered network devices by eliminating the need for network managers to deactivate the remote devices manually through the GUI interface.

Product Availability
Transition’s new 24-port PoE+ switch is available now. Please contact Transition Networks at (800) 526-9267 or 1-952-941-7600. You can also visit www.transition.com/ for the latest information.

SM24TAT4XA Managed Switch, 24-port 10/100/1000 PoE+ and (4) 1G/10G SFP+ slots

About Transition Networks Inc.
Transition Networks, Inc. is an industry leader with over 25 years of experience designing fiber integration products that deliver the security and reliability for today’s networks while future-proofing for tomorrow as well. Offering support for multiple protocols, any interface, and a multitude of hardware platforms; Transition Networks’ portfolio gives you the power to deliver and manage traffic reliably over fiber in any data network – in any application – in any environment. Transition Networks is a trusted provider of reliable optical solutions, backed by world-class 24/7 support and an unsurpassed product Lifetime Warranty. Based in Minneapolis, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in over 100 countries. 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 2013 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.