Acterna Introduces Centralized Testing Solution For Data Networks

GERMANTOWN, Md. – August 2, 2001 – Acterna, (NASDAQ: ACTR) today announced the first in a series of integrated data testing solutions that allows network operators to remotely pinpoint the root cause of data troubles within frame relay and ATM networks. The solution, which consists of Acterna NetAnalyst Test Management Software and Cyclone data testing devices, will help service providers more easily and economically ensure delivery of packet based services.

Acterna's centralized data testing solution gathers network statistics from Acterna Cyclone test devices located throughout the network. At the network operations center (NOC), Acterna NetAnalyst Test Management Software manages the Cyclone test devices, automates testing and provides a consistent, intuitive user interface to the technician. The NetAnalyst and Cyclone combination provides real-time troubleshooting and analysis for pinpointing service impacting problems between the physical layer, packet network layers and the customer's traffic.

"Deployment of packet networks and data services has increased dramatically, and service providers are looking to streamline operations while ensuring that customer service standards are consistently met," said Jim Shea, vice president of marketing for Acterna's Centralized Test and Management Systems division. "With this first release in a series of centralized data testing solutions, Acterna offers a new approach to data network analysis by enabling troubleshooting from the network operations center. This solution will help service providers to quickly and accurately isolate data network problems so that they can scale their operations to meet service demand and remain competitive."

Acterna's centralized data solution for ATM networks will be available fall 2001.

About Acterna's Centralized Data Testing Solution

Acterna NetAnalyst Test Management Software is a highly scalable test management application that supports both interactive and automated testing. It provides a single platform for centralized testing of private line, optical transport and data services at rates from DS0 to OC-192. NetAnalyst serves as a key component of service fulfillment and service assurance operations, ensuring consistent and accurate turn up and enabling quick isolation of network troubles.

Acterna Cyclone IP Optimizer product family simplifies troubleshooting of problems on data networks by providing sophisticated packet classification and real-time monitoring that minimizes the need for senior network engineers and technicians to examine protocol decodes. Cyclone is a test device that allows users to view statistics and identify problems at the physical, network and customer traffic layers. Real-time analysis includes frame relay, ATM, IP, Cisco HDLC, VoIP and other TCP/UDP-based protocols. For situations when protocol decodes are required, advanced users have access to the Examine decode engine that provides more than 450 full decodes and identifies more than 1,000 protocols.

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Acterna, 20400 Observation Drive, Germantown, MD 20876-4023. Tel: 301-353-1560; Fax: 301-353-9380.