BUSINESS WIRE
FREMONT, CA
September 14, 2005

Ample Communications, a leading provider of communications silicon for wire line network systems, today announced the Redhawk, the industry's first two-port 10GE intelligent MAC with embedded 10G XFI SerDes, and Multiprotocol Congestion Management technology. The Redhawk is specifically targeted for 10GE aggregation applications in Ethernet switching, routing, Ethernet over SONET, security appliances and storage networks. It delivers intelligent statistical multiplexing support, key in enabling the wide deployment of cost-effective 10GE networks.

By integrating 10G XFI SerDes technology as well as a rich choice of systems side interfaces, the Redhawk significantly reduces chip count, board space, power and cost -- driving the wide adoption of 10G equipment. The Redhawk is the first 10GE MAC to aggregate up to two-ports in line rate and statistically multiplexed network applications, saving customers vital board space. The chips can also be seamlessly daisy-chained together to expand aggregation to 4:1 and higher statistical multiplexing ratios, providing system vendors over 50-percent per port silicon cost reduction.

"The Redhawk is groundbreaking technology for the market. Ample is the first to incorporate multiple 10G SerDes and MAC layer logic into a single device for reduced footprint, cost and power," said Marek Tlalka, vice president of marketing for Ample Communications. "With the increase of the number of enterprise networks adding VoIP and video capabilities, traffic prioritization is vital. Redhawk is able to provide this prioritization to networks so there is no high-priority packet loss, even in a congested network. With the addition of this chip to our portfolio, Ample maintains the lead in the Ethernet MAC space. We are committed to expanding our MAC product portfolio with new devices scheduled for delivery in early 2006."

The highly integrated Redhawk supports a rich selection of line side and system side interfaces that make it ideal for applications with a variety of companion devices. On the line side, customers have a choice of XFI interface for a direct connection to next generation XFP optics or a XAUI interface used with XENPAK and X2 optics as well as with emerging 10G copper PHYs. On the system side the device supports two SPI-4.2 or two XAUI interfaces that facilitate chip applications in multi-port line rate and oversubscribed applications.

The device also includes on chip all RAM required to serve customers and provides an optional external RAM interface to extend network reach and to provide additional packet storage for high performance statistically multiplexed systems. The key chip differentiator is its rich set of multiprotocol, MPLS and IPv6 aware classifiers and deep buffers allowing users to prioritize traffic and assure quality of service in multi-port, statistically multiplexed enterprise and metro applications.

The Redhawk, part number A2122, is packaged in 35x35mm FPBGA. The chips are $350 when purchased in volume quantities. Samples will be available in Q4 2005.

About Ample Communications
Ample Communications is a leading supplier of high-speed Ethernet and SONET silicon for enterprise and metropolitan area network equipment OEMs. Founded in 2000 and with revenue shipments underway since 2001, the company has established itself as both a technology and a market share leader. Wide customer acceptance at Tier 1 and Tier 2 OEMs has resulted in more than 40 design wins for its 10 Megabit- to 40 Gigabit-per-second SONET and Ethernet silicon.

Ample Communications is located in Fremont, Calif., with additional development facilities in Sacramento, Calif. and in Bangalore, India. More information is available on the Web at www.amplecomm.com.

Contacts
Ample Communications
Marek Tlalka, 510-657-1500 ext. 106
mtlalka@amplecomm.com
or
PR@vantage for Ample Communications
Jamie Pogrel, 415-984-1970 ext. 105
jpogrel@pr-vantage.com
www.pr-vantage.com

(c) Business Wire 2005