FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Proposed Standard for 100BASE-SX Underway

First Ballot Completed

Arlington, Va., April 30, 1999: The first ballot for the proposed 100BASE-SX standard, SP-4360, has reached an important milestone. The first ballot was completed by the TIA's Fiber Optic 2.2 committee at the end of January 1999, keeping the standard on track for fourth-quarter ratification. The new standard supports Fast Ethernet using 850 nm wavelength optics, providing users a simple, clear and inexpensive upgrade path from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps.

"We are now in the process of reconciling comments garnered during the first ballot," said Don Knasel, Chair of the Fiber Optics 2.2 subcommittee on digital multimode systems. "We expect the draft standard to be issued for a second ballot in June." Once ratified, this standard will become TIA/EIA-785.

Members of the Short Wavelength Fast Ethernet Alliance, who developed the draft standard are pleased with the progress to date. "The speed at which the standard is progressing is a testament to the tremendous support and cooperation we've received from the industry," said Joseph Coffey, Chair of the PMD Committee. "More than 30 companies have joined together to bring the standard to this point, and we are now working together to address technical issues raised during the balloting process. However, we see no major technical obstacles that would prevent the standard from being ratified. TIA/EIA-785 will offer a great benefit to users who want the ability to upgrade their networks without moving to more expensive 1300 nm optics." The Short Wavelength Fast Ethernet Alliance is sponsored by the Fiber Optics LAN Section of the TIA.

The 100BASE-SX standard will:

• Operate over a minimum distance of 300 m (full duplex)
• Allow for the creation of 10/100 Mbps fiber devices that are interoperable with 10BASE-FL
• Minimize expense of electronics
• Copy FDDI fiber PMD where possible to fit into 802.3u
• Utilize cost-effective LED devices
• Be connector independent
• Lay the foundation for an easy upgrade path to 100 Mbps

Additionally, the standard will create a specification for auto-negotiation with current 850 nm Ethernet devices. In this area the standard will:

• Minimize the cost of upgrading from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps
• Auto-negotiate between current 10BASE-FL and new SWL-based 100 Mbps systems
• Parallel detect non-negotiating devices
• Support full duplex operating modes
• Optional implementation

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The FOLS focuses on educating end users and influencers about the technical advantages and affordability that optical transmission brings to local area networks and fiber-to-the-desk applications. Member companies of the FOLS include 3M/Volition, AMP/Tyco Electronics, Corning, Leviton Voice & Data, Micro Linear Corporation, OFS, Optek Technology, Panduit, Ortronics, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave and Transition Networks. Visit the FOLS at http://www.fols.org.

TIA is the leading trade association serving the communications and information technology industry, with proven strengths in market development, trade shows, domestic and international advocacy, standards development and enabling e-business. Through its worldwide activities, the association facilitates business development opportunities and a competitive market environment. The association provides a market-focused forum for its more than 1,000 member companies that manufacture or supply the products and services used in global communications. TIA represents the communications sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Visit us at http://www.tiaonline.org.

Note: The opinions expressed in this release are those of the Fiber Optics LAN Section of the Telecommunications Industry Association and are not necessarily those of the entire TIA membership.