FLEXengine: Cost-Saving Technology Optimizes Broadband Data Transport

February 15, 2005

Rich Tehrani passed along a press release from Carrier Access, which provides technology that streamlines communication operations on converged networks. Carrier Access has an installed base of over 50,000 cell sites by Cingular, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and others.

The release describes a new circuit and packet processing technology they are releasing called FLEXengine for cell site access, switching centers and transport hub locations.

We get over 2,000 press releases a week on the TMCnet Web site, and the FLEXengine press release is one that came in via the feeds. However, the copy I received from Rich is particularly interesting for the graphics it contains illustrating how the technology works. So I thought it was worth reproducing here:

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Carrier Access Announces Next Generation FLEXengine(TM) Packet Radio Access Network Solutions at 3GSM World Congress

FLEXengine technology for converging 2.5G, 3G and IP/Ethernet access with existing GSM access allows network operators to gain ROI in 6 to 12 months

BOULDER, COLORADO - February 14, 2005 - - Carrier Access Corporation (NASDAQ: CACS), a market leader in North American cell site access equipment, today announced the availability of next-generation Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions based on its newly released FLEXengine technology.� Carrier Access offers this next-generation technology for both new product shipments and as an upgrade to its installed base of over 50,000 cell sites within leading wireless service providers that include Cingular, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and American Movile.

FLEXengine is a new high-capacity circuit and packet processing technology for cell site access, switching center, and transport hub locations.� It is based on advanced network processing software and custom logic developed by Carrier Access for the Axxius(r), MASTERSeries^TM, and the new FLEXway^TM Radio Access Network platforms.� FLEXengine is designed to integrate all critical functions required to optimize the transport of 2.5G, 3G and 4G broadband data over both existing and new packet-based broadband wireline or microwave wireless access networks.� This technology is designed to allow wireless carriers to avoid spending millions of dollars to upgrade transport networks from cell sites to mobile switching centers when deploying new broadband and video data services.�

The Carrier Access FLEXengine technology is designed to be software-definable.� This enables wireless operators to use downloadable software libraries, rather than replace existing hardware, to enable network access technology upgrades.�� Software-definable functions are provided to implement progressive levels of voice and data bandwidth upgrades and packet access technologies, based on network readiness and service needs.� These levels of FLEXengine software implementation are termed overlay, converge, and compress.

In summary, Carrier Access has introduced an end-to-end packet radio access network solution that economically scales in bandwidth from two T1/E1s per cell site to large "pipe" optical concentration in switching offices.� FLEXengine technology provides a software-definable platform that enables broadband and video data services to be added in Radio Access Networks with minimum capital and operating expenses, while improving service quality.

Carrier Access introduces FLEXengine technology optimized for the MASTERSeries, Axxius, and FLEXway platforms at this year's 3GSM World Congress trade show, February 14-17, in Cannes, France (www.3gsmworldcongress.com). The products will be shown with distribution partner Telmar Network Technology - Stand G34, Hall 2.� FLEXengine technology began first product shipments to North American wireless operators this month.

About Carrier Access
Carrier Access (NASDAQ: CACS) provides converged access technology designed to streamline the communication network operations within service provider, enterprise, and government markets. Carrier Access products enable customers to consolidate and upgrade access capacity for the implementation of converged voice, video, and data services at lower costs. Carrier Access' technologies help our customers do more with less.� For more information, visit www.carrieraccess.com/3gsm05.

Forward-Looking Statement Caution
This press release contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's best judgment based on factors currently known. However, these statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the successful development and market acceptance of new products, the ability to sell new products into new and existing customers, the degree of competition in the market for such products, and other risks detailed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements included in this press release.

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AB -- 2/15/05