Excel Products

PRODUCTS

Excel manufactures a family of compatible programmable switches, interfaces, controllers and other options for use in a wide range of telecommunications applications . (An index is available for accessible product information).

PROGRAMMABLE SWITCHES are switches that are controlled by a host computer and are typically integrated into telecommunications applications by systems integrators, OEMs, and VARs who in turn sell complete turnkey applications. Programmable switches can be customized for use in a wide variety of applications such as Enhanced Service Platforms, Wireless Applications, and Service Bureaus.

LNX 2000
LNX
2,048 Port Programmable Switch

Excel products fall into four categories:

LNX	A 2,048 port non-blocking switch with fully redundant configurations.
CSN	A 1,024 port switch, designed for cost-effective mid-range switching applications, and directly accessing voice processing resources.
PCX	A 512 port switch, designed for small to mid-range switching applications, and self-contained since the host interface can reside in the PCX chassis.
EXS	Supports up to 64,000 non-blocking ports by linking LNX and CSN nodes over a fiberoptic interface for distributed switching environments.

Excel's first production system product, the LNX, introduced in 1989, established the technology platform for all subsequent product offerings. Designed specifically for open programmability, high-reliability, high performance, configurability and expandability, the system was delivered to original equipment manufacturers and systems integrators who built host-based enhanced service applications and integrated them with Excel switches for resale to the telecommunications marketplace. The LNX supports high capacity switching, allowing the user to configure up to 2,048 ports in a single switch. It also integrates a wide range of functionality -- including ISDN PRI, SS7, sub-rate switching and digital signal processing within the switch environment via powerful, intelligent interfaces.

The PCX, Excel's second product, was introduced in 1992 as the entry-level platform for its family of switches. PCX uses a PC chassis to support up to 512 ports via a rich variety of network interfaces , and can be co-located with the host computer as well as PC-based voice processing cards, providing a total solution in a single PC chassis . The PCX system uses the same software environment and API as the LNX, providing compatibility among the systems, and allowing customers to support their applications on either platform.

The EXS Expandable Switching System, introduced in 1995, is Excel's next generation of programmable switching. EXS is a distributed switching architecture that enables a combination of Excel's LNX and CSN programmable switches to operate as a single, logical switch, supporting up to 64,000 non-blocking ports. The architecture is implemented over EXNET, Excel's 1.2 Gbps fiber-optic network, which can be geographically distributed or centrally located based on customer needs. EXS uses new chip technologies and greater memory capacity to improve performance and support high call volumes. The EXNET infrastructure can support a combination of switches as well as other telecommunications services (such as wireless PCS/PCN and voice processing resources) that can link into the network.

The CSN (Communications Service Node) is a new product introduced in 1996 that was designed for environments supporting up to 1,024 ports. The CSN offers programmable non-blocking switch capabilities plus easy connectivity to voice resources in a compact, smaller footprint chassis . The CSN was designed to meet the needs of applications requiring less capacity than the LNX for distributed mid-range environments. The CSN complements Excel's LNX switch, offering product line scalability and complete compatibility of switching resources in a mid-range environment.

Excel also provides high level switch programming tools including Programmable Protocol Language (PPL) , a patented software environment that gives developers a level of open programmability unparalleled in telecommunications. With PPL, service providers have a unique power to customize -- quickly and easily in the lab or even in the field -- generic switching software, an environment heretofore considered "off-limits" to customers utilizing other switching platforms. PPL provides a program resource to deploy features, accommodate local variations in line and signaling protocols and carry out other enhancements immediately. Delays for new software releases from the switch vendor are eliminated, saving time and costs, especially in remote localities.

Excel's products deliver the highest port capacity available in the programmable switching marketplace today, with high-reliability options and an open system architecture that establish a new technology standard for programmable switches.

Excel, Inc. / 255 Independence Drive / Hyannis, MA 02601 / 508-862-3000 / fax 508-862-3030

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