July 10, 2002

Xtera Communications granted exclusive rights in patent relating to Raman amplification including Distributed Raman Amplification (DRA) when used with the most widely deployed types of NZ-DSF fiber 

Allen, TX – July 10, 2002 – Xtera Communications, Inc. (www.xtera.com), innovator of the Wide Reach, Nu-Wave DWDM system used to transport 2.4 terabits across long distance networks, today announced that United States Patent No. 6,239,902 has been jointly awarded to Xtera Communications and the University of Michigan.  

This patent illustrates Xtera's precedence in the development of long-haul transport systems employing lumped or Distributed Raman Amplification on most types of NZ-DSF fibers.  Jointly awarded to Xtera and the University of Michigan, Xtera holds exclusive rights in this patent.

Distributed Raman, which uses the transmission line fiber as the gain medium, is used by carriers to achieve greater transmission distances in long haul and ultra-long haul networks, reducing the need for expensive regeneration and enabling lower network costs. Xtera uses this patented technology in its Nu-Wave DWDM system, which combines Lumped Raman and Distributed Raman Amplification to achieve superior transmission distances and greater capacity at drastically lower costs.  

Xtera holds a broad portfolio of patents in Raman amplification and as carriers experience the superior cost effectiveness of Raman enabled solutions, the significance of Xtera's Raman patents becomes more important.  Xtera fully endorses the authorized use of its patented technologies and will, in most cases, offer licensing arrangements that will allow this technology to be used extensively in telecommunications networks.

Xtera has commercialized its technology in the Nu-Wave DWDM system introduced in March, 2002.  Capable of transporting 240 wavelengths of 10 Gb/s channels, it is offered at the lowest cost per gigabit per kilometer in the industry.   The Nu-Wave simplifies network design and planning while providing carriers with more scalable optical network solutions.  A key differentiator is Nu-Wave's capability of accessing intermediate cities along long-distance routes as any Nu-Wave in-line amplifier (ILA) may be upgraded, in-service, to an optical add drop multiplexer (OADM), opening new addressable markets, without burdening first costs. 

About Xtera Communications

Xtera Communications specializes in network infrastructure that delivers the highest capacity, reach and density. Our long-haul, Submarine, Metro and WAN technologies together with our deployment expertise drive customer success and long term value.

Xtera offers an extensive portfolio of Optical Transport solutions for long-haul, regional, metropolitan and sub-sea networks, and WAN Traffic Management solutions for both enterprise and telecom companies.  

With deployments in four continents, Xtera’s Optical Transport portfolio helps service providers worldwide reach new markets via new deployments, and extends the life of their existing network assets with cost-effective upgrades. Xtera's innovative Traffic Management solutions offer customers the best price/performance in network optimization.

Xtera delivers compelling advantage to its customers by maximizing network capacity, reach and value.

For more information, please visit www.xtera.com