HiGain Solitaire is PairGain's implementation of the OPTIS (Overlapped Pulse Amplitude Modulation Transmission with Interlocking Spectra) line code into its industry leading T1 access products. Developed by PairGain's chief scientist, George Zimmerman, OPTIS is the 16 level PAM line coding technique adopted for the ANSI T1E1.4 HDSL2 standard. In addition to providing full-rate T1 over a single copper pair, the HiGain Solitaire solution features CSA reach of 12,000 feet at 24 AWG, industry-standard interoperability and unmatched PairGain performance. PairGain is exploring customer interest in applications for HDSL2 products not included in the T1E1.4 standard, such as two-pair extended reach CO units and HDSL2 doublers.

"HiGain Solitaire provides PairGain customers with the two most significant benefits embodied in the HDSL2 standard: T1 service on one pair of wires instead of two and interoperability with other HDSL2 vendors," said Bruce Kimble, PairGain's vice president of T1/E1 Access. "Just as importantly, HiGain Solitaire is part of PairGain's market leading DSL solutions, which have an installed base of over one million units worldwide. Just as our HiGain products pioneered HDSL as the technology of choice for T1 access, HiGain Solitaire will be a major strategic initiative that will lead the industry's adoption of HDSL2. HiGain Solitaire is more than just a great solution that builds on PairGain's unique experience in the copper loop. HiGain Solitaire is a comprehensive T1 solution that comes with training, support and product features that will enable PairGain customers to cost-effectively implement this new technology in their T1 networks."

PairGain also warns customers of claims about other HDSL2 products that are not in fact compliant. If a company is not using the OPTIS line code that the ANSI T1E1.4 committee selected, then the product they develop is not truly HDSL2 standard.

"There have been announcements and advertisements that would lead customers to believe that other line codes, like SC-PAM, are embodied in the ANSI standard," said Zimmerman, the originator of the OPTIS line code. "This is untrue and misleading. The OPTIS line code is the standard line code for HDSL2, because it has dramatically better performance in real-world cables with real interference patterns. It is the only line code that the T1E1.4 committee adopted."

With interoperability a driving force behind HDSL2, PairGain chose to work with other prominent DSL companies to advance the OPTIS technology in the industry. Level One Communications, a leading developer of silicon solutions, entered into a partnership with PairGain to jointly design and manufacture HDSL2 chipsets. Level One will supply HDSL2 chipsets, including a chip developed by PairGain, to the industry at large, thereby promoting openness and interoperability. In addition, PairGain has worked directly with ADC Telecommunications and Teltrend, users of the PairGain/Level One chipset, on product interoperability. PairGain plans to continue working with other vendors as they develop HDSL2 standard products.

Price and Availability: HiGain Solitaire is available immediately, with prices subject to configuration and volume. Although approval of the HDSL2 standard is not expected until the end of the year, PairGain guarantees compliance and will provide free, downloadable firmware upgrades to meet any changes in the final standard.

World Wide Web: As the leader in HDSL2 technology and product development, PairGain offers extensive information on the Company's Internet site. For white papers, technology briefings, FAQs, HiGain Solitaire product specifications and more, please visit www.pairgain.com.

PairGain Technologies, Inc. PairGain is a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) networking systems. Service providers and private network operators worldwide use PairGain's products to deploy DSL-based services such as high-speed Internet, remote LAN access and enterprise LAN extension.