Leading Korean IP Infrastructure Carrier, GNG Networks, Deploys Cisco ONS 15454 Optical Transport Platform to Enhance Network Performance and Service Quality

SEOUL, December 4, 2000 - GNG Networks and Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, announced that GNG Networks (www.gng.co.kr), has purchased and deployed Cisco's ONS 15454 optical transport platform to improve its metropolitan network's reliability, performance and capability.

GNG Networks is a leading Korean IP infrastructure carrier that delivers metro solutions for optical network connectivity between metropolitan cities throughout Korea. "We chose Cisco Systems because Cisco's optical products will enhance our current IP network, which utilizes the Cisco 12000 Series Internet Router and Cisco 7500 Series Router, by providing new Ethernet/VPN services, promoting ease-of-provisioning, and flexible and scalable bandwidth access to our customers. In addition, it is cost effective in terms of space and function," said Myung Hwan Suh, CEO of GNG Networks.

This project marks the first deployment of Cisco's ONS 15454 Optical Transport Platform in Korea delivering both new Internet data services and existing leased-line services based on new state-of-the-art technology already deployed widely in the US. The 12000 Series Internet Routers and 7500 will support a scalable and feature-rich IP network. The combination of the Cisco ONS 15454 with the 12000 and 7500 delivers a compelling IP + Optical infrastructure which will enable GNG Networks to achieve radical economics, fail-safe reliability and scalability.

"Cisco's IP + Optical solutions will expand the local optical networking market by enhancing our customers' productivity and efficiency using cutting edge technology. In Korea's growing optical networking market, Cisco's IP + Optical solutions will form the foundation of success for ISPs and telecommunications customers," said Sung Won Hong, CEO of Cisco Systems Korea.

Cisco's ONS 15454 optical transport platform provides users with many benefits. Combining SONET/SDH, dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM), and optical service delivery in a single platform provides service providers with unrivaled optical transport options and virtually unlimited bandwidth expansion capabilities. The Cisco ONS 15454 aggregates data, voice, and video service for effective concentration of optical transport across the transport network. It delivers the highest bandwidth, port density, and flexibility with the smallest footprint and the lowest initial costs available in the industry. Also, it is easy to install, provision, and upgrade with low life-cycle costs.

Cisco Systems has increased optical networking market share from 0.5% to 9% in North America in 2000, according to market research firm RHK, Inc. Having shipped to over 450 customers and with more than 20,000 installed units worldwide, the Cisco ONS 15454 has experienced great success since its introduction as part of Cisco Systems' Optical Networking Group in November 1999. Cisco Systems will significantly expand the optical networking market including metropolitan and core equipment in 2001.