Sixnet Announces the First Industrial Ethernet Switch to Bring True Enterprise-class Networking to Harsh Environments

BALLSTON LAKE, New York -

- Sixnet’s EL228 Enables a New Generation of ‘Smart’ Networking Capabilities for Power Generation and Distribution, Transportation and Other Demanding Environments

Sixnet, a global market-leader of industrial and commercial machine-to-machine (M2M) networking solutions, today announced its new EL228 industrial managed Ethernet switch platform. As the newest addition to Sixnet’s full line of industrial switches, the EL228 is the only product in its class that combines the reliability, redundancy and ruggedness required for demanding industrial environments, with true enterprise-class networking capabilities.

By providing a broad range of high-end enterprise-class networking functionality, the EL228 delivers the capabilities required to enable a new generation of “smart” applications for industries such as power and energy, transportation, and oil and gas, delivered in a hardened form factor with proven reliability in environments as extreme as U.S. Navy air traffic control in Antarctica and oil platforms in Oman.

“There has been considerable hype in recent years around smart grid and intelligent transportation systems, but in reality most of these systems remain seriously constrained by limited networking capabilities,” said Hilton Nicholson, president and CEO of Sixnet. “The EL228 is the first Ethernet switch platform to provide the security, reliability and broad enterprise-class networking features that organizations in these markets require.”

The EL228 also delivers the lowest total cost of ownership of any industrial Ethernet switch in its class. It accomplishes this by providing 24 Fast Ethernet small form-factor pluggable (SFP) ports that are fully field-configurable. This enables customers to modify configurations as networking requirements change, thus eliminating the “forklift upgrades” required when using typical pre-configured industrial switches. Additionally, The EL228 substantially reduces the need to inventory spare switches, since customers can dynamically configure the EL228’s ports to match the configuration of any switch in their network.

“The new Sixnet EL228 is the most flexible industrial managed switch I’ve seen,” said Dr. Jay Park, senior product manager, PowerRICHSystems, for BCI Technologies, a provider of industrial communications and automation solutions to enterprises and municipalities worldwide. “The EL228 provides a single-model solution for the diverse needs of smart grid and distribution automation in all types of substations, at a great price point.”

EL228 Product Features

The EL228 is a 28 port (24 + 4G) industrial Ethernet managed switch that provides customers with superior flexibility. Its 24 Fast Ethernet SFP ports can be used for any mix of copper RJ45 or fiber transceivers. The EL228 features LEDs, power/ground connections, console ports and bracket positions on both the front and back of the switch, enabling customers to install the unit in front and rear/reverse arrangements as needed.

Its rugged design and compliance with IEC 61850/IEEE1613 standards (KEMA approval imminent), makes the EL228 ideal for extreme environmental conditions, such as those found in the power generation and distribution industry, the transportation industry, and IP-based video security. Support for these standards means the EL228 is tough enough for almost any industrial application, while providing a variety of enterprise-class features including:

- Advanced cyber-security - Protects against unauthorized access - Fast redundancy - Keeps networks running even under fault conditions - Real-time message delivery - Ensures important data arrives on time - Enhanced multicasting - Optimizes network bandwidth - Powerful management and monitoring - Enables easy deployment and troubleshooting

Sixnet’s patent-pending universal mounting feature and flexible port options provide customers with easy order and deployment options. The ability to mix and match fiber and copper ports on the fly provides a significant level of convenience and helps reduce costs. Plus, the EL228’s multiple mounting bracket positions, movable power plugs, LEDs and front and back console ports make it easy to stock for rapid delivery and deployment.

About Sixnet

Founded in 1976, Sixnet is a privately held company that provides innovative market-leading machine-to-machine (M2M) data communications solutions. Sixnet’s worldwide customers benefit from its unique ability to integrate cellular modems, industrial automation products, and data connectivity products into rugged, reliable, and cost effective solutions. Sixnet ’s innovative products expand the capabilities of open connectivity, industrial Ethernet, M2M communications, industrial automation, cellular data connectivity, and private label OEM solutions. Additionally, through its 2007 acquisition of BlueTree Wireless Data Inc., and 2009 acquisition of JBM Electronics, Sixnet offers the broadest range of industrial and commercial wireless networking solutions available in the market today. The Sixnet name is synonymous with quality and reliability around the world. Sixnet has partnered with Riverside Partners LLC and American Capital Ltd. (Nasdaq: ACAS). For more information on Sixnet’s suite of connectivity, automation and wireless products, please visit www.sixnet.com.

Media contacts: Cindy Dustin Andy Murphy Sixnet Davies Murphy Group +1-518-877-5173 +1-781-418-2408 cindy.dustin@sixnet.com sixnet@daviesmurphy.com www.sixnet.com www.daviesmurphy.com

Source: Sixnet

Cindy Dustin of Sixnet, +1-518-877-5173, cindy.dustin at sixnet.com; or Andy Murphy of Davies Murphy Group for Sixnet, +1-781-418-2408, sixnet at daviesmurphy.com