Narad Networks, Inc., a provider of high performance switched broadband access solutions, today announced its membership in the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF). The MEF is a non-profit organization comprised of leading service providers, major incumbent local exchange carriers, top network equipment vendors and other prominent networking companies dedicated to accelerating the worldwide adoption of Carrier Ethernet networks and services through standardization.

"Establishing carrier class Ethernet standards are having a significant impact on networks around the world including access networks such as cable," Nan Chen, President of the Metro Ethernet Forum. "Narad's experience in delivering Ethernet over coax solutions to the cable industry will be a valuable addition to the forum and we look forward to their contribution."

"Cable operators are upgrading their broadband networks to provide the Ethernet services increasingly demanded by businesses and homes," said Bob Metcalfe, inventor of Ethernet, Advisory Director of the MEF, and general partner at Polaris Venture Partners, investors in Narad. "By adopting the 'Carrier Ethernet' standards being developed at MEF, cable operators assure end-to-end interoperability with global networks and a growing share of access revenues. Ethernets are becoming the standard way to deliver the double, triple, and quadruple plays that carriers and their customers are talking about."

MEF standards define a recognized level of performance, regardless of physical transport. By joining the MEF and participating in the standardization of Carrier Ethernet, Narad's quality of service (QoS) offering will enable the delivery of Carrier Ethernet over hybrid fiber coax networks for the first time. Narad will be able to offer business customers MEF-grade services to ensure scalability, reliability, service management and TDM support over coaxial cable and fiber.

"We believe the work being done by MEF will help establish standards that address the migration from a traditional TDM-based world to a switched Ethernet world and will have profound impacts on the performance of voice and high speed data for millions," said Michael Collette, CEO of Narad Networks. "MEF compliance levels the playing field for cable operators and the telcos in delivering consistent quality voice, data and advanced services to business customers."

Narad's patented Ethernet-over-Coax solution meets the needs of coax-based users that have voice or data needs beyond that which cable modems can offer, while Narad's switched Ethernet-over-Fiber solution provides unprecedented IP capacity to fiber-based access. Narad's Ethernet-based outdoor switches support fiber, coax and wireless inputs and outputs. About Narad Networks Narad Networks is a provider of an end-to-end hardware and software solution that enables cable operators to leverage existing coaxial cable to deliver high bit rate, high quality data and voice services to "middle market" commercial end users. The system is designed to meet the needs of small to medium sized enterprises, which comprise approximately 55% of total U.S. commercial services revenues. Narad's solution targets commercial users that have voice or data needs above what cable modems can provide and where fiber installation is cost-prohibitive or too slow from a time to market standpoint.

Based in Westford, Massachusetts, Narad is a privately held company with venture funding from Argo Global Capital, Polaris Venture Partners and other leading venture capital firms. For more information, visit www.naradnetworks.com.