Power Trunk Announces 25 Mb/s Power Line Communication Power Trunk’s Channel-Adaptive Technology™ solves the power line communication problem making electrical wiring a viable option for low-cost networking. Hannover, Germany.

February 25, 2000 - Power Trunk Corporation recently demonstrated the ability of its robust Channel-Adaptive Technology™ to create networks over electrical wiring in homes and small offices. The company has previewed its patented technology to interested OEM manufacturers and partners. Development efforts are now focussing on the next steps to bring this technology to market. Its Channel-Adaptive Technology™ is extremely well suited for building networks and extending cable modem and xDSL gateways - delivering high bandwidth with simple, low-cost installation by the consumer.

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At 25 Mb/s (millions of bits-per-second), Power Trunk gives consumers networking capability sufficient to support real-time multi-media services delivered through a single cable modem or xDSL gateway. Power lines offer a low-cost, consumer-installed, “no new wires” alternative to the widespread deployment of multiple broadband access devices. With power line networks now matching the speed of broadband Internet connectivity, multi-media content can be made ubiquitously available throughout the building.

Recent announcements by Microsoft, endorsing the use of power lines to enable home networking, reinforce the relevance of this new technology. By utilizing existing electrical wiring installed in the home or small office, instant networks can be established by simply plugging in devices and appliances at any wall outlet. No additional wires are required, resulting in a network with superior throughput and no additional peripherals. Power Trunk’s research data indicates that its Channel-Adaptive Technology is capable of supporting data rates up to 100 Mb/s over power lines and even higher data rates over twisted pair. First products (such as the PT4400) will be capable of 25 Mb/s to ensure a reasonable cost for consumers, with higher-speed devices following. The PT4400 Integrated Power Line MAC/PHY is a low-cost CMOS mixed-signal integrated circuit capable of data rates up to 25 Mb/s.

"What was previously thought to be impossible is now a demonstrable reality. Within a few years, we will see a whole host of new products connected using power line technology," commented Dan Rusheleau, CEO and Founder.

“Working with equipment manufacturers, we will see power line communication enabling not only Internet and peripheral sharing throughout the building, but also Internet radio with remote speakers and a whole host of new products for multiplayer games.”

At CeBIT 2000, the Power Line Communications (PLC) Round Table (28th Feb, 2000. Venue: TCM room 104) will discuss the power line market potential from a Utility perspective; compare power line with other local loop technologies; opportunities for home networks based on power lines and the efforts towards standardization. Power Trunk’s Vice-President Brian Lasslett will join industry leaders from Cisco, Microsoft and Siemens to bring Power Trunk’s extensive experience in power line communication to this exciting open discussion forum.

About Power Trunk Corporation

Founded in 1999, Power Trunk Corporation is a fabless semiconductor company that designs, develops, and markets high-performance integrated circuits for use in network-ready systems (including cable modems, xDSL modems, Internet gateways, NIC cards, network adapters, automation equipment, entertainment systems, and security devices). Power Trunk focuses on emerging high-growth segments of the residential, SOHO, and access markets that require low-cost networking with minimal installation expense. The company’s PT4400 Integrated Power Line MAC/PHY targets the emerging needs of home networking over power lines. The PT4600 Interface Controller complements the PT4400 to provide a complete power line to legacy communication solution. Power Trunk is based in Ottawa, Canada and can be found online at www.powertrunk.com

About CeBIT 2000

Held each year in Hannover, Germany, CeBIT highlights all the latest trends in IT and telecommunications. It is the place where product innovations are unveiled for the first time - and an unrivalled source of global contacts and first-hand information. The world's biggest trade fair, CeBIT offers the world's most comprehensive line-up of products and an incomparable market overview. CeBIT 2000 can be found on the web at www.cebit.de.