MeshNetworks - Newsroom - Press Release 02/23/04

Medford, Oregon Deploys City-Wide Mobile Broadband Network From Meshnetworks
MeshNetworks and Viasys Provide City with Mobile Mesh Network for Homeland Security, Public Safety, Public Works and Other Mobile City Workers

MAITLAND, FL - February 23, 2004 - MeshNetworks, Inc., an industry leader in the development and commercialization of mobile broadband networking solutions, announced that Medford, Oregon is currently deploying its MeshNetworks Enabled Architecture (MEA™) broadband solution to create the first mobile mesh network in Oregon. The 24 square mile municipal network will initially provide high-speed data communications to 100 city workers, including law enforcement, fire and rescue, public works and building inspection agencies. City officials forecast the system will quickly pay for itself by enabling gains in personnel productivity. Systems integration, deployment, and project management is provided by Viasys Services Inc., a MeshNetworks’ Master Value Added Reseller.

“After looking at other wireless technologies, we found that MeshNetworks’ system provided Medford with the interoperability, high speed data rates, and mobility needed to support our current and future law enforcement applications,” said Deputy Chief of Police Ron Norris. “This is an example of technology making a huge difference in the community, by improving communications, efficiency, and safety for our officers - and the public we serve.”

MeshNetworks’ self-forming, self-healing wireless technology maximizes network survivability, even in the face of natural disasters, physical attacks and power outages. Patented technology creates a distributed web of connections across all devices in the network. In fact, every user acts as router/repeaters for every other user in the network. The result is a robust interconnected network that automatically routes around congestion, failures and line-of-sight obstacles.

The network will deliver DSL or cable modem-like data rates wirelessly to city workers, even while they are moving at highway speeds. Public safety and public works agencies will have anytime, anywhere access to mobile voice, video, data and position location services. Unlike cellular networks that typically only offer high speed rates in the downstream (from the tower to user) direction, MeshNetworks delivers high data rates across both the upstream and downstream connections. This makes it quick and easy for users to send dashboard video, color photographs and large reports back to the office or command center. Likewise, high-speed and always-on connections enable users to instantly communicate with each other, the Internet and other networks. Finally, MEA solutions support interoperability between a wide variety of devices, databases and interagency networks via end-to-end support for industry standard Internet Protocol (IP). The combination of these unique capabilities is a survivable and high-performance wireless system that meets the needs of mission critical mobile communications networks.

“Medford required a secure, high-performance and cost-effective mobile data network for first responders and other municipal agencies. The city of Medford elected to adopt MeshNetworks' technology after being disappointed with the low bandwidth capabilities being offered by cellular carriers,” said Doug Townsend, Technology Services Director, City of Medford. “Due to its high data rates and innovative mesh architecture, our analysis shows that the MEA system will pay for itself rapidly through increases in personnel productivity.”

Medford is working towards a regional approach to its Homeland Security Preparedness and response to any hazard that threatens public safety. Medford shared this vision and received support from local and county governmental agencies, public safety first-responders, health care providers, schools, and utilities to construct a county-wide interoperable wireless communications network. Medford is located in Jackson County, which covers more than 2,801 square miles and has a population of over 187,000.

"We are pleased to be working with Viasys to bring Medford a state-of the-art solution to meet their mobile broadband needs,” said Richard Licursi, President and CEO of MeshNetworks. "Finding a reliable, budget-friendly, high-speed mobile data system is a challenge in these times of tight fiscal resources. By deploying MeshNetworks’ MEA technology, Medford has proven that a forward thinking municipality can get both a high-performance solution and a fast payback on their investment."

About Medford
Medford, established in 1894, is currently the largest city in Southern Oregon. With its population of 70,000, Medford is establishing itself as a premier regional trade center in the Pacific Northwest. Its public safety organizations, made up of 150 police and 75 fire personnel, have established themselves as some of the most forward thinking, technology aware departments in the country.

About MeshNetworks
MeshNetworks delivers innovative mobile broadband network solutions based on patented ad hoc networking technology. The Company's MeshNetworks Enabled Architecture (MEA™) technology provides wireless broadband connectivity to fixed, portable and mobile devices. Voice, video, data, telemetry and position-location are supported to specifically meet the needs of mission critical communications networks and applications. MeshNetworks offers these solutions through OEMs, Systems Integrators, and Value Added Resellers.

About Viasys Services, Inc.
Viasys is a leading provider of infrastructure development and maintenance services for the transportation, power utility and telecommunication industries. Viasys provides the design, installation and systems integration for MeshNetworks' wireless products, as well as the wired infrastructure necessary to support it.

For more information on how to purchase our products,
please contact us at sales@meshnetworks.com

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