PRESS RELEASE: Transition Networks Expands Network Interface Device (NID) Product Line With New Remotely Managed, Status Reporting NID

2009/06/10

Minnetonka, Minn. June 10 -- /Market Wire/ -- Transition Networks Inc., the switching and conversion technology expert, a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:JCS), today announced the introduction of its new, remotely managed 10/100 bridging Network Interface Device (NID).

Available in a Point System chassis card and a stand-alone form factor, this new series of 10/100 bridging network interface devices is designed for both Enterprise and Service Provider applications where users require a basic level of management information on both the local and remote devices. This NID will allow users to easily access the management information through the local unit installed in a managed Point System Chassis, as the remote unit reports its current operating status back to a local unit.

Information provided by the remote unit includes link, speed and duplex status on the copper port as well as link and duplex status on the fiber port. The same information is available on the local unit along with the ability to set ingress rate limits on both the copper and fiber ports in preset increments from 64 Kbps up to full bandwidth.

"The unique management options, along with standard Transition Networks features such as AutoCross, Auto-Negotiation, Link Pass Through, Far End Fault, and Auto Link Restore, position this product as the perfect solution for an entry level remote management requirement," says Patrick Schaber, Director of Marketing at Transition Networks. "Combined with the price point of an entry-level managed device, this NID affords all Transition Networks customers the benefits of remote management."

Product Features
To take advantage of the remote management capabilities, the SRFB devices should be used in pairs, installed on either end of a fiber link. Both the local and remote unit can be managed when the local unit is installed in a managed Point System Chassis. Access to the management information can be done through Transition Networks' own network management application, Focal Point(TM), as well as any web browser.

The SFRB includes a Remote Loopback Test feature which can easily set the remote unit into a loopback mode. This is used to test link integrity and assist in identifying network problems. At the end of the test, the remote unit is automatically re-set into a normal operation mode. Another new feature included in the SRFB is a Copper Link Test. This Link Test is used in conjunction with Link Pass Through (LPT) when LPT is enabled. The Link Test is controlled by a button which is accessible on the front of the device. When the button is depressed, LTP is temporarily suspended so an installation technician can see the valid copper link LED illuminate. This is particularly useful when the copper links and the fiber links are being established at different times.

Product Availability and Configuration
Transition's new SRFB series 10/100 bridging Network Interface Devices are offered in both chassis card for the Point System(TM) Chassis and a standalone version in the following configurations:

Chassis Model   Stand-alone Model  Description
CSRFB1011-100   SSRFB1011-100      10/100Base-TX RJ-45 to
                                   100Base-FX MM ST 2KM
CSRFB1013-100   SSRFB1013-100      10/100Base-TX RJ-45 to
                                   100Base-FX MM SC 2KM
CSRFB1014-100   SSRFB1014-100      10/100Base-TX RJ-45 to
                                   100Base-FX SM SC 20KM
CSRFB1040-100   SSRFB1040-100      10/100Base-TX RJ-45 to
                                   100Base-FX Open SFP
CSRFB1029-100   SSRFB1029-100      10/100Base-TX RJ-45 to
                                   100Base-FX SSF SM 1310TX/1550RX SC 20KM
CSRFB1029-101   SSRFB1029-101      10/100Base-TX RJ-45 to
                                   100Base-FX SSF SM 1550TX/1310RX SC 20KM

Please contact Transition Networks at (800) 526-9267 or visit www.transition.com for the latest information.

About Transition Networks Products
Transition Networks' conversion products are known for their ruggedness and reliability. They have a 99.4 percent customer acceptance rating, meaning that approximately one in 1,000 experience failure in the field. All Transition Networks brand of media converters and switches carry a lifetime warranty.

About Transition Networks Inc.
Transition Networks Inc. offers networking connectivity solutions that make networks perform better, faster and more reliably while helping companies leverage their existing networking infrastructure. The company's Transition Networks brand of media converters make conversion between disparate media types possible, providing conversion technology solutions that offer the necessary adaptations without affecting the performance, nature or appearance of the network. Its complete MILAN portfolio of multilayer switching products is designed to facilitate low-cost network evolution with unique solutions, easing the stress on networks caused by high-bandwidth applications. Based in Minneapolis, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in 50 countries, including Ingram Micro and Tech Data. Transition Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ:JCS).

Statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in 2009 are forward looking and involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: competitive products and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company Contact:
Patrick Schaber
Transition Networks
(952) 996-1526

Editorial Contact:
Kim Miller
Tier One Partners
(617) 610-0583

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