• Version 3.1 of the HopWARE software delivers unparallel performance, including the new Hopling Discovery Protocol (HDP) for self-installable deployments.
• New Xnet Viper nodes based on a quad-radio Intel XScale® Wireless Board.
• Xnet Viper nodes are modular and upgradeable with Mobile WiMAX radio cards.

Almere, December 11, 2006 - Hopling Technologies, a fast growing technology leader in IP-based wireless networking equipment for enterprises, operators and service providers, today announced fourth generation mesh network software and major hardware innovations across its Xnet portfolio, including the launch of world’s first network node specially designed for large-scale mesh networks: the Xnet Viper.

Built for citywide deployments, the multi-radio Xnet Viper node offers several unique features that make it the best choice for large-scale mesh network solutions. Because of the multi-radio design, the nodes can segment the mesh network for different types of operators or enterprises, such as operators sharing the equipment, enterprises offering public- and private-access services, public safety services, information services, municipally services, all using the same Xnet Viper nodes.

The modular design of the new hardware will be used to blend WiFi Mesh and WiMAX technologies into an open architecture. The flat, relay-oriented HopWARE Mesh Architecture (HMA) is highly suitable for cost-effective hotspots, hotzones and citywide networks for wireless carriers on all continents.

Developed in response to customer demand, HopWARE v3.1 includes new smart features such as the Hopling Discovery Protocol (HDP), HopWARE Stumbler module, the HopWARE Console Interface, enhanced PoE module, intuitive Web User Interface and streamlined network element manager capabilities. The new HopWARE v3.1 software is now shipping with all new Xnet Viper nodes and available as a software upgrade for any gateway and node already in the field.

Key features of the Xnet Viper nodes include:

• Intel Network Processor

• Open quad Intel XScale® Wireless Board

• Converged multi-band support (mix of four high-power radios)

• Wireless Multimedia support

• RoHS compliant

• Enhanced power supply interoperable with Cisco’s de-facto PoE standard and IEEE 802.3af industry-standard PoE devices

• Enabling the full power of the HopWARE v3.1 software

“The next-generation hardware of the new Xnet Viper nodes is really state-of-the-art and specially designed with large citywide mesh network implementations in mind,” said Peter Calis, Chief Operating Officer of Hopling Technologies. “We have listened to our customers and learned from our numerous mesh network deployments done in the last three years.”

Key features of the HopWARE v3.1 software include:

• Hopling Discovery Protocol (HDP)

• Enhanced Backhaul Security

• HopWARE Stumbler module

• Intuitive Web User Interface

• Available for the Xfire Hopgate, Xspot gateways, Xspot access points, Xnet Mark nodes and the new Xnet Viper nodes

”Hopling Technologies mesh nodes play a critical role in our operation and that is why we ordered the first 350 Xnet Viper nodes,” said Robert Veltman, StarMesh Technologies President and Chief Executive Officer. ”With the announcement of the next-generation Xnet Viper nodes, Hopling Technologies has superseded its own high standard established late 2003 with its dual-radio node the Xnet Mark-II and we look forward to continue our close cooperation.”

“Hopling Technologies’ continued innovation and investment in its mesh network portfolio are providing customers with greater choice and more affordable options to meet their wireless needs,” said Ivo van Ling, Chief Technology Officer of Hopling Technologies. “New offerings like the today announced Xnet Viper nodes are helping Hopling Technologies lead the way for customers that want to enhance and simplify their wireless mesh network deployments and infrastructures.”

The Hopling Discovery Protocol consists of the Automatic Mesh Discovery module, the Automatic Mesh Configuration module and the Hopling Automatic Mesh Setup module. The Hopling Discovery Protocol enables any HopWARE devices to configure itself for optimal communication with a neighboring “Hopling” product.

As part of Hopling Technologies’ HopWARE Mesh Architecture, the Hopling Discovery Protocol is specifically designed for massive wireless network environments. The protocol enables a remote node to automatically and dynamically select the best data path among other nodes within the mesh coverage area. This provides greater data resiliency to radio frequency interference and helps to ensure optimal mesh network capacity. As new nodes are added to expand the deployed network, each node dynamically adjusts data routing schemes for maximum efficiency.

The HopWARE Stumbler shows other HopWARE mesh nodes thus enabling engineers to create an optimal deployed network. A HopWARE Stumbler is also suitable for a Hotspot for checking channels of “non-Hopling” gateways. Streamlined networking and network management features make it easier for network managers to deploy, maintain and upgrade the network system-wide.

Also available as an option to customers is the HopWARE Console Interface, an ingenious device which allows for a direct connection between an Xnet Viper node and a laptop enabling full diagnostics.

The HopWARE v3.1 software will be available as of January 1, 2007. HopWARE v3.1 is available for the Xfire Hopgate network access controller, Xspot gateways/access points for Intelligent Hotspots, Xnet Mark nodes for Mesh Network Solutions and the Xnet Viper nodes; the heart of a next-generation based Citywide Mesh Network Solution. Customers can receive the new software release from Hopling Technologies at no additional cost.

The new Xnet Viper nodes will be available in January 2007 from Hopling Technologies’ new manufacturing plant and warehouse in Almere, the Netherlands.