Westford, Massachusetts – (The Hosting News) – December 10, 2007 – Web host, Internet and telecommunications services company, XO Communications, has upgraded its network security by deploying Sonus Networks, Inc.’s Network Border Switch (NBS).

Sonus’ NBS is a purpose-built IP-based solution that combines session control, PSTN gateway services and security into a single, high performance, highly scalable, carrier-class solution, which differs from traditional peering and security products such as Session Border Controllers (SBCs). The power of the NBS to protect IP-voice networks was recently validated by CT Labs, a full service testing and analysis lab, which concluded after a battery of tests that the NBS is capable of standing up to extreme denial of service attacks.

Randy Nicklas, Chief Technology Officer, XO Communications noted, ”XO is committed to providing its business customers with premium voice service, and in today’s environment, that requires defending the network against a variety of security threats. In addition, more and more network operators are investing in their IP networks. With the NBS, we’re able to peer directly with other networks via IP. The transcoding capabilities of the NBS have enabled us to broaden our service offerings and to drive even greater efficiency throughout our network.”

The Sonus Network Border Switch is architecturally designed to improve connectivity between disparate IP networks and allow operators to gain protection, control and visibility over those accessing their networks. XO Communications has one of the United States’ largest IP voice networks, carrying more than 15 billion minutes of IP voice traffic in 2006, and currently carrying approximately 1.6 billion minutes of IP voice traffic every month. With such a large IP voice deployment, scalability and reliability were two of the driving factors for migrating to the NBS.

Hassan Ahmed, President, Chairman and CEO, Sonus Networks added, ”Like the entire Sonus product portfolio, the NBS stands out in the industry for its ability to scale while maintaining the highest levels of performance and reliability. We understand that security is a top concern for today’s network operators, and we are committed to helping our customers protect the integrity of their networks, even under the most demanding environments.”

In August, Sonus unveiled the latest version of its NBS platform, available on both the GSX 9000 and GSX 4000 platforms. The new version includes new features to support direct media, Denial of Service (DoS) protection for access networks and consumer VoIP deployments, advanced encryption support for call set-up, and additional Secure Real Time Protocol (RTP) to protect call content. In addition, the platform upgrade includes new features for advanced management and Operational System Support (OSS) functionality.

Sonus Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of IP-voice infrastructure solutions for wireline and wireless service providers. With its comprehensive IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solution, Sonus addresses the full range of carrier applications, including residential and business voice services, wireless voice and multimedia, trunking and tandem switching, carrier interconnection and enhanced services. Sonus’ voice infrastructure solutions are deployed in service provider networks worldwide.

XO Communications offers solutions with the proven performance to support the demanding high- bandwidth network requirements of enterprises. XO Communications has made significant investments in its inter-city network in order to expand its ability to deliver high-capacity network services for enterprises. Recently, XO Communications completed an increase in the capacity of its core network by 200 percent, deploying an additional 800 Gigabits (Gbps) of capacity on major coast-to-coast routes across its nationwide 18,000 route- mile optical network, augmenting a capacity expansion completed last year which delivered 400 Gbps of capacity across its network. As a result of these investments to expand the capacity and capabilities of its network, XO received industry recognition for the Best Backbone/Core Network by winning the NXTComm Eos Excellence of Achievement Award.

XO Communications, a subsidiary of XO Holdings, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: XOHO.OB), is a provider of national and local telecommunications services to businesses, large enterprises and communications service providers. XO offers a broad portfolio of services, including local and long distance voice, dedicated Internet access, private networking, data transport, and web hosting services, as well as bundled voice and Internet solutions. XO provides these services over an advanced, nationwide facilities-based IP network and serves 75 metropolitan markets across the United States.

To learn more about XO Communications, please visit: www.xo.com.

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