FIRECOMMS LAUNCHES FAST ETHERNET PLASTIC FIBER TRANSCEIVER

Cork, Ireland, April 25, 2006 - Firecomms today announces the release of a fully integrated transceiver RCLED-based 650 nm FOT (fiber optic transceiver) and highlysensitive receiver FOT that operates with IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet data communications networks. Based on Firecomms’ proprietary technology for Resonant Cavity LEDs, this new FOT is designed to provide a Fast Ethernet communication link over plastic optic fiber (POF).

Firecomms Fast Ethernet FOT is rated for modulation of 250 Mbps and is ideal for 100 Mb Ethernet. For seamless integration into Ethernet hubs, the device is compatible with CML (Current-Mode Logic) differential voltage swing levels.

The Fast Ethernet transceiver provides a simpler interface to an Ethernet Phy than previously available, and is designed for use with ultra low-cost connectors. These features of the Firecomms FOT combine to significantly reduce the cost per node for applications such as home, office, and industrial Ethernet networks.

Says Firecomms CEO Declan O'Mahoney, “Our FOT is a perfect drop-in solution for emerging set top box and other high bandwidth applications, like the Triple Play service of voice, video and Internet over a single broadband connection in home networks.”

Firecomms leads the development of devices to drive POF, a low-cost optical alternative to copper cabling. Due to its ease of use, large core tolerances, and low costs, POF is enjoying a huge growth in a wide range of applications. Created for consumer, industrial, and automotive applications in which plastic fiber can be used more easily and at lower cost than copper or glass fiber, POF is now used in millions of small area networks, such as those in use in many car models, and is rapidly gaining ground in home network and point-to-point interconnection. The POF market is estimated to be worth over $1 billion per year by the end of 2008.

Firecomms new Fast Ethernet FOT, series EDL300, is currently shipping in volume quantities. This device can be ordered through Firecomms’ sales organization (sales@firecomms.com) in Japan, USA and Europe.

About Firecomms, Ltd.

Firecomms, a compound semiconductor company, develops high-speed light sources in visible range wavelengths. Firecomms’ lasers and LEDs provide the groundwork that will revolutionize optical data communications for small area networks, such as in-car networks and home networks. Firecomms’ low power visible lasers unleash the potential for advances in medical devices, barcode scanners, and optical storage devices.

The Ireland-based company leverages its ten years of photonics research experience, optical expertise, and extensive IP portfolio to develop cost-effective solutions for applications in which the use of glass fiber optics is prohibitively expensive. Additional information about Firecomms is available at www.firecomms.com.

Further Information:

Rene' Williams
Firecomms USA
Tel. 949.360.7770
rene@firecomms.com.