> ZipLink's backbone currently operates on Williams Communications and WorldCom's SONET based, fully redundant ATM network, linking POPs and NAP connections across the nation. All of our POPs have 45Mbps ports and dual-homed Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) to both San Francisco and Boston for traffic shaping, reduced latency and full redundancy. ZipLink uses state-of-the-art Nortel Networks and Alcatel Assured Access remote access equipment for high density dial up aggregation of incoming calls, coupled with Cisco System's Hub routers for reliable and scalable WAN management.

ZipLink's multi-region or SuperPOP network architecture exploits new dial tone products designed by CAPs such as Focal and Global NAPS, which aggregate local calls from exchanges within a given region and deliver them to a single POP. In earlier ISP networks, individual POPs were physically located in each telephone company central office where local dial access was to be provided. In order to provide adequate access to a large number of subscribers throughout a region, these networks installed numerous POPs, each providing one access number, at substantial cost per POP.

ZipLink's SuperPOP architecture allows us to install an almost unlimited number of local access numbers into a single POP, thereby dramatically reducing the number of POPs needed to service a given region and the corresponding investment required to expand the network. The resulting cost savings and efficiencies contribute to ZipLink's ability to offer its affiliates low-priced wholesale Internet access.