Common use of Switching Clause in Contracts

Switching. The network today consists of a centralized switching topology connected to access nodes via transmission facilities. This topology is expected to gradually evolve to a more distributed switching architecture whereby many former access nodes become service nodes. (a) The building blocks formerly referred to as switches, and perhaps several of the Hubs, will become Integrated Core Service Nodes ("ICSNs"). The ICSN may contain many of the same network elements as it did before, however it will now be configured and integrated in a manner such that the provisioning of service and utilization of transmission and access facilities will become more efficient and seamless relative to the voice, data and video services provided. Also, it is anticipated that there will be more than a single ICSN in a particular market, which will offer additional efficiencies via more localized, multiple interconnect facilities to other carrier networks. (b) Hubs that do not qualify as ICSNs because of traffic density or operating costs will become Integrated Edge Service Nodes ("IESNs"). The IESN will be much like the ICSN, but it will not have direct interconnect facilities to other carrier networks and the switching functionality will be less sophisticated.

Switching. The network Network today consists of a centralized switching topology connected to access nodes via transmission facilities. This topology is expected to gradually evolve to a more distributed switching architecture whereby many former access nodes become service nodes. (ai) The building blocks formerly referred to as switchesSwitches, and perhaps several of the Hubs, will become Integrated Core Service Nodes ("ICSNs"). The ICSN may contain many of the same network elements Network Elements as it did before, however it will now be configured and integrated in a manner such that the provisioning of service and utilization of transmission and access facilities will become more efficient and seamless relative to the voice, data and video services provided. Also, it is anticipated that there will be more than a single ICSN in a particular market, which will offer additional efficiencies via more localized, multiple interconnect facilities to other carrier networks. (bii) Hubs that do not qualify as ICSNs because of traffic density or operating costs will become Integrated Edge Service Nodes ("IESNs"). The IESN will be much like the ICSN, but it will not have direct interconnect facilities to other carrier networks and the switching functionality will be less sophisticated.. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Schedule A to the Confidential - Winstar/Lucent Supply Agreement - A-6 - Execution Version