EXHIBIT A

                                                               Page 9 of 9 Pages


                                    EXHIBIT A



                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT


                  The  undersigned  hereby agree that the  statement on Schedule
13G with respect to the Common Stock of Advanced Switching Communications, Inc.,
dated  as of  February  9,  2001,  is,  and any  amendments  thereto  (including
amendments on Schedule 13D) signed by each of the undersigned shall be, filed on
behalf of each of us pursuant to and in accordance  with the  provisions of Rule
13d-1(k) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Date:  February 9, 2001

                                               XXXXX COMMUNICATIONS FUND, L.P.

                                               By:  Xxxxx Capital Partners, LLC,
                                                    Its General Partner


                                               By: /S/ XXXX X. XXXXX
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:    Xxxx X. Xxxxx
                                                   Title:   Manager


                                               XXXXX CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC


                                               By: /S/ XXXX X. XXXXX
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:    Xxxx X. Xxxxx
                                                   Title:   Manager