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AEP Networks provides VPN component to Hughes

Satellite Interoperability with AEP SmartGate Software

SOMERSET, NJ – June 27, 2007 – AEP Networks, the leader in policy-based networking, announces its inclusion on the Hughes Networks Systems, LLC (Hughes) SATCOM-II team. In May, Hughes was awarded a contract under the General Services Administration's (GSA) Satellite Services-II (SATCOM-II) program. Hughes will provide advanced broadband satellite network solutions to U.S. government agencies. AEP is providing its SmartGate product for the Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications within the Hughes solutions.

Satellite communication technology is an ideal medium for simultaneously disseminating information to many users, linking remote geographical locations, supporting government Continuity of Operations (COOP) such as teleworking and access continuity, and providing high-speed connectivity to wide coverage areas. As demand from organizations for broadband data services increases, satellite communication is well positioned to address these requirements. Satellite service also proves invaluable in disaster recovery efforts, and delivers a viable communications network (Internet access, video, voice over IP, and more) to military personnel, fire departments, police departments, first responders, search and rescue teams, and public safety emergency communications. Rapidly deployable satellite broadband is a necessary component of emergency communications preparedness.

The AEP SmartGate client/server software solution enables highly efficient end-to-end VPN performance over satellite circuits. By operating at the application layer and leveraging a satellite network's TCP protocol spoofing capabilities, it overcomes the impact of satellite circuit latency on VPN performance. AEP SmartGate application layer VPN server software is the engine behind AEP SmartSat that provides authentication, access control, encryption, key distribution, data integrity, single port proxy, and other services. All user data and sensitive addressing information traversing the Internet is fully encrypted using constantly changing Triple DES (3DES) session keys.

Tony Bardo, assistant vice president of government services at Hughes said, “We included AEP SmartGate in the SATCOM-II solution because it provides secure VPN connectivity from an end user all the way into a secure, trusted environment, without exposing any user data or sensitive addressing information.”

AEP SmartGate works in conjunction with a simple-to-use, non-intrusive AEP SmartPass client that operates on an end user's system. VPN server software allows AEP SmartPass users to access protected services based on authenticated user identification, not an end user's source IP address or machine specific identifier.

About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet® encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1.2 million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU standards organizations. Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

About AEP Networks
AEP Networks offers a comprehensive Policy Networking solution that provides complete security starting at the endpoints and working throughout a network – from the edge to the core. AEP 's integrated portfolio of security products includes network admission control enforcement points, identity-based application security gateways, SSL VPNs, high assurance IPSec-based VPN encryptors, and hardware security modules for key management. Our products address the most demanding security requirements of public-sector organizations and commercial enterprises internationally. The company is headquartered in Somerset , New Jersey , with offices worldwide.

AEP Networks, the AEP Networks logo, and NACpoint are trademarks of AEP Networks, Inc., with registration pending in the United States. Netilla, SmartGate, SmartPass and SmartAdmin are registered trademarks of AEP Networks, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.