Transition Networks Inc., the fiber access technology expert, a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ-GM: JCS), today announced that it has received Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) Carrier Ethernet (CE) 2.0 certification of its new 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) S4140 Carrier Ethernet network interface device (NID) and S4224 Carrier Ethernet access switch.

The S4140 features four 1/10 GbE ports and gives carriers a cost-effective network demarcation device that can address growing bandwidth needs for next-generation services. The S4224 switch has 24 100/1000Mbps ports and four 10GbE-uplinks and aggregates traffic from demarcation devices for efficient transport to the core network. Both devices feature support for IEEE 1588v2 and synchronous Ethernet, the two leading synchronization standards for wireless backhaul applications.

Transition Networks’ S4140 and S4224 bring simplified service creation to the edge of the network through the Converge™ EMS service automation software. This allows carriers to provision a wide range of Carrier Ethernet 2.0 services for mobile backhaul, business Ethernet, cloud assurance and carrier exchange E-Access services within hours from a central console.

The MEF Carrier Ethernet Certification Program is designed to ensure that global equipment and services comply with MEF standards and pave the way for interoperability. Carrier Ethernet 2.0 equipment certification includes E-Line, E-LAN, E-Tree and E-Access. Introduced in 2013, certification requires 634 test cases. Transition Networks was in the first round of Carrier Ethernet vendors to receive MEF CE 2.0 certification on its S3280 100/1000 Ethernet NID.

“Changes in enterprises – ranging from cloud computing to software-defined networks – are driving demand for Carrier Ethernet 2.0. We’ve engineered the S4140 and S4224 and our Converge EMS platform to help carriers be first to market with flexible CE 2.0 services,” said Kevin Faulds, director of product management at Transition Networks. “We recognize the importance of standards compliance, which is why we’ve taken a leadership role in ensuring that our systems are MEF compliant and certified.”

The MEF certification program has been a significant contribution to the successful worldwide deployment of Carrier Ethernet worldwide with around 500 certified products from more than 75 equipment manufacturers deployed by more than 70 service providers. For more information, visit http://metroethernetforum.org/certification.

About The MEF

The MEF is a global industry alliance comprising more than 200 organizations including telecommunications service providers, cable MSOs, network equipment/software manufacturers, semiconductors vendors and testing organizations. The MEF’s mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of Carrier-class Ethernet networks and services. The MEF develops Carrier Ethernet technical specifications and implementation agreements to promote interoperability and deployment of Carrier Ethernet worldwide. *For more information about the Forum, including a complete listing of all current MEF members, please visit the MEF web site at http://www.MetroEthernetForum.org/.

About Transition Networks Inc.

Transition Networks, Inc. is an industry leader with over 25 years of experience designing fiber integration products that deliver the security and reliability for today’s networks while future-proofing for tomorrow as well. Offering support for multiple protocols, any interface, and a multitude of hardware platforms; Transition Networks gives you the power to deliver and manage traffic reliably over fiber in any data network – in any application – in any environment. Based in Minneapolis, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in 50 countries. Transition Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ-GM: JCS). For more information about Transition Networks, please visit www.transition.com.

Statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in 2014 are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: competitive products and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.