BigBand Networks and NETGEAR® Partner to Enable Internet Access Speeds Above 100 Megabits Per Second

May 16, 2006

Integration of BigBand modular CMTS and NETGEAR Channel Bonding Cable Modem to provide end-to-end channel bonding solution over cable networks

REDWOOD CITY, CA, AND SANTA CLARA, CA – BigBand Networks, Inc., a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data, and NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking products, today announced collaboration on end-to-end channel bonding integration. These efforts are intended to enable broadband access at speeds over 100 megabits per second.

Based on the developing CableLabs DOCSIS 3.0 standard, channel bonding combines multiple downstream cable channels to increase the overall throughput that can be received by cable modems. This technology has the potential to more than quadruple currently available speeds. NETGEAR and BigBand Networks are working to integrate the NETGEAR Channel Bonding Cable Modem (model CM232) with a modular CMTS (cable modem termination system) solution that combines the BigBand Cuda® CMTS and BigBand BME™ (Broadband Multimedia-Service Edge). The two companies plan to demonstrate their integrated products at several upcoming broadband industry events worldwide, and are collaborating on a May 18, 2006, webcast produced by CED Magazine (http://www.cedmagazine.com/webcast).

“With consumers demanding faster and better broadband services from increasingly competitive service providers, this is an opportune time for BigBand Networks and NETGEAR to collaborate on delivering new broadband access options for cable operators,” said David James, director of broadband service provider products for NETGEAR. “NETGEAR believes in partnering with companies such as BigBand Networks that share our focus on openness and innovation, allowing each of us to leverage our expertise in elevating consumer experiences and service provider operations.”

The emergence of online video, peer-to-peer applications, multi-player gaming, VoIP, IP video conferencing and other advances in IP services are placing increasing demands on bandwidth capacity. The CableLabs DOCSIS 3.0 and modular CMTS standards are being developed to address this challenge over cable networks. NETGEAR and BigBand Networks are leveraging their respective strengths in open customer premises equipment and carrier network infrastructure to achieve an end-to-end channel bonding solution based on these standards. With channel bonding, commercial subscribers should have higher access speeds to ensure timely delivery of mission-critical services, and consumers should receive richer and more rapid online experiences.

"Around the world, consumers are now eager to take full advantage of emerging IP services converging video, voice and data content – NETGEAR and BigBand Networks are positioned to jointly fulfill this demand,” said John Connelly, BigBand Networks executive vice president of marketing and business development. “Service providers desire open, multi-vendor solutions with timely delivery, making NETGEAR and BigBand Networks natural partners to achieve end-to-end integration such as our channel bonding collaboration.”

The BigBand modular CMTS is designed to leverage the strengths of the Cuda and BME by respectively distributing routing and modulation functionality to each as a best-of-breed modular component. In the collaboration with NETGEAR, multiple downstream channels are to be bonded together from the modular CMTS in order to multiply downstream throughput. A NETGEAR Channel Bonding Cable Modem (model CM232) will access this downstream throughput that could reach speeds in excess of 100 megabits per second. This integration is designed to allow cable operators to scale up broadband offerings at a fraction of the cost of alternative methods, with support for both legacy cable modems and emerging channel bonding cable modems.

To elaborate on emerging DOCSIS solutions such as modular CMTS and channel bonding, NETGEAR and BigBand Networks are collaborating on a live webcast Thursday, May 18, 2006, at 11 a.m. EST entitled, “Speed Thrills—Paving the Path toward DOCSIS 3.0.” Registration for this event can be accessed at: http://www.cedmagazine.com/webcast. Additionally, the companies are planning joint demonstrations of channel bonding at upcoming broadband industry events in North America, Europe and Asia.

About BigBand Networks
BigBand Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data. Utilizing unique combinations of open technologies, the company’s solutions are designed to process, optimize, and deliver services such as broadband Internet, VoIP, digital broadcast television, HDTV, transport of high quality video, local advertising, VOD, interactive TV and IPTV through any network. Service providers use BigBand Networks’ platforms in efforts to cost-effectively expand revenue-generating offerings of rich content and advanced interactive services. Customers include seven of the ten largest North American cable operators, US telecommunications companies, as well as leading service providers in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Founded in 1998, BigBand Networks is based in Redwood City, CA with offices worldwide. For more information, please call 650-995-5000, email info@bigbandnet.com or visit www.bigbandnet.com.

About NETGEAR®, Inc.
NETGEAR® (NASDAQ: NTGR) designs technologically advanced, branded networking products that address the specific needs of small and medium business and home users. The Company’s product offerings enable users to share Internet access, peripherals, files, digital multimedia content and applications among multiple personal computers and other Internet-enabled devices. NETGEAR is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. For more information, visit the Company’s Web site at www.netgear.com or call (408) 907-8000.

© 2006 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Cuda, BME and other BigBand Networks brand and product names are service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of BigBand Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the following: the actual price, performance and ease of use of NETGEAR’s products may not met the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers, product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions, the ability to NETGEAR to market and sell its products and technology, and the impact and pricing of competitive products and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect NETGEAR and its business are detailed in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled “Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors,” pages 23 through 32, in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2006. NETGEAR undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Information

Doug Hagan

NETGEAR, Inc.

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