02.08.06

Editorial Contact: Kim Miller
KLM Public Relations Inc.
(617) 610-0583
klmcomm@hotmail.com

Minneapolis, MN — Feb. 8, 2006 — The conversion technology expert, Transition Networks Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., today announced the release of its new line of ruggedized Ethernet switches designed to reliably operate in harsh networking environments found in power generation plants, substations and other utilities. These hardened devices are backed by an unsurpassed lifetime warranty and are fully compliant with electrical immunity, temperature ratings and environmental requirements of IEEE1613, the standard for communications networking devices in electrical power substations.

“Ethernet is becoming the protocol of choice for substation automation and is being deployed to replace proprietary technologies used for mission-critical applications,” said Bill Schultz, vice president of marketing for Transition Networks. “With many ‘industry first’ features, including the lifetime warranty, these substation-rated switches are the ideal complement to our already extensive portfolio of industrial hardened media converters and switches.”

Product Features
In addition to being IEEE1613 compliant, these devices offer many features unique to the substation automation market such as Link Pass Through, Far-End-Fault, Pause and the widest selection of fiber optic ports and distances. Automatic Link Restoration re-establishes copper and fiber links with no user intervention once the fault conditions are resolved and without the need to power cycle the device. For mission-critical applications, a dual fiber port version is offered that can be used in a redundant path configuration and the extended operating temperature range of –40°C to +75°C with no fans provides the utmost in reliability.

A wide voltage input range accommodates both AC and DC voltages and all models are available in either a single or redundant power configuration with auto-sensing capability and field replaceable fuses. In addition, dry contact relays provide alarming in the event of a port link failure or power supply failure. The rugged metal enclosure has an IP30 rating and comes standard with integrated DIN-rail mounting. Wall mount and rack mount brackets are also available offering flexibility in the mounting environment.

Product Configuration and Availability
Transition’s new substation rated switches are available immediately and in the following configurations, with both multimode and singlemode fiber port options:

• (1) 10/100Base-TX RJ-45 port and (1) 100Base-FX fiber optic port
• (3) 10/100Base-TX RJ-45 ports and (2) 100Base-FX fiber optic ports with redundant path
• (4) 10/100Base-TX RJ-45 ports and (1) 100Base-FX fiber optic port

Please contact Transition Networks for additional information on their complete line of media converters, switches or wireless products or to request a copy of their Industrial Solutions CD.

About Transition Networks Products
Transition Networks's conversion products are known for their ruggedness and reliability. They have a 99.4 percent customer acceptance rating, meaning that approximately one in 1,000 experience failure in the field. All Transition Networks brand of media converters carry a lifetime warranty.

About Transition Networks, Inc.
Transition Networks Inc. offers networking connectivity solutions that make networks perform better, faster and more reliably while helping companies leverage their existing networking infrastructure. The company’s Transition Networks brand of media converters make conversion between disparate media types possible, providing conversion technology solutions that offer the necessary adaptations without affecting the performance, nature or appearance of the network. Its complete Milan portfolio of multilayer switching and wireless products are designed to facilitate low-cost network evolution with unique solutions, easing the stress on networks caused by high-bandwidth applications. Based in Minneapolis, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in 50 countries including Ingram Micro and Tech Data. Transition Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (AMEX: JCS).

Statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in 2006 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.