ROCKVILLE, MD, January 21, 2004 - Visual Networks® (NASDAQ: VNWK), today announced the appointment of Edward Kennedy, 49, to its board of directors. As the newest member of the board, Kennedy brings extensive experience in the area of telecommunications and next-generation networking.

Most recently, Mr. Kennedy served as President of Tellabs North American Operations and Executive Vice President of Tellabs. Mr. Kennedy was responsible for overseeing Tellabs entire North American operations, driving strategic planning, product development, sales and manufacturing activities for the $600 million plus business division that encompasses the wideband carrier cross connect and optical transport marketplace.

"Ed brings vast industry experience, technological expertise and dynamic business leadership to Visual Networks," said Larry Barker, CEO of Visual Networks. "His experience and entrepreneurial philosophy will be a valuable contribution to Visual Networks as it continues to position itself for future growth. We are honored to have him join our board."

In what became one of the year's top high-tech deals according to Forbes and Washington Business Forward magazine, Mr. Kennedy sold Ocular Networks, where he was CEO, President and co-Founder, to Tellabs in January 2002 for $355 million. Before Tellabs acquired Ocular, Mr. Kennedy was responsible for closing over $100 million in carrier contracts and successfully raising venture funding in excess of $50 million. In March 1999, Mr. Kennedy left his post as Vice President of Marketing at Alcatel to start Ocular Networks.

"Visual Networks is recognized as the pioneer in IP performance management and is known throughout the industry for its award-winning products and solutions," said Mr. Kennedy. "It is a pleasure and an honor to be invited to join Visual Networks' Board of Directors."

Illustrating his leadership in telecommunications, in June 2003 Mr. Kennedy was selected by Telephony magazine as one of the leaders in the telecom industry transformation and recently was named one of the top ten movers and shakers by Light Reading, an online news publication for the telecommunications industry. Light Reading's top ten movers and shakers can be found at http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=40682&site=lightreading.