Exhibit 10.2

                          SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

                              1997 STOCK PLAN OF

                            NETCOM SYSTEMS, INC.(1)


     1.   PURPOSES OF THE PLAN.  The purposes of this Stock Plan are to attract
and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and
Consultants and to promote the success of the Company's business.  Options
granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock
Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant.  Stock
Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan.

     2.   DEFINITIONS.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

          (a)  "ADMINISTRATOR" means the Board or any of its Committees as shall
be administering the Plan in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

          (b)  "APPLICABLE LAWS" means the requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any other country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are
granted under the Plan.

          (c)  "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

          (d)  "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          (e)  "COMMITTEE"  means a committee of Directors appointed by the
Board in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

          (f)  "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock of the Company.

          (g)  "COMPANY" means Netcom Systems, Inc., a California corporation.

          (h)  "CONSULTANT" means any person who is engaged by the Company or
any Parent or Subsidiary to render consulting or advisory services to such
entity.

________________________
     (1)  As amended March 10, 1998




          (i)  "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board of Directors of the
Company.

          (j)  "DISABILITY" means total and permanent disability as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

          (k)  "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  A Service
Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of
absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. 
For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days,
unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or
contract.  If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the
Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock
Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock
Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option. 
Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company
shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

          (l)  "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

          (m)  "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

               (i)    If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its
Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for
the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or such other source as the Administrator deems
reliable;

               (ii)   If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value
shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock
on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination; or

               (iii)  In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.

          (n)  "INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" means an Option intended to qualify as
an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

          (o)  "NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.


                                         -2-


          (p)  "OFFICER" means any employee whose annual aggregate direct
remuneration from the Company exceeds $60,000 and who is appointed by the Board
to a position of significant managerial responsibility.

          (q)  "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

          (r)  "OPTION AGREEMENT" means a written or electronic agreement
between the Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an
individual Option grant.  The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan.


          (s)  "OPTION EXCHANGE PROGRAM" means a program whereby outstanding
Options are exchanged for Options with a lower exercise price.

          (t)  "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or a
Stock Purchase Right.

          (u)  "OPTIONEE" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted under the plan.

          (v)  "PARENT" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

          (w)  "PLAN" means this 1997 Stock Plan.

          (x)  "RESTRICTED STOCK" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant
to a grant of a Stock Purchase Right under Section 11 below.

          (y)  "SECTION 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended.

          (z)  "SERVICE PROVIDER" means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

          (aa) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 12 below.

          (bb) "STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT" means a right to purchase Common Stock
pursuant to Section 11 below.

          (cc) "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of  Code.


                                         -3-


     3.   STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.  Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be subject to option
and sold under the Plan is 3,959,550 Shares.  The Shares may be authorized but
unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

                      If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes
unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant
to an Option Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto
shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan
has terminated).  However, Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan,
upon exercise of either an Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall not be returned
to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the
Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company
at their original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for future
grant under the Plan. 

     4.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

          (a)  ADMINISTRATOR.  The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a
Committee appointed by the Board, which Committee shall be constituted to comply
with Applicable Laws.

          (b)  POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR.  Subject to the provisions of the
Plan and, in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board
to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant authorities, the
Administrator shall have the authority in its discretion:

               (i)    to determine the Fair Market Value;

               (ii)   to select the Service Providers to whom Options and Stock
Purchase Rights may from time to time be granted hereunder;

               (iii)  to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each
such award granted hereunder;

               (iv)   to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

               (v)    to determine the terms and conditions, of any Option or
Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder.  Such terms and conditions include, but
are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Options or Stock
Purchase Rights may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria),
any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any
restriction or limitation regarding any Option or Stock Purchase Right or the
Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the
Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine;

               (vi)   to determine whether and under what circumstances an
Option may be settled in cash under subsection 9(e) instead of Common Stock;


                                         -4-


               (vii)  to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the then
current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered
by such Option has declined since the date the Option was granted; 

               (viii) to initiate an Option Exchange Program;

               (ix)   to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under
foreign tax laws;

               (x)    to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations
by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares having a
Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld.  The Fair Market
Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the
amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined.  All elections by Optionees to
have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and under such
conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable; and

               (xi)   to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards
granted pursuant to the Plan.

          (c)  EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATOR'S DECISION.  All decisions,
determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and
binding on all Optionees.

     5.   ELIGIBILITY.

          (a)  Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be
granted to Service Providers.  Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to
Employees.

          (b)  Each Option shall be designated in the Option Agreement as either
an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.  However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.  For purposes of this
Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order
in which they were granted.  The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be
determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

          (c)  Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's
relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall it interfere in
any way with his or her right or the Company's right to terminate such
relationship at any time, with or without cause.


                                         -5-


     6.   TERM OF PLAN.  The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by
the Board.  It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless
sooner terminated under Section 14 of the Plan.

     7.   TERM OF OPTION.  The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option
Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than ten (10) years
from the date of grant thereof.  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Option is granted, owns stock
representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Option shall
be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided
in the Option Agreement.

     8.   OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION.

          (a)  The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the Administrator,
but shall be subject to the following:

               (i)    In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                      (A)     granted to an Employee who, at the time of grant
of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the
voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary,
the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share
on the date of grant.

                      (B)     granted to any other Employee, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.

               (ii)   In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option

                      (A)     granted to a Service Provider who, at the time of
grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the
voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary,
the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share
on the date of the grant.

                      (B)     granted to any other Service Provider, the per
Share exercise price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per
Share on the date of grant.

               (iii)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with
a per Share exercise price other than as required above pursuant to a merger or
other corporate transaction.


                                         -6-


          (b)  The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined by
the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be
determined at the time of grant).  Such consideration  may consist of (1) cash,
(2) check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares which (x) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on
the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to
which such Option shall be exercised, (5) consideration received by the Company
under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with
the Plan, or (6) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.  In making
its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator
shall consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to
benefit the Company.

     9.   EXERCISE OF OPTION.

          (a)  PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE; RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms hereof at such
times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth
in the Option Agreement.  Except in the case of Options granted to Officers,
Directors and Consultants, Options shall become exercisable at a rate of no less
than 20% per year over five (5) years from the date the Options are granted. 
Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Options granted
hereunder shall be tolled during any unpaid leave of absence.  An Option may not
be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

               An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
(i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised.  Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan.  Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse. 
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.  The
Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised.  No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 12 of the Plan.

               Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in
the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for
sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised.

          (b)  TERMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER.  If an
Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, such Optionee may exercise his or her
Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement (of at
least thirty (30) days) to the extent that the Option is vested


                                         -7-


on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the
term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement).  In the absence of a
specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for
three (3) months following the Optionee's termination.  If, on the date of
termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the
Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. 
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within
the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the
Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

          (c)  DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.  If an Optionee ceases to be a Service
Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his
or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement
(of at least six (6) months) to the extent the Option is vested on the date of
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Option Agreement).  In the absence of a specified
time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve
(12) months following the Optionee's termination.  If, on the date of
termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the
Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. 
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within
the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.

          (d)  DEATH OF OPTIONEE.  If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider,
the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the
Option Agreement (of at least six (6) months) to the extent that the Option is
vested on the date of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the
term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement) by the Optionee's
estate or by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest
or inheritance.  In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination.  If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to the
entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall
immediately revert to the Plan.  If the Option is not so exercised within the
time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.

          (e)  BUYOUT PROVISIONS.  The Administrator may at any time offer to
buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based on
such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate
to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

     10.  NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.  Options and
Stock Purchase Rights may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated,
transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of
descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the
Optionee, only by the Optionee. 

     11.  STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.

          (a)  RIGHTS TO PURCHASE.  Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either
alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan
and/or cash awards made outside 


                                         -8-


of the Plan.  After the Administrator determines that it will offer Stock
Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the offeree in writing or
electronically of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer,
including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled to purchase,
the price to be paid, and the time within which such person must accept such
offer.  The terms of the offer shall comply in all respects with Section
260.140.42 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations.  The offer shall
be accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock purchase agreement in the form
determined by the Administrator. 

          (b)  REPURCHASE OPTION.  Unless the Administrator determines
otherwise, the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall grant the Company a
repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's service with the Company for any reason (including death or
disability).  The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the
Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original price paid by the
purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser
to the Company.  The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate as the
Administrator may determine.  Except with respect to Shares purchased by
Officers, Directors and Consultants, the repurchase option shall in no case
lapse at a rate of less than 20% per year over five years from the date of
purchase.

          (c)  OTHER PROVISIONS.  The Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall
contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the
Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. 

          (d)  RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER.  Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have rights equivalent to those of a shareholder
and shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon the records
of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company.  No adjustment shall be
made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the
date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 12 of
the Plan.

     12.  ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, MERGER OR ASSET SALE.

          (a)  CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION.  Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt
of consideration by the Company.  The conversion of any convertible securities
of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of
consideration."  Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination
in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.  Except as expressly 


                                         -9-


provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or
securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no
adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price
of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock Purchase Right.

          (b)  DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION.  In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
transaction.  The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to
have the right to exercise his or her Option until fifteen (15) days prior to
such transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby, including
Shares as to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable.  In addition,
the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to
any Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
lapse as to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation
takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated.  To the extent it has
not been previously exercised, an Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

          (c)  MERGER OR ASSET SALE.  In the event of a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets
of the Company, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall (i) be
assumed, (ii) exchanged for an equivalent option or right substituted by the
successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation or
(iii) terminate, all as provided for herein.  In the event that the successor
corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or Stock Purchase
Right, to the extent that 20% of the Optioned Stock has not already vested,
Optionee shall vest in and have the right to exercise the Option or Stock
Purchase Right as to 20% of the Optioned Stock.  If 20% of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right becomes vested and exercisable, as provided for in the preceding
sentence, in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale
of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or
electronically that 20% of the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be
exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and
the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate upon the expiration of such
period.  All Optioned Stock that is not assumed or accelerated as provided for
herein, shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.  For the purposes
of this paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be considered
assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or right confers
the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to
the Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger or sale of
assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property)
received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each
Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered
a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such
consideration received in the merger or sale of assets is not solely common
stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with
the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be
received upon the exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share
of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to 


                                         -10-


be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair
market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock
in the merger or sale of assets.

          (d)  CHANGE IN CONTROL.  In the event of a change in control of the
Company whereby those persons and entities who constitute the shareholders of
the Company immediately prior to such change of control event, fail to hold at
least 50% of the outstanding capital stock of the Company following such change
of control event or any sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets
(collectively, "Change of Control Events"), then, immediately prior to any such
Change of Control Event, 20% of any stock option granted within one year from
the date of such Change of Control Event shall become immediately vested and
exercisable.

     13.  TIME OF GRANTING OPTIONS AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.  The date of grant
of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date on
which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock
Purchase Right, or such other date as is determined by the Administrator. 
Notice of the determination shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to
whom an Option or Stock Purchase Right is so granted within a reasonable time
after the date of such grant.

     14.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

          (a)  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.  The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.  

          (b)  SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  The Board shall obtain shareholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Applicable Laws. 

          (c)  EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION.  No amendment, alteration,
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company. 
Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's ability to exercise
the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Options granted under the
Plan prior to the date of such termination.

     15.  CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES.  

          (a)  LEGAL COMPLIANCE.  Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option  unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance and
delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further
subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance.

          (b)  INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIONS.  As a condition to the exercise of an
Option, the Administrator may require the person exercising such Option to
represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being
purchased only for investment and without any present 


                                         -11-


intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for
the Company, such a representation is required.

     16.  INABILITY TO OBTAIN AUTHORITY.  The inability of the Company to obtain
authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is
deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale
of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect
of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority
shall not have been obtained.

     17.  RESERVATION OF SHARES.  The Company, during the term of this Plan,
shall at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

     18.  SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is
adopted.  Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner
required under Applicable Laws.

     19.  INFORMATION TO OPTIONEES AND PURCHASERS.  The Company shall provide to
each Optionee and to each individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan,
not less frequently than annually during the period such Optionee or purchaser
has one or more Options or Stock Purchase Rights outstanding, and, in the case
of an individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the period
such individual owns such Shares, copies of annual financial statements.  The
Company shall not be required to provide such statements to key employees whose
duties in connection with the Company assure their access to equivalent
information.


                                         -12-


                               AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE
                             SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
                              1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN OF
                                 NETCOM SYSTEMS, INC.

                               a California corporation


     This Amendment No. 1 to the Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option
Plan (the "Plan") of Netcom Systems, Inc. (the "Company") is executed on April
10, 1998, by the Company at the direction of the Company's Board of Directors.


     Section 12(d) of  the Plan is hereby amended read as follows:

"(d) CHANGE IN CONTROL.  Effective upon the consummation of a Change in Control
(as defined below) of the Company, the number of shares under each Option
granted hereunder as to which such Option is vested and fully exercisable shall
be accelerated such that each Option shall be immediately vested as to that
additional number of shares as would be vested on the date one year following
consummation of a Change in Control if all conditions to such vesting were
satisfied.  For purposes of the foregoing, a "Change in Control" shall be deemed
to have occurred upon any person or entity, together with all affiliates (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act")) thereof becoming the beneficial owner (as defined under Section
13(d) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13d-3 thereunder) of more than 50% of the
Company's then outstanding shares of Common Stock." 


     With the exception of the amendment set forth above, the Plan shall remain
in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. 


                                         -13-


                                   1997 STOCK PLAN

                                STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the
same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I.   NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

The undersigned Optionee has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of
the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement, as follows:

Grant Number


Date of Grant


Vesting Commencement Date


Exercise Price per Share


Total Number of Shares Granted


Total Exercise Price


Type of Option:                         Incentive Stock Option
                                   ---

                                        Nonstatutory Stock Option
                                   ---

Term/Expiration Date:



VESTING SCHEDULE:

This Option shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, according to the
following vesting schedule:

20% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest on the first anniversary of
the Vesting Commencement Date and the remainder of the Shares shall vest 1/48
per month thereafter, subject to Optionee's continuing to be a Service Provider
on such dates.


                                         -1-


TERMINATION PERIOD:

This Option shall be exercisable for three months after Optionee ceases to be a
Service Provider.  Upon Optionee's death or disability, this Option may be
exercised for such longer period as provided in the Plan.  In no event may
Optionee exercise this Option after the Term/Expiration Date as provided above.

II.  AGREEMENT

1.   GRANT OF OPTION.  The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants to
the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant (the "Optionee"), an option (the
"Option") to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant, at
the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise
Price"), and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is
incorporated herein by reference.  Subject to Section 14(c) of the Plan, in the
event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

          If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option
("ISO"), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as
defined in Section 422 of the Code.  Nevertheless, to the extent that it exceeds
the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), this Option shall be treated as a
Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO").

2.   EXERCISE OF OPTION.  
     
     (a)  RIGHT TO EXERCISE.  This Option shall be exercisable during its term
in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and with
the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

     (b)  METHOD OF EXERCISE.  This Option shall be exercisable by delivery of
an exercise notice in the form attached as Exhibit A (the AExercise Notice@)
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares with
respect to which the Option is being exercised, and such other representations
and agreements as may be required by the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be
accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised
Shares.  This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company
of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise
Price.

          No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless
such issuance and such exercise complies with Applicable laws.  Assuming such
compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred
to the Optionee on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to
such Shares.


                                         -2-


3.   OPTIONEE'S REPRESENTATIONS.  In the event the Shares have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time this Option
is exercised, the Optionee shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with
the exercise of all or any portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his or
her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit B, and shall read the applicable rules of the Commissioner of
Corporations attached to such Investment Representation Statement.

4.   LOCK-UP PERIOD.  Optionee hereby agrees that, if so requested by the
Company or any representative of the underwriters (the "Managing Underwriter")
in connection with any registration of the offering of any securities of the
Company under the Securities Act, Optionee shall not sell or otherwise transfer
any Shares or other securities of the Company during the 180-day period (or such
other period as may be requested in writing by the Managing Underwriter and
agreed to in writing by the Company) (the "Market Standoff Period") following
the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the
Securities Act.  Such restriction shall apply only  to the first registration
statement of the Company to become effective under the Securities Act that
includes securities to be sold on behalf of the Company to the public in an
underwritten public offering under the Securities Act.  The Company may impose
stop-transfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing
restrictions until the end of such Market Standoff Period. 

5.   METHOD OF PAYMENT.  Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any
of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

     (a)  cash or check;

     (b)  consideration received by the Company under a formal cashless exercise
program adopted by the Company in connection with the Plan; or 

     (c)  surrender of other Shares which, (i) in the case of Shares acquired
upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six
(6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a Fair Market Value on the
date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares.

6.   RESTRICTIONS ON EXERCISE.  This Option may not be exercised until such time
as the Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company, or if the
issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any Applicable
Law.  

7.   NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION.  This Option may not be transferred in any
manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may
be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by Optionee.  The terms of the
Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.


                                         -3-


8.   TERM OF OPTION.  This Option may be exercised only within the term set out
in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance
with the Plan and the terms of this Option.

9.   TAX CONSEQUENCES.  Set forth below is a brief summary as of the date of
this Option of some of the federal tax consequences of exercise of this Option
and disposition of the Shares.  THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE
TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A
TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

     (a)  EXERCISE OF ISO.  If this Option qualifies as an ISO, there will be no
regular federal income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option, although
the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of
exercise over the Exercise Price will be treated as an adjustment to the
alternative minimum tax for federal tax purposes and may subject the Optionee to
the alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise.

     (b)  EXERCISE OF NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION.  There may be a regular federal
income tax liability upon the exercise of a Nonstatutory Stock Option.  The
Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at
ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value
of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price.  If Optionee is
an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required to withhold from
Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable
taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation
income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse
to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of
exercise.

     (c)  DISPOSITION OF SHARES.  In the case of an NSO, if Shares are held for
at least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be
treated as long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.  In the case
of an ISO, if Shares transferred pursuant to the Option are held for at least
one year after exercise and of at least two years after the Date of Grant, any
gain realized on disposition of the Shares will also be treated as long-term
capital gain for federal income tax purposes.  If Shares purchased under an ISO
are disposed of within one year after exercise or two years after the Date of
Grant, any gain realized on such disposition will be treated as compensation
income (taxable at ordinary income rates) to the extent of the difference
between the Exercise Price and the lesser of (1) the Fair Market Value of the
Shares on the date of exercise, or (2) the sale price of the Shares.  Any
additional gain will be taxed as capital gain, short-term or long-term depending
on the period that the ISO Shares were held.

     (d)  NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF ISO SHARES.  If the Option
granted to Optionee herein is an ISO, and if Optionee sells or otherwise
disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the
later of (1) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (2) the date one
year after the date of exercise, the Optionee shall immediately notify the
Company in writing of such 


                                         -4-


disposition.  Optionee agrees that Optionee may be subject to income tax
withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by the
Optionee.

10.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW.  The Plan is incorporated herein by
reference.  The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement
of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the
Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and
Optionee.  This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws but not
the choice of law rules of California.

11.  NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE.  OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY
CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT
OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). 
OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT
CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE
PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT
INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE
OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT
CAUSE.

     Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he
or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts
this Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof.  Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to
obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully
understands all provisions of the Option.  Optionee hereby agrees to accept as
binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the
Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Option. 
Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence
address indicated below.


                                         -5-


OPTIONEE:                                 NETCOM SYSTEMS, INC.


- --------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
Signature                                 By

- --------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
Print Name                                Title

- --------------------------------------    --------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
Residence Address


                                         -6-


                                      EXHIBIT A


                                   1997 STOCK PLAN

                                   EXERCISE NOTICE



Netcom Systems, Inc.
20500 Nordhoff Street
Chatsworth, CA  91311

Attention:  Secretary

1.   EXERCISE OF OPTION.  Effective as of today, ___________, ____, the
undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to exercise Optionee's option to purchase
_________ shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of Netcom Systems, Inc. (the
"Company") under and pursuant to the 1997 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the Stock
Option Agreement dated ________, ______ (the "Option Agreement").

2.   DELIVERY OF PAYMENT.  Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the full
purchase price of the Shares, as set forth in the Option Agreement.

3.   REPRESENTATIONS OF OPTIONEE.  Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has
received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to
abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions. 

4.   RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDER.  Until the issuance of the Shares (as evidenced by
the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized
transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any
other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock,
notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.  The Shares shall be issued to the
Optionee as soon as practicable after the Option is exercised.  No adjustment
shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior
to the date of issuance except as provided in Section 12 of the Plan.

5.   COMPANY'S RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.  Before any Shares held by Optionee or
any transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the "Holder") may
be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of
law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to
purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (the
"Right of First Refusal").

     (a)  NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRANSFER.  The Holder of the Shares shall deliver
to the Company a written notice (the "Notice") stating:  (i) the Holder's bona
fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the name of each
proposed purchaser or other transferee ("Proposed Transferee"); (iii) the number
of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (iv) the bona fide
cash price or other consideration for which the Holder proposes to transfer the
Shares (the "Offered Price"), and the Holder shall offer the Shares at the
Offered Price to the Company or its assignee(s).





     (b)  EXERCISE OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.  At any time within thirty (30)
days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may, by
giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than
all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed
Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (c)
below.

     (c)  PURCHASE PRICE.  The purchase price ("Purchase Price") for the Shares
purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section shall be the
Offered Price.  If the Offered Price includes consideration other than cash, the
cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by the
Board of Directors of the Company in good faith.

     (d)  PAYMENT.  Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the option
of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of all or
a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company (or, in
the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any combination
thereof within 30 days after receipt of the Notice or in the manner and at the
times set forth in the Notice.

     (e)  HOLDER'S RIGHT TO TRANSFER.  If all of the Shares proposed in the
Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by the
Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section, then the Holder may
sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the
Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is
consummated within 120 days after the date of the Notice, that any such sale or
other transfer is effected in accordance with any applicable securities laws and
that the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that the provisions of this
Section shall continue to apply to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed
Transferee.  If the Shares described in the Notice are not transferred to the
Proposed Transferee within such period, a new Notice shall be given to the
Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be offered the Right
of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise
transferred.

     (f)  EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN FAMILY TRANSFERS.  Anything to the contrary
contained in this Section notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all of the
Shares during the Optionee's lifetime or on the Optionee's death by will or
intestacy to the Optionee's immediate family or a trust for the benefit of the
Optionee's immediate family shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section.
"Immediate Family" as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or
antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister.  In such case, the transferee or
other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to the
provisions of this Section, and there shall be no further transfer of such
Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section.

     (g)  TERMINATION OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.  The Right of First Refusal
shall terminate as to any Shares upon the first sale of Common Stock of the
Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement filed with
and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

6.   TAX CONSULTATION.  Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer adverse
tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of the
Shares.  Optionee represents that Optionee has consulted with any tax
consultants Optionee deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Optionee is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

7.   RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS AND STOP-TRANSFER ORDERS.


                                         -2-


     (a)  LEGENDS.  Optionee understands and agrees that the Company shall cause
the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be
placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with
any other legends that may be required by the Company or by state or federal
securities laws:

          THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER
          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED,
          SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND
          UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COMPANY
          COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH
          OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE
          THEREWITH.

          THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
          RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL HELD BY THE
          ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE EXERCISE NOTICE
          BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES, A
          COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE
          ISSUER.  SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL
          ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.

          IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY,
          OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION
          THEREFOR, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER
          OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED
          IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES.

          Optionee understands that transfer of the Shares may be restricted by
Section 260.141.11 of the Rules of the California Corporations Commissioner, a
copy of which is attached to Exhibit B, the Investment Representation Statement.

     (b)  STOP-TRANSFER NOTICES.  Optionee agrees that, in order to ensure
compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue
appropriate "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and
that, if the Company  transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate
notations to the same effect in its own records.

     (c)  REFUSAL TO TRANSFER.  The Company shall not be required (i) to
transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in
violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner
of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser
or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.

8.   SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  The Company may assign any of its rights under
this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure
to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company.  Subject to the
restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding upon
Optionee and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and
assigns.


                                         -3-


9.   INTERPRETATION.  Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Agreement
shall be submitted by Optionee or by the Company forthwith to the Administrator
which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting.  The resolution of
such a dispute by the Administrator shall be final and binding on all parties.

10.  GOVERNING LAW; SEVERABILITY.  This Agreement is governed by the internal
substantive laws but not the choice of law rules, of California.

11.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by
reference.  This Agreement, the Plan, the Option Agreement and the Investment
Representation Statement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior
undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Optionee's
interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Optionee.


Submitted by:                           Accepted by:

OPTIONEE:                               NETCOM SYSTEMS, INC.


- ----------------------------------      -------------------------------------
Signature                               By

- ----------------------------------      -------------------------------------
Print Name                              Its

ADDRESS:                                ADDRESS:

- ----------------------------------      20500 Nordhoff St.
- ----------------------------------      Chatsworth, CA  91311


                                        -----------------------------------
                                        Date Received


                                         -4-


                                      EXHIBIT B

                                           
                         INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT

OPTIONEE:

COMPANY:       NETCOM SYSTEMS, INC.

SECURITY:      COMMON STOCK

AMOUNT:

DATE:

In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Securities, the undersigned
Optionee represents to the Company the following:

     (a)  Optionee is aware of the Company's business affairs and financial
condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an
informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Securities.  Optionee is
acquiring these Securities for investment for Optionee's own account only and
not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any "distribution" thereof
within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act").

     (b)  Optionee acknowledges and understands that the Securities constitute
"restricted securities" under the Securities Act and have not been registered
under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which
exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of Optionee's
investment intent as expressed herein.  In this connection, Optionee understands
that, in the view of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the statutory basis
for such exemption may be unavailable if Optionee's representation was
predicated solely upon a present intention to hold these Securities for the
minimum capital gains period specified under tax statutes, for a deferred sale,
for or until an increase or decrease in the market price of the Securities, or
for a period of one year or any other fixed period in the future.  Optionee
further understands that the Securities must be held indefinitely unless they
are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such
registration is available.  Optionee further acknowledges and understands that
the Company is under no obligation to register the Securities.  Optionee
understands that the certificate evidencing the Securities will be imprinted
with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the Securities unless they are
registered or such registration is not required in the opinion of counsel
satisfactory to the Company, a legend prohibiting their transfer without the
consent of the Commissioner of Corporations of the State of California and any
other legend required under applicable state securities laws.




     (c)  Optionee is familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule 144,
each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited
public resale of "restricted securities" acquired, directly or indirectly from
the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of
certain conditions.  Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under
Rule 701 at the time of the grant of the Option to the Optionee, the exercise
will be exempt from registration under the Securities Act.  In the event the
Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days thereafter (or such longer
period as any market stand-off agreement may require) the Securities exempt
under Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction of certain of the
conditions specified by Rule 144, including:  (1) the resale being made through
a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in transactions directly
with a market maker (as said term is defined under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934); and, in the case of an affiliate, (2) the availability of certain
public information about the Company, (3) the amount of Securities being sold
during any three month period not exceeding the limitations specified in
Rule 144(e), and (4) the timely filing of a Form 144, if applicable.

     In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at the time
of grant of the Option, then the Securities may be resold in certain limited
circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which requires the resale
to occur not less than two years after the later of the date the Securities were
sold by the Company or the date the Securities were sold by an affiliate of the
Company, within the meaning of Rule 144; and, in the case of acquisition of the
Securities by an affiliate, or by a non-affiliate who subsequently holds the
Securities less than three years, the satisfaction of the conditions set forth
in sections (1), (2), (3) and (4) of the paragraph immediately above.

     (d)  Optionee further understands that in the event all of the applicable
requirements of Rule 701 or 144 are not satisfied, registration under the
Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration
exemption will be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rules 144
and 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission
has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement
securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to
Rules 144 or 701 will have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an
exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such
persons and their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so
at their own risk.  Optionee understands that no assurances can be given that
any such other registration exemption will be available in such event.

     (e)  Optionee understands that the certificate evidencing the Securities
will be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the Securities
without the consent of the Commissioner of Corporations of California.  Optionee
has read the applicable Commissioner's Rules with respect to such restriction, a
copy of which is attached.


                                   Signature of Optionee:

                                         -2-



                                   ----------------------------------

                                   Date:                     , 19
                                        ---------------------    ----

                                         -3-


                                     ATTACHMENT 1
                 STATE OF CALIFORNIA - CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
     
     Title 10.  Investment - Chapter 3.  Commissioner of Corporations

     260.141.11:  RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER.  (a)  The issuer of any security upon
which a restriction on transfer has been imposed pursuant to Sections 260.102.6,
260.141.10 or 260.534 shall cause a copy of this section to be delivered to each
issuee or transferee of such security at the time the certificate evidencing the
security is delivered to the issuee or transferee.

     (b)  It is unlawful for the holder of any such security to consummate a
sale or transfer of such security, or any interest therein, without the prior
written consent of the Commissioner (until this condition is removed pursuant to
Section 260.141.12 of these rules), except:

          (1)   to the issuer;
          (2)   pursuant to the order or process of any court;
          (3)   to any person described in Subdivision (i) of Section 25102 of
     the Code or Section 260.105.14 of these rules;
          (4)   to the transferor's ancestors, descendants or spouse, or any
     custodian or trustee for the account of the transferor or the transferor's
     ancestors, descendants, or spouse; or to a transferee by a trustee or
     custodian for the account of the transferee or the transferee's ancestors,
     descendants or spouse;
          (5)   to holders of securities of the same class of the same issuer;
          (6)   by way of gift or donation inter vivos or on death;
          (7)   by or through a broker-dealer licensed under the Code (either
     acting as such or as a finder) to a resident of a foreign state, territory
     or country who is neither domiciled in this state to the knowledge of the
     broker-dealer, nor actually present in this state if the sale of such
     securities is not in violation of any securities law of the foreign state,
     territory or country concerned;
          (8)   to a broker-dealer licensed under the Code in a principal
     transaction, or as an underwriter or member of an underwriting syndicate or
     selling group;
          (9)   if the interest sold or transferred is a pledge or other lien
     given by the purchaser to the seller upon a sale of the security for which
     the Commissioner's written consent is obtained or under this rule not
     required;
          (10)  by way of a sale qualified under Sections 25111, 25112, 25113 or
     25121 of the Code, of the securities to be transferred, provided that no
     order under Section 25140 or subdivision (a) of Section 25143 is in effect
     with respect to such qualification;
          (11)  by a corporation to a wholly owned subsidiary of such
     corporation, or by a wholly owned subsidiary of a corporation to such
     corporation;
          (12)  by way of an exchange qualified under Section 25111, 25112 or
     25113 of the Code, provided that no order under Section 25140 or
     subdivision (a) of Section 25143 is in effect with respect to such
     qualification;
          (13)  between residents of foreign states, territories or countries
     who are neither domiciled nor actually present in this state;
          (14)  to the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law
     or to the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another state; or
          (15)  by the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law
     or by the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another state if,
     in either such case, such person (i) discloses to potential purchasers at
     the sale that transfer of the securities is restricted under this rule,
     (ii) delivers to each purchaser a copy of this rule, and (iii) advises the
     Commissioner of the name of each purchaser;
          (16)  by a trustee to a successor trustee when such transfer does not
     involve a change in the beneficial ownership of the securities;
          (17)  by way of an offer and sale of outstanding securities in an
     issuer transaction that is subject to the qualification requirement of
     Section 25110 of the Code but exempt from that qualification requirement by
     subdivision (f) of Section 25102; provided that any such transfer is on the
     condition that any certificate evidencing the security issued to such
     transferee shall contain the legend required by this section.

     (c)  The certificates representing all such securities subject to such a
restriction on transfer, whether upon initial issuance or upon any transfer
thereof, shall bear on their face a legend, prominently stamped or printed
thereon in capital letters of not less than 10-point size, reading as follows:

          "IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY, OR
     ANY INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION THEREFOR, WITHOUT THE
     PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF
     CALIFORNIA, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES."