<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED STATES

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

    (X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
                             EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                 For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 1997

                                      OR

    ( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
                             EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

              For the Transition Period from ________ to ________

                       Commission File Number: 000-23774

                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

   Delaware                                            94-3092033
                                                              
(State or other jurisdiction of                     (I.R.S. Employer 
incorporation or organization)                     Identification No.)

                               One Ascend Plaza
                            1701 Harbor Bay Parkway
                           Alameda, California 94502
                                (510) 769-6001

    (Address of principal executive offices, zip code and telephone number)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                                   Yes  X   No 
                                        -       -

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock, $0.001 par
value, was 188,864,493 as of July 31, 1997.

This report, including exhibits, consists of 29 pages. The Index To Exhibits is
found on page 27.
<PAGE>
 
                           ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Part I: Financial Information                                           Page No.
                                                                        --------
<S>                                                                     <C> 
        Item 1: Financial Statements (Unaudited)  

                Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of                   
                June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996                            3
                                                                                
                Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for             
                the Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996        4
                                                                                
                Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for             
                the Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996                    5
                                                                                
                Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements           6

        Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                Condition and Results of Operations                           12


Part II: Other Information

        Item 4: Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders          22

        Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                              24

                A: Exhibits                                                   24

                B: Reports on Form 8-K                                        25

        Signatures                                                            26

        Index to Exhibits                                                     27
</TABLE> 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Part I:   Financial Information

Item 1:   Financial Statements


                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                   UNAUDITED

                                (In Thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                      June 30,        Dec. 31,
                                                        1997            1996
                                                    -----------     -----------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C> 
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.......................  $   339,645     $   312,369
  Short-term investments..........................      222,522         173,101
  Accounts receivable, net........................      237,185         185,094
  Inventories.....................................       96,939          68,544
  Deferred income taxes...........................       57,852          41,789
  Other current assets............................       17,512          26,444
                                                    -----------     -----------
      Total current assets........................      971,655         807,341
                                                   
Investments.......................................       54,203          35,771
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net............       89,546          73,046
Other assets......................................       16,666           5,969
                                                    -----------     -----------
      Total assets................................  $ 1,132,070     $   922,127
                                                    ===========     ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY               
Current liabilities:                               
  Accounts payable................................  $   110,747     $    60,823
  Accrued liabilities and accrued compensation....      188,238          94,071
                                                    -----------     -----------
      Total current liabilities...................      298,985         154,894
                                                   
Commitments                                        
                                                   
Stockholders' equity:                              
  Common stock....................................          188             182
  Additional paid-in capital......................      829,989         533,515
  Retained earnings...............................        2,908         233,536
                                                    -----------     -----------
      Total stockholders' equity..................      833,085         767,233
                                                    -----------     -----------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity..  $ 1,132,070     $   922,127
                                                    ===========     ===========
</TABLE> 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                       3


<PAGE>
 

                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   UNAUDITED
                     (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                  Quarter Ended June 30,        Six Months Ended June 30,
                                                -------------------------      --------------------------
                                                   1997            1996            1997            1996
                                                ---------       ---------      ----------       ---------
<S>                                             <C>             <C>            <C>              <C> 
Net sales...................................    $ 311,693       $ 205,581      $  604,433       $ 353,646
Cost of sales...............................      108,677          72,859         211,064         125,207
                                                ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
  Gross profit..............................      203,016         132,722         393,369         228,439
Operating expenses:                                                                        
  Research and development..................       40,221          22,808          74,889          38,747
  Sales and marketing.......................       59,876          33,965         113,117          63,156
  General and administrative................        9,455           8,046          18,544          13,853
  Purchased research and development........            -               -         231,100               -
  Cost of mergers...........................      150,271               -         150,271               -
                                                ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
    Total operating expenses................      259,823          64,819         587,921         115,756
                                                ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                                           
Operating income (loss).....................      (56,807)         67,903        (194,552)        112,683
Interest income, net........................        6,302           3,973          11,578           7,949
                                                ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                                           
Income (loss) before income taxes...........      (50,505)         71,876        (182,974)        120,632
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes...       (1,668)         27,452          29,104          46,387
                                                ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                                           
Net income (loss)...........................    $ (48,837)      $  44,424     $  (212,078)      $  74,245
                                                =========       =========     ===========       =========       

Net income (loss) per share.................        (0.26)           0.23           (1.13)           0.38       
                                                =========       =========     ===========       =========       
Number of shares used in per share                                                         
  calculation...............................      188,386         196,227         187,099         194,557     
                                                =========       =========     ===========       =========       
</TABLE> 



See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.




                                       4

<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                   UNAUDITED

                                (In Thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                             Six Months Ended June 30,
                                                                            ----------------------------    
                                                                               1997              1996
                                                                            ----------        ----------    
<S>                                                                         <C>               <C> 
Operating activities:

Net income (loss).......................................................    $ (212,078)       $   74,245

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
  provided by (used in) operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization......................................        22,304             7,994
     Purchased research and development.................................       231,100                 -
     Deferred income taxes..............................................        (7,990)           (5,958)

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
        Accounts receivable.............................................       (53,420)          (65,661)
        Inventories.....................................................       (25,636)          (36,347)
        Other current assets............................................        10,181            (7,083)
        Other assets....................................................        (9,116)           (1,874)
        Accounts payable................................................        46,646            25,575
        Accrued liabilities and accrued compensation....................        77,309             6,214
                                                                            ----------        ----------
           Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities..........        79,300            (2,895)
                                                                            ----------        ----------
Investing activities:
     Purchases of investments...........................................      (174,024)         (102,850)
     Maturities and sales of investments................................       106,171            83,140
     Purchases of furniture, fixtures and equipment.....................       (35,681)          (26,861)
     Effect of business combinations....................................        (9,361)            4,159
                                                                            ----------        ----------
           Net cash used in investing activities........................      (112,895)          (42,412)
                                                                            ----------        ----------

Financing activiites:
     Proceeds from issuance fo common stock, net........................        36,209            23,672
     Payment of notes payable...........................................             -            (2,108)
     Tax benefit related to exercise of stock options...................        28,262            34,242
                                                                            ----------        ----------
           Net cash provided by financing activities....................        60,871            55,806
                                                                            ----------        ----------

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents...............................        27,276            10,499
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period..........................       312,369           202,524
                                                                            ----------        ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period................................    $  339,645        $  213,023
                                                                            ==========        ==========
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:

  Liabilities assumed in business combination...........................    $    9,600        $        -
                                                                            ==========        ==========

  Exercise of warrants in exchange for retirement of notes payable......    $        -        $    2,068
                                                                            ==========        ==========     
</TABLE> 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                       5

<PAGE>
 
                           ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                    UNAUDITED

General

Ascend Communications, Inc. develops, manufactures and sells wide area
networking solutions for telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers
and corporate customers worldwide that enable them to build: (i) Internet access
systems consisting of point-of-presence termination ("POP") equipment for
Internet service providers ("ISPs") and remote site Internet access equipment
for Internet subscribers; (ii) high speed Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer
Mode ("ATM") and Internet Protocol ("IP") switches for application in
telecommunications carriers and ISP backbone networks; (iii) extensions and
enhancements to corporate backbone networks that facilitate access to these
networks by remote offices, telecommuters and mobile computer users; and (iv)
videoconferencing and multimedia access facilities. These products support
existing digital and analog networks.

In February 1997, the Company purchased InterCon Systems Corporation
("InterCon"), a leading developer of remote access client software products for
both corporate and ISP markets. The transaction was accounted for as a purchase.
The operations of InterCon have been included for periods subsequent to the
acquisition (see "Business Combinations").

On April 1, 1997, the Company acquired Whitetree, Inc. ("Whitetree"), a
developer and manufacturer of high speed ATM switching products. The transaction
was accounted for as a pooling of interests. The operations of Whitetree have
been included for periods subsequent to the acquisition. The Company's
historical consolidated financial statements prior to the combination have not
been restated to reflect the financial results of Whitetree as these results
were not material to the Company (see "Business Combinations").

On June 30, 1997, the Company acquired Cascade Communications Corp. ("Cascade"),
a leading developer and manufacturer of carrier class Frame Relay, ATM and IP
switching products. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests.
The consolidated financial statements of Ascend for prior periods have been
restated to include the financial position and results of operations of Cascade
(see "Business Combinations").

On January 28, 1997, Cascade completed its acquisition of Sahara Networks, Inc.
("Sahara"), a privately held developer of scaleable high-speed broadband access
products. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting. The operations of Sahara have been included for periods subsequent
to the acquisition.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Ascend
Communications, Inc. have been prepared by the Company without audit, pursuant
to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain
information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.


                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                           ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (Continued)

General (continued)

The information included in this report should be read in conjunction with the
Company's audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (No. 333-25287) filed on April
22, 1997 in connection with the acquisition of Cascade and the Company's and
Cascades 1996 Annual Reports on Form 10-K.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed
consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to summarize fairly the financial
position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. The results for
the interim period ended June 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the
results that may be expected for any future periods.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company sells and distributes a substantial percentage of its products to
ISPs, value-added resellers and distributors, and local and long-distance
telecommunications carriers throughout North America, Europe and Asia and the
Pacific Basin. Accounts receivable are principally from these customers. The
Company conducts ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains
reserves for potential credit losses.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in,
first-out method) or market. Inventories consist of (in thousands):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                   June 30,      Dec. 31,
                                                     1997         1996
                                                  ---------    ----------
<S>                                               <C>          <C> 
Finished goods................................     $  6,543     $  10,778
Products in process...........................       16,702         7,544
Raw materials and supplies....................       73,694        50,222
                                                  ---------    ---------- 

                                                   $ 96,939     $  68,544
                                                  =========    ==========
</TABLE> 


                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                  (Continued)

Commitments

In March 1996, the Company entered into an agreement to lease 13 acres of land 
located in Alameda, California.  Certain buildings currently being used for the 
Company's headquarters have been constructed on the land.  The lessor has funded
approximately $24.9 million for the land and construction of the buildings.  The
lease has an initial term of three years and an option to renew for two years, 
subject to the lessor's consent.  The rent obligation for the lease commenced 
in December 1996.  At any time during the term of the lease, the Company may 
purchase the land and buildings.  If the Company does not exercise its purchase 
option at the end of the lease, the Company has guaranteed a residual value of 
approximately $22.4 million.

Income Taxes

For the six months ended June 30, 1997, the company's income taxes currently 
payable for both federal and state purposes have been reduced by a tax benefit 
of approximately $28.3 million from stock option transactions which was credited
directly to stockholders' equity.  The Company made cash payments of 
approximately $9.0 million and $37.7 million for income taxes during the six 
months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 
were computed based on the weighted average outstanding number of common and 
common equivalent shares except for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 
1997 which exclude common equivalent shares as they are anti-dilutive for such 
loss periods.  The computations of the weighted average number of shares 
outstanding for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 are as 
follows (in thousands, except per share data):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                           Quarter Ended June 30,         Six Months Ended June 30, 
                                        ----------------------------    ----------------------------
                                            1997            1996            1997            1996    
                                        ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------ 
<S>                                     <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>         
                                                                                                    
Common Stock.......................         188,386         177,844         187,099         176,461 
Common Stock Equivalents...........             -            18,383             -            18,096 
                                        ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                                                                    
Total..............................         188,386         196,227         187,099         194,577 
                                        ============    ============    ============    ============ 
                                                                                                    
Net Income (Loss)..................      $  (48,837)     $   44,424      $ (212,078)     $   74,245 
                                        ============    ============    ============    ============  

Net Income (Loss) Per Share........      $    (0.26)     $     0.23      $    (1.13)     $     0.38
                                        ============    ============    ============    ============  
</TABLE> 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                  (Continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement 
No. 128, Earnings per Share, which is required to be adopted on December 31, 
1997. At that time, the Company will be required to change the method currently
used to compute earnings per share, and to restate all prior periods. Under the 
new requirements for calculating primary earnings per share, the dilutive effect
of stock options will be excluded. The impact is expected to result in an
increase in primary earnings per share of $0.02 and $0.04 for each of the
quarter and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. The impact of
Statement 128 on the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share for these
periods is not expected to be material.

Business Combinations

On June 30, 1997, the Company acquired Cascade in a transaction that was 
accounted for as a pooling of interests. The Company issued approximately
66,346,000 shares of its common stock to Cascade shareholders in exchange for
all outstanding Cascade shares. Outstanding options to purchase Cascade common
stock were converted to options to purchase approximately 8,454,933 shares of
Ascend common stock. The historical consolidated financial results of Ascend for
prior periods have been restated to include the financial position and results
of operations of Cascade. The following table shows the historical results of
Ascend and Cascade for the periods prior to the consummation of the merger of
the two entities:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                      Three Months
                                                                         Ended
                                                                        March 31,                 Year Ended Dec. 31,
                                                                     --------------    ----------------------------------------
                                                                          1997             1996           1995          1994
                                                                     --------------    -----------    -----------    ----------
<S>                                                                  <C>               <C>            <C>            <C> 
Net Sales:         Ascend........................................    $      202,412    $   549,297    $   152,604    $   39,655
                   Cascade.......................................            90,328        340,976        134,834        50,060
                                                                     --------------    -----------    -----------    ----------
                    Total........................................    $      292,740    $   890,273    $   287,438    $   89,715  
                                                                     ==============    ===========    ===========    ==========
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss): Ascend........................................    $       35,093    $   113,111    $    27,535    $    6,550 
                   Cascade.......................................          (198,334)        70,779         25,410         9,266
                                                                     --------------    -----------    -----------    ----------
                    Total........................................          (163,241)       183,890         52,945        15,816
                                                                     --------------    -----------    -----------    ----------
                   Pro forma effect of Sahara acquisition........              (984)        (7,332)             -             -

                   Pro forma exclusion of purchased
                     research and development:
                       InterCon, net of income taxes.............            11,160              -              -             -
                       Sahara....................................           213,100              -              -             -
                                                                     --------------    -----------    -----------    ----------
                   Pro forma net income, as restated.............    $       60,035    $   176,558    $    52,945    $   15,816 
                                                                     ==============    ===========    ===========    ==========
</TABLE> 


                                       9



<PAGE>
 
                           ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (Continued)

Business Combinations (continued)

In February 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of InterCon.
The purchase price consisted of a cash payment of $12.0 million, the assumption
of approximately $9.0 million of liabilities and transaction costs of
approximately $600,000. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting. Accordingly, the total purchase price of $21.6 million was
allocated to the net assets acquired based upon their estimated fair values. The
estimated fair value of tangible net assets acquired was $600,000. In addition,
$18.0 million of the purchase price was allocated to purchased research and
development that has not reached technological feasibility and that has no
alternative future use, and $3.0 million was allocated to purchased software.

On April 1, 1997, the Company acquired Whitetree in a transaction that was
accounted for as a pooling of interests. The Company issued approximately
1,315,000 shares of its common stock to Whitetree shareholders in exchange for
all outstanding Whitetree shares. In addition, the Company assumed all
outstanding Whitetree stock options to purchase approximately 99,000 shares of
the Company's stock. The results of operations of Whitetree, which have not been
material in relation to those of the Company, are included in the consolidated
results of operations for periods subsequent to the acquisition. The Company's
historical consolidated financial statements prior to the combination have not
been restated to reflect the financial results of Whitetree as these results
were not material to the Company.

On January 28, 1997, Cascade completed its acquisition of Sahara, Inc.
("Sahara"), a privately held developer of scaleable high-speed broadband access
products. Cascade issued approximately 3.4 million shares of Cascade common
stock in exchange for all the outstanding shares of Sahara. In addition, Cascade
assumed all outstanding Sahara stock options to purchase approximately 400,000
shares of Cascade common stock. The acquisition was accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the purchase price of approximately
$219.0 million was allocated to the net assets acquired based upon their
estimated fair market value. The estimated fair value of the tangible net assets
acquired was approximately $6.0 million. In addition, approximately $213.0
million of the purchase price was allocated to in-process research and
development that has not reached technological feasibility and that has no
alternative future use.

Litigation

On April 16, 1997, a civil action was filed against Sahara, its three founders
and ten employees of Sahara by General Datacomm Industries, Inc. in the Superior
Court for the State of Connecticut. The complaint alleges several causes for
action, including: breach of contract; tortious interference with contractual
relations; misappropriation of trade secrets; unfair competition and violation
of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. The plaintiff seeks relief of
unspecified monetary damages, costs and injunctive relief.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                           ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (Continued)

Litigation (continued)

Based on the Company's preliminary investigation, the Company believes the
allegations of the lawsuit are without merit and plans to vigorously defend this
lawsuit; however, the ultimate outcome of this matter cannot yet be determined.
No provision for any liability that may result from the action has been
recognized in the consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of
management, resolution of this litigation is not expected to have a material
adverse effect on the financial position of the Company. However, depending on
the amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution of this matter could materially
affect the Company's future results or cash flows in a particular period.

On April 18, 1997, the Company received a claim and request for royalties
alleging patent infringement on four separate patents. The Company is currently
investigating the claims of such infringement and thus the ultimate outcome of
this claim cannot yet be determined. No provision for any liability that may
result from the action has been recognized in the consolidated financial
statements. In the opinion of management, resolution of this litigation is not
expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the
Company. However, depending on the amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution
of this matter could materially affect the Company's future results or cash
flows in a particular period.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
Item 2:  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and  
         Results of Operations

                           ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

This Report contains forward-looking statements which reflect the current views
of the Company with respect to future events that will have an effect on its
future financial performance. These statements include the words "expects,"
"believes," "estimates," and similar expressions. These forward-looking
statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those
referred to under "Factors That May Affect Future Results" and elsewhere herein,
that could cause actual future results to differ materially from historical
results or those currently anticipated. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements.

The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the unaudited
interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included
in Part 1 - Item 1 of this Quarterly Report and the audited financial statements
and notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (No. 333-25287)
filed on April 22, 1997 in connection with the acquisition of Cascade and the
Company's and Cascade's 1996 Annual Reports on Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of net
sales represented by certain line items from the Company's Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarter and six months ended June 30,
1997 and 1996, respectively:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                Quarter Ended June 30,           Six Months Ended June 30,               
                                                ----------------------           ------------------------
                                                 1997           1996               1997           1996                        
                                                -------        -------            -------        -------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>                <C>            <C> 
Net sales.....................................    100 %          100 %              100 %          100 %            
Cost of sales.................................     35             35                 35             35              
                                                -------        -------            -------        -------            
  Gross margin................................     65             65                 65             65              
Operating expenses:                                                                                                 
  Research and development....................     13             11                 12             11              
  Sales and marketing.........................     19             17                 19             18              
  General and administrative..................      3              4                  3              4              
  Purchased research and development..........      -              -                 38              -              
  Cost of mergers.............................     48              -                 25              -              
                                                -------        -------            -------        -------            
    Total operating expenses..................     83             32                 97             33              
                                                -------        -------            -------        -------            
Operating income (loss).......................    (18)            33                (32)            32              
Interest income, net..........................      2              2                  2              2              
                                                -------        -------            -------        -------            
Income (loss) before income taxes.............    (16)            35                (30)            34              
Provision for income taxes....................      -             13                  5             13              
                                                -------        -------            -------        -------            
                                                                                                                    
Net income (loss).............................    (16)%           22 %              (35)%           21 %            
                                                =======        =======            =======        =======             
</TABLE> 

                                       12
<PAGE>

                         ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.  


Net Sales  

Net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 1997 were $311.7 million, an increase
of 52% over net sales of $205.6 million for the second quarter of 1996. Net
sales for the six months ended June 30, 1997 were $604.4 million, an increase of
71% over net sales of $353.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996.
UUNET, an Internet service provider, accounted for approximately 13% and 16% of
net sales for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1997, respectively. U.S.
West, a Regional Bell Operating Company, accounted for approximately 10% of net
sales for the quarter ended June 30, 1996. International sales accounted for
approximately 38% of net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 1997 compared to
31% of net sales for the same period in 1996. International sales accounted for
approximately 34% of net sales for the six months ended June 30, 1997 compared
to 32% of net sales for the same period in 1996. These increases were
principally due to increased sales of the Company's products in Japan.

The following table provides a breakdown of net sales by business unit
as a percentage of total Company net sales for the quarters and six months
ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively:     

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                            Quarter Ended June 30,       Six Months Ended June 30,
                           -------------------------     --------------------------   
   Business Unit             1997            1996           1997            1996
-----------------------    ---------       ---------     ---------        ---------    
<S>                        <C>             <C>           <C>              <C> 
Access Concentrators...        55  %           49  %         57  %            46  %
Core Switching.........        32              38            31               37
Remote Access..........         5               6             4                9
Multimedia.............         4               5             4                6
Other..................         4               2             4                2
                           ---------       ---------     ---------        ---------    
  Total Company........       100  %          100  %        100  %           100  %
                           =========       =========     =========        =========    
</TABLE> 

Access Concentrators - The Access Concentrators business unit is composed of the
MAX family of products. MAX products accounted for 55% and 49% of total Company
net sales for the quarters ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. MAX
products accounted for 57% and 46% of total Company net sales for the six months
ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in unit shipments of
MAX products was primarily attributable to the growth in business from Internet
service providers ("ISP's") and increased demand for corporate remote networking
applications.

Core Switching - The Core Switching business unit is composed of the BSTDX
family of Frame Relay switches, the CBX500 family of ATM switches and the GRF
family of Internet Protocol ("IP") switches. BSTDX products accounted for 25%
and 37% of total Company net sales for the quarters ended June 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively. BSTDX products accounted for 25% and 36% of total Company
net sales for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
decline in BSTDX sales as a percent of net sales was primarily attributable to
the rapid increase in the sales of the MAX family of products. CBX500 products,
which commenced volume shipments in the third quarter of 1996, accounted for 4%
of total Company net sales for both the quarter and the six months ended June
30, 1997, respectively. GRF products, which began volume shipments in the first
quarter of 1997, accounted for 3% and 2% of total Company net sales for the
quarter and the six months ended June 30, 1997, respectively.

                                      13

<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Net Sales (continued)

Remote Access - The Remote Access business unit is composed of the Pipeline
family of products. Pipeline products accounted for 5% and 6% of total Company
net sales for the quarters ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Pipeline
products accounted for 4% and 9% of total Company net sales for the six months
ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The decline of Pipeline net sales as
a percent of total Company net sales was primarily attributable to the rapid
increase in the sales of the MAX family of products and price reductions due to
increased competition.

Multimedia - The Multimedia business unit is composed of the Multiband family of
products and the MAX Video family of products. Multimedia products accounted for
4% and 5% of total Company net sales for the quarters ended June 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively. Multimedia products accounted for 4% and 6% of total Company
net sales for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
decline of Multimedia net sales as a percent of total Company net sales was
primarily attributable to the rapid increase in the sales of the MAX family of
products.

Gross Margin

Gross margin was 65% for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 1997 and
1996. In the future, the Company's gross margins may be affected by several
factors, including the mix of products sold, the price of products sold, the
introduction of new products with lower gross margins, the distribution channels
used, price competition, increases in material costs and changes in other
components of cost of sales.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses increased 76% to $40.2 million in the second
quarter of 1997 from $22.8 million in the second quarter of 1996. Research and
development expenses increased 93% to $74.9 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1997 from $38.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996.
Research and development expenses as a percent of net sales increased to 13% for
the second quarter of 1997 compared to 11% for the same quarter of 1996.
Research and development expenses as a percent of net sales increased to 12% for
the first six months of 1997 compared to 11% for the same period of 1996. These
increases were primarily due to the addition of engineering personnel, payments
for consulting services in connection with developing and enhancing the
Company's existing and new products, payments for consulting services related to
filing applications and product testing required to obtain governmental
approvals to resell the Company's products outside of North America, addition of
research and development laboratory equipment and material costs associated with
new product prototypes. In addition, research and development expenses increased
in part through the addition of engineering personnel and facilities as a result
of the Company's mergers and acquisition activities.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                           ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.



Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expenses increased 76% to $59.9 million for the second
quarter of 1997 from $34.0 million for the second quarter of 1996. Sales and
marketing expenses increased 79% to $113.1 million for the first six months of
1997 from $63.2 million for the same period of 1996. Sales and marketing
expenses as a percent of net sales increased to 19% for the second quarter of
1997 as compared to 17% for the same quarter of 1996. Sales and marketing
expenses as a percent of net sales increased to 19% for the first six months of
1997 as compared to 18% for the same period of 1996. These increases were
primarily due to the addition of sales, marketing and technical support
personnel, increased commissions, spending for marketing materials and trade
shows, advertising and promotions, expenditures for demonstration and loaner
equipment used by customers and expenses associated with opening additional
sales offices in North America, Europe and Asia and the Pacific Basin. The
growth in sales, marketing and technical support personnel was primarily due to
the need to manage the activities of an increased number of value-added
resellers and distributors, end-user customers and new products.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses increased 18% to $9.5 million for the second
quarter of 1997 from $8.0 million for the second quarter of 1996. General and
administrative expenses increased 34% to $18.5 million for the first six months
of 1997 from $13.9 million for the first six months of 1996. This increase was
primarily due to the addition of finance, information systems and administrative
personnel, accruals for performance bonuses, increased facilities costs and the
cost of investor relations activities. General and administrative expenses as a
percent of net sales decreased to 3% for the quarter and six months ended June
30, 1997 from 4% for the same periods of 1996. These decreases in general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were due primarily to
increased net sales.

Purchased Research and Development

Purchased research and development costs were $231.1 million for the first six
months of 1997. These costs were for the purchase of technology and related
assets associated with the acquisitions of InterCon Systems Corporation and
Sahara Networks, Inc. during the first quarter of 1997. These acquisitions
provide technology and expertise that the Company is using to enhance and expand
the breadth of its offerings to end-user markets.

Cost of Mergers

For the quarter ended June 30, 1997, the Company charged to operations one-time
merger costs of approximately $150.3 million. These costs related to the
acquisitions of Cascade Communications, Corp. and Whitetree, Inc and consist
primarily of investment and professional fees and other direct costs associated
with the merger. Of the $150.3 million in one-time merger costs, approximately
$44.9 are not deductible for tax purposes.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.


Interest Income, Net

Interest income (net) increased by approximately $2.3 million to $6.3 million
(2% of net sales) for the second quarter of 1997 compared to $4.0 million for
the same quarter of 1996. Interest income (net) increased by approximately $3.6
million to $11.6 million (2% of net sales) for the first six months of 1997
compared to $8.0 million for same period of 1996. This increase in interest
income (net) is due primarily to the investment of proceeds from the exercise of
stock options and issuance of common stock in connection with the Company's
employee and outside director stock plans and cash from operations.

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rate for the quarter and six months ended June 30,
1997 was 37.4% and 37.8%, respectively, exclusive of the effect of one-time
non-deductible in-process research and development expenses and certain merger
related expenses. The effective tax rate for the quarter and six months ended
June 30, 1996 was 38%. The lower effective tax rate for 1997 is primarily
attributable to a larger benefit from the Company's Foreign Sales Corporation.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At June 30, 1997, the Company's principal sources of liquidity included $616.4
million of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and investments,
and an unsecured $15.0 million revolving line of credit which expires in
November 1997. There were no borrowings under the line of credit during the six
months ended June 30, 1997. The increase in cash and cash equivalents of $27.3
million for the period was principally due to $60.9 million of proceeds from,
and tax benefits related to, the exercise of stock options and issuance of
common stock in connection with the Company's employee and outside director
stock plans and by $79.3 million of funds provided by operations, partially
offset by $112.9 million of funds used in investing activities. The net cash
provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 1997 was
primarily due to increases in accrued liabilities, accrued compensation and
accounts payable and increased net income adjusted for depreciation, purchased
research and development and deferred income taxes and, partially offset by
increases in accounts receivable and inventories.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Net cash used in investing activities of $112.9 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1997 related primarily to net purchases, maturities and sales of
investments, expenditures for furniture, fixtures and equipment and the effect
of business combinations. Financing activities provided $60.9 million for the
six months ended June 30, 1997, primarily due to proceeds from, and tax benefits
related to, the exercise of stock options and issuance of common stock in
connection with the Company's employee and outside director stock plans.

At June 30, 1997, the Company had $672.7 million in working capital. The Company
currently has no significant capital commitments other than commitments under
facilities and operating leases. The Company believes that its available sources
of funds and anticipated cash flow from operations will be adequate to finance
current operations, anticipated investments and capital expenditures for at
least the next twelve months.


Factors That May Affect Future Results

The Company's quarterly and annual operating results are affected by a wide
variety of risks and uncertainties as discussed in the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-4/A (No. 333-25287) filed on April 22, 1997 in connection
with the acquisition of Cascade and the Company's and Cascade's Annual Reports
for the year ended December 31, 1996 on Form 10-K. This Report on Form 10-Q
should be read in conjunction with such Forms S-4 and 10-K, particularly the
section entitled "Risk Factors". These risks and uncertainties include but are
not limited to competition, the mix of products sold, the mix of distribution
channels employed, the Company's success in developing, introducing and shipping
new products, the Company's success in integrating acquired operations, the
Company's dependence on single or limited source suppliers for certain
components used in its products, price reductions for the Company's products,
risks inherent in international sales, changes in the levels of inventory held
by third-party resellers, the timing of orders from and shipments to customers,
seasonality and general economic conditions.

In particular, a substantial portion of the Company's sales of MAX and Pipeline
products is related to the Internet industry. In North America, the Company
sells a substantial percentage of its products, particularly its MAX products,
to ISPs. There can be no assurance that this industry and its infrastructure
will continue to develop or that acceptance of the Company's products by this
industry will be sustained. The Company believes competition in the Internet
industry will increase significantly in the future and could adversely affect
the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Factors That May Affect Future Results (continued)

The Company has concluded the acquisition of four companies in 1996 and three
companies in 1997. Achieving the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions or
any other acquisitions the Company may undertake will depend in part upon
whether the integration of the acquired companies' products and technologies,
research and development activities, and sales, marketing and administrative
organizations is accomplished in an efficient and effective manner, and there
can be no assurance that this will occur. Moreover, the integration process may
temporarily divert management attention from the day-to-day business of the
Company. Failure to successfully accomplish the integration of the acquired
companies could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and/or results of operations.

The Company expects that its gross margins could be adversely affected in future
periods by price adjustments as a result of increased competition. In addition,
increased sales of Pipeline products as a percentage of net sales may adversely
affect the Company's gross margins in future periods as these products have
lower gross margins than the Company's other products. In addition, the
Company's use of third parties to distribute its products to other value-added
resellers may adversely affect the Company's gross margins.

The Company expects that international sales will continue to account for a
significant portion of the Company's net sales in future periods. International
sales are subject to certain inherent risks, including unexpected changes in
regulatory requirements and tariffs, difficulties in staffing and managing
foreign operations, longer payment cycles, problems in collecting accounts
receivable and potentially adverse tax consequences. The Company depends on
third party resellers for a substantial portion of its international sales.
Certain of these third party resellers also act as resellers for competitors of
the Company that can devote greater effort and resources to marketing
competitive products. The loss of certain of these third party resellers could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of
operations. Although the Company's sales are denominated in U.S. dollars,
fluctuations in currency exchange rates could cause the Company's products to
become relatively more expensive to customers in a particular country, leading
to a reduction in sales and profitability in that country. Furthermore, future
international activity may result in foreign currency denominated sales, and, in
such event, gains and losses on the conversion to U.S. dollars of accounts
receivable and accounts payable arising from international operations may
contribute to fluctuations in the Company's results of operations. In addition,
sales in Europe and certain other parts of the world typically are adversely
affected in the third quarter of each calendar year as many customers reduce
their business activities during the summer months. These seasonal factors may
have an effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial
condition.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Factors That May Affect Future Results (continued)

The Company typically operates with a relatively small backlog. As a result,
quarterly sales and operating results generally depend on the volume of, timing
of and ability to fulfill orders received within the quarter, which are
difficult to forecast. In addition, the Company may recognize a substantial
portion of its revenue in the latter part of the quarter.  Accordingly, the 
cancellation or delay of any customer purchases could adversly affect the 
Company's results of operations in the quarter. A significant portion of the 
Company's revenues in prior periods has been derived from relatively large 
sales to a limited number of customers, and therefore the failure of the 
Company to secure expected large sales may have a material adverse impact on 
results of operations. A significant portion of the Company's expense levels is
relatively fixed in advance based in large part on the Company's forecasts of 
future sales. If sales are below expectations in any given quarter, the adverse
impact of the shortfall on the Company's operating results may be magnified by
the Company's inability to adjust spending in the future to compensate for the
shortfall. The Company may also increase spending in the future in response to 
competition or to pursue new market opportunities.

The market for the Company's products is characterized by rapidly changing
technologies, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions
and short product life cycles. The introduction of new products requires the
Company to manage the transition from older products in order to minimize
disruption in customer ordering patterns, avoid excessive levels of older
product inventories and ensure that adequate supplies of new products can be
delivered to meet customer demand. Furthermore, products such as those offered
by the Company may contain undetected or unresolved hardware problems or
software errors when they are first introduced or as new versions are released.
There can be no assurance that, despite extensive testing by the Company,
hardware problems or software errors will not be found in new products after
commencement of commercial shipments, resulting in delay in or loss of market
acceptance. Future delays in the introduction or shipment of new or enhanced
products, the inability of such products to gain market acceptance or problems
associated with new product transitions could adversely affect the Company's
business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company mainly competes in four segments of the data networking market : (i)
wide area network ("WAN") and Internet access, (ii) WAN and Internet backbone
switching, (iii) remote LAN access and Internet subscriber access, and (iv)
videoconferencing and multimedia access. The Company competes in one or more of
these market segments with Cisco Systems, Inc., 3Com Corporation, Shiva
Corporation, Northern Telecom, Inc., Gandalf, Teleos Communications (a
subsidiary of Madge Networks, Inc.), Adtran, Promptus Communications (a
subsidiary of GTI) and many others. Some of these competitors have substantially
greater financial, marketing and technical resources than the Company. The
Company expects additional competition from existing competitors and from a
number of other companies, some of which may have substantially greater
financial, marketing and technical resources than the Company, that may enter
the Company's existing and future markets. Increased competition could result in
price reductions, reduced profit margins and loss of market share, each of which
would adversely affect the Company's business, results of operations and
financial condition.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Factors That May Affect Future Results (continued)

The Company's sales are, to a significant degree, made through
telecommunications carriers, value-added resellers ("VARs") and distributors.
Accordingly, the Company is dependent on the continued viability and financial
stability of these companies. While the Company has contractual relationships
with many telecommunications carriers, VARs and distributors, these agreements
do not require these companies to purchase the Company's products and can be
terminated by these companies at any time. There can be no assurance that any of
the telecommunications carriers, VARs or distributors will continue to market
the Company's products. The telecommunications carrier customers, to the extent
they are resellers, VARs and distributors, generally offer products of several
different companies, including products that are competitive with the Company's
products. Accordingly, there is a risk that these companies may give higher
priority to products of other suppliers, thus reducing their efforts to sell the
Company's products. Any special distribution arrangement and product pricing
arrangement that the Company may implement in one or more distribution channels
for strategic purposes could adversely affect gross profit margins.

The Company's success depends to a significant degree upon the continuing
contributions of its key management, sales, marketing and product development
personnel. The Company does not have employment contracts with its key personnel
and does not maintain any key person life insurance policies. The loss of key
personnel could adversely affect the Company.

The Company is currently experiencing rapid growth and expansion, which has
placed, and will continue to place, a significant strain on its administrative,
operational and financial resources and increased demands on its systems and
controls. This growth has resulted in a continuing increase in the level of
responsibility for both existing and new management personnel. The Company
anticipates that its continued growth will require it to recruit and hire a
substantial number of new engineering, sales, marketing and managerial
personnel. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful at
hiring or retaining these personnel. The Company's ability to manage its growth
successfully will also require the Company to continue to expand and improve its
operational, management and financial systems and controls and to expand its
manufacturing capacity. If the Company's management is unable to manage growth
effectively, the Company's business, results of operations and financial
condition may be materially and adversely affected.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Factors That May Affect Future Results (continued)

Although the Company generally uses standard parts and components for its
products, certain components, including certain key microprocessors and
integrated circuits, are presently available only from a single source or from
limited sources. The Company has no supply commitments from its vendors and
generally purchases components on a purchase order basis as opposed to entering
into long term procurement agreements with vendors. The Company has generally
been able to obtain adequate supplies of components in a timely manner from
current vendors or, when necessary to meet production needs, from alternate
vendors. The Company believes that, in most cases, alternate vendors can be
identified if current vendors are unable to fulfill needs. However, delays or
failure to identify alternate vendors, if required, or a reduction or
interruption in supply, or a significant increase in the price of components
could adversely affect the Company's revenues and financial results and could
impact customer relations.

The Company's common stock has experienced significant price volatility, and
such volatility may occur in the future, particularly as a result of
quarter-to-quarter variations in the actual or anticipated financial results of
the Company or other companies in the networking industry, announcements by the
Company or competitors regarding new product introductions or other developments
affecting the Company and/or changes in financial estimates by public market
analysts. In addition, the market has experienced extreme price and volume
fluctuations that have affected the market price of many technology companies'
stocks and that have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating
performance of these companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely
affect the market price of the Company's common stock. In the past, following
periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities, securities
class action litigation has often been instituted against such a company. Such
litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management's
attention and resources, which would have a material adverse effect on the
operating results and financial condition of the Company.

In consideration of these factors, there can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to sustain growth in revenues or profitability, particularly on a
period-to-period basis.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Part II:  Other Information

Item 4:  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders:

Ascend's Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 28, 1997. Proxies for
the meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A. At the meeting,
management's nominees for directors were elected. A summary of the nominees and
voting results are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                             Shares       
                                -------------------------------- 
      Nominee                   Voting For              Withheld 
-------------------             ----------              --------    
<S>                             <C>                     <C>    
Mory Ejabat                     66,611,695               114,941  
Robert K. Dahl                  66,611,655               114,981 
Betsy S. Atkins                 66,611,618               115,018   
Roger Evans                     66,611,695               114,941 
C. Richard Kramlich             66,611,654               114,982 
James P. Lally                  66,611,695               114,941
Martin Schoffstall              66,611,686               114,950
</TABLE> 

Additionally, the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as independent public
accountants for the year ending December 31, 1997 was ratified with 66,583,958
shares voting in favor, 68,347 shares voting against and 74,332 shares
abstaining.

A Special Meeting of Ascend stockholders was held on May 28, 1997. Proxies for
the meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A. At the meeting the
proposal to approve the issuance of Ascend common stock pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated March 30, 1997 in connection with the
acquisition of Cascade was approved with 72,135,141 shares voting in favor,
307,384 shares voting against and 136,605 shares abstaining.

Prior to the merger with Ascend, on May 1, 1997, the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Cascade was held in Boston, Massachusetts.

An election of directors was held with the following individuals being elected
to the Board of Directors of Cascade as Class I directors:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                             Shares       
                                --------------------------------
      Nominee                   Voting For             Withheld 
-------------------             ----------             ---------    
<S>                             <C>                     <C> 
Gururaj Deshpande               76,144,970             1,366,465  
Steven C. Walske                76,134,134             1,377,306 
Victoria A. Brown               76,125,772             1,385,668
</TABLE> 

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders (continued):

The following individuals' term of office as director continued after the
meeting:

                  Bruns H. Grayson
                  Richard M. Burnes Jr.
                  Paul J. Ferri

Other matters voted upon by the stockholders at the meeting were

        1.  A proposal to approve an amendment to Cascade's 1994 Non-Employee
            Director Stock Option Plan (I) decreasing the initial employee grant
            from 90,000 shares to 30,000 shares for non-employee Directors first
            elected after the Annual Meeting; (II) decrease the stock option
            grant for each subsequent year of service on the Board of Directors
            from 12,000 shares to 10,000 shares for all non-employee Directors
            following the Annual Meeting; (III) to limit the number of shares
            granted for each initial stock option grant and the stock option
            grant for each subsequent year of service on the Board of Directors
            to the amount stated above effective after the Annual Meeting; and
            (IV) to increase the number of common stock available for issuance
            under the Director Plan from 720,000 shares to 870,000 shares was
            approved with 71,200,351 shares voting for, 5,615,920 shares voting
            against, 176,003 votes abstaining and 519,166 broker non-votes.

        2.  A proposal to ratify the appointment of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as
            auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 was approved
            with 77,067,933 shares voting for, 358,123 shares voting against and
            85,384 votes abstaining.

        3.  A proposal to increase the authorized Common Stock, $.001 par value
            per share, of Cascade from 225,000,000 to 300,000,000 shares was
            approved with 69,120,675 shares voting for, 8,277,608 shares voting
            against and 113,157 votes abstaining.

A special Meeting of Cascade shareholders was held on May 28, 1997.  Proxies for
the meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A.  At the meeting the 
proposal to approve the merger with Ascend pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization dated March 30, 1997 was approved with 56,321,787 shares voting 
in favor, 265,303 shares voting against and 2,460,613 shares abstaining. 



                                      23
<PAGE>
Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K:

               A:     Exhibits

     No.                              Description
 ------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------

/(6)/     3.1   Certificate of Incorporation.
            
/(1)/     3.2   By-Laws.

/(1)/    10.1   First Amended and Restated 1989 Stock Option Plan and forms of 
                stock option agreements used thereunder.

/(1)/    10.2   Ascend Communications, Inc. 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

/(1)/    10.3   Ascend Communications, Inc. 1994 Outside Directors Stock Option
                Plan.

/(1)/    10.4   Loan Agreement and related agreements, dated October 21, 1993,
                by and between the Registrant and First Interstate Bank of
                California.

/(1)/    10.5   Lease dated August 8, 1991, by and between the Registrant and 
                Harbor Bay Isle Associates, the First Addendum thereto, dated 
                August 8, 1991, and the Second Addendum thereto, dated February 
                25, 1994.

/(1)/    10.8   Form of Indemnity Agreement for directors and officers.

/(2)/    10.9   Loan Agreement and related agreements, dated July 29, 1994, by 
                and between the Registrant and First Interstate Bank of 
                California.

/(3)/    10.10  Lease Agreement, Lease Rider and Second Lease Rider, dated May
                17, 1995 by and between the Registrant and Resurgence
                Properties, Inc.

/(4)/    10.11  Loan Agreement and related agreements, dated November 30, 1995,
                by and between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank of
                California.

/(5)/    10.12  Lease agreement dated March 27, 1996, by and between the
                Registrant and Sumitomo Bank Leasing and Financing, Inc.

/(7)/    10.13  Ascend Communications, Inc. 1996 Restricted Stock Plan.

                                      24


<PAGE>
 
                  (A)    Exhibits (continued)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

      No.                                  Description                        
    --------      ----------------------------------------------------------------
    <S>           <C> 

       11.1       Statement regarding computation of earnings per share included
                  in notes to condensed consolidated financial statements page
                  8.

       27.0       Financial Data Schedule.

</TABLE> 

/(1)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement 
      (No. 33-77146), effective May 12, 1994.

/(2)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter 
      ended September 30, 1994.

/(3)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter
      ended June 30, 1995.

/(4)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
      December 31, 1995.

/(5)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter 
      ended March 31, 1996.

/(6)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter
      ended June 30, 1996.

/(7)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
      December 31, 1996.

                  B:     Form 8-K

On April 8, 1997, the Company filed a Report on Form 8-K announcing that on
March 30, 1997, the Company and Cascade announced in a joint press release that
they had signed a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company will merge with and into Cascade.

On July 11, 1997, the Company filed a Report on Form 8-K announcing that on June
30, 1997, the Company completed its merger with Cascade and subsequently
filed a report on Form 8-K/A to disclose combined historical and pro-forma
financial statements.

                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                                  SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



                                     ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.


Date   August 11, 1997               by           /s/ Robert K. Dahl
       ---------------                  ----------------------------
                                        Robert K. Dahl, Vice President, Finance
                                        and Chief Financial Officer
                                        (Principal Financial Officer)




Date   August 11, 1997               by       /s/ Michael J. Johnson
       ---------------                  ----------------------------
                                        Michael J. Johnson, Controller and
                                        Chief Accounting Officer
                                        (Principal Accounting Officer)



                                      26
<PAGE>
 
                          ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS


     No.                                Description
 -----------   ---------------------------------------------------------------- 

/(6)/    3.1    Certificate of Incorporation.
            
/(1)/    3.2    By-Laws.

/(1)/   10.1    First Amended and Restated 1989 Stock Option Plan and forms of 
                stock option agreements used thereunder.

/(1)/   10.2    Ascend Communications, Inc. 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

/(1)/   10.3    Ascend Communications, Inc. 1994 Outside Directors Stock Option
                Plan.

/(1)/   10.4    Loan Agreement and related agreements, dated October 21, 1993,
                by and between the Registrant and First Interstate Bank of
                California.

/(1)/   10.5    Lease dated August 8, 1991, by and between the Registrant and 
                Harbor Bay Isle Associates, the First Addendum thereto, dated 
                August 8, 1991, and the Second Addendum thereto, dated February 
                25, 1994.

/(1)/   10.8    Form of Indemnity Agreement for directors and officers.

/(2)/   10.9    Loan Agreement and related agreements, dated July 29, 1994, by 
                and between the Registrant and First Interstate Bank of 
                California.

/(3)/   10.10   Lease Agreement, Lease Rider and Second Lease Rider, dated May 
                17, 1995 by and between the Registrant and Resurgence
                Properties, Inc.

/(4)/   10.11   Loan Agreement and related agreements, dated November 30, 1995,
                by and between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank of
                California.

/(5)/   10.12   Lease agreement dated March 27, 1996, by and between the
                Registrant and Sumitomo Bank Leasing and Financing, Inc.

/(7)/   10.13   Ascend Communications, Inc. 1996 Restricted Stock Plan.

                                      27


<PAGE>

Index to Exhibits(continued)

     No.                                  Description
-------------   --------------------------------------------------------------- 

         11.1   Statement regarding computation of earnings per share included 
                in notes to condensed consolidated financial statements page 8.

         27.0   Financial Data Schedule.

/(1)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement (No. 
      33-77146), effective May 12, 1994.

/(2)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter 
      ended September 30, 1994.

/(3)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter 
      ended June 30, 1995.

/(4)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended 
      December 31, 1995.

/(5)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter 
      ended March 31, 1996.

/(6)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter 
      ended June 30, 1996.

/(7)/ Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended 
      December 31, 1996.

                                      28