Riverstone recharges routers

Riverstone Networks recently unveiled a new hardware module, upgraded Multi-protocol Label Switching routers and a software release aimed at helping service providers deploy multiple services over an Ethernet infrastructure.

The three new products - the RS 1100, 3100 and 3200 routers; the Advanced Services Module (ASM); and RapidOS software Release 9.4 - are intended to help facilitate the conversion of legacy carrier infrastructures to MPLS/Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS)-based Ethernet networks.

The RS 1100, 3100 and 3200 access routers are designed to deliver granular quality of service (QoS) with rate limiting and shaping. They support ATM, packet-over-SONET/synchronous digital hierarchy and TDM interfaces. The 1100 and 3100 are targeted at Ethernet-over-copper deployments with standard 10/100Base-T interfaces, while the RS 3200 is designed for Ethernet-over-fiber deployments with small form-factor pluggable interfaces for 100BaseFX or 100BaseBX.

The ASM for the RS line of routers provides bandwidth control, letting Ethernet emulate the service capabilities of frame relay and ATM. The ASM's traffic shaping and MPLS capabilities let service providers offer customers Metro Ethernet Forum-designed services such as E-Line and E-LAN, and a choice in how much service they want to purchase.

Using the new RapidOS 9.4 software, the ASM also is designed to let service providers offer tailored service bundles - such as VoIP, Internet Access and VPNs. The bandwidth associated with both the bundle and the individual services within it can be guaranteed upfront, while unused bandwidth from one service can be distributed to the rest, Riverstone says.

The ASM is available for the 1000, 3000 and 8000 series of RS routers.

RapidOS 9.4 includes operations, administration and maintenance enhancements such as MPLS OAM. The software helps reduce the amount of time it takes to find and correct problems by helping network operators narrow the source to a particular MPLS layer.

The software also includes SNMP support for Ethernet OAM. This lets network operators integrate Ethernet OAM functionality into management platforms for fault isolation, Riverstone says.

The MPLS/VPLS enhancements are more important for Riverstone than for the Ethernet market, says Joe McGarvey, an analyst at Current Analysis. Most of Riverstone's rivals offer similar QoS capabilities through their respective edge platforms, he says. Meanwhile, Riverstone has had to deal recently with financial challenges such as a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation and earnings restatements.

"It is important for the company to regain some of its lost stature and establish itself as a leading provider of Ethernet services equipment," McGarvey says. "The new enhancements are a step in the right direction and reflect that Riverstone's development team has not taken its eye off the ball during the company's protracted financial difficulties."