Redback Networks launches new product line of carrier Ethernet switches

Redback Networks, an Ericsson company that develops IP-based routers and switches for 75+ percent of the world’s largest telephone carriers, has introduced a new line of smart Ethernet switches to accelerate the unification of fixed and mobile networks.

Redback is introducing the SM 480, a smart Ethernet switch for fixed and mobile carriers. The new product addresses a $4.7+ billion metro Ethernet market (Heavy Reading). The smart Ethernet switch will be the first in a family of carrier Ethernet products from Redback and Ericsson with future terabit switching capacity over time. The SM series is designed to simplify network architectures, lower carrier costs, and unify networks for fixed and mobile carriers.

The smart Ethernet switch from Redback and Ericsson retains a subset of the features from Redback’s SmartEdge family of routers. The SM series is also designed to work in conjunction with other Redback and Ericsson products for fixed and mobile carriers.

UNIFIED NETWORKS ACCELERATE THE PATH TO FULL SERVICE BROADBAND

As fixed and mobile networks are consolidated, most communications services will be unified over time. In fact, the future of IP networks may be one ubiquitous broadband subscription, one telephone number and one TV service. These and other IP-based services may roam like your cell phone over any fixed or mobile network. This is the power of full service broadband from Ericsson, the world’s largest telecom vendor.

The SM 480 smart Ethernet switch can be used to build metro aggregation and transport networks. Advanced features include:

· Innovative Layer 2 subscriber management for wholesale and retail broadband services
· Higher levels of QoS and reliability for high-demand video and data applications
· More point-to-point (MPLS PW) and multi-point (VPLS) Ethernet services for the enterprise
· SLA measurement techniques and standards-based fault management; and
· Reliable IP over Ethernet architecture boosting network availability and reducing downtime

In related news, Redback is introducing “in-service software upgrades” (ISSU) across its entire family of SmartEdge routers and switches. The new capabilities allow carriers to upgrade the operating system for broadband routers and switches without taking them out of service. The IP innovation behind the SmartEdge platform is at the center of Ericsson’s efforts to deliver full service broadband.

Redback will be demonstrating the SM 480 smart Ethernet switch at NXTcomm in booth #SU-7410 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, June 16-19.

Redback Networks