Riverstone Unveils New VPLS / MPLS Solutions

Riverstone Networks introduced a new hardware module, upgraded MPLS routers and a software release all aimed at helping carrier's transition toward MPLS/VPLS-based Ethernet networks.



The rollout includes three new access routers -- the RS 1100, 3100 and 3200 -- that are positioned as small, cost-effective VPLS platforms that build upon Riverstone's existing RS 1000 and 3000 routers. The new platforms offer additional intelligence to deliver granular QoS with rate limiting and shaping. Available interfaces including ATM, Packet over SONET/SDH and TDM, enabling a transition of existing services to Ethernet services based on MPLS/VPLS. The RS 1100 and 3100 are targeted at Ethernet-over-copper deployments with standard 10/100BaseT interfaces, while the RS 3200 is targeted at Ethernet-over-fiber deployments with SFP interfaces for 100BaseFX or 100BaseBX.



The new Advanced Services Module (ASM) for the RS routers provides bandwidth control, allowing Ethernet to emulate the service capabilities of Frame Relay and ATM. The ASM's traffic shaping and advanced MPLS capabilities allow service providers to offer their customers services like E-Line and E-LAN (defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum) as well as a choice in how much service they want to pay for.



A new release of RapidOS software adds MPLS OAM and SNMP support for Ethernet OAM. The new MPLS OAM capability helps troubleshoot problems at a specific layer of an MPLS network. The new SNMP support helps network operators to integrate Ethernet OAM functionality directly into their management platforms for improved fault isolationhttp://www.riverstonenet.com