Riverstone unveils multi-purpose router

(Telephony) Continuing a trend of metro equipment becoming multi-functional, Riverstone Networks today unveiled the RS 38000 Optical Metro Backbone Router.

The primary feature of the new router is its support for multiple media types, including 10 gigabit Ethernet, Sonet, and multi-protocol label switching (MPLS). Combined with simplified and automated provisioning of some services that at one time would have required a truck roll, Riverstone touts the ability of the router to increase a company’s revenue while lowering costs.

The router has proved interoperable as an MPLS upstream link with routers from Cisco Systems and Juniper Network, and can connect to customers through OC-48 rings and gigabit Ethernet links.

In addition, the RS 38000 can handle a relatively new type of media, resilient packet rings (RPR). According to Andrew Feldman, vice president of corporate marketing and development for Riverstone Networks, this is the first router that works with RPR.

“RPR is an IEEE working group. Basically what is does is use Sonet transport and ethernet framing,” he said. “Sonet was originally developed for the delivery of voice. Now the RPR standard enables you to take the best of Sonet and make it better suited for the data world.”

Feldman also said RPR increases the bandwidth available through Sonet while not risking poor redundancy. “In SONET, own whole ring is left open as backup. With RPR both rings are used, so you get an immediate doubling of capacity.”