SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Redback Networks Inc. (Nasdaq:RBAK), a leading provider of next-generation broadband networking equipment, today announced it has enhanced its SmartEdge(TM) 800 Router. New features include the ability to support thousands of virtual routers within a physical router and non-stop forwarding, which prevents IP network outages, a common occurrence in today's edge-router networks. These capabilities help service providers build a more reliable IP infrastructure while accelerating time-to-profit. In addition, the SmartEdge 800 router now includes Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), IP-Multicast, Quality of Service (QoS) enhancements and Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)-based virtual private networks (VPNs). These features enable "user-to-network" connectivity, delivering high-margin IP services to businesses and consumers. Redback's production-proven SMS(TM) platform of subscriber management systems' capabilities have been integrated into the design of the SmartEdge 800 Router, which enables "multiple contexts," or virtual routers, to reduce network costs and enable new services. This capability is currently being used by most major ILECs in North America to deliver broadband connectivity and value added services. "The virtual router feature creates a paradigm shift in today's requirements to insert and deliver value-added services at the edge of the network," said Jennifer Liscom, principal analyst at Gartner Group. "This unique capability reduces service providers' capital investment and operational costs, dramatically altering network economics and enabling new wholesale services." Redback Networks Inc.