SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Aurora Networks, a leading developer of advanced optical transport and distribution systems for broadband networks, today introduces the Aurora 4000 series optical node, optimized for high bandwidth applications. The 4000 series optical node platform offers a very high degree of flexibility and expandability, allowing cable operators to easily evolve their networks to meet emerging revenue opportunities. By providing for small node service areas of 200 homes or less, the 4000 series node is optimized for the deployment of passive hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks, minimizing or eliminating costly cascades of RF amplifiers. This fiber-deep architecture allows cost-effective implementation of bandwidth-intensive services for residential and business customers, such as high-speed Internet access, video-on-demand (VOD), voice-over-IP (VoIP), interactive television and circuit-switched telephony. In addition to enabling cable operators to optimize their networks and reduce operating costs, the integrated Ethernet capabilities of the Aurora 4000 series node provide a platform for the introduction of new revenue-generating services. At a modest cost, operators can offer high-speed Internet access, VoIP and other broadband services to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) for monthly revenues far greater than similar residential services. "By enabling cable operators to easily deploy a more reliable, passive HFC architecture, the new Aurora 4000 series node significantly reduces operating costs associated with active equipment, installation, network maintenance and power consumption," said John Dahlquist, vice president of marketing for Aurora Networks. "Additionally, with the Aurora 4000 series nodes in place, operators can immediately recognize an untapped source of revenue by offering Ethernet services to the businesses that they already pass. SMBs represent a significant untapped revenue stream with a high profit potential for cable operators." Aurora Networks Inc.