ATLANTA--Ericsson today announced the addition of two IP core routers to its recently introduced Packet Backbone Network (PBN). The AXI 580 IP Core Router is a large-scale platform supporting line interfaces up to OC-192c/STM-64 (10 Gbps), and the AXI 520-4 IP Core Router is a smaller, 4-slot version of Ericsson's existing 8-slot AXI 520 IP Core Router, which supports line interfaces up to OC-48/STM-16 (2.5 Gbps).

Ericsson will add comprehensive network management support to the AXI 580 and AXI 520-4 from its Multiservice Management Suite (MMS), initially including the Network Resource Manager (NRM), Service Level Manager (SLM) and Internet Network Monitor (INM) applications.

Ericsson's MMS already operates across its other current PBN platforms, including the 8-slot AXI 520 IP Core Router, AXI 540 Edge Aggregation Router and AXD 301 High-Performance ATM Switch.

"The addition of these new IP core routers significantly enhances and rounds out our data backbone offerings, providing operators with greater flexibility and performance to meet their network infrastructure needs," said Alan Raderman, senior director of product marketing for Ericsson's Datacom Networks business unit.

The AXI 580 and AXI 520 family of IP core routers delivers breakthrough performance for all packet sizes and high reliability under all networking conditions for the Internet's largest carriers and service providers. They are used to build highly scalable IP core networks and provide for high-end inter-operator peering. The AXI 580 IP Core Router is the industry's first platform to support OC-192c/STM-64 (10 Gbps) interfaces. Available in both 4- and 8-slot versions, the AXI 520 scales to more than 40 million packets/second and links up to OC-48/STM-16 (2.5 Gbps).

Both platforms are available now, with pricing for the AXI 580 starting at $125,000 for initial configuration and $20,000 for interfaces. Pricing for the AXI 520-4 starts at $30,000.

The AXI 580 and AXI 520-4 are sourced from Juniper Networks and privately labeled by Ericsson. Ericsson adds significant network management capabilities to the platforms as well as worldwide integration and support services.

Ericsson's relationship with Juniper began in 1997 with an initial equity investment. In March 1999, Ericsson announced an increased investment and a series of strategic agreements, including a cooperative technology agreement and the integration of Juniper's M40 router into its data networking product portfolio as the 8-slot AXI 520 IP Core Router.

Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world.

http://www.ericsson.com