PALO ALTO, Calif. -- A single appliance that helps operators of enterprise or service provider IP networks quickly diagnose and analyze IP layer problems by providing full visibility into routing operations – no matter how large or highly subdivided the network – is now available from Packet Design, Inc. Route Explorer 1.5 is the newest version of the product introduced last year as the first to look into the IP "cloud" and display layer 3 routing changes as they occur. The product now adds the ability to traverse OSPF area boundaries, showing and analyzing route paths across the entire network. OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) areas are typically used to isolate different parts of networks geographically or administratively.Also new to Route Explorer is an extensive set of route-analysis reports and alerts, including a "watch list" function that proactively signals the network operator when a key route or router experiences changes or problems. Route Explorer will play a key role at Networld+Interop in Las Vegas April 27-May 2, where it will help detect and resolve IP route problems for the InteropNet Event Network (eNet)."Network managers at enterprises and service providers want a layer 3 'router's-eye view' into their networks," said Jeff Raice, Packet Design's executive vice president of marketing and sales. "Until now their only choice has been to make best-guess diagnoses of IP problems based on data from device-level management tools. With a single Route Explorer appliance, users gain total visibility into the operation of their routed networks, no matter how large those networks become – with minimal cost, complexity, and implementation effort."In a separate release:Packet Design, Inc., has been chosen as the exclusive provider of route analytics technology to the InteropNet Event Network (eNet), which will provide connectivity throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center at NetWorld+Interop Las Vegas 2003, taking place April 27 to May 2, 2003.Packet Design's Route Explorer, a network appliance that provides full visibility into IP routing paths, will help eNet Network Operations Center staff quickly detect and resolve IP route problems both during the network's off-site pre-show staging and during actual NetWorld+Interop show operation."The NetWorld+Interop eNet gives us a unique opportunity to demonstrate Route Explorer's power in a large and demanding environment that mirrors the networks of leading corporate enterprises," said Jeff Raice, Packet Design executive vice president of marketing and sales. "By gathering and displaying real-time routing information that otherwise could be obtained only through cumbersome manual checking of individual routers, Route Explorer will verify proper eNet operation and rapidly diagnose misconfigurations and other problems so immediate corrective action can be taken to avoid possible network failures.""Packet Design was selected by NetWorld+Interop as one of our new innovators, a category newly added to the eNet program," said Steve Wylie, director of network operations, NetWorld+Interop. "To be selected for one of the coveted eNet provider positions, especially in this open 'innovator' category, is a testament to Packet Design and the value that we have identified in deploying their products in the eNet."Packet Design will also be demonstrating the newest version of Route Explorer in its NetWorld+Interop exhibit at booth #4342 (Startup City).Packet Design LLC