Redback Boosts SMS With XFE

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Redback Networks Inc. (Nasdaq:RBAK - News), a leader of next-generation broadband networking systems, today announced the introduction of the SMS(TM) 1800 SL system and the XFE Forwarding Engine module for unprecedented broadband network performance increases of two to three times over its existing SMS 1800/1000 platform, the industry's most widely deployed systems for managing DSL broadband subscribers and value-added IP services. The tremendous performance gains lead to greater network capacity, lower costs and the potential for new services. The new SMS 1800 SL system comes with the XFE Forwarding Engine module pre-installed, or the XFE can be added easily to existing SMS 1800/1000 systems.

The XFE Forwarding Engine module can instantly accelerate broadband network throughput for the carriers and service providers who have installed thousands of SMS 1800 and 1000 systems worldwide, including France Telecom, Hanaro Telecom, Korean Telecom, Seednet and Verizon. The new levels of performance can enable providers to offer greater network throughput and high-speed processing of additional services, such as advanced security, VPN and access control. Ultimately, this transparent upgrade reduces provider costs and enables revenue-increasing capabilities, such as tiered bandwidth, bandwidth on demand, dynamic service selection and more.

The XFE Forwarding Engine module also provides simple integration with newer Gigabit Ethernet networks. Two 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports are now built directly into the forwarding plane to facilitate a seamless migration to Ethernet-based IP-centric service delivery networks.

"Once again, Redback Networks advances the broadband industry through innovation that results in lower costs, incremental value-added services and enhanced capabilities," said Simon Williams, vice president product management of Redback Networks. "The SMS 1800/1000 platform is the most widely deployed broadband subscriber aggregation platform in the world, with eight out of the top ten DSL providers in the world using the solution and over five thousand systems shipped since it defined the market in 1998. The new XFE Forwarding Engine module instantly offers the industry phenomenal levels of performance on the existing SMS 1800/1000 platform."

The XFE module is based on Redback's proven SL performance technology, which first debuted in the SMS 10000 SL platform. It delivers the same level of stability and performance that thousands of customers have come to rely on to achieve carrier-class availability. The XFE Forwarding Engine module achieves its high levels of throughput through a redesigned forwarding plane (packet processing), including a high-speed network processor and two native Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) I/O interface ports.

"The XFE module shows Redback's commitment to its installed base of carriers and service providers by enabling them to evolve their broadband networks to the next generation," said Ray Mota, Chief Research Officer of Synergy Research. "The XFE module integrates into the existing network and OSS, allowing customers to seamlessly upgrade their performance and enhance revenue with value added services such as tiered bandwidth and dynamic service selection."

The XFE Forwarding Engine module can be installed seamlessly within minutes into the forwarding engine slot of any SMS 1800/1000 system. The module supports existing ATM OC3/STM1 and 10/100 I/O cards, and works with control engine CE3. With two 10/100/1000 I/O ports onboard, the XFE increases the potential use of existing equipment in Ethernet access networks and L2TP tunnel switching.

Redback Networks Inc.