Cisco offers new version of software for routers

SAN JOSE: Cisco Systems Inc., which makes gear that helps power the Internet,

on Tuesday introduced a new version of software for its routers, allowing

"always-on" Internet connections so networks can roam just like

wireless telephones.

The San Jose, California-based firm said a new version of its operating

system software allowing Internet Protocol (IP) mobility -- called Cisco Mobile

Networks -- is now available.

Mobile IP allows an IP device to roam across networks and geographic regions

while remaining constantly connected to the network or the Internet as if it is

attached to its home location all the time using the same IP address, Cisco

said.

With the new version of the software, a Cisco router along with its entire

network of connected IP devices can now roam seamlessly across network

boundaries and connection types, the company said. For example, an airplane with

a router running Cisco mobile IP can fly around the world with all passengers

continuously connected to the Internet.

The passengers connect their laptops, personal digital assistants or cell

phones to the router on the airplane using traditional local area network (LAN)

technologies, Cisco said. No special software or equipment is required by the

new product, and any IP devise will work.

"Cisco's Mobile Networks technology enables formation-flying crafts to

correlate information and talk with each other, even as they move across

different systems," William Ivancic, senior research engineer at NASA's

Glenn Research Center, said in a statement.

He said NASA will deploy Cisco's mobile networks on low-earth-orbiting

research craft to allow continuous connection to the Internet.

Cisco said its product offers new revenue opportunities for wireless service

providers, enabling them to expand service into such markets as emergency

management services, telematics, railroads and shipping systems and automobiles.

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