Unisphere expands ‘the Edge’ with multi-service edge router

BANGALORE: Unisphere Networks has introduced the MRX, the industry’s first
multi-service edge router. The MRX is designed to meet the multi-service
requirements at the edge of service provider networks by integrating
carrier-class IP routing, native ATM switching, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
and IP services in a single platform, with capacity scaling from 40 Gbps to 320
Gbps.

"The MRX expands Unisphere Networks’ edge routing product portfolio
and complements its award-winning ERX Edge Routers currently deployed in more
than 150 service provider networks worldwide. With a wide range of optical
interfaces ranging from OC-3 to OC-48 and Gigabit Ethernet, the MRX provides the
ability to mix and match port speeds, and for the first time, mix and match
native ATM, POS and MPLS protocols on a single line module," a official
release stated.

This unique any service, any port, any channel capability makes the MRX
Multi-Service Edge Router a more cost-effective choice for incumbent service
provider networks that require both ATM and IP functionality. The capacity and
service delivery of the MRX can be used in a number of service provider edge
applications, such as circuit aggregation and Metropolitan Area Networks, where
Gigabit Ethernet is the transport option of choice.

"In keeping with Unisphere Networks’ global perspective, we designed
the MRX to meet the evolving edge requirements of incumbent service providers
around the world," said Unisphere Networks, president and CEO, James Dolce.
"The MRX combines IP routing and ATM switching capabilities in a single,
integrated product, which enables service providers to expand their service
portfolios across both ATM-based and IP-based networks with a platform that
provides a migration path to a common IP-based network."

"An emerging market segment is the multi-service edge router -- one that
has scalability approaching that of a core router, supports multiple
technologies such as ATM, IP and MPLS, and is service focused," said Scott
Clavenna, president, PointEast Research. "Unisphere's MRX addresses service
providers’ requirements for better optimizing CapEx spending with flexible
platforms that support both current and future services."