Cox Communications Selects Riverstone Routers for High Capacity, High Availability Nationwide Network -- Hundreds of Routers to be Deployed in Multimillion-dollar Rollout.

Business Editors

SANTA CLARA, Calif. & ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2001

Metropolitan area networking pioneer Riverstone Networks, Inc., (Nasdaq:RSTN) and leading broadband cable operator Cox Communications, Inc. (NYSE:COX) announced today that Cox will deploy hundreds of Riverstone RS family metropolitan routers throughout all 28 of its U.S. cable systems as part of an extensive program to create its own national, high-speed data provisioning system. The multimillion-dollar deployment will take place over the next several months.

"This is a significant network deployment, and we are confident that Riverstone's products will allow us to gain additional capacity while enhancing our network availability," said Jay Rolls, Cox's vice president of data engineering. "In building our Cox-managed high-speed Internet service, it is important that we deploy highly reliable technologies that also allow us to transition toward emerging technologies, such as MPLS, RPR and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. We examined many vendors and selected Riverstone on its ability to combine advanced technology with exceptional service, support and operational capabilities. We look forward to developing a strong and long-lasting relationship with the Riverstone team."

Through this multi-million dollar investment in its hybrid fiber-optic coax (HFC) cable systems, Cox offers high-speed Internet services in combination with video, and in some markets, telephony services. Cox provides a variety of Internet services that can provide download speeds up to 20 times faster than ISDN, up to twice as fast as leased T1 lines and up to five times faster than DSL. Specific performance varies from product to product. The Cox "always on" connection requires no dial-up telephone lines and is maintained by Cox's local network and service professionals.

"Riverstone Networks is committed to meeting the business and technology needs of national broadband cable operators," said Romulus Pereira, president and chief executive officer, Riverstone Networks. "Cox Communications is recognized as a pioneer in delivering the promise of broadband, providing the latest video, voice and data services to over six million residential and business customers. We commend Cox for being in the vanguard of the broadband revolution."

Cox will use Riverstone's metro-optimized routers to increase the capacity and enhance the reliability of its high-speed data network. Cox will initially deploy RS 3000 metro access routers, as well as RS 8000/8600 multi-service metro routers and RS 38000 metro aggregation routers, which feature Riverstone's Hitless Protection System (HPS), an advanced hot failover technology that will extend carrier-grade availability to Cox's newly upgraded national and regional network. Additionally, Riverstone's RS metro router platform, which offers an unparalleled selection of system interfaces, will allow Cox to leverage existing ATM and SONET infrastructures.

"With several significant wins under its belt -- including Korea Telecom, Dacom, Japan Telecom, Huchison Global Crossing and now Cox Communications -- Riverstone has demonstrated its abilities in the deployment, service and post-sales support of incumbent carriers," said Marian Stasney, senior analyst, The Yankee Group. "While Riverstone is well positioned from a technology standpoint, it has recognized that technology is but one component of delivering a solution to tier-one carriers. Strong pre- and post-sales service, operating efficiencies and a low cost-to-benefit ratio are crucial components in building a tier-one customer base. Riverstone is the only metro-focused company to have realized and executed on this."

"In choosing Riverstone as its edge router supplier, Cox is clearly making a commitment to delivering carrier-class reliability to its customers," said Michael Kennedy, managing partner of Network Strategy Partners. "ILECs, telcos, and MSOs are striving to maintain 99.999% network uptime, as their customers continue to demand uninterrupted network availability. With several new carrier-class technologies incorporated into its platform, Riverstone should continue to broaden its reach in both the telco and cable markets."

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications, a Fortune 500 company, serves approximately 6.2 million customers nationwide, making it the nation's fifth largest cable television company. A full-service provider of telecommunications products, Cox offers an array of services, including Cox Cable; local and long distance telephone services under the Cox Digital Telephone brand; high-speed Internet access under the brands Cox@Home, Road Runner and Cox Express; advanced digital video programming services under the Cox Digital Cable brand; and commercial voice and data services via Cox Business Services. Cox is an investor in telecommunications companies including Sprint PCS and Excite@Home, as well as programming networks including Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel. More information about Cox Communications can be accessed on the Internet at www.cox.com.

About Riverstone Networks

Riverstone Networks, Inc., (Nasdaq:RSTN) builds routers that convert raw bandwidth into profitable services for Metropolitan Area Networks. Riverstone's products enable the creation of profitable services and the delivery of these services over next-generation and legacy networks, including SONET/SDH, Gigabit Ethernet, T1/E1, T3/E3, ATM, and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM). Riverstone products bring together fourth-generation Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), battle-tested routing software, and unparalleled media versatility to deliver comprehensive solutions for Metropolitan Area Networks. Riverstone's products are deployed in more than 40 countries and in some of the world's largest networks, including British Telecom, Korea Telecom, Qwest Communications, MAE West Ames, NTT, and Telefonica. For more information, please visit the company's Web site at www.riverstonenet.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include the risks detailed from time to time in Riverstone Networks' SEC reports, including its final prospectus dated March 3, 2001. Riverstone Networks disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements.

Note to Editors: Riverstone Networks is a trademark of Riverstone Networks, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, and trade names belong to their respective owners.