Redback Networks Adds PPP Over Ethernet to Award-Winning Subscriber Management System.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 1998--

New PPPoE Implementation

Based on IETF Proposal, Jointly Developed by RedBack Networks,

RouterWare and UUNET WorldCom

RedBack Networks announced today a new software release for its flagship product, the SMS 1000, that includes support for PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE).

With this software upgrade, RedBack makes it easier for network service providers (NSPs) to provision services to support multiple users across a dedicated digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, or wireless connection. It also simplifies the end-user experience by making customer premises equipment (CPE) easier to configure.

The PPPoE functionality, available now in version 2.1 of the SMS 1000 system software, is based on a proposed IETF specification developed jointly by RedBack, software developer RouterWare (Newport Beach, Calif.) and UUNET WorldCom (Fairfax, Va.), a leading global Internet communications company.

"One of the most exciting developments in remote access is the availability of dedicated broadband services at competitive prices," said Larry Blair, vice president of marketing at RedBack Networks.

"But for these services to achieve rapid acceptance by telecommuters and consumers, they must also be very easy to use and cost effective to deploy at large scale. RedBack's new PPPoE implementation extends the simplicity of the dial-up connection model to end users of broadband services. And it greatly reduces the set-up complexity for the NSP, thus paving the way for profitable mass deployment."

Point-and-Click Broadband Connectivity for End Users

Relying on two widely accepted standards, RedBack's PPPoE implementation requires virtually no more knowledge on the part of the end user than that required for standard dial-up Internet access. The PPPoE solution automatically works with existing PC hardware and software; existing Ethernet network interface cards (NICs); and all DSL, cable, and wireless modems that provide support for Ethernet Media Access Control (MAC) bridging.

The implementation requires no special configuration or provisioning of the customer premise modem or the broadband access network. Users simply install a Windows PPPoE client, developed by RouterWare. Multiple users can share an Ethernet segment in the same way they do in corporate networks today.

The RouterWare client leverages Microsoft's Dial-Up Networking functionality to provide a familiar, easy-to-understand interface. Users log onto the NSP network using a unique capability developed by RedBack called a Branded Internet Portal (BIP). The BIP allows NSPs to customize the user authentication process and assign a branded identity to services they offer subscribers.

Users access a particular service simply by clicking a BIP icon on their startup screen. This action triggers the user authentication process and establishes a PPP session over Ethernet, bridged back to the user modem. The SMS 1000 terminates the session and connects the user to the appropriate service automatically. Users can change services-switching from corporate access to World Wide Web access for example-simply by choosing another icon.

Simplified Provisioning for NSPs

To the NSP, connections established by the PPPoE implementation appears as standard PPP sessions. Thus, NSPs can use their existing dial-up authentication and billing infrastructure when rolling out broadband services. A single connection can support multiple end users and an arbitrary number of PPP sessions, thus providing greater return on investment.

In addition, PPPoE simplifies the NSP's configuration burden for supporting multiple users over a broadband link. Static IP addresses, Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) or Network Address Translation (NAT) -- the current alternatives for providing this functionality -- require complex hands-on provisioning.

While these solutions might work well in enterprise environments, they offer limited scalability and control for NSPs, compared to PPP. On the other hand, PPP was defined and is widely used to establish sessions between end users and NSP networks. PPP authenticates users, dynamically assigns IP addresses, and negotiates other connectivity parameters, and it works for all emerging access technologies.

Response from RedBack's NSP customers has been highly positive. Please see attached list of quotes from RedBack's NSP customers.

Joint Development with RouterWare, UUNET WorldCom

RedBack's PPPoE implementation is based on specifications the company developed jointly with RouterWare and UUNET WorldCom.

RouterWare has a long history of protocol development and has supplied technology to over 150 router and switch manufacturers. "While in the past RouterWare developed solutions for OEM distribution, we've since broadened our focus to include Windows-based network access products targeted at NSPs, major corporations, remote offices and home users," said Ross Wheeler, RouterWare president.

"WinPoET, our Windows PPPoE client, demonstrates how we can leverage our strong technology portfolio into new Windows-based product areas."

"There are many other proposals for using PPP with broadband media, including PPP over Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and PPP over the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), and the SMS 1000 supports all of them," said RedBack's Blair.

"But we believe the complexity and limitations of the existing approaches are hindering rapid deployment of consumer broadband services. Until the market matures, a simpler approach is needed that works in today's environment with today's equipment. RedBack is proud to have joined RouterWare and UUNET WorldCom in providing a more viable alternative."

Pricing and Availability

Support for PPPoE is part of software version 2.1 for the SMS 1000, which is available now. Current customers can obtain the upgrade from RedBack Networks; the upgrade is free for clients with support contracts. The new software release is standard issue for new shipments of SMS 1000 products. The Windows client is only available from RouterWare.

About RedBack Networks, Inc.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., RedBack Networks develops networking solutions for the next generation of Internet services. RedBack's Subscriber Management System, introduced this spring to address the scalability issues of Digital Subscriber Line deployment, received the Best of Show award for WAN and remote access equipment at Networld + Interop, Las Vegas, in May, 1998.

Note to Editors: RedBack and the Subscriber Management System are trademarks of RedBack Networks, Inc. Other trademarks, service marks, and trade names belong to their respective owners.

For more information about WinPoET, see the RouterWare website at www.routerware.com. -0-

                   Network Service Provider Quotes

     CONCENTRIC NETWORK

     "PPPoE is absolutely required to do dynamic end-point selection
and to handle the encryption and tunneling that enable telecommuters
to access the corporate processor. These are things we have to do, and
PPPoE is one of the quickest and easiest way to do them."

James Southworth
Director of Advanced Network Services and Technology
Concentric Network
408/343-2233

     EPOCH INTERNET

     "PPPoE provides a consistent model for access to Internet
services, supporting a variety of transport models, including DSL,
cable, and wireless. The protocol will allow ISPs to employ their
standard back-office management systems such as RADIUS, for subscriber
management. This will allow Epoch to provide the user with a
consistent and familiar interface to the Internet, regardless of the
underlying transport."

Michael Jones
Manager of DSL Engineering
Epoch Internet
714/862-8368

     EARTHLINK

     "We've been testing PPPoE and have been pleased with the results
so far," said Brian Wenger, senior Internet architect at EarthLink.
"It provides a smooth transition from dial-up to high-speed access,
enabling us to seamlessly convert our members to cable modems and DSL
in the future."

Brian Wenger
Senior Communications Advisor
EarthLink
626/296-5065