Riverstone Networks Receives CableLabs Qualification for RS 8000 Service Creation Switch Router.

Business/Technology Editors

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 2000

Company's Carrier-class Solution Integrates Full-function

Routing and Switching and CMTS Head-end Functionality

Riverstone Networks Inc., a leader in service creation infrastructure for metropolitan service providers, announced today that its RS 8000 Switch Router has received the DOCSIS(TM) 1.0 (Data over Cable Service Interface Specification) CableLabs(R) Qualification as a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) solution. Riverstone designed the RS 8000 from the ground up to support the reliable creation and delivery of value-added services such as IP business services, IP telephony, tiered data services, streaming video, and multicast services over next-generation optical networks, including next-generation cable networks.

The RS 8000 integrates powerful service-generation and delivery capabilities into a single platform. Today the RS 8000 can deliver what in the past was only possible through multiple, separate systems, including a DOCSIS-qualified CMTS, high-performance edge router with WAN interfaces, and optical switches. By combining the crucial elements of a comprehensive service platform into a best-of-breed broadband edge solution, the RS 8000 enables providers to offer value-added services while significantly reducing deployment costs.

"The broadband access market is growing rapidly, both here and internationally, as consumers and businesses clamor for higher-speed alternatives. Next-generation platforms to support growing subscriber densities, higher throughput demand, and tiered services are now highly sought after," said Patti Reali, a Gartner Dataquest senior analyst who tracks the cable broadband market for the San Jose, Calif.-based market research company. "The functionality of next-generation broadband platforms extends beyond simply allowing cable modems to communicate outside the cable hybrid fiber-COAX network to the Internet and now combines broadband aggregation, routing, switching, and QoS capabilities that will enable a host of new and advanced services."

"Riverstone, which is 100 percent focused on the new metro area networks environment, is well positioned with its router product line," said Ray Keneipp, a senior analyst at The Burton Group. "The addition of a CMTS component to the RS 8000 connectivity options will help local exchange carriers in their quest to build media-independent metro networks, solidifying Riverstone's position in this market."

"The DOCSIS qualification of Riverstone's platform is an important step for the cable industry," said Dr. Richard R. Green, president and chief executive officer of CableLabs. "These platforms will become critical for enabling an entire suite of next-generation data, voice, and video services over cable networks."

"Our solutions are purpose built to enable the delivery of next-generation broadband services that service providers--be they multi-service operators, metropolitan service providers, or Internet service providers--are seeking," said Romulus Pereira, Riverstone Networks president and CEO.

The RS family of switches and routers supports Gigabit Ethernet, packet over SONET, WDM, TDM, cable, and ATM traffic. Riverstone products are currently deployed in some of the largest networks in the world, including at British Telecom, AT&T, MCI WorldCom, and Telefonica.

About Riverstone Networks

Riverstone Networks is a leading developer of routers and switches that enable metropolitan service providers, multi-service operators, Internet service providers, and content and application providers to turn raw bandwidth into profitable services. Leveraging third-generation custom silicon and Internet-hardened routing software, Riverstone products deliver line-rate accountability and control, enabling the metro network to become the New Business Internet. Please visit the company at www.riverstonenet.com.