Cisco launches IP NGN platform enhancements, announces deployments
April 18, 2005 San Jose, CA -- Cisco today announced products, features, and deployments related to its Internet Protocol Next-Generation Networks (IP NGN) platform for service providers. The company says the platform enables carriers to deliver new services, while improving opex and capex efficiencies, and enhancing value-added network and service control. The platform was introduced in December 2004.
Today's announcements included news that Sprint has selected the company's converged IP NGN platform to enable the sale and support of advanced WAN services over the carrier's IP/Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) network. Through the platform migration, the carrier expects to reduce operating costs and ease customer transition from legacy networks and services. Also, according to the announcements, Comcast has selected the platform in order to support and accelerate the delivery of high-speed Internet, standard and high definition digital broadcast, on-demand video programming, and voice services.
As additions to the platform, the company introduced its XR 12000 Series of routers, and announced what it calls significant enhancements to its 7600 Series of routers, including the introduction of its 7604 Router. The company also unveiled a range of Interface Flexibility (I-Flex) options to its carrier-class routing portfolio that employ shared port adapters (SPAs) and SPA interface processors (SIPs), as well as the company's Call Session Control Platform. The company says the announcements highlight its focus in areas of network and service convergence.
The Cisco XR 12000 Series is expected to be available in June 2005. Base configuration of routers starts at a list price of $45,500. Upgrade options start at a list price of $12,500. The 7604 Router is expected to be available by the end of April 2005. Base configuration starts at a list price of $34,000. SPA and SIP platform configurations start at a list price of $2,500, and vary according to product models and supported platforms.