Force10 Networks adds MPLS to ExaScale E-Series core switch/routers

DECEMBER 7, 2009 -- Force10 Networks Inc. has announced the immediate availability of multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) functionality for its ExaScale E-Series core switch/routers. Extending MPLS label switch router (LSR) support to the ExaScale platform enables businesses, such as wholesale carriers, Internet exchange carriers, Internet portals, and global 500 enterprises, to seamlessly expand capacity within their MPLS core infrastructure to more cost-effectively support the rapid growth of “best effort” multimedia traffic, Force10 says.

“Ongoing market developments continue to show that a more cost-effective MPLS LSR core providing Ethernet reliability and resiliency will represent the logical evolution of the network,” says Zeus Kerravala, senior vice president, Yankee Group. “Force10 sees the market similarly; and as a result, their specific MPLS LSR approach contrasts with traditional core router suppliers who just want to develop high-bandwidth Ethernet interfaces for these carrier platforms but don’t necessarily address the economic challenges facing the core network.”

“Customers tell us video and web content alone currently accounts for more than 50% of total Internet traffic, and that percentage continues to increase,” says Steve Garrison, vice president of marketing, Force10 Networks. “This rapid growth associated with traffic not directly tied to revenues is driving carriers to look for alternatives to traditional general-purpose core routers for expanding capacity more cost effectively.”

The ExaScale platform combines high-density, non-blocking, line-rate 10GbE switching and routing with MPLS LSR support at what Force10 asserts is one-fifth of the cost of a traditional core router.

Visit Force10 Networks