Net trials 100GbE router cards from Juniper Networks

Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR) says that iiNet (ASX: IIN), an Australian DSL Internet service provider, began in May a two-month trial of 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) router interface cards in its backbone network. The cards are installed in Juniper Networks T1600 Core Routers iiNet installed in its backbone optical network at the beginning of this year.

Juniper Networks believes this is the first 100GbE deployment in Asia-Pacific region. In light of the Australian Government’s National Broadband Network (NBN) project, designed to provide 1-Gbps access capabilities to 93% of the country’s homes and businesses, primarily through fiber -to-the-premises networks, Juniper says that ISPs will see a bandwidth crunch on their backbone networks. (For more on the NBN project, see "Australian PM: We'll do broadband build ourselves.")

"Maximizing the opportunity presented by Australia's NBN project is going to require a new generation of service provider network," said Mark Iles, vice president, Australia and New Zealand, Juniper Networks. "iiNet is pioneering 100GbE in Australia and is helping to create a new network that will serve the 'gigabit-to-the-home' marketplace."

However, iiNet believes there’s a need for a backbone upgrade even before the NBN rolls out.

"We're passionate about providing our customers with the very best service and technology," said Greg Bader, chief technology officer at iiNet. "Rather than waiting for the NBN to be rolled out around the country, we're continuously upgrading the iiNet network so our customers can have the very best experience. Partnering with Juniper Networks gives us confidence in the fact that we're using the most advanced technology as we expand our services around the country."

Juniper Networks T1600 routing platform delivers up to 1.6 Tbps of capacity with the ability to forward up to 1.92 billion packets per second -- and up to 16 T1600 chassis can be matrixed into a single routing entity with a sustainable throughput rate of up to 25 Tbps/30.7 billion pps. The 100GbE interface card for the T16000 uses pluggable optical modules, enabling iiNet to take advantage of new modules that support greater cabling distances.

August 27, 2011

Continue