Metropolitan area networking player Riverstone Networks Inc., and broadband cable operator Cox Communications Inc. announced today that Cox will deploy hundreds of Riverstone RS family metropolitan routers throughout all 28 of its U.S. cable systems as part of an extensive program to create its own national, high-speed data provisioning system. The multimillion-dollar deployment will take place over the next several months.
Through this multi-million dollar investment in its hybrid fiber-optic coax (HFC) cable systems, Cox will offer high-speed Internet services in combination with video and, in some markets, telephony services.
Cox will use Riverstone's metro-optimized routers to increase the capacity and enhance the reliability of its high-speed data network. Cox will initially deploy RS 3000 metro access routers, as well as RS 8000/8600 multi-service metro routers and RS 38000 metro aggregation routers, which feature Riverstone's Hitless Protection System (HPS), an advanced hot failover technology designed to extend carrier-grade availability to the network. Additionally, Riverstone's RS metro router platform, which offers a range of system interfaces, will allow Cox to leverage existing ATM and SONET infrastructure.
"With significant wins under its belt --including Korea Telecom, Dacom, Japan Telecom, Huchison Global Crossing and now Cox Communications--Riverstone has demonstrated its abilities in the deployment, service and post sales support of incumbent carriers," contends Marian Stasney, senior analyst, The Yankee Group. "While Riverstone is well positioned from a technology standpoint, it has recognized that technology is but one component of delivering a solution to tier-one carriers. Strong pre- and post-sales service, operating efficiencies and a low cost-to-benefit ratio are crucial components in building a tier-one customer base. Riverstone is the only metro-focused company to have realized and executed on this," she adds.
Cox Communications serves approximately 6.2 million customers nationwide, making it the nation's fifth largest cable television company. More information about Cox Communications can be accessed at www.cox.com.
Riverstone Networks Inc. builds routers that convert raw bandwidth into profitable services for Metropolitan Area Networks. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.riverstonenet.com.