Cabletron Pumps Up Internet Routers and Layer 3 Switches With Level One's Internet Exchange Processor

Business Wire, Sept 9, 1999

ROCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 1999--

Intel's Internet Exchange Architecture to Speed Design of New Applications and Services in Cabletron's SmartSwitch Router Platforms

Cabletron Systems (NYSE:CS) today announced that it will collaborate with Level One Communications, an Intel company, to design and develop faster networking products by combining the speed of Level One's new network processor chip with the Layer 4, application-aware functionality of Cabletron's industry-leading SmartSwitch Router (SSR) family.

Based on Intel's recently-announced Internet Exchange Architecture (see Intel Unveils New Internet Communications Architecture, dated 9/1/99), the flexible, programmable interface in Level One's IXP1200 network processor is used to speed the design of Cabletron's SSR family, offering a wider array of applications and services to Cabletron's customers. Level One's new network processor augments the routing ASIC chips in Cabletron's SSR family, and provides the flexibility necessary to handle the explosion in emerging web-based applications.

"We're pleased to be one of the first in the industry to work with Level One on an endeavor that will have a huge impact on our customers," said Cabletron chairman and CEO, Piyush Patel. "Together, Cabletron and Level One are building the next-generation of intelligent, wire-speed solutions."

The micro-engines in the IXP1200 provide the performance, scalability and flexibility necessary to augment high-speed routing ASICs in the SmartSwitch Router with VPN and enhanced QoS features, allowing Cabletron to bring to market a smarter generation of Layer 3 switches and Internet routers.

"Cabletron continues to maintain industry leadership in the ASIC-based Layer 3 and Layer 4 switch market," said P.G. Menon, Cabletron's senior director of product management. "Our work with Intel, and now with Level One on its line of programmable networking silicon, shows Cabletron's commitment to continue offering best-of-breed technology to our customers."

Cabletron's SSR was recently ranked number one in revenue and port shipments for "Low-Blocking Layer 3 Switching" by GartnerGroup/Dataquest (see related press release, dated 8/24/99). The SSR also captured market share leadership for total ports shipped in the rapidly growing Modular Layer-3 Switched category, according to a recent Dell'Oro Group report (see related press release, dated 8/19/99.)

About Cabletron Systems

Cabletron Systems, a premier provider of world-class networking solutions, delivers reliable network access and communications to millions of people worldwide. With scaleable products designed for Global 1000 enterprise networks, service providers and small businesses, Cabletron is the e-business communications specialist in the Internet economy. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a decade under the symbol CS, Cabletron is an S&P 500 index company.

Cabletron's web site can be reached on the Internet at http://www.cabletron.com.