Riverstone Networks Extends Industry Leading End-to-End MPLS Solution, Delivering First Metro Routers With Both MPLS Over SONET/SDH and MPLS Over Gigabit Ethernet On the Same Platform

Business Wire, May 20, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 2002

MPLS Portfolio Enables Metro-to-Metro VPN Service

Delivery Over Any Network

Metropolitan area networking pioneer Riverstone Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:RSTN) today expanded its comprehensive multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) portfolio with the introduction of an MPLS packet over SONET/SDH (POS) solution. The recognized leader in metro MPLS over Gigabit Ethernet with more than 5,000 ports shipped, Riverstone now brings the benefits of its advanced MPLS technology to SONET/SDH, enabling metro-to-metro VPN services over any network.

"Service provider networks are an amalgam of ATM, SONET/SDH, and Ethernet," said Ed Chang, vice president of product marketing and management at Riverstone. "To maximize their infrastructure investments and increase revenue, providers need technology that works over their entire network to deliver the services their customers demand. Working in concert with its MPLS Draft Martini implementation, Riverstone's MPLS POS solution enables service providers to extend VPN services from legacy to next-generation networks, delivering a continuous VPN solution over any network."

According to a February 2002 report from Infonetics Research, 44 percent of polled enterprises requested VPN services. Fifty-eight percent expect to have VPN services by 2004. With the wide variety of network infrastructures currently deployed in the metropolitan area network, VPN services must extend beyond the LAN with support of ATM, Ethernet, and SONET/SDH networks. Riverstone's MPLS POS technology is the final piece of this VPN-services-over-any-network puzzle.

"Riverstone took the early lead in metro MPLS deployments last year, outpacing its closest competitors," said Mark Bieberich, senior analyst at Yankee Group. "Now, by bridging the gap between SONET and Ethernet with its MPLS over SONET solution, Riverstone is clearly showing why it is the metro leader. Its MPLS suite supplies providers with the technology they need to offer new services over their current networks."

About Riverstone Networks

Riverstone Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:RSTN) provides solutions for metropolitan area networks, enabling carriers to convert raw bandwidth into profitable services. In more than 50 countries, carriers operating the world's largest metropolitan area networks depend on Riverstone to create and reliably deliver profitable services over legacy and next-generation infrastructures. Worldwide, Riverstone routers are the trusted choice of telecommunications carriers. For more information, please visit Riverstone's web site at www.riverstonenet.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include the risks detailed from time to time in Riverstone Networks' SEC reports, including its final prospectus dated March 3, 2001. Riverstone Networks disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements.

Riverstone Networks is a trademark of Riverstone Networks, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, and trade names belong to their respective owners.