Fujitsu and Cisco Introduce New High-Performance Routers for IP Next-Generation Networks; Strategic Alliance Leads to Enhanced Routing Portfolio

Business Wire, May 25, 2006

SAN JOSE, Calif. & TOKYO -- Fujitsu Limited (TOKYO:6702) and Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) today announced the release of the co-branded "Fujitsu and Cisco XR12400" series (four models) of high-performance routers specifically designed for the needs of the Japanese market. These are the latest products to be delivered through the strategic alliance between the two companies announced in December 2004. Like the "Fujitsu and Cisco CRS-1" Carrier Routing System, which was introduced in May 2005, the new series runs on the next-generation Cisco IOS XR operating system. Offering highly secure virtualization, continuous system operation and multi-service scalability, the Fujitsu and Cisco XR 12400 series provides intelligent routing solutions that scale from 2.5 to 10 Gbps capacity per slot, helping to enable construction of next-generation IP/multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)(1) networks.

In addition, the companies announced that the Fujitsu and Cisco CRS-1 will be made available with multi-shelf capability, enabling carriers to scale networks in response to anticipated increases in traffic volumes.

The enhanced product lineup will enable the companies to provide routing system solutions ideally suited to meet the particular needs of telecommunications carrier customers in Japan.

Highlights

1. Introduction of the new Fujitsu and Cisco XR12400 series

As with the Fujitsu and Cisco CRS-1, the new Fujitsu and Cisco XR12400 series runs on the next-generation Cisco IOS XR operating system, delivering high performance, reliability, flexibility and scalability. The four models that comprise the new series cover a range of switching capacities, from 80 Gbps to 320 Gbps, and each slot has a capacity of up to 10 Gbps. Future models in the Fujitsu and Cisco XR12000 series will have per-slot capacities in the tens of Gbps.

2. Addition of multi-shelf capability for the Fujitsu and Cisco CRS-1

The addition of multi-shelf capability enables switching capacity of 2.5 Tbps. In the future, Fujitsu and Cisco CRS-1 will be able to accommodate 2 to 72 line-card shelves and 1 to 8 fabric shelves, with a total switching capacity of up to 92 Tbps.

3. Functional enhancement of Cisco IOS XR operating system

Both the new Fujitsu and Cisco XR12400 (all four models) and the Fujitsu and Cisco CRS-1 come loaded with the latest version of the Cisco IOS XR operating system, which supports generalized multiprotocol label switching (GMPLS)(2) functionality and secure domain router (SDR)(3) functionality for high scalability.

Fujitsu and Cisco worked together on developing this version of the Cisco IOS XR with a special focus on meeting the demanding reliability standards of Japanese telecommunications carriers. The newly released version also includes traffic-analysis functions essential for delivering service-level agreement (SLA)(4) guarantees and other features that respond to the requirements of Japanese telecommunications carriers.

Initiatives by Fujitsu and Cisco to Support IP Next-Generation Networks

In addition to their joint marketing activities in Japan, Fujitsu and Cisco continue to strengthen their collaborative activities to improve quality control and rapid emergency response in order to provide the solutions that customers expect.

Taking advantage of its leading-edge technology, expertise and resources, Fujitsu is cultivating staff to provide top-level services to support the Fujitsu and Cisco co-branded offerings. To date, over 60 people within the Fujitsu Group have earned the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)(5) certification. Fujitsu is committed to supporting the telecommunications industry through its advanced technological capability and solid services.

Notes

1. MPLS: multiprotocol label switching

A high-speed and secure packet transmission technology for large-scale IP networks. MPLS realizes high-speed transmission and network security by adding labels controlling destination addresses to IP packets.

2. GMPLS: generalized multiprotocol label switching

A technology that extends MPLS onto all layers of the network: TDM (Time Division Multiplexing), switching (SONET/SDH), wavelength switching (Lambda), and physical port switching (Fiber). Basic MPLS provides a control mechanism using fixed-length labels onto IP packets. GMPLS extends these labels to address the optical layer, enabling both data and optical signals to be transmitted over multiple layers, increasing data capacity and integrating network control.

3. SDR: secure domain router

Secure domain routers (SDRs) provide a means of partitioning a router into multiple, independent routers. Secure domain routers, although partitioned within a router, have dedicated resources providing a high degree of availability. Each SDR partition is achieved through use of dedicated route processors and line cards.

4. SLA: service-level agreement

An agreement between a telecommunications carrier and a customer over the quality of service to be provided and standards to be met.

5. CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert