Cisco Systems, Inc. this week unveiled its entry into the cable data market with the introduction of a modular broadband router and associated modem cards.
The Cisco uBR 7246 Universal Broadband Router is an integrated router and cable modem shelf for cable operators offering user access to the Internet. The uBR 7246 complies with the Multimedia Cable Network System (MCNS) standard for compatibility across cable data equipment from multiple vendors.
Based on the Cisco 7200 router, the Cisco uBR 7246 provides more than 600M bit/sec of bandwidth and switching performance of 100,000 packet/sec, Cisco said. The uBR 7246 contains four slots for modem cards and two slots for LAN interface cards.
The router supports Cisco IOS software services for streaming video, security, virtual private networks, quality of service (QoS) and service application via NetFlow switching. It also supports Cisco's Hot Standby Router Protocol for continuous connection.
Along with the uBR 7246, Cisco rolled out a new version of IOS last week that enables Internet and cable service providers to offer varying levels of service to subscribers. Version 11.1CC of IOS features two Internet QoS capabilities: committed access rate (CAR) and border gateway protocol (BGP) policy propagation.
These new features scale up to OC-3/STM-1 rates and enable premium customers to receive increased throughput, reduced delay and less packet loss during network congestion. They also allow service providers to offer IP subrate services at lower prices for customers who require only a portion of the bandwidth available.
BGP policy propagation uses BGP routing updates to propagate destination-based packet classification policies throughout a network. CAR allows network operators to allocate bandwidth commitments and limitations to customer traffic, and define policies for handling traffic that exceeds allocated bandwidth.
These capabilities enable ISPs to manage customer bandwidth based on the business needs and policies of the customer, Cisco said. As the customers needs change, the service provider can raise IP subrates to meet increased traffic demands without physically rearranging the network, the company said.
Pricing and availability of the Cisco uBR 7246 will be announced in first quarter 1998. Cisco will demonstrate the capabilities of the Cisco uBR 7246 at the Western Cableshow in Anaheim, Calif., on Dec. 10-12, 1997. Cisco IOS 11.1CC software will be available later this month.
