Press Release

Redback's SmartEdge Routers get Carrier Ethernet Certification

Metro Ethernet Forum Certification May Open Up a $4 Billion Market for Redback

San Jose, CA, JULY 17, 2007 – Redback Networks, an Ericsson company that makes video-centric routers for 75 percent of the world’s largest triple-play networks, today announced it has completed a series of independent carrier Ethernet tests that are expected to accelerate its IPTV deployments worldwide.

The SmartEdge® 400 and 800 multi-service edge routers have been certified by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF).  The MEF tests open up a $4+ billion carrier Ethernet market for Redback, which is expected to be heavily focused on IPTV and other triple-play service deployments (Source: Infonetics).  The MEF tests measured network vendor interoperability as well as subscriber and service management.  

The tests also focused on how well SmartEdge routers can manage IPTV and other types of video traffic.  Redback routers help manage IPTV and broadband video downloads for some of the largest carriers in the world, including Belgacom (Belgium), China Telecom, China Netcom, Chunghwa Telecom (Taiwan), KT (Korea), KPN (Netherlands), among others.  Being able to deliver ‘video-like-voice’ is one of the key capabilities of the SmartEdge platform, which uses a modular operating system and programmable processors to provide 99.999% reliability for delivering any mix of data, voice and video services.  

“If you are going to upgrade your network for video today, a carrier Ethernet infrastructure is one of the best choices available for carriers,” said Arpit Joshipura, vice president of marketing, standards and solutions for Redback Networks.  “Carrier Ethernet is ideal for video-centric, triple-play networks.  It is also a very flexible infrastructure for advanced business services such as VPNs, virtual routing and video conferencing.  These MEF tests reinforce the value of Redback’s multi-service routing platform.”  

The Carrier Ethernet Certification Program run by the MEF demonstrates interoperability among vendors as well as quality of service for different types of data, voice and video services managed by network router vendors.  Redback was awarded MEF 9 certification for business services over Ethernet and MEF 14 certification for service management.

The SmartEdge router platform is the only multi-access, multi-service edge router platform that uses a single network box to deliver any combination of data, voice, and video services across both wireline and wireless networks.  The integrated SmartEdge design completely eliminates the need for single service routers from other network routing companies.  SmartEdge routing technology is also at the center of Ericsson’s efforts to connect wired and wireless networks, using a ‘full service broadband’ architecture.   

Top wire-line carriers deploying SmartEdge include AT&T, British Telecom, China Telecom, China Netcom, Chunghwa Telecom (Taiwan), eAccess (Japan), France Telecom, Korea Telecom, Telefonica, and Turk Telecom, among the more than 200 carriers worldwide.

About The Metro Ethernet Forum
The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) is a global industry alliance comprising of more than 80 organizations including telecommunications service providers, network equipment/software manufacturers, semiconductors vendors and testing organizations. The MEF's mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of Carrier-class Ethernet networks and services. The MEF develops Carrier Ethernet technical specifications and implementation agreements to promote interoperability and deployment of Carrier Ethernet worldwide. For more information about the Forum, including a complete listing of all current MEF members, please visit the MEF web site at www.MetroEthernetForum.org.

About Redback Networks
An Ericsson company since January 2007 (NASDAQ: ERIC), Redback Networks helps manage triple-play services for 63 million subscribers and 15 of the top 20 telephone carriers worldwide.  Redback’s multi-service routing platform delivers next generation broadband services such as VoIP, IPTV, On-Demand Video, and on-line gaming.  Redback Networks has more than 500 carrier customers worldwide and is based in San Jose, CA.  For more information, visit www.redback.com.

Doug Wills (Media & Analysts)
Redback Networks
408-750-5038
dwills@redback.com

About Ericsson
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.
Read more at http://www.ericsson.com

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