Press Releases
MCI WorldCom to Enhance Filtering Performance in High Speed Network
Second-generation Juniper Networks Internet Processor II ASIC Deployed
Mountain View, CA and Ashburn, VA - April 18, 2000 - Juniper Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:JNPR) and MCI WorldCom (Nasdaq: WCOM), today announced plans to deploy Juniper Networks new Internet Processor II ASIC in MCI WorldCom's UUNET U.S. network. The breakthrough ASIC, which is designed to deliver filtering services without adversely impacting performance, is available in the new M160 routers that UUNET is using for its nationwide OC-192c/STM-64 (10 gigabits per second) deployment. The initial circuits, deployed in March, run between Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC. The ASICs are also being considered for deployment in the Juniper Networks routers in MCI WorldCom's UUNET U.S. network.
"Previously, we had to pay a performance penalty when we turned on software filtering," said Mark Krause, director of network security at UUNET. "By implementing sophisticated packet filtering capabilities in hardware form, we are able to place filtering at the same priority level as forwarding packets, without compromising performance for our customers."
Managing one of the world's leading Internet networks is a time-intensive and on-going process. The ASIC will enable MCI WorldCom's valuable staff to manage their network and is designed to provide valuable insight into network trends and traffic patterns. Because the ASIC will run filtering services while still maintaining optimal router performance in MCI WorldCom's UUNET network, customers will reap the benefits of added filtering and superior network performance simultaneously.
The new capabilities of the Internet Processor II are enabled by JUNOS 4.0, the sixth release of Juniper Networks Internet software. In addition to packet filtering, the Internet Processor II provides sampling, counting, and load balancing.
"In internal tests, we really stressed the performance of the ASIC by configuring the router with complex filters on both the inbound and outbound interfaces and driving them with packets at line rate," said Mike O'Dell, senior vice president and chief scientist at UUNET. "The results were impressive and an improvement over existing tools."
About MCI WorldCom
MCI WorldCom (Nasdaq:WCOM) is a global leader in "all-distance" communications services with operations in more than 65 countries. Revenues in 1999 were $37 billion, with more than $12 billion from high-growth data, Internet and international services. MCI WorldCom and Sprint have announced a merger agreement, which the companies expect to close in the second half of 2000 after regulatory and shareholder approvals. For more information go to http://www.wcom.com.
About Juniper Networks, Inc.
Juniper Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of purpose-built systems that meet the scalability, performance, density, and compatibility requirements of rapidly evolving, optically enabled IP networks. The company's purpose-built systems provide new IP infrastructure solutions for the world's leading service providers. Juniper Networks service, manufacturing teams, and IP engineers work closely with customers to build and support customer networks. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California*. For more information, please contact the company at 408-745-2000 or visit the Web site at http://www.juniper.net.
Juniper Networks is a registered trademark of Juniper Networks, Inc. Internet Processor II, JUNOS, M20, M40, and M160 are trademarks of Juniper Networks. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks may be the property of their respective owners.
