Laurel Networks says NEBS level 3 certification validates the ST200 Service Edge Router's capabilities. The router is designed to assist in the provision of ATM, frame relay, Ethernet, Internet access, and VPNs.

by Wayne Kawamoto [September 26, 2002]

Laurel Networks, a provider of service edge routers, announced that its flagship ST200 Service Edge Router has passed NEBS Level 3 certification. According to the company, NEBS Level 3 certification is the highest level of compliance within the telecommunications industry per Regional Bell Operating Company (RBOC) and Telcordia guidelines, and a critical requirement for carrier-class central office equipment deployment.

Laurel's flagship ST200 Service Edge Router offers features that should allow it to deliver IP services that include: high-capacity routing and switching; bandwidth management functionality; and high-density, multi-service ports. The company says that its ST200 was designed to create profitable data services at the edge of an IP/MPLS backbone network.

With a distributed, edge-optimized architecture that combines Internet class routing, full port-by-port multi-service capabilities, and a service management infrastructure, the ST200 is designed to deliver solid performance, scalability, and flexibility to support current and future service provider requirements.

The commercially deployed ST200 achieved NEBS Level 3 certification after months of testing by National Technical Systems (NTS), certified as a Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory (NRTL) per OSHA. NEBS Level 3 compliance is designed to verify that the ST200 can withstand severe environmental events such as earthquake, fire and extreme temperatures.

"Laurel's ST200 service edge routers and service management software enable ISPs to turn IP-only data infrastructures into multi-service architectures with minimal capital investment at the edge of their existing IP/MPLS core," said Steve Vogelsang, vice president of marketing, Laurel Networks. "By combining carrier-class routing, data switching, advanced QoS, and high availability, the ST200 allows ISPs to evolve their service portfolio to meet changing market requirements. For example, ISPs can now offer a range of data services such as ATM, Frame Relay, Ethernet, Internet access, and VPNs from the flexible ST200 platform."

"Achievement of stringent NEBS Level 3 certification validates the carrier-class performance built into the ST200 from the beginning," said Vogelsang. "NEBS certification accelerates our deployment into carrier networks at a time when service providers of all types are looking to evolve to more efficient, multi-service networks."

"NEBS Level 3 is a critical requirement in many carrier networks, and achieving certification requires a commitment to carrier class performance, safety and reliability," said William C. McGinnis, president and COO of NTS. "We are pleased to add Laurel to the select group of service provider vendors who have achieved this milestone."

Pricing and availability
The ST200 is generally available. Pricing varies upon configuration and was not provided for publication.

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