Cisco scales down high-end routing system

Cisco's new CRS-1 routers achieve switching speeds of up to 320Gpbs

Cisco Systems has launched a four-slot version of its flagship Carrier Routing System 1 (CRS-1) router that targets telecoms providers. 

The networking giant has designed its new four-slot CRS-1 for hub locations shared by multiple service operators, as well as regional hubs and data centre peering sites.

Cisco's new units achieve switching speeds of up to 320Gbps. Cisco also offers eight-slot and 16-slot CRS-1 models with maximum speeds of 640Gbps and 1.2Tbps respectively.

The CRS-1 scales up to a maximum throughput of 92Tbps and offers 40Gbps internet connectivity.

It is designed to handle next-generation networking applications including video on demand, internet telephony, data networking and mobile services.

"Extending throughput and capacity that enables high-speed premium services like video and IPTV are service providers' primary objectives," said Tony Bates, general manager of Cisco's Service Provider Routing Technology Group.

"Cisco developed the four-slot CRS-1 in direct response to requests from our service provider customers which wanted to deploy the 40Gbps CRS-1 with a smaller form factor and less capital expenditure per deployment."

BT is standardising its next-generation network infrastructure on the CRS-1, and Cisco said that the operator has been testing the new four-slot models.

The four-slot CRS-1 will be available in November at a starting price of $160,000.