Laurel Networks, Inc. announced its new "drop-in" IP Video Routing Solution ^TM designed to meet the needs of DSL access providers who want to offer video services. Based on Laurel's ST200 ^TM broadband services router, the new offering enables highly-reliable broadcast IPTV and Video on Demand services alongside high-speed Internet and voice services. Laurel's drop-in IP Video Routing Solution not only enables instant delivery of video over existing ATM-based DSL aggregation networks, it supports subscriber management and gigabit Ethernet port density to allow transition to higher-speed, Ethernet-based DSL network architectures.

"With local voice services under increasing competitive pressure, ILECs and PTTs are seeking a way to boost average revenue per user on their IP broadband networks through on-demand IP multimedia services. Our drop-in IP Video Routing Solution lets carriers break through the cost, capacity, and reliability barriers of introducing video on legacy B-RAS platforms," said Steve Vogelsang, vice president of marketing.

As the foundation for the new IP Video Routing Solution, Laurel's ST200 router provides the high scalability needed to reliably meet the bandwidth demands of delivering video services. Laurel has enhanced this platform with a new Ethernet-optimized network processing blade that can deliver 10 gigabits per second of wire-speed performance and a complementary high-density 10-port gigabit Ethernet physical interface card. As DSL access networks transition from ATM to IP, Laurel's gigabit Ethernet port density will allow direct connectivity to new Ethernet-based DSLAMs as well as provide high-speed connectivity to the IP backbone. For service providers who want to consolidate their networks immediately, the Laurel router's B-RAS capabilities allow it to be deployed as a combined video router/Internet service platform.

The Laurel IP Video Routing Solution also features the latest release of Laurel's ShadeTree ^TM system software, which includes support for automated discovery, authentication, and network configuration of Ethernet home media devices such as IPTV set-top boxes. These enhanced subscriber management features are designed to simplify video delivery to the home. They also allow service providers to easily migrate Internet subscribers and other services onto a converged broadband services router.

Product trials are scheduled in 2Q with general availability scheduled for 3Q 2005.