Cisco Delivers Industry's Most Comprehensive IPv6 Solution

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 14, 2001 - Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announces availability of IPv6 in Cisco IOS. Software across the widest breadth of platforms in the industry. Built on an extensive beta program of several hundred customers, Cisco is delivering the industry's most widely tested and deployed IPv6 router solution. And for the first time, Cisco is providing customer support for IPv6 through Cisco's Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and a full suite of training courses.

The Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), as specified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), most notably offers expanded IP addresses to accommodate the (1) proliferation of Internet devices such as personal computers, personal digital assistants, wireless devices, and new Internet appliances; (2) expansion of the Internet throughout the world; (3) increasing use of "always on" Internet access; and (4) requirements of emerging Internet applications. IPv6 also provides integrated auto-configuration for plug-and play capabilities, enhanced mobility and end-to-end security.

"While many vendors have been focused on delivering the 'wireless Internet' or the 'optical Internet,' Cisco has been working on integrating these and other technologies into the current Internet," says Stephen Deering, Cisco Fellow and lead designer of the protocol. "By building IPv6 into Cisco IOS software, we are enabling continued growth of the Internet and its expansion into new applications and capabilities in a way that maintains compatibility with existing Internet services. Furthermore, Cisco is the only major networking vendor to deliver IPv6 across multiple platforms, thus ensuring that our customers and partners can deploy IPv6 when and where required."

"IPv6 is a key solution for accelerating the arrival of the broadband era," says Ken Kutaragi, chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "PlayStation2 has become the world's most prevailing home entertainment platform. When all PlayStation2 systems at home are connected to the network, and peer-to-peer communication and entertainment become common, a huge number of global IP addresses will become necessary. It is very meaningful for the industry that Cisco is delivering IPv6 today."

Today, IPv6 appeals to early adopter customers in the wireless, gaming and home networking industries; the National Research Networks around the globe; and military and government bodies in the United States and abroad. Mobile, Greenfield and regional Internet service providers worldwide are investigating IPv6. As market requirements mature and adoption continues to grow, Cisco plans to deliver additional standards-compliant IPv6 features and solutions across multiple platforms. Through Cisco IOS software, Cisco will deliver the broadest and most advanced IPv6 routing capabilities.

Availability

Cisco's IPv6 solution will be available by the end of May 2001 in Cisco IOS Software release 12.2(1)T. Platforms to be supported at this time include: Cisco 800 Series Routers; Cisco 1400 Series Routers; Cisco 1600 Series Routers; Cisco 1700 Series Routers; Cisco 2500 Series Routers; Cisco 2600 Series Routers; Cisco 3600 Series Routers; Cisco 4500 and 4700 Series Routers; Cisco AS5300 and AS5400 Universal Access Servers; Cisco 7100, 7200 and 7500 Series Routers. Early adopter customers are currently in IPv6 trials with the Cisco 7600 and 12000 Series Internet Routers. Full support for these platforms will be available later this calendar year with future releases of Cisco IOS software. Customers interested in testing or deploying Cisco's IPv6 solution should contact their local sales office. Additional information can be found at www.cisco.com/ipv6.