Cisco uBR924 Enables Cable Operators to Deliver Quality Voice-over-IP Telephone Service To Telecommuters and Small Businesses
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- April 20, 1999 -- Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today introduced the Cisco uBR924 cable access router. The uBR924 is the first cable access device to integrate Data-over-Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 1.1-based technology, and allow cable operators to deliver quality Voice-over-IP (VoIP) telephone service. By integrating a DOCSIS 1.1-based cable modem with a Cisco router, the uBR924 cable access router is designed to deliver feature rich telephone and broadband data services to telecommuters, small office/home offices and small branch office customers.
The uBR924 cable access router resides in the end-user's premise and connects the customer's computer or local area network (LAN) to the cable network. The uBR924's integrated DOCSIS 1.1-based technology helps prioritize voice traffic ahead of data traffic, and ensures quality-of-service (QoS) over a shared cable infrastructure.
"The Cisco uBR924 is the first in a new breed of DOCSIS 1.1 standards-based cable devices which will have a profound impact on the telecommunications industry," said Paul Bosco, general manager of Cisco's Cable Product and Solutions Group. "The uBR924 cable access router will allow cable operators to provide IP telephone services to telecommuters and small businesses. It will also pave the road for consumer deployments of residential DOCSIS 1.1-based cable modems being developed by our partners."
"Delivering business-class IP data, voice and fax services to SOHO customers and telecommuters offers a high-margin, high-growth opportunity for cable operators," said Michael Harris, president of Kinetic Strategies, Inc., a leading broadband research firm. "With the uBR924, Cisco is first to market with a DOCSIS device specifically designed to meet the needs of this market segment."
"DOCSIS 1.1 plays a crucial role in enabling cable operators to offer IP-based voice services over our existing data networks that match the public phone network in terms of overall sound quality. The Cisco cable access router is particularly interesting because it's the first product that allows us to test early DOCSIS 1.1 technology. This development is important because we are seeking an effective way to extend our offerings to the sizeable yet currently under served SOHO and small business markets," said Jeff Turner, director of IP Telephony for MediaOne's Digital Telephone Services.
The uBR924 cable access router differentiates itself from consumer oriented cable modems by integrating a cable modem with a router. The integrated router uses Cisco IOS. software, and allows the uBR924 to deliver advanced networking applications such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), support for multi-protocol networks, firewall security, and the ability to easily and cost-effectively deploy local area networks (LANs) with up to 100 IP devices.
The uBR900 series of cable access routers is designed to allow business users to leverage the high-bandwidth, low-cost, IP-based data and voice services offered by cable operators. The uBR924 is the next-generation of Cisco's cable access routers. It builds on Cisco's industry-leading uBR904 DOCSIS 1.0-based cable access router introduced in September 1998. The uBR924 extends the capabilities of the uBR904 through the voice-enabling DOCSIS 1.1 design and the addition of two RJ-11 ports for connectivity with standard analog telephones and fax machines.
Pricing and Availability
The Cisco uBR924 cable access router will be available in May 1999 with pricing starting at $1,099.Cisco Systems
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