Juniper Networks today announced that the Brazilian National Education and Research Network (RNP) is deploying Juniper Networks M-series routing platforms to upgrade RNP2, its national IP/MPLS backbone. Working with local systems integrator M13, RNP is deploying the M-series in its backbone network to increase the performance, reliability and security of the network. The M-series will also provide advanced capabilities -- such as IPv6 support and multicasting -- to improve efficiency and lower operational costs. "The new R&E network infrastructure delivers advanced services and applications to allow national and international communication and collaboration with efficiency and quality for more than 300 users," said Nelson Simoes, general manager at RNP. "Juniper Networks routing platforms are extensively proven in high performance networks and in our case, we expect to experience the best results in functionality, performance and security for our multiple gigabit network." RNP2 is an advanced network infrastructure for collaboration and communication in the fields of teaching and research, and provides connectivity to 329 Brazilian institutions in all 26 Brazilian states plus the national capital, Brasilia. The RNP network also serves as a test bed for the development of new applications and network services, such as videoconferencing. To assure its IP/MPLS backbone operates with industry-leading levels of performance and reliability, RNP will deploy Juniper Networks M-series routers, including the M40e and the M320, the industry's most scalable, secure, and reliable 10 Gbps-enabled Multiservice Edge Router. RNP will also use a range of best-in-class Juniper Networks security products that provide delivery, use and threat control -- including Juniper Networks IDP-100, Secure Access 1000, NetScreen-5GT Wireless, and NetScreen-50 -- to ensure the security and integrity of its network. "Juniper provides an ideal solution for research and education networks that require rapid, secure access to network-based information, need to drive down the total cost of infrastructure ownership and implement next-generation services," said Tim Lambie, vice president, Americas International of Juniper Networks. "We look forward to continuing our close working relationship with RNP and to see them achieve significant security, cost and performance benefits from this implementation."