NETWORKS

SAN JOSE, CA -- Cisco Systems, Inc., (Nasdaq:CSCO) today announced several universities around the world are deploying 10 Gigabit Ethernet solutions to help enable e-learning programs. Curtin University of Technology in Australia, Kyoto University in Japan, and Arkansas State University in the United States have all deployed Cisco's solutions because of the scalability, performance and intelligent network services required to enable innovative new E-learning programs and tools. "Ethernet is the most widely deployed networking technology in the world and when we started using Cisco's 10 Gigabit Ethernet in November 2001, we found we could quickly and cost-effectively scale our existing Internet Protocol infrastructure for greater performance, security and flexibility -- even when deploying rich media like video over Internet Protocol," said Andrew MacDonald, manager of Network Services at Curtin University of Technology. "Consequently, students and staff are able to share teaching resources online and view lectures via video to communicate more efficiently between facilities." Curtin University of Technology is also evaluating 10 Gigabit Ethernet as part of the university's strategy to move to Internet Protocol (IP)-based storage area networking (SAN). "The upgraded infrastructure will also allow us to use SANs more efficiently," MacDonald added. In October 2001, Kyoto University began connecting its Yoshida and Uji campuses using 10 Gigabit Ethernet over Metro distances to provide the high speed connectivity necessary to enable E-learning tools for students and faculty to effectively use online science and study tools across campuses. "To support E-learning tools like streaming video, we needed the ability to support high-bandwidth connections over the extended distances between our campuses," explained Dr. Hiroki Takakura, associate professor of the Data Processing Center at Kyoto University. "The Catalyst 6500 10 Gigabit Ethernet modules provide the scalable architecture necessary to cost-effectively manage and deliver such bandwidth-intensive traffic," continued Dr. Takakura. "The modules will also help me achieve better network response time, yet at the same time keep my network management responsibilities simple since network management for the Catalyst 6500 10 Gigabit Ethernet modules is supported by the same CiscoWorks 2000 management suite for the rest of Cisco's Gigabit Ethernet equipment." "E-learning tools supplement the classroom experience and complement our mission to create a broad educational foundation for higher learning," said Greg Williamson, associate director of Information and Technology Services at Arkansas State University. "Cisco's 10 Gigabit Ethernet modules fit our unique requirements in a cost-effective manner while giving us the technology platform necessary to quickly introduce and manage new tools and capabilities that can supplement the learning experience of our students." Since last year, Cisco has been shipping 10 Gigabit Ethernet modules based on the current IEEE 802.3ae draft. As the leader in Gigabit Ethernet, Cisco is uniquely positioned to provide both Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet as well as the corresponding critical network services, such as availability, security, and manageability. "System-to-system connectivity has become more and more important as organizations around the globe are increasingly aware of the advantages high-speed, intelligent network access can provide," explained Lele Nardin, vice president and general manager of Cisco's Internet Systems Business Unit. "Since Cisco has long been regarded as the leader in Ethernet network access, it comes as no surprise that when organizations determine they need to scale to the multigigabit performance necessary to create a rich media environment, they are turning to Cisco and our 10 Gigabit Ethernet solutions." Building upon the award winning Catalyst(R) 6500 architecture, the Catalyst 6500 Series 10GBASE-LR 10 Gigabit Ethernet Module and Catalyst 6500 Series 10GBASE-EX4 Metro 10 Gigabit Ethernet Module extend Ethernet technology from the local area network to the metropolitan area network, providing customers with increased bandwidth, increased network reach and lower cost of ownership while protecting existing investments in their fiber infrastructure and in the Catalyst 6500 platform. By supporting high-bandwidth connections with rich set of services, the Catalyst 6500 10 Gigabit Ethernet modules enable customers to implement new applications such as server-less buildings, data center remote mirroring, disaster recovery, E-learning, imaging/3D modeling, as well as high bandwidth inter-POP connections. For more information visit www.cisco.com/go/10GigabitEthernet.