Cisco triples routing capacity with CRS-3 launch

Cisco unveiled its next-generation routing platform for operators, the Cisco CRS-3 Carrier Routing System. The Cisco CRS-3 triples the capacity of its predecessor, the Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System, to up to 322 Tbps. According to the company, the system offers 12 times the traffic capacity of the nearest competing system. Designed to support the ever-increasing amount of video and data traffic on networks, the CRS-3 can handle core network and data centre services, including IPv6 and IP/MPLS. Existing Cisco CRS-1 customers can reuse the existing chassis, route processors, fans and power systems with the addition of new line cards and fabric when upgrading to the CRS-3. AT&T recently tested the Cisco CRS-3 in a a field trial of 100G backbone network technology, which took place in AT&T's live network between New Orleans and Miami, and other field trials are underway, Cisco said. Pricing for the routing system starts at USD 90,000.