Charter Converges On Cisco Routers

Charter Communications is deploying Cisco Systems' CRS-3 core routing platform and ASR 9000 aggregation routers as the cable operator eyes convergence of voice, video and data.

"The Cisco CRS-3 and Cisco ASR 9000 platforms are the foundations of the highly-reliable, scalable and agile network that Charters' customers rely on," Don Detampel, Charter's executive vice president of technology and president of commercial services, said in a statement. "As we continue our sharp focus on the greater convergence of video, Internet and phone, we are pleased with the network reliability these platforms deliver."

Cisco's ASR 9000 are Ethernet routers designed to provide high capacity at the "edge" of a network. The vendor claims the platform has enough capacity to deliver 96 Terabits per second, or enough bandwidth to download the equivalent of 180,000 DVDs per minute.

Cox Communications and Bright House Networks are among the service providers that have deployed the ASR 9000. Others include China Telecom, Tata Communications, Consolidated Communications, 3 Scandinavia in Denmark and Sweden, and Kabel Deutschland, the largest cable operator in Germany.

Last week, Cisco chairman and CEO John Chambers said the company grew CRS orders 65% and ASR 9000 orders 156% for the quarter ended July 30. Overall service provider revenue for the period increased 19% year over year and U.S. orders were up 15%.

Cisco gained market share in the carrier routing and switching in the second quarter of 2011, with 50.8% of the total market share for the period, according to ACG Research.