SANTA CLARA, Calif. and TOKYO, Sept. 9, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Foundry Networks(r), Inc. (NasdaqGS:FDRY - News), a performance and total solutions leader for end-to-end switching and routing, announced that Kintetsu Cable Network (KCN), a cable television and broadband Internet service provider in Nara region of Japan and part of the worldwide Kintetsu Group, are using the BigIron(r) RX backbone switches to power their production network and deliver services to households and businesses throughout the area. KCN began constructing its Metro Ring using Foundry's(r) FastIron(r) Edge X Series and then launched a broadband service using fiber-optics throughout the metro area. The installation of BigIron RX backbone switches is designed to reinforce the existing Metro Ring in order to ensure optimal service quality and efficiently increase capacity.

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The 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) Metro Ring, comprised of the BigIron RX-4 and FastIron Edge X Series 424-HF switches, were installed as KCN's core network to link together the main connection points. Customer connection points are connected to the GbE Metro Ring, which in turn is linked to switches installed at main connection points. Currently, BigIron RX-4 switches, and FastIron Edge X Series switches are in operation.

``We selected Foundry to deliver our triple-play services because of their high-performance capabilities and extremely resilient Metro Ring Protocol technology,'' explains Masaru Arimoto, Communication System Section, Communication Technology Department, Technology Division for KCN. ``In the past, it was not unusual to have service downtime following unexpected technical difficulties where cable connections served a large area or service interruptions following maintenance work. However, Foundry products prevent such problems as they are equipped with MRP. Since the launch of our service, we have not had one incident where a service suspension occurred from cable disconnections.''

Another advantage is high performance is now achieved through scaling the hardware by using Foundry's advanced features and flexibility. The effective speed offered to end users reach up to 600Mbps. ``Depending on the type of functions and features used, other company's products could be considerably slower than 600Mbps, which is not the case with Foundry solution. We refused to compromise on the use of fiber-optic cables since many of our users demand fast network connections,'' continued Arimoto.

KCN is discussing the possibility of upgrading its Metro Loop to 10GbE as the number of its users rises. Foundry products enable a cost-effective scalability option in such cases, as all that needs to be done is to add another module to upgrade to 10GbE. Foundry products are evaluated not only in terms of their reliability and high speed, but also as an appropriate option from the perspective of future scalability.

``KCN's selection of Foundry switches for performance and reliability sensitive metro services demonstrates our proven capabilities in the service provider market,'' said Ahmed Abdelhalim, director of product management and marketing for Foundry's High-End and Service Providers Systems Business Unit. ``With reliability, performance and long-term scalability at the forefront of our mind, KCN's advanced infrastructure delivers residential and business users enhanced broadband services while also providing KCN a highly scalable, reliable and future-ready solution.''

About Kintetsu Cable Network (KCN)

Kintetsu Cable Network (KCN) is a CATV provider established in 1984. The company is a cable television and internet connection service provider within Hirano, Nara prefecture. KCN contributes to creating a rich and comfortable living environment as a ``Key station responding to the information needs of regional communities''. The company began its internet connection service at a speed of 1Gbps utilizing foundry products in April 2006. KCN provides a high-speed, stable communication environment focused on fibre-optic broadband connections. For more information refer to the company website http://www.kcn.jp.

About Foundry Networks

Foundry Networks, Inc. (NasdaqGS:FDRY - News) is a leading provider of high-performance enterprise and service provider switching, routing, security and Web traffic management solutions, including Layer 2/3 LAN switches, Layer 3 Backbone switches, Layer 4-7 application switches, wireless LAN and access points, metro and core routers. Foundry's customers include the world's premier ISPs, metro service providers, and enterprises, including e-commerce sites, universities, entertainment, health and wellness, government, financial and manufacturing companies. For more information about the company and its products, call 1.888.TURBOLAN or visit http://www.foundrynet.com.

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