Redback steps up against Juniper, Cisco

Redback Networks on Monday unveiled souped-up Internet gear to compete against Juniper Networks and Cisco Systems. Redback designed its SmartEdge 800 router to handle Internet traffic from businesses within metropolitan areas with the intention of taking market share from Juniper's M-20 router and Cisco's 12410 and 10008. Redback's offering will help support business services like storage and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) as well as traffic routing.

The company also makes DSL (digital subscriber line) equipment, a market that has boomed in the past, but will probably grow less quickly, according to industry analysts. The business data market represents a strong growth opportunity for Redback and gear makers since ISPs (Internet service providers) look to constantly upgrade their networks with equipment as Internet traffic keeps steadily increasing.