October 31, 2001
Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSCO) today announces availability of new Mobile IP functionality called Cisco Mobile Networks in Cisco IOS(R) Software. Mobile IP, as specified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), enables an IP device to roam across networks and geographies while remaining constantly connected to the network or the Internet as if it is attached to its home location all the time using the same IP address. With the Cisco Mobile Networks functionality, a Cisco router along with its entire network of connected IP devices can now roam seamlessly across network boundaries and connection types. Cisco Mobile IP provides new revenue opportunities for wireless service providers, enabling them to expand service into such markets as emergency management services, telematics, railroads and shipping systems, and automobiles.
"With Cisco Mobile Networks, Cisco is accelerating the creation of an IP-based ubiquitous wireless Internet," says Joel Bion, vice president, Cisco IP Technologies Division. "Combined with Cisco's Wireless LAN and PSDN products, this new Mobile IP functionality provides a comprehensive, end-to-end IP mobility solution."
Cisco Mobile Networks is independent of the physical layer and operates transparently over cellular, satellite and other types of communications networks. A mobile LAN powered by Cisco Mobile Networks supports an "always on" connection to the Internet, enabling end users connected to the LAN to stay fully functional at all times during long periods of transit. For example, an airplane with a router running Cisco Mobile IP with the Cisco Mobile Networks functionality can fly around the world with all passengers continuously connected to the Internet. The passengers connect their laptops, personal digital assistants, or cell phones to the router on the airplane using traditional LAN technologies such as Ethernet or 802.11b. No special "mobility enabled" devices are required as the network is enabling the mobility.
"Cisco's Mobile Networks technology enables formation-flying crafts to correlate information and talk with each other, even as they move across different systems," explains William D. Ivancic, senior research engineer, NASA Glenn Research Center. "NASA Glenn is working to deploy Cisco's Mobile Networks on low-earth-orbiting research craft. For our work, the continuous connectivity is key. Additionally, Cisco's solution does not require special software, equipment or anything unique behind the router -- any device that runs IP will work. This provides unprecedented flexibility."
Availability
Cisco was the first major networking vendor to deliver Mobile IP, beginning with Cisco IOS Software Release 12.0 in 1998 and across the widest breadth of platforms in the industry. Cisco's Mobile Networks functionality is available now in Cisco IOS Software release 12.2(4)T. Customers interested in testing or deploying Cisco's Mobile IP solution with new Mobile Networks functionality should contact their local sales office. Additional information on Cisco's Mobile IP and wireless technologies can be found at www.cisco.com/go/mobile_ip/ and www.cisco.com/go/mobile_networks/.
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