Ribbon Bolsters Its Market-Leading Critical Infrastructure Portfolio

New generation of routers delivers expanded routing, automation, security and synchronization capabilities

Ribbon (RBBN) Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: RBBN), a global leader in real-time communications technology, IP routing, and optical networking solutions,  announced the expansion of its critical infrastructure portfolio. The portfolio is designed to help utilities modernize increasingly complex operational networks while maintaining the reliability, security and deterministic performance required for essential services. Ribbon’s experience spans hundreds of thousands of deployed network elements across the world, supporting some of the industry's most complex networks.

Utilities face growing pressure to modernize the grid, integrate distributed energy resources, improve reliability and strengthen cybersecurity. Meeting these requirements demands communications networks that support both legacy operational technologies and next-generation digital applications. Ribbon’s market-leading critical infrastructure portfolio enables utilities to evolve confidently and at their own pace while preserving operational continuity and protecting mission-critical services.

"Utilities must modernize their networks, strengthen cyber resilience and support new digital grid initiatives without disrupting core operations," said Sam Bucci, EVP and COO at Ribbon. "Our expanded portfolio enables them to bridge legacy and next-generation requirements on a single, modern platform."

The new NPT 1022M and NPT 2104 build on the proven capabilities of existing platforms including the NPT 1012D and NPT 2714. Combined with Ribbon’s IP rNOS routing software, optical networking portfolio and Muse multilayer automation platform (MAP), these technologies further strengthen Ribbon’s ability to support the converged IT/OT communications networks that underpin modern utility operations.

Designed to address the demanding requirements of utility network modernization, Ribbon’s solutions support teleprotection, SCADA, operational voice, always-on OT operations, deterministic packet transport (MPLS-TP, SR-TE), scalable IP/MPLS networking and class D timing for precise frequency and time synchronization across the grid.

These capabilities enable utilities to introduce advanced monitoring, automation, video, distributed energy resource management and smart grid analytics while modernizing their communications infrastructure without compromising operational continuity.

Ribbon’s robust features include:

• Muse, which delivers critical infrastructure-focused automation and AI-enabled capabilities that simplify deployment, operations and management.
• Advanced circuit emulation legacy for 64 kbit/s PCM services alongside advanced 100GbE and 400GbE interfaces.
• Built-in quantum-safe security and MACsec.
• IEC 61850 compliance and IEEE 1613 class B certification.
• Fully integrated IPoDWDM.

“These innovations provide a strong foundation for utilities transitioning from TDM to IP-MPLS and segment routing architectures while preserving the reliability and performance essential to their operations,” Mr. Bucci added. “They enable utilities to support both legacy and modern services on a common architecture while maintaining operational continuity.”