Plano, Texas – September 05, 2026 -- Ribbon Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: RBBN) has expanded its critical infrastructure portfolio with two new routers, the NPT 1022M and NPT 2104, targeting utilities that must modernize grid communications without disrupting live operations.
New routers add capacity while preserving legacy operational technology support
The NPT 1022M and NPT 2104 build on Ribbon's existing NPT 1012D and NPT 2714 platforms, adding support for 100GbE and 400GbE interfaces alongside legacy 64 kbit/s PCM circuit emulation. The combination lets utilities run TDM-based teleprotection and SCADA systems on the same network as IP-MPLS and segment routing traffic, avoiding a hard cutover from decades-old infrastructure.
Security features include quantum-safe encryption and IEC 61850 compliance
The routers ship with built-in quantum-safe security and MACsec, plus IEC 61850 compliance and IEEE 1613 class B certification, addressing utility-sector cybersecurity mandates. Class D timing capability provides frequency and time synchronization required for grid-wide coordination.
Automation platform Muse adds AI-enabled network management
Ribbon's Muse multilayer automation platform (MAP) is bundled with the new hardware to simplify deployment and operations through AI-enabled tools. The portfolio also integrates Ribbon's IP rNOS routing software and optical networking stack, including fully integrated IPoDWDM, to support deterministic packet transport via MPLS-TP and SR-TE.
"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. He added that the innovations give utilities a foundation for shifting from TDM to IP-MPLS and segment routing architectures while maintaining operational continuity.
Ribbon states its technology is deployed across hundreds of thousands of network elements globally, supporting some of the industry's most complex critical infrastructure networks.