NEW YORK: Cisco Systems Inc launched a new edge router aimed at improving Web speeds as more consumers download movies online and access the Internet with mobile phones.

The network equipment maker, which forecasts Internet traffic to nearly double every two years through 2012, said the ASR 9000 edge router would provide six times the capacity of competing products from rivals like Juniper Networks Inc.

The launch comes amid a growing focus on edge routers, which are placed at the periphery of a service provider's network and closer to the actual user. In many cases it is the meeting point of wireless and wireline networks, and used by cable and phone companies to deliver Web access to mobile phones or IPTV (Internet protocol television) services.

The ASR 9000, with a starting price of $80,000, will come in six- and 10-slot versions, Cisco said. Several U.S. and European service providers are already testing the product.