Juniper Networks creates networking equipment such as switches and routers used primarily by businesses and Internet Service Providers to route IP data such as emails, videos, files, and other digital communication. For example, an email you send to a distant friend travels through various switches and routers made by companies like Juniper, Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent, and Huawei along the path to its destination.
Edge Routers, along with Core Routers and Enterprise Routers, are used by Internet Service Providers to route data traffic from network to network.
The switches market is almost 50% bigger than the corresponding router market. However, we do not believe Juniper will attain a majority share in this space due to Cisco's entrenched position in the switching market. Of the various kinds of switches, bottom layer switches are the most prevalent types of switches found within networks.
In addition to networking hardware, Juniper provides maintenance and support services to its customers to help them fix problems that occur with networking equipment. Juniper's network service revenues and profits depend on the installed base of Juniper switch and router equipment in use.
Juniper also provides its customers with security solutions that help protect networks from outside attacks. Network security equipment includes products such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and firewalls. Juniper faces competition from the likes of Cisco, CheckPoint, and IBM.