Feb 4 (Reuters) - Juniper Networks ( JNPR ) topped

analysts' estimates for preliminary fourth-quarter revenue and

profit on Tuesday, helped by steady demand for its networking

gear amid the artificial intelligence boom.

The Sunnyvale, California-based company provides technology

that is used to optimize data traffic across large-scale

networks such as those used by cloud and internet service

providers.

Cloud computing firms have been investing billions to

optimize their data center infrastructure, aiding demand for

networking solutions offered by companies such as Juniper.

For the fourth quarter, the company expects to report

revenue of $1.4 billion, compared with the average analyst

estimate of $1.39 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

On an adjusted basis, it expects to earn 64 cents per share,

compared with 61 cents a year earlier and estimates of 58 cents.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice sued to block

Hewlett Packard Enterprise's ( HPE ) $14 billion deal to acquire

Juniper, arguing that it would stifle competition.

The server maker said last year it would buy Juniper in an

all-cash deal as it looks to spruce up its AI offerings.