29 October 2003 Chelmsford, MA Lightwave -- Sycamore Networks Inc. has successfully demonstrated Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) multi-vendor interoperability in Isocore's IP/Optical Integration demonstration--held in conjunction with the MPLS 2003 International Conference--at the Isocore Internetworking Lab in McLean, VA.

The IP/Optical demonstration, which follows multiple weeks of testing, will showcase multi-vendor, multi-layer interoperability with IP/MPLS-based services running over a GMPLS-enabled intelligent optical network. The demonstration features an optical control plane using GMPLS signaling and routing protocols and includes Sycamore's SN 16000 Intelligent Optical Switch as well as equipment from Layer 2/Layer 3 networking vendors and other optical layer equipment.

"By unifying network operations between the IP and optical layers, GMPLS provides the means for service providers to reduce operations costs and improve network efficiencies," explains Naoaki Yamanaka, Ph.D., of NTT Network Innovation Laboratories. "Validating the inter-working of IP/MPLS and GMPLS is an important step in the evolution toward more flexible next-generation optical networks."

"GMPLS automates the service delivery process and facilitates multi-vendor inter-working, enabling service providers to increase network functionality and lower operational costs," adds Dr. Bijan Jabbari of Isocore. "This demonstration is part of Isocore's phased IP/Optical integration testing, driven by specific operational requirements in which carriers have shown interest."