Isocore Successfully Completes Interoperability Testing of Next Generation Internet Services at its Spring 2007 Leading Edge Code Testing

Business Wire, May 22, 2007

Isocore tests the Ethernet OAM, carrier Ethernet and IPv6 across the same MPLS transport infrastructure.

RESTON, Va. -- Isocore, the technology validation leader in next generation Internet and wireless networking, services and applications, today announced the successful completion of its Spring 2007 Leading Edge Code Testing. The results of the testing will be presented at iPOP 2007 to be held June 7-8 at NTT R&D Center in Tokyo, Japan.

The recently concluded leading edge code testing focused primarily on testing the features which would help carriers to extend their MPLS enabled networks to transport carrier Ethernet services connecting Metro Ethernet islands supporting IPv6 or IPv4 users. Special attention was given to the IEEE based 802.3ah EFM to verify the Ethernet layer OAM (operational and maintenance) and Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD). The testing also included evaluating the interoperability of implementations supporting multi-segment Pseudo-wires (MS-PW) that extend beyond one packet switched network or domain or one PSN tunnel. This technology is currently being standardized by IETF. Additionally, the interoperability of BGP-based discovery mechanisms for discovering provider edge devices supporting Virtual Private LAN services (VPLS) across the same MPLS infrastructure with multicast subscribers via multicast VPNs. Isocore also continued testing MPLS to GMPLS migration strategies enabling the transport of advanced IP/MPLS services across IP-Optical transport network.

"Carriers are always pressured to provide new services cost effectively, while achieving reliability and interoperability. It is exciting to see metro Ethernet islands and IPv6 can be supported over common MPLS infrastructure in a multi-vendor environment," said Dr. Otani of KDDI R&D Laboratories, Inc. "Isocore's leadership in validating and addressing interoperability issues for technologies like carrier Ethernet, Ethernet OAM and 6PE, and in particular testing all these services in parallel over a common infrastructure resembling a real-world scenario paves the way to carrier's deployment of these novel technologies to provide more attractive services."

Vendors participating in the Isocore testing included Agilent (NYSE:A), Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), Ciena, (NASDAQ: CIEN), Foundry Networks (NASDAQ: FDRY), IXIA (NASDAQ: XXIA), IP Infusion (independently operated subsidiary of ACCESS Co., Ltd.), Juniper Networks (NASDAQ: JNPR), Redback Networks (an Ericsson company (NASDAQ: ERIC)) and on-site participation and support by KDDI R&D Laboratories, Inc. and NTT.

About Isocore

Isocore provides technology validation, certification and product evaluation services in emerging and next generation Internet and wireless technologies. Isocore is leading validation and interoperability of novel technologies including Carrier Ethernet, IPv6, IP Optical Integration, wireless backhauling and Layer 2/3 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and currently focuses on IPTV service deployment architecture validation and design. Major router and switch vendors, Service Providers, and test equipment suppliers participate in Isocore activities. Isocore has major offices in the USA (the Washington DC area), Europe (Paris, France) and Asia (Tokyo, Japan).