Isocore Successfully Completes Interoperability Testing of Key Technologies easing Inter-Provider connectivity

Business Wire, May 22, 2008

Isocore launches the PCE test program through the successful completion of its Spring leading edge code testing focusing on inter-domain path computation, Inter-Provider MPLS enabled IPv6 VPNs, Provider Backbone Bridging and Ethernet OAM.

RESTON, Va. -- Isocore, the technology validation leader in next generation Internet and wireless networking and services, today announced the successful completion of its Spring 2008 Leading Edge Code Testing. The key findings and results of the testing will be presented at Isocore Pavilion at iPOP 2008 to be held on June 5-6 at NTT in Tokyo, Japan.

The recently concluded leading edge code testing provided a perfect platform for Isocore to launch, and perform the first ever interoperability and interworking of multiple implementations supporting Path Computation Element (PCE) and Path Computation Client interworking (PCC). The PCE technology being standardized by IETF simplifies the complex path computation across multiple Internet Service Provider networks. During the initial tests the PCE application was restricted to multiple area MPLS networks. The success of the first ever PCE/PCC interworking is attributed to the effort of the team comprising of engineers from vendor, service providers, and Isocore.

In addition to PCE/PCC interworking, the testing focused on features that are critical to successful deployment of Carrier Ethernet across MPLS networks. Scenarios of Virtual Private LAN Services (VPLS) and IEEE 802.1ah Provider Backbone Bridging (PBB) interworking were tested to validate the operation of native Ethernet based VPLS services with PBB. Also, IEEE 802.1ag Ethernet connectivity fault management (CFM) across multiple provider domains. Special attention was given to interoperability testing of MPLS based Layer 3 VPNs supporting IPv6 subscribers (6VPE). Additionally, Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) Mediation defined by the IETF for Ethernet to ATM/FR service interworking and point-to-multipoint traffic engineering for supporting multicast applications was also tested during the event.

"Path Computation Element (PCE) enables service providers to make traffic engineering for inter-domain networks with various complicated constraints." said Takeshi Akaike, Executive Manager, NTT Network Service Systems Laboratories. "It is encouraging to see that Isocore is addressing inter-provider connectivity issues through the recently concluded testing and with the launch of Path Computation program."

Vendors participating in the Isocore testing included Agilent (NYSE:A), Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), Foundry Networks (NASDAQ: FDRY), IXIA (NASDAQ: XXIA), Juniper Networks (NASDAQ: JNPR), NEC (NQB:NIPNY), Mu Security, Redback Networks (an Ericsson company (NASDAQ: ERIC)) and on-site participation and support by 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).