BUSINESS WIRE

March 25, 2002; McLean, Virginia

Isocore today announced the completion of new leading-edge code testing for Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) at its Internetworking Lab. The tests focused on demonstrating vendor interoperability for Layer 2 MPLS VPNs based on Internet Draft-Martini to efficiently provision networks using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which are key to carriers' development of next-generation Internet Protocol (IP) services. Previously, the Internetworking Lab of Isocore had hosted vendor interoperability for Layer 3 MPLS VPNs based on IETF's RFC 2547.

The results of the testing were presented on March 25 at a meeting held at Isocore in the industry's first forum in which vendors and service providers collaborated to show full Layer 2 MPLS VPN support. The Internetworking Lab's service provider sponsors presented their own technical requirements for MPLS implementation to the Technical Advisory Committee representatives. The practical results of this dialogue will be incorporated into the next round of testing at Internetworking Lab.

"Leading edge code testing at the Internetworking Lab of Isocore provides an opportunity to test the interoperability of new MPLS features among vendors," says Dr. Bijan Jabbari, of Isocore, "There is a continued commitment by suppliers to provide leading-edge MPLS-based solutions to the service providers and enable them to offer advanced networking services such as VPNs."

The MPLS testing for Layer 2 VPN support used devices from Agilent Technologies (A), Avici Systems (AVCI) , Cisco Systems (CSCO) , Ericsson (ERICY) , Extreme Networks (EXTR) , NetTest, Ixia (XXIA) , Lucent (LU) , Marconi (MONI) , Spirent (SPM) , and Unisphere Networks.

The purpose of Isocore's Internetworking Lab is to help advance Internetworking and promote new technologies through validation. For more information about the Isocore's Internetworking Lab visit the web site at http://www.isocore.com.

Contact: Vincent Dean; (703) 556-4939 or vdean@isocore.com