CIENA MultiWave Sentry Introduced.

LINTHICUM, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 1997--

Newest Product Improves Performance And Simplifies Network

CIENA Corp. (NASDAQ:CIEN), today introduced the CIENA MultiWave Sentry (TM) line, a next generation dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) transport system which improves performance and simplifies the public network. The MultiWave Sentry is a next generation DWDM system that allows carriers to transport a mix of traffic types on each of 16 OC-48 or STM-16 channels over a single fiber.

"We believe the MultiWave Sentry product line will dramatically improve the ability of carriers to deploy manageable networks," said Pat Nettles, president and CEO for CIENA Corporation. "For the first time, carriers will be able to mix SONET, ATM, and Fast IP traffic on a common optical layer which provides a higher performance than the traditional SONET/SDH - based networks. The value of this solution is attractive because it can significantly reduce the cost of building and operating a network as well as eliminating some of the complexity that exists."

The MultiWave Sentry system incorporates long-reach receivers to insure transmission integrity, and employs standard short reach SONET interfaces to eliminate the need for costly long reach optics in terminal equipment such as SONET ADMs, digital cross-connects and ATM/IP switches. At the same time, it also reduces network costs by completely eliminating the need for expensive SONET regenerators which are commonly used in the network today.

MultiWave Sentry system also includes an enhanced TMN-based network management system, comprised of both new error rate monitoring and a comprehensive Element Management System. This robust EMS enables the carrier to quantify the performance of the optical transport network and isolate any problems that may occur. The benefits to the carrier include reduction of costs in operating the network as well as improving the performance resulting in better service for their customers.

CIENA Corporation will be conducting a demonstration of the MultiWave Sentry on June 3-5 1997, at SUPERCOMM '97, a communications equipment trade show held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. CIENA's booth number is 3235, in Hall "E".

CIENA Corporation is a worldwide market leader in the field deployment of open architecture DWDM systems for long distance telecommunications carriers. CIENA's family of DWDM solutions include the MultiWave 1600, WaveWatcher, MultiWave Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer and the new MultiWave Sentry. These systems enable carriers to exploit fiber bandwidth, improve network reliability and enhance the ability of network operators to offer new broadband services. CIENA is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol "CIEN". Additional information on the Company can be found on its World Wide Web site: http://www.CIENA.com.

NOTE: Forward-looking statements in this release are based on information available to the company as of the date hereof. The company's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements, due to risks and uncertainties associated with the company's dependence on its major customers, the recent introduction of its products, and the overall management of its expansion. The forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of these and other risk factors disclosed in the company's report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 19, 1997, as supplemented by the discussion of risk considerations in the company's Quarterly Report on form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 1997.

CONTACT: CIENA Corporation

Denny Bilter

410/865-8500

or

Hill & Knowlton

Glenn Jasper

212/885-0486