Ciena Demonstrates Multi-Vendor Interoperability of Layer 2 and Layer 3 MPLS-based VPNs; DN 7000 Series multiservice edge switches showcase MPLS and Ethernet capabilities at MPLS World Congress; Interoperability event organized by MFA Forum and EANTC.

PARIS -- Ciena(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:CIEN), the network specialist, today announced it is participating in a public, multi-vendor MPLS interoperability demonstration at the MPLS World Congress. Ciena's DN 7000(TM) series multiservice edge switches are demonstrating interoperability of several MPLS standards from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) implemented to deliver protected and quality of service (QoS)-enabled converged residential and business services. Organized by the European Advanced Network Test Center (EANTC) and endorsed by the MFA Forum, the demonstration includes 15 communications and test equipment vendors.

In the demonstration, Ciena's DN 7000 switches are responsible for delivering Layer 2 MPLS VPNs using pseudowire emulation edge-to-edge (PWE3) for Ethernet, ATM and TDM; as well as Layer 3 MPLS VPNs based on RFC 2547bis. In addition, Ciena is demonstrating Fast Reroute for MPLS-based network resiliency and guaranteed service delivery. Highlighted in the demonstration are the DN 7000 series' Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and the Multiservice Forwarding Module (MSFM), which enables any service on any port processing functionality - a key element of Ciena's FlexSelect(TM) Architecture.

Ciena's DN 7000 series products, which offer industry-leading 99.9999% reliability, are deployed in RBOC and other large wireline and wireless service provider networks worldwide in support of a diverse range of applications, including broadband aggregation (DSL and FTTx), business data services and 2G/3G mobile backhaul.

"MPLS and Ethernet solutions offered by the DN 7000 series products enable service providers to cost-effectively evolve their networks and capitalize on new services such as the triple play, MPLS-based VPNs and 3G wireless data," said Stephen Alexander, CTO of Ciena. "To make these network migrations a reality, however, wide-scale interoperability is critical. As this marks our third year in MPLS interoperability events, Ciena has an active role in the standards-based research, development and implementation of IP/MPLS technology to help our customers achieve their goals for network migration and convergence."

Ciena is a participant and contributing member in standards bodies and industry forums related to MPLS, including the IETF, the MFA Forum and the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF).

About Ciena's DN 7000 Series

Ciena's DN 7000 series multiservice edge switches offer a wide spectrum of cost-effective Ethernet and IP/MPLS service delivery from modern data-aware access networks to the traditional edge of the core. The products provide industry-leading pseudowire and virtual circuit scalability coupled with unmatched 99.9999% carrier class reliability. The DN 7000 series is a family of products, which includes three models that share common hardware and software, thereby decreasing sparing requirements and simplifying system operation and management.

ABOUT CIENA

Ciena Corporation is the network specialist, focused on expanding the possibilities for its customers' networks while reducing their cost of ownership. The company's systems, software and services target and cure specific network pain points so that telcos, cable operators, governments and enterprises can best exploit the new applications that are driving their businesses forward. For more information, visit www.ciena.com.

ABOUT MFA FORUM

The MFA Forum is an international, industry-wide, nonprofit association of service providers, equipment vendors and enterprise users. The focus of the Forum is to advance the deployment of multivendor, multiservice packet-based networks, associated applications, and interworking solutions for telecommunications and networking. The Forum is driving the convergence of ATM, Frame Relay and IP/MPLS technologies in the global telecom industry through interoperability initiatives, implementation agreements, and educational and marketing resources and programs. The Forum currently has more than 60 members. For Forum membership information please contact Alexa Morris, executive director, at [phone] or via e-mail at [e-mail]. Additional information about The MFA Forum is available online at http://www.mfaforum.org.

ABOUT EANTC

The European Advanced Networking Test Center (EANTC) offers vendor-neutral network test facilities for manufacturers, service providers, and enterprise customers. Primary business areas include interoperability, conformance, and performance testing for IP, MPLS, Carrier Ethernet, and Voice over IP-related network technologies and applications. EANTC provides network-related services including consulting and seminars for MPLS and other networking technologies. For more information about EANTC contact Carsten Rossenhovel, Managing Director, at +49.30.3180595-0 or via e-mail at [e-mail]. http://www.eantc.com/

NOTE TO CIENA INVESTORS

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof; and Ciena's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties associated with its business, which include the risk factors disclosed in its Report on Form 10-K, which Ciena filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 12, 2006. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Ciena's expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and can be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will," and "would" or similar words. Ciena assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.