Alcatel demonstrates multi-vendor interoperability of its Carrier Ethernet portfolio for latest MEF specifications

Paris, September 26, 2006 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced its premium Ethernet product portfolio has demonstrated multi-vendor interoperability for Carrier Ethernet service delivery. The European Advanced Networking Test Center (EANTC) used the Alcatel 1850 Transport Service Switch (TSS), the 7750 Service Router (SR) and the 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM) to test multiple applications and determined that they delivered Carrier Ethernet services that were supported according to the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) specifications.

Sixteen vendors supplying multiple platforms participated in the demo, proving the interoperability of MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum) defined UNI layer 2 services (E-Line, E-LAN). MPLS technology was used to provide the transport of these MEF UNI services using a combination of Virtual Private Wire Services (VPWS), Virtual Private Line Services (VPLS) and Hierarchical-Virtual Private Line Services (H-VPLS) to carry the layer two services over an MPLS enabled Access, Edge and Core network. This addresses service provider demands for a converged multi-vendor backbone that maintains the stability of the protocols, independent of the service delivered, and that handles traffic prioritization and versatile bandwidth definition for guaranteed service delivery with particular emphasis on the MEF defined layer 2 services.

The Alcatel 1850 TSS, used for the demonstration, implemented pre-standard ring protection mechanisms, based on Transport MPLS (T-MPLS), which extend packet transport networks’ resilience capabilities with scalability, quality of service and operational simplicity in widely used ring topologies. The Alcatel 7750 SR platforms provided the MPLS core, edge and aggregation for the network allowing the MEF UNI services to be delivered end to end with the required quality of service and network and service resilience. The Alcatel 5620 SAM was used to speed service provisioning, for example building the VPLS L2 VPN (E-LAN multipoint to multipoint service used to carry an IPTV service) and also generated a multi-vendor network map through SNMP information from other vendors.

EANTC is showcasing the results of the hot-staging event, carried out earlier this month, at the second Carrier Ethernet World Congress in Madrid, September 25-29. Alcatel speakers at the conference include Massimo Leo, Product Marketing Director, who will present “Transport MPLS (T-MPLS) - bringing cost-effective end-to-end capability to Ethernet networks and services” and will participate in the vendor panel “Evolving Carrier Ethernet to meet operators’ Next-Generation Networks requirements” on September 26. Phil Tilley, Vice President European Marketing, will chair the conference day on September 27. Alcatel also led the session “Exploiting the advanced applications and services enabled by Carrier Ethernet and the all IP network” in the framework of the MEF pre-conference technical briefing on September 25.

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. http://www.eantc.com/

About The Metro Ethernet Forum:
The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) is a global industry alliance comprising more than 80 organizations including telecommunications service providers, network equipment/software manufacturers, semiconductors vendors and testing organizations. The MEF’s mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of Carrier-class Ethernet networks and services. The MEF develops Carrier Ethernet technical specifications and implementation agreements to promote interoperability and deployment of Carrier Ethernet worldwide. For more information about the Forum, including a complete listing of all current MEF members, please visit the MEF web site at www.MetroEthernetForum.org

About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 13.1 billion and 58,000 employees in 2005, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com

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Régine Coqueran

Corporate Media Relations

Alcatel

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