INDUSTRY

FAIRFAX, VA -- The Advanced Internet Lab at George Mason University today announced the completion of new leading-edge code testing for Multi-Protocol Label Switching. The tests focused on demonstrating vendor interoperability for RFC 2547 and the MPLS Label Distribution Protocol to efficiently provision Virtual Private Networks, which are key to carriers' development of next-generation Internet Protocol services. The results of the testing were presented at George Mason University in the industry's first forum in which vendors and service providers collaborated to show full VPN support. AIL's large number of service provider sponsors presented their own technical requirements for MPLS implementation to AIL's Technical Advisory Committee representatives. The practical results of this dialogue will be incorporated into the next round of testing at AIL, scheduled to begin in February 2002. "MPLS LDP functionality will have enormous implications for service creation and awareness of core and edge routing platforms," says Bijan Jabbari, founding director of the laboratory and a professor at George Mason University. "These tests demonstrate the continued and genuine commitment by suppliers to provide leading-edge VPN solutions to the marketplace and enable service providers to deliver advanced services over their next-generation IP-based networks." The LDP testing for VPN support used MPLS-enabled devices from Agilent Technologies, Alcatel, Avici Systems, Cisco Systems, Ericsson, Nortel Networks and Unisphere Networks. George Mason University's Advanced Internet Lab conducts research on high-performance, large-bandwidth, Internet core networks. In addition to the initial support provided by UUNET, a WorldCom company, the lab is supported by France Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, Concert, Cable & Wireless and NTT as service providers; Alcatel, Avici Systems, Cisco Systems, Ericsson, Foundry Networks, Juniper Networks, Marconi Communications, Nortel Networks, Ocular Networks, Hyperchip and Unisphere Networks as networking equipment suppliers; and Agilent Technologies, Spirent Communications (Adtech and Netcom Systems) and Ixia Communications as test equipment suppliers. For more information visit the web site at http://www.ail.gmu.edu.