BEIJING -- Jiangsu Telecom today announced the launch of its next-generation intelligent optical transmission network, which was built by Lucent Technologies. This new network, which employ's Lucent's LambdaUnite® Multi-Service Switch (MSS), marks the first deployment of Automatic Switched Optical Network (ASON) technology in China and supports voice and data traffic in Jiangsu Province.

ASON is an advanced optical technology that, in effect, makes a network more flexible and "intelligent" than a traditional optical network. A distributed control plane in the ASON provides the optical network with the faster setup and release of connections and it can more quickly detect a problem and restore itself in the event of a failure. This helps carriers like Jiangsu Telecom reduce capital and operations expenditures and increase revenues, while at the same time offering even more reliable service.

Lucent is incorporating this technology in its LambdaUnite® MSS, enabling Jiangsu Telecom to quickly "turn up" its network as new network elements are added. It gives Jiangsu Telecom the ability to offer differentiated services with different levels of network performance and protection for improved operational efficiency and flexible choice of end-user services.

"Lucent offers a next-generation optical networking solution that focuses on intelligence and multi-service capabilities, while delivering the maximum investment protection in existing infrastructure. By partnering with Lucent, we are able to keep one step ahead in the migration towards next-generation networks," said Jiuming Sun, General Manager, Jiangsu Telecom.

Lucent also supplied the Navis® Optical Management System, as well as technical support from Lucent Worldwide Services (LWS) to Jiangsu Telecom. LWS provided installation and testing services, and on-site support. This network is the result of a contract announced in May, 2004.

Lucent Technologies Inc.