SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Juniper Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: JNPR) together with NTT Communications, one of Japan's leading service providers, today announced that the Juniper Networks T640 core router successfully demonstrated Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS) signaling to dynamically establish a OC-768/STM-256 Layer 1 network path between NTT Communications' Makuhari and Othemachi Points of Presence (PoPs). The demonstration was held at ShowNet during Interop Tokyo 2006, June 7 to 9 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

GMPLS extends the efficient label switching mechanism of MPLS to the physical network layer, providing a control plane that allows networks to take advantage of an advanced infrastructure, including high-speed links such as OC768c, which is fastest optical link available today. Using GMPLS, routers can intelligently signal the optical layer, enabling providers to establish, change or tear down optical links in real time.

The Juniper Networks T640 platform was the only router in the trial that could perform the high speed connection via a logical router exchanging the IPv4 and IPv6 traffic with a master physical router controlling a Layer 1 path with GMPLS signaling. This technical combination provides an optimum balance between extremely high performance and fail-safe reliability.

'Our T-series router is again surpassing legacy constraints to deliver the high capacity today that will be required in the future,' said Masanori Osuga, vice president of Japan for Juniper Networks. 'When advanced IP services have fully matured in the market, service providers will need significantly higher levels of capacity to accommodate the enormous demand from enterprises and consumers, and we've proven again that Juniper is well positioned to support our customers' next-generation networks.'

Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE: JNPR)