ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Nortel Networks(NYSE:NT)(TSE:NT.) today introduced its next generation opticalnetwork solution, integrating best-in-class 40/80 Gbps building blocksto redefine network economics and deliver the lowest cost per managedbit in the industry. Nortel Networks, the global Optical Internet market leader, willshowcase this solution at Optical Fiber Conference 2001 in Anaheim,Calif. this week. Building on the worldwide success of its 10 Gbps opticalnetworking equipment, Nortel Networks next generation optical solutionwill be capable of delivering massive bandwidth that is reliable,flexible and affordable. It will be able to simultaneously carry overa single fiber pair more than 5,000 Gigabit Ethernet connections, orone million DVD movies streamed in real time over the Internet.

Nortel Networks next generation optical solution includes:
-- Nortel Networks OPTera Long Haul 5000 Optical Line System, the industry's first integrated 40 and 80 Gbps platform.
-- Nortel Networks OPTera Connect HDX, the first optical switch to support 40 Gbps services.
-- Nortel Networks MEMS-based tunable laser for 40 Gbps platforms, now in systems trials.
-- Nortel Networks Smart Optical Network, an integrated, multi-layer software solution that enables dynamic delivery of new, revenue-generating optical services.

Nortel Networks OPTera Long Haul 5000 is a completely open DWDMplatform designed to support up to 160 wavelengths at 40 Gbps over anindustry-leading 1,000+ kilometers. This sets the bar in the industryfor optimization of both capacity and distance without regeneration,or "bandwidth reach." Bandwidth reach is a new metric -- representingoverall network economics and flexibility -- by which all futureoptical networking platforms will be measured. Initially, OPTera LongHaul 5000 will be optimized at 104 wavelengths at 40 Gbps over 1,200km for an industry-leading bandwidth reach of almost five million Gbpskm.

Nortel Networks OPTera Connect HDX is a multi-terabit opticalswitch that provides industry-leading scalability -- from 3.84 to 40terabits of switching capacity. As the industry's only optical switchthat supports both 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps interfaces, it plays a pivotalrole by delivering a smooth path from today's networks to disruptive,next generation capabilities.

"Nortel Networks has delivered cutting-edge, disruptivetechnologies that have fundamentally changed the networking industry,and we will absolutely continue to do so," said Greg Mumford,president, Optical Internet, Nortel Networks. "We will deliver acomplete network solution, based on best-in-class building blocks,that focuses on total network economics for delivery of unprecedentednew services."

http://www.nortelnetworks.com