GUANGZHOU, China -- Guangdong Telecom in cooperation with Photonic Bridges and ZTE, have announced a first in telecommunications networking in China; the successful interoperability testing of a new generation of MSTPs (Multi-Service Transport Platforms). This paves the way for expanded MSTP deployment in the Guangdong Telecom network and other networks across China. MSTPs are network equipment which enable a variety of voice and data services to be carried and managed over the large embedded base telephone network. This result opens the door to expanded services and capabilities for end users as well as easier multi-vendor network deployments.

The primary interoperability features of the new generation MSTPs that were tested are Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Virtual Concatenation (VCat), and SDH compatibility. Technically these tests show full VC-4-Vx and VC-12-Vx interworking including full GE and FE capacity. Additionally the tests have proven ATM traffic interworking with VP-Ring protection, VLAN interworking, as well as SDH SNCP interworking. Potential future interworking testing will include LCAS, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and MS-SPRING protection testing. These features substantially increase the cost-effectiveness of managing data traffic on the current network which enables Guangdong Telecom to offer a variety of new data-oriented end-user services with the reliability and performance customers have grown to expect from the voice network.

“This is the first time in China that multi-vendor MSTPs have been operated together. Our network development relies on our vendor’s adherence to industry standards and interoperability testing validates that point. Based on this success, GDTA is planning to further develop its interoperability standards for all potential vendors and will submit a recommendation and technical proposal to the China National Standards Body on this subject,” stated Dr. Xiaojun Xiao the project manager from Guangdong Telecom, who hosted the interoperability testing. “Network equipment interoperability is a key milestone in deploying new products in our network. After initial evaluation of Photonic Bridges and ZTE products, we found they had excellent performance. We then took the second step and have proven the products interoperate very well, giving us the confidence to begin a live-traffic deployment in the near future. We are pleased to work with Photonic Bridges and ZTE and congratulate them on working well together to achieve this necessary milestone.”

“SDH interoperability has been significantly advanced by the standards set for MSTPs. The Guangdong Telecom testing program has shown that by careful adherence to standards, improved interoperability can be achieved. Interoperability continues to be a major emphasis of our product design team,” said Dr. Gerald Wong, CEO of Photonic Bridges. “Photonic Bridges has one of the best R&D teams in the industry and we incorporate the latest technologies, such as GFP, VCat, and LCAS into our products. Working with our industry colleagues such as ZTE will get those advanced technologies, and their end-user benefits, into the marketplace more quickly.”

With interoperability testing progressing, Guangdong Telecom will build a live traffic network in the near future. The new generation of MSTPs products being developed will enable service providers such as Guangdong Telecom to offer a host of new data services as well as simpler multi-vendor network planning. This happens now because these improvements allow a substantial increase in the efficiency of carrying data over networks that were initially designed for voice traffic and improved SDH interoperability facilitates network planning and operations. Guangdong Telecom is leading the way in this network evolution and this technology and capability is expected to spread across China and other telephone networks throughout the world.

China Telecommunications Corp.

Photonic Bridges Inc.