SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Calient Networks, a leading global provider of intelligent photonic switching systems, announced today that Chunghwa Telecommunications, the national PTT of Taiwan, has completed its lab trial and is now moving to field trial with three Calient DiamondWave(TM) PXC photonic switches in a GMPLS-enabled mesh network. This effort moves forward the carrier's migration to a next-generation nationwide optical network, to lower the cost of transporting IP traffic and other services.The DiamondWave PXC was selected in competitive bidding for Chunghwa's multi-phase network trial, based on its ability to transparently switch both 2.5 and 10 Gbps traffic at the lowest cost per port. In addition, the Calient DiamondWave PXC has by far the lowest power consumption and highest port density. Such efficiency, along with network-wide provisioning software, greatly reduces a carrier's operating expense over alternative OEO (optical-electrical-optical) switches.Chunghwa chose Calient because the company has three years of experience with development, implementation and multi-vendor interoperability of the Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) protocol suite. Calient's product suite uniquely matches Chunghwa's provisioning and network management requirements. Finally, the documented reliability of the switching platform in NEBS III certification and fault-free operation in category nine earthquake testing proved very compelling for Chunghwa's nationwide facilities."Chunghwa Telecom has taken a more active role in the deployment of high-performance networks," notes Yankee Group Asian Convergence Market Analyst Agatha Poon. "They are moving forward strategically in building advanced multiservice IP infrastructures, and are a perfect example of how entrenched incumbents in Asia are positioning to reap the benefits of next-generation optical networks, including cost savings and rapid service delivery."Calient Networks Inc.Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd.