LONDON and LINTHICUM, Md. -- Ciena® Corporation(Nasdaq: CIEN), the network specialist, today announced an expansion of its role in the networking strategy of Teléfonos de México S.A. de C.V. (TELMEX)(NYSE: TMX), Mexico's largest telecommunications service provider. Ciena's CoreDirector® multiservice switching system has been selected for deployment across the TELMEX nationwide long-distance network.

Since 2002, Ciena's CoreDirector systems have been deployed in TELMEX's Mexico City network, one of the largest metropolitan area networks in the world. With this expansion, CoreDirector is now helping TELMEX's metro and long-distance networks by enabling a single, automated nationwide infrastructure.

"In our Mexico City network, Ciena's application-focused solution surpassed our expectations in its ability to prevent potential network failures, expedite service delivery and streamline overall operations," said Jaime Chico Pardo, chief executive officer at TELMEX.

CoreDirector's role in TELMEX's Mexico City metro network has also been expanded with the deployment of the platform's new Gigabit Ethernet Line Module to support native Ethernet connectivity. For Ciena, the new module is part of a growing set of data solutions on its CoreDirector platform that enables service providers to improve the quality and availability of data services aggregation and transport.

"During the last two years, Ciena and TELMEX have formed a strategic relationship around a shared network vision and the highest standards of excellence designed to enhance the service offerings throughout Mexico City," said Gary B. Smith, Ciena's president and CEO. "We are pleased to further expand our relationship with TELMEX as it demonstrates the versatility of our CoreDirector platform, and we look forward to continuing the success we've begun together."

Ciena Corp.

Teléfonos de México