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CIENA Provides Enron Communications With DWDM Equipment in
New Nationwide Network Build; Enron, CIENA and Cisco Create
First High-Speed, IP-Only Backbone Network
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 1998
LINTHICUM, Md.--BUSINESS WIRE----CIENA Corporation
(Nasdaq: CIEN) today announced that Enron Communications, Inc.
(NYSE:ENE) has chosen CIENA's Multiwave¨ Sentry 4000 dense
wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) equipment for immediate
deployment in Enron's new Pure Internet Protocolsm(IP) backbone
network. CIENA already has shipped equipment for Enron
Communications' Portland-to-Los Angeles fiber route valued at
approximately $23 million.
"By directly connecting to our Cisco 12000 GSRs, CIENA's equipment
made it possible for Enron Communications to create a network
architecture that is elegantly simple yet hugely powerful with tremendous
bandwidth capacity. No SONET, no ATM, and no Frame Relay
components - just pure IP over DWDM fiber," said Stan Hanks, vice
president of research and technology, Enron Communications, Inc. "As
compared to previously deployed data-centric architectures, this
approach eliminates intermediate protocols, simplifies the architecture,
lowers costs, increases reliability and reduces errors, ultimately
differentiating Enron Communications and enabling us to offer our
customers better service."
"This kind of deployment validates our conception of the New Network
Architecture," said Scott Clavenna, senior analyst, Pioneer Consulting,
"which combines the technological benefits of DWDM with cost
efficiencies of IP to create a flexible, scalable broadband network."
"Enron Communications is the first carrier to truly create an
IP-to-the-glass via DWDM architecture on a network-wide basis and is
poised to reap the rewards," said Patrick Nettles, CIENA's president and
chief executive officer. "This deployment illustrates that CIENA's
DirectConnect technology can be integral in creating a simplified network
with massive capacity. Continued deployment of CIENA's MultiWave¨
DWDM systems will make it possible for Enron Communications' to
keep pace with burgeoning traffic demands, offer its customers fast,
reliable Internet backbone service, and hold down the cost of bandwidth."
In its present configuration, Enron Communications Pure IPsm network will
transport data at speeds of 2.4 Gbps (OC48) on each DWDM channel.
Enron Communications' will deploy this backbone through use of CIENA
MultiWave¨ Sentry's DirectConnect functionality in conjunction with
deployment of Cisco Systems 12000 series Gigabit Switch Routers
(GSRs). The Cisco 12000 will interface directly into CIENA's DWDM
system interfaces at 2.4 Gbps, without the need for additional
intermediate network elements such as SONET terminal multiplexers.
Note to Investors
Forward-looking statements in this release, including those implying
network-wide deployment of CIENA DWDM equipment, are based on
information available to the Company as of the date hereof. The
Company's actual results could differ materially from those stated or
implied by such forward-looking statements, due to risks and
uncertainties associated with the Company's business, which include
the risk factors disclosed in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
September 14, 1998.
About Ciena
Based in Linthicum, Maryland, CIENA Corporation is a worldwide market
leader of open architecture, dense wavelength division multiplexing
(DWDM) systems for long-distance and local exchange carriers.
CIENA's DWDM solutions include the MultiWave¨ 1600 long-haul
transport system, WaveWatcher¨ network management software, the
MultiWave Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer, the MultiWave SentryTM
enhanced long-distance transport system and the new MultiWave¨
Firefly and MultiWave MetroTM short-haul systems. Through its Alta
subsidiary, based in Norcross, GA, CIENA provides a range of
engineering, furnishing and installation (EF&I;) services for
telecommunications service providers in the areas of transport, switching
and wireless communications.
Additional information about CIENA can be found on its World Wide
Website: http://www.ciena.com.
About Enron
Enron Communications is building long-haul fiber-optic networks on
strategic routes throughout the United States in an effort to create a
data-centric national fiber optic backbone. Enron Communications will
focus on the wholesale bandwidth needs of the telecommunications
service providers. Enron Corp is one of the world's leading integrated
natural gas and electricity companies. The company, which owns
approximately $28 billion in assets, produces electricity and natural gas,
develops, constructs and operates energy and water facilities worldwide
and delivers physical commodities and risk management and financial
services to customers around the world. Enron's internet address is
http://www.enron.com, the stock is traded under the ticker symbol,
"ENE."
For additional information please contact:
CIENA Corporation
Press Contacts: Denny Bilter
800/921-1144
email: dbilter@ciena.com
Enron Communications, Inc.
Tracy Smith
503/703-7034
email: tracy_smith@enron.net
CIENA Corporation
Investor Contact: Suzanne DuLong
888/243-6223
email: ir@CIENA.com
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