Agilent Technologies RouterTester Validates MPLS Scalability at Multi-Vendor Interoperability Event

PARIS, MPLS World Congress, Feb. 5, 2003

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced that it will join 13 equipment developers, including Alcatel, Avici Systems, Cisco Systems and Nortel Networks, in the first public scalability test designed to demonstrate the ability of multi-vendor MPLS VPN technology and equipment to meet the requirements of extremely large service provider networks.

The Agilent RouterTester will be used in the event to simulate network topologies, create and transmit realistic test traffic and validate that MPLS-based network equipment interoperates properly under a wide variety of real-world traffic and network conditions.

Agilent will participate in tests related to MPLS IP VPNs (based on RFC 2547bis), which allow operators to cost-effectively provide value-added Layer 3 services over IP networks, and MPLS Layer 2 VPNs (based on the Martini draft), which provide native Ethernet, ATM or Frame Relay point-to-point links over an MPLS/ IP core network, enabling carriers to deliver Layer 2 VPN services across a cost-effective IP/MPLS-based common backbone.

The interoperability test will be conducted by the MPLS Forum, an international industry organization furthering worldwide deployment of multi-vendor MPLS networks, applications and services; and by EANTC, an internationally recognized test lab providing test services for manufacturers, service providers and enterprises. The test is being conducted with the cooperation of the ETSI Interoperability Service.

"This event is one more important step in demonstrating the suitability of MPLS as a key element in the architecture of future service provider networks and services," said Bill Wood, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Advanced Networks Division. "RouterTester has been a key tool for many leading developers of MPLS equipment, and we're pleased to participate with our customers and these presenting organizations in showcasing MPLS scalability."

To qualify for the event, Agilent successfully demonstrated MPLS technology, applications and service capabilities during a preliminary test event at the EANTC labs in Berlin in January. The test methodology as well as key findings from the test event will be made available to attendees.

About RouterTester

RouterTester is the industry's only test solution capable of simulating an environment that accurately reflects the potential scale, complexity and volatility of today's IP networks and services. RouterTester offers Ethernet, POS and ATM test interfaces ranging from 10/100 Ethernet through 10 GbE (LAN and WAN Phy) and OC-192c/STM-64c Packet Over SONET/SDH. Agilent RouterTester can be used to emulate a variety of traffic encapsulations including IPv4, IPv6, MPLS and PPP; a complete spectrum of unicast and multicast routing stacks including BGP-4, OSPF and IS-IS; and MPLS signaling protocols, including RSVP-TE and LDP/CR-LDP. Further product and technical information is available at www.agilent.com/comms/RouterTester.

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