Intelligent control plane offers many capabilities and benefits that can lower costs dramatically, improve network reliability and increase customer satisfaction. CoreDirector–by virtue of its field–proven hardware and software –is the industry’s most advanced multiservice optical switch, positioning Ciena as the leader in optical control plane technology. Ciena’s instrumental participation in standards–development for optical control plane technologies ensures the continued improvement of network cost structures, helping to sustain higher service margins. These technologies are demonstrable today on the CoreDirector, a key component of FlexSelect Architecture. As a result of its leadership in intelligent switching technologies, Ciena’s CoreDirector systems have been deployed in over 25 service provider networks around the world, with proven financial benefits.