VIA FAX AND FED EX

June 12, 2001

Mr. Joseph R. Chinnici

Chief Financial Officer

CIENA Corporation

1201 Winterson Road

Linthicum, MD 21090-2205

Dear Mr. Chinnici:

I am a principal in the investment management firm of Redfield, Blonsky & Co., LLC. We had emailed your office with several question on May 18, 2001. We are still awaiting a reply. Ms. Polk (who continues to be courteous, polite and professional), has explained how busy you all have been. I understand the demands of the economy and the difficult schedules you all must have. Nevertheless, I would like answers to the following questions:

1. Please explain the allowance for doubtful accounts. I would think that on 267 million in receivables, that some type of provision would be set up. Is GTS still being carried as a receivable? If so, how much was written off?

2. Please explain the other assets section of the balance. Will this be expensed at some point? Are these prepaid costs? I understand this is an unaudited statement, but, was the determination of other assets bounced by the auditors? Was this addressed by the audit committee prior to the Q2=01 10Q issuance? What is the expected life of this asset? Is there a chance of impairment in the future? Understand that you discussed this in your conference call and referred to is as Aspare parts.@ I would just like more detail.

3. What would the GAAP net loss be for the quarter and year-to-date be if Stock Options were considered as an expense item as opposed to an equity item?

4. What companies are the primary competitors of the Cyras K2 Metro product? My understanding is Redback and Cisco. Would you please comment on what products are the competitors.

5. Please explain or refer me to the section of the 10Q where the Equity section of the balance sheet discusses Deferred Compensation (95.7 million) and Notes Receivable from Stockholders (7.8 million). If it is not the 10Q, would you please clarify this?

6. Would you discuss your treatment of costs for warranties? Are these in the prepaid section? If so, how much is that amount?

7. When you recognize revenue, is there any contractual language where the possibility exists that your customer can return merchandise, which in turn would cause a charge to earnings or previously recorded revenue?

8. Do you have any projections for additional shares issued on a quarterly basis? We are basically looking to project dilution and how it would affect the market capitalization of CIENA.

I look forward to hearing from your office regarding these questions. Perhaps we could set up a time to speak if that is a preference for you.

Lastly, I admire your company and operations a great deal. I have studied your company for some time now and your execution, business manner and often conservative guidance has been one of consistency and textbook professionalism.