Arcadian Networks Names CEO, Targets Wireless Monitoring for Energy Sector

Arcadian Networks, a privately held wireless telecommunications carrier, appointed Ed Solar as its new CEO. Mr. Solar, who joined the company in November 2007 as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, replaces co-founder Gil Perez, who will remain with the company as Chairman of the Board. Prior to joining Arcadian Networks, Solar served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Cellnet Technology Inc., which was acquired in early 2007 by Bayard Inc. for $705 million.


Arcadian Networks offers IP-based, wireless broadband field automation services for the energy sector in rural America. Arcadian Networks said its business model is focused on the imperative for US electric, gas, oil, and coal energy producers to augment, update, and replace legacy communication systems with state of-the-art broadband, IP-based wireless communications systems and services to enable 'smart' initiatives (smart grid, smart field, etc.). http://www.arcadiannetworks.com

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Tellabs Names Robert W. Pullen as CEO

Tellabs has appointed Robert W. Pullen

as its new CEO, replacing Krish A. Prabhu, who announced his resignation last November.


Pullen, 45, began his career at Tellabs in 1985 as an electrical engineer. He has held a series of increasingly responsible positions in engineering, sales, marketing and services. Prior to being named CEO, Pullen was vice president and general manager of global services. From 2002 to 2005, he was senior vice president of North American sales. Previously, he served as senior vice president of optical networking.http://www.tellabs.com

• Krish Prabhu was appointed president and CEO of Tellabs in March 2004. Michael J. Birck, a company founder, served as CEO of Tellabs for 27 of its 29 year history. Birck continues to serve as chairman of the board. Prabhu previously served as chief operating officer of Alcatel Telecom and CEO of Alcatel USA.

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Ikanos Enables Multi-mode VDSL2/ADSL2+ Residential Gateways

Ikanos Communications introduced a single-chip Integrated Front End (IFE) that enables a new class of residential gateway capable of VDLS2 performance while simultaneously meeting DSL Forum's stringent ADSL2+ and ADSL performance specifications (TR-100 and TR-067 respectively). This multi-mode gateway capability simplifies the equipment purchasing requirements for service providers who are currently delivering ADSL or ADSL2+ and planning a future upgrade to VDSL2. Stocking a single multi-mode VDSL2/ADSL2+ RG potentially reduces the carrier's CAPEX and recurring operating expenses by moving to a "deploy once" CPE strategy.


The new Ikanos FXS60IF1 single-chip Integrated Front End (IFE) integrates the xDSL line driver, while reducing the external components and power consumption compared to existing solutions in the market.


It can be used in conjunction with a residential gateway processor, such as the Ikanos Fusiv Vx180, for full a multi-mode triple play residential gateway. The new IFE device also employs Ikanos' physical layer technology, such as high levels of impulse noise protection, Rapid Rate Adaptation (RRA), on-chip quality of service (QoS) and wire-speed network processor performance. http://www.ikanos.com

• In October 2007, Ikanos Communications introduced a Rapid Rate Adaptation (RRA) technology designed to minimize noise-induced service interruptions over DSL connections. Noise over a broadband line due to sudden power surges or other sources can potentially cause dropped connections and interruptions of service. For IPTV viewers, even a momentary drop in the connection leads to retraining of the broadband line and a subsequent re-establishment of the IP connection -- a process than can take half of a minute. In the mean time, the TV program that is being watched and any VoIP sessions underway, are suddenly dropped. RRA minimizes such link drops by rapidly and dynamically adapting data rates to accommodate the additional noise without dropping the connection, thus improving service availability and the user experience.

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Ixia's iSimCity Targets City-scale Triple Play Testing

Ixia opened "iSimCity," a proof-of-concept (PoC) lab capable of conducting city-scale testing of high performance, converged multi-play networks.


The new facility in Santa Clara, California, allows customers to access thousands of test ports and aggregate traffic in the range of 10-100 Gbps, emulate hundreds of thousands of subscribers/users and generate millions of routes with thousands of routing peers. They also can conduct system testing by emulating dozens of infrastructure servers, including load balancers, denial of service defenders, switches, routers, video servers, SIP proxies, and DNS and DHCP servers.


The iSimCity lab provides the ability to emulate fully-loaded IPTV networks with 100's of thousands of concurrent users. QoS and QoE can be measured for each service delivered, while running various "what-if" scenarios. The facility has already been used to test a 384-port Gigabit Ethernet switch from Force10 Networks.


In addition to the latest Ixia test boxes, modules and applications at iSimCity, Ixia will provide expert test methodologies and consulting services.


Ixia said network equipment manufacturers, service providers and enterprises often request proof-of-concept demonstrations, at scale, before they will commit to purchasing test applications and equipment. Both test hardware and software must function with the devices tested.


"Our goal is to provide carrier grade scale with real-world network emulation that will provide quick proof to our customers that Ixia's test solutions are essential in getting their products and services to market more quickly," said Atul Bhatnagar, Ixia president and COO.


http://www.ixiacom.com

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JDSU Introduces Agile Optical Network (AON) SuperBlade

JDSU introduced its Agile Optical Network (AON) Superblade concept -- all major functions required for optical network transport integrated onto a single blade, significantly reducing size, cost and power requirements for network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) and service providers.


The AON Superblade will include very small blocks of wavelength selective switch (WSS) technology that JDSU has invented called the Nano WSS, erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) technology, and an optical channel monitor technology into a single-slot device. As with existing WSS technology, the Nano WSS can direct traffic in network nodes requiring greater than two dimensions, and provides colorless routing and switching, or the ability to direct wavelengths in several directions instead of in just a single direction.


JDSU is also developing a customized operating system-- called the AON Embedded Operating System - to ensure that AON Superblade seamlessly integrates within network equipment manufacturer's (NEMS) and service provider's unique network environments.


JDSU said its high level of vertical integration will allow for flexibility during the individual design and manufacturing of each optical element.
The company estimates that the new solution could be as much as 50 percent lower in cost compared to the total cost for all of the separate optical components currently used today. The AON Superblade will also be approximately four times smaller because all of the components will be integrated into a single-slot blade, compared to current solutions that can require up to four blades within NEM's systems.


Additional key benefits of the JDSU AON Superblade include:

• Lower cost -- due to a highly consolidated assembly and test process compared to solutions with multiple discrete modules on multiple discrete blades.



• Reduction in optical power loss -- power no longer has to travel through numerous connectors and splices between blades.



• Reduction in operational complexity -- eliminates the need for multiple cards to be manually interconnected, which requires training.


Enhanced monitoring -- includes control software that allows for faster response times to system variances and automated alarm and fault isolation.

JDSU expects to be shipping the single blade solution by the end of calendar year 2008.
.http://www.jdsu.com

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Microsoft's Windows Server 2008 Integrates with Cisco WAAS

Microsoft is collaborating with Cisco to offer Windows Server 2008 with Cisco WAN optimization in a solution for branch office environments. Specifically, Cisco will embed a virtualization component within its Wide Area Application Services (WAAS) appliance family that will help customers to host Windows Server 2008 services within their existing network infrastructure for branch offices. Cisco WAAS is an application acceleration and WAN optimization solution that optimizes TCP performance.


The two companies intend for Cisco to offer Windows Server 2008 preinstalled on its new virtualized Cisco WAAS appliances that are scheduled to be available later this year.


The companies said their collaboration will enhance enterprise WAN performance by making critical Windows Server 2008 services available to remote offices through integration with Cisco's WAAS solution. This will help ensure branch end-user performance for accessing centralized data centers and applications, while efficiently deploying locally critical Windows Server 2008 services, all through a common remote IT platform.


The Windows Server 2008 services that will be offered as part of Cisco WAAS platforms initially include Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Active Directory, and Print Services.
http://www.cisco.comhttp://www.microsoft.com

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Emerson Unveils Centellis 500 MicroTCA System

Emerson Network Power unveiled its "Centellis 500" MicroTCA system featuring an injection molded plastic enclosure that houses a MicroTCA backplane, fans, power module, MCH, PrAMC 7211 processor Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) and three additional AMC payloads.


The Centellis 500 is a completely MicroTCA system available for under $5,000, or about half the price of previous generation MicroTCA systems.
Applications include IP-PBX, Packet Processing, VoIP Gateway, Network Point of Sales (POS), Industrial Automation, Access Router, WiMAX, Telemedicare, Remote Radiology and Patient Monitoring.


http://www.EmersonNetworkPower.com/EmbeddedComputing

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Siemens Enterprise Communications Announces Job Cuts, Exits Hardware

Siemens Enterprise Communications GmbH & Co KG (SEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG, will undergo a major restructuring in a bid to transform itself from a hardware supplier to a software and solutions provider to fit changed market conditions. Siemens AG confirmed that it is also seeking to find a suitable partner for SEN.


"We will begin accelerating the reorientation of SEN and the related restructuring activities under the control of Siemens to ensure that personnel measures associated with these changes will be as socially compatible as possible.", Siemens CFO Joe Kaeser said.


Planned sales or solutions involving a third party would affect roughly 3,000 employees worldwide, of whom about 1,200 are in Germany. In addition, Siemens plans to cut 3,800 jobs worldwide, including up to 2,000 in Germany. In Germany, SEN's headquarters and other administrative and support functions are expected to be affected the most.


Siemens also confirmed that the transformation into a software and solutions provider will necessitate SEN giving up its own manufacturing operations. In Germany, plans call for the SEN plant in Leipzig, which currently has about 530 employees, and the telecommunications cable business, with some 60 employees, to be sold or funneled into solutions involving a third party. In addition, SEN is seeking a partnership with an IT provider for around 570 employees involved in direct sales to customers for small and mid-sized systems.


For its international operations, SEN intends to sell or find partners for its facilities in Thessaloniki (Greece) and Curitiba (Brazil), which have 270 and 470 employees, respectively. The possibility of a facility being closed down cannot be ruled out. Order call centers in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, which employ a total of about 1,100 people, are not part of SEN'S core portfolio and are slated to be sold.http://www.siemens.comhttp://www.enterprise-communications.siemens.com

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Brasil Telecom GlobeNet Selects NSN for Optical Backbone

Brasil Telecom GlobeNet will deploy Nokia Siemens Networks' SURPASS hiT 7300 DWDM platform in North America. Other components of the turnkey solution are Nokia Siemens Networks' Telecommunications Network Management System and a services package including network design, commissioning, installation as well as training and extended care. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Nokia Siemens Networks has already begun deployment of the SURPASS hiT 7300 multi-haul DWDM solution for Brasil Telecom GlobeNet. When the first phase of the build-out is complete, South Florida will be linked to Brasil Telecom GlobeNet's undersea fiber optic network, which currently connects the East Coast of the United States, Bermuda, Brazil and Venezuela. This will position Brasil Telecom GlobeNet to strengthen its presence in the North America market.http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.comhttp://www.globenet.net/

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AT&T iBuilds Bandwidth Capacity at top Carrier-neutral Hotels

AT&T is expanding capacity to deliver key services, such as long-haul private line and Managed Internet Services (MIS), in most of the 26 carrier-neutral hotels nationwide in which it has a presence. These hotels are located primarily in key metropolitan markets, such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Carrier-neutral hotels are facilities at which multiple carriers interconnect and make their telecommunications services available to their customers.


AT&T delivers an array of wholesale services in these carrier-neutral hotels, including long-haul private line for data transport services at speeds from DS3 through OC192 and dedicated high speed Internet access via MIS at port speeds from OC3-OC48 and Ethernet speeds of GigE and 10GigE.


AT&T is also introducing the first 22-state AT&T Interstate Guidebook, which lists standard rates, terms and conditions for interstate broadband services, including AT&T's award-winning SONET and Ethernet services. Customers may purchase services directly from the guidebook or may negotiate customized broadband services agreements. The company said the guidebook supports its more flexible contracting process for interstate broadband services.http://www.att.comhttp://att.com/guidebook

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Verizon Tests Automated Fiber-Optic Cross Connections (AFOX)

Verizon has completed a trial of automated fiber-optic cross connects, or AFOX, which is a technology for remotely performing such tasks as switching traffic from working fibers to spare fibers, finding alternative fiber routes, connecting test equipment to network elements, and sending test signals through fiber at unmanned sites.


While automated fiber-optic cross connects improve fiber management, the technology also changes the way network elements are connected, resulting in additional advantages. For example, AFOX could provide new features such as load balancing and flexible connections for Verizon's FiOS services. Additionally, AFOX can facilitate optical power monitoring, fiber-cut detection and traffic protection and restoration.


Verizon said its AFOX trial three different switch technologies: 3D microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS), piezoelectric beam steering and robotic fiber connections. Each technology has its own specific advantages. The 3D MEMS are compact and support a relatively large number of connections. Piezoelectric beam steering is a relatively fast switch, while the robotic approach best mimics current manual patching.


"This trial highlights the advantages of automating fiber management -- from improving network performance to reaping the benefits of creating a comprehensive database of network connections," said Mark Wegleitner, Verizon senior vice president of corporate network and technology. "It also creates new opportunities in areas such as equipment deployment, network design, and customer service."


http://www.verizon.com

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Wisair Secures $24 Million for UWB

Wisair, a start-up based in Tel-Aviv, secured $24 million in new funding for its single-chip based Ultra Wideband (UWB) and Wireless USB (WUSB) solutions.


Wisair's product set includes a single-die CMOS chip for both host and device Wireless USB applications. The production-ready chip, based on WiMedia and Certified Wireless USB standards, integrates UWB PHY (including RF), MAC and Wireless USB subsystems. The device could enable a range of Wireless USB applications, including battery-powered, portable devices. The device is implemented in digital CMOS process and supports HWA, DWA and Native device protocols, and features SDIO and USB interfaces, isochronous data transfer and cable and numeric association models. Wisair has previously noted that its chip can deliver full-room coverage with connectivity ranges of 8 meters at 480Mbps and over 20 meters at 200 Mbps.


The financing included four new international investors and was led by Susquehanna Growth Equity (SGE), a US-based private equity fund investing in growth capital and late stage venture opportunities. SGE was joined by European-based Advent Venture Partners ('Advent Ventures'), Bridge Capital Fund of Japan (an affiliate of Nikko Antfactory), and Yasuda Ventures. Existing Wisair investors also participated, and included Apax Partners, Broadcom, Intel Capital, Vertex, and Zisapel brothers from the RAD group.
http://www.wisair.com/

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iTunes Now Number Two Music Retailer in the US

Apple's iTunes is now the number two music retailer in the US, behind only Wal-Mart, based on the latest data from the NPD Group. Apple also announced that there are now over 50 million iTunes Store customers. iTunes has sold over four billion songs, including 20 million songs sold on Christmas Day 2007 alone.http://www.apple.com

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AT&T Supplies MPLS Network for Deutsch

AT&T announced a 2-year contract to provide an MPLS service for Deutsch, a multinational electronics corporation. The service will link Deutsch's facilities in the U.S., Germany, Italy, India, Japan, Mexico, Israel and the U.K. Once the AT&T VPN solution is fully deployed, Deutsch plans to introduce VoIP services, such as local and international calling, mobile call routing, telecommuting, centralized Internet access, video streaming, virus control, content-filtering and spam management. Financial terms were not disclosed.http://www.att.com

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ColorChip Offers GEPON PX20 Transceiver

ColorChip introduced its GEPON (EPON) PX20 transceiver for the FTTH market. ColorChip's transceivers are based on its "SystemOnGlass" concept, which simplifies the design and manufacturing process compared with the traditional bulk optic solutions. The transceivers support Digital Diagnostic & Monitoring (DDM) providing diagnostic and monitoring capabilities for power supply, temperature, transfer and receive status, alert towards end of life and more. The product is SFF-8472 compliant.
http://www.color-chip.com

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