Monday, June 22, 2009

TI Debuts Multicore Femtocell DSPs, Partners with Continuous Computing, mimoOn

Texas Instruments unveiled a new new family of multicore DSPs (digital signal processors) enabling residential and enterprise HSPA femtocells. The solutions include a portfolio of complementary analog solutions, support for Linux, and software solutions from third party developers (Continuous Computing and mimoOn).


TI's femtocell product family includes the TMS320TCI6485 with two high-performance 850MHz C64x+ DSP cores delivering 1.7 GHz of overall performance for residential femtocell applications, and the TMS320TCI6489 which includes three 850MHz C64x DSPs delivering 2.55 GHz of performance for enterprise or "super femto" applications.


TI's TCI6485 supports up to eight users while the TCI6489 supports up to 32 users. The entire product family is compatible with all major 2G/3G and 4G systems including GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, WiMAX and LTE.


The devices are expected to sample in 3Q09 and start production in 4Q09.


In addition, Texas Instruments is partnering with Continuous Computing (wireless protocol software) and mimoOn GmbH (software defined radio solutions) for HSPA and LTE femtocells for residential and enterprise deployments.


Specifically, Continuous Computing's Trillium software, and mimoOn's mi!Femto advanced femtocell software will be integrated onto TI's TMS320TCI6485 residential femtocell processor and TMS320TCI6489 enterprise femtocell processor in order to offer both single and multimode solutions for LTE, HSPA+, and HSPA.
http://www.ti.com/femtocell-pr

Two Minute Video: Top Five Barriers to LTE











Top Five Barriers to LTE presented by Aswath Mohan


Jargon Buster

Ericsson Confirms First LTE License Agreements

Ericsson has signed license agreements for LTE essential patents. The company said it is a strong advocate for reasonable aggregated royalties and will take a lead role in licensing its technology to promote a healthy market. This builds on Ericsson's present global licensing program for GSM/WCDMA, now composed of more than 80 agreements and generating significant revenue.


Ericsson claims to hold the industry's strongest LTE patent portfolio with a substantial number of standard essential patents that are key to developing 4G/LTE products.
http://www.ericsson.com

Alcatel-Lucent Appoints Christel Heydemann to Head HP Alliance

Alcatel-Lucent announced the appointment of Christel Heydemann as Strategic Alliance Vice President for HP. She will report to Tom Burns, President of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Product Group.

Previously, she was the leader of the Sales Account Management in Alcatel-Lucent France. Prior that she has been holding various managerial positions such as key account manager for SFR and Orange among others.


Last week, HP and Alcatel-Lucent announced that they have signed a relationship agreement establishing both parties' intent to form a 10-year global alliance to bring new end-to-end integrated telecom and IT solutions to the market.
http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

AT&T Extends U-verse Integration contract with Alcatel-Lucent

AT&T has extended Alcatel-Lucent's contract for end-to-end multivendor network integration for AT&T U-verse.


The AT&T U-verse portfolio brings together U-verse TV, U-verse High Speed Internet and U-verse Voice services all delivered using Alcatel-Lucent's Triple Play Service Delivery Architecture (TPSDA). AT&T U-verse services are now offered in 93 markets in 19 states, with more than 1.3 million U-verse TV customers. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Under the new agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will continue to provide end-to-end multivendor network integration for AT&T U-verse, including Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol television ("IPTV") software platform. Alcatel-Lucent's end-to-end multivendor network systems integration includes solution program management, third-party management, network engineering, solution testing/validation and deployment services.
http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

Nortel Builds UC Software Communication System

Nortel is expanding its Software Communication System (SCS) solution to accommodate enterprises beyond small and medium-size businesses. SCS brings solution simplicity, new applications, further plug-and-play interoperability and more opportunities for third-party development communities. A recognized leader in unified communications (UC), Nortel supports customers' evolutionary and transformational paths to UC with telephony UC solutions such as Communication Server 1000 and native UC solutions such as SCS.


SCS, which is based on Session Initiation Protocol, enables businesses to converge all of their communications into a centralized solution with open Web-based interfaces. Release 3.0 of SCS now extends support to industry-standard platforms from IBM, Dell and HP, including IBM Power Systems and System i, Dell Optiplex, and HP Proliant DL360, as well as the recently announced IBM x3350 and Dell PowerEdge R300 systems. In addition to the supported platform expansion, the rapidly growing Nortel SCS Developer Program also offers dozens of interoperable third-party products such as desktop phones, soft phones, gateways, IP consoles, applications like call recording and call accounting, wireless mobility solutions, etc.


Nortel's base user license includes all applications like voicemail and unified messaging, integrated voice conferencing, secure presence and instant messaging, desktop-based video conferencing, single number reachability, an 'informal' call center, and integration with Microsoft Outlook, IBM Lotus Notes and IBM Lotus Sametime.


SCS was developed in collaboration with Nortel and the open source community SIPfoundry.
. http://www.sipfoundry.orghttp://www.nortel.com/scs

Altair Semiconductor Announces LTE Baseband Processor

Altair Semiconductor, a fabless chip company based in Israel, introduced its FourGee-3100 LTE baseband processor.


The chip, which will be available in Q409, is a fully optimized LTE CAT-3 baseband processor that will operate with devices from mobile handsets, data cards and USB dongles to various handheld consumer electronics devices. The FourGee(TM)-3100 is bundled with a complete LTE L1 and protocol stack. It supports LTE category 3 (CAT-3) throughputs (100Mbps/50Mbps DL/UL respectively) and offers two 20MHz MIMO receive chains and one transmit chain.


In the coming months, Altair will continue to roll out its LTE product portfolio, including:

  • FourGee-6150 - a MIMO RF transceiver that supports LTE-TDD. This product will be available in August 2009


  • FourGee-6200 - a multi-band LTE-FDD MIMO transceiver that supports the most popular LTE bands in North America, Japan and Europe. The chip will be available in Q210.
http://www.altair-semi.com

Allot Tunes Deep Packet Inspection and Caching for Monetizing Internet Video

Allot Communications unveiled its "MediaSwift" solution -- a revenue- generating network and subscriber service designed to intelligently accelerate internet content delivery (HTTP streamed video and P2P traffic) to broadband subscribers.


MediaSwift synergizes Allot's DPI and caching competences to provide a unified intelligent media caching solution which delivers improved quality of experience (QoE). MediaSwift is offered as an internal blade or as an external solution with Allot Service Gateway. It is also offered as a solution with other Allot platforms.


The platform analyzes streams of traffic and when needed will cache streamed video traffic so as to optimize performance.


Allot confirmed that its MediaSwift has already been deployed at a Tier 1 operator in Asia, in conjunction with both Allot Service Gateway and Allot NetEnforcer. Analysis of the implementation to date shows an approximate saving of 40% in backhaul and international traffic at the installed sites, as well as a significantly enhanced subscriber experience for internet video and P2P traffic.


Allot MediaSwift is currently commercially available.
http://www.allot.com

Mu Dynamics Defines VoIP/SBC Test Methodology

Mu Dynamics has published a "cookbook" of cooperative detailed VoIP testing methodologies providing best practices for product quality testing of Session Border Controllers (SBCs) throughout the software development life cycle. By incorporating the methodology, along with the newly announced Mu Studio custom and proprietary test module, leading SBC vendors can now improve the quality of their products and lower total development and test times by identifying and eliminating problems earlier in the development process.


Veraz is among the SBC vendors using the best practices as described in the test methodology and the highly-automated Mu Test Suite.


The Mu Test Suite accelerates the discovery, documentation and reduction of potential product quality issues before product release. By identifying and resolving software weaknesses early in the development process, the Mu Test Suite ensures quality is achieved at the lowest possible cost, while maximizing the productivity of the QA and Engineering teams.
http://www.mudynamics.com

Italy's Aria Selects Alvarion for Nationwide WiMAX Network

Aria, the only telecom operator in Italy with a national WiMAX license, has selected Alvarion to deploy Mobile WiMAX network throughout Italy. Under the agreement, Aria will build a network at the 3.5 GHz frequency to offer broadband services to all 21 Italian regions using Alvarion's 4Motion Mobile WiMAX solution incorporating the WiMAX Forum Certified BreezeMAX platform. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.alvarion.com

NSN and Juniper to Integrate IP + Optical

Nokia Siemens Networks and Juniper Networks are collaborating to integrate their respective high-performance optical and IP networking technologies. The scope of cooperation includes the development of cost-optimized 10G, 40G and 100G IP over DWDM solutions with management integration and GMPLS control plane interworking


The companies said the implementation of long-haul DWDM optics on router line interface cards will increase network efficiency by reducing the need for redundant transponders, but can present network management challenges because IP and optical networks are traditionally managed separately. Nokia Siemens Networks and Juniper are creating a solution which manages the entire router-to-optical link as a single entity. Using Juniper's T Series Core Routers, the router-integrated optical DWDM interfaces will interoperate seamlessly with Nokia Siemens Networks' hiT7300 WDM platform and be managed by the company's carrier grade Transport Network Management System (TNMS).


Complemented by Nokia Siemens Networks' unique network planning software, TransNet, the joint solution will improve overall efficiency in the network. In addition, the operator will be able to enjoy faster service provisioning times as only one DWDM interface will need to be installed and configured, not to mention improved reliability through early link failure detection, enhanced troubleshooting and overall simplicity.


"Juniper brings world-class IP routing expertise while Nokia Siemens Networks brings forth world-class Wavelength Division Multiplexing transport technology including operational management systems for both technologies. To have both worlds under one network management roof means the highest possible quality in terms of simplicity and efficiency," said Uwe Fischer, Head of DWDM Business Line at Nokia Siemens Networks. "As carriers consolidate their IP and DWDM environments to ensure cost efficient growth, our solution will form the bedrock of the vision that breaks the barriers between optical and electrical layers."


"As trends such as video, virtualization and cloud computing continue to drive the need for core networking capacity, operators will be looking for ways to scale their networks efficiently and cost-effectively," said Opher Kahane, senior vice president and general manager, High-End Systems Business Unit, Juniper Networks. "The combination of IP and optical transport technologies increase the efficiency of the network, and we are very excited to be working with Nokia Siemens Networks to bring this innovative solution to market."http://www.juniper.nethttp://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com
  • Juniper Networks and Nokia Siemens Networks will form a joint venture in the Netherlands to address the global Carrier Ethernet Transport market.


  • The joint venture, which extends a Carrier Ethernet partnership formed earlier this year, will manage and execute the Carrier Ethernet portfolio roadmap of both companies. The interoperable Carrier Ethernet products will target mobile backhaul, business services and residential broadband networks. The planned solution consists of Juniper Networks MX Series Ethernet Services Routers, Nokia Siemens Networks A-series Carrier Ethernet Switches as well as the end-to-end "point-and-click" network management system.


  • The planned structure of the joint venture will allow both companies to contribute the necessary products and support to enable meeting the end-to-end portfolio needs of some 200 joint service provider customers worldwide. The plans call for the new Carrier Ethernet solution to be sold by both companies. The targeted introduction date is the fourth calendar quarter of 2009, subject to fulfillment of customary closing conditions, such as obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.

Mu Dynamics Develops Automated Test Case Methodology

Mu Dynamics, a start-up based in Sunnyvale, California, introduced a new "Mu Studio" that expands the breadth and depth of it flagship Test Suite by automating the creation and application of complex, custom and proprietary test case scenarios. The automated test case generation helps pinpoint critical software weaknesses in networking systems and services.


Until now, operators and vendors working under strict time constraints to deploy new services like 4G/LTE and IMS would need to develop their own test cases or wait months for commercial test vendors to provide a solution.


Mu said that its Studio application dramatically shortens development time and resource requirements while bolstering product quality for new, cutting-edge protocol implementations. If you can capture packet traffic, Mu Studio will generate test cases. The testing methodology addresses:


  • Unique implementations of cutting-edge protocols;

  • Multi-protocol interactions;

  • Vendor customized extensions of standard protocols; and

  • Proprietary protocols.



The Mu solution is deployed at more than 100 locations, primarily at leading global service providers, government agencies, and network product vendors.

http://www.mudynamics.com

  • Mu is backed by leading venture capital firms that include Accel Partners, Benchmark Capital, DAG Ventures and Focus Ventures.
http://www.mudynamics.com

Calix Appoints Four Vice Presidents

Calix announced the appointment of four new executives to sales, marketing, and business and market development positions. The company said it is also expanding its field and corporate operations to enhance its direct customer engagement model to capitalize on the company's current strong rate of growth and to better prepare it for the potential impact the broadband stimulus component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will have on its service provider customers. The new appointments include:

  • Ken Grelck joins Calix as vice president of regional sales for the Eastern U.S. and all of Canada. Most recently, he was vice president of North American Sales at Nortel.


  • Skip Hirvela has been promoted to vice president of regional sales, with responsibility for the Western half of the U.S. Most recently, he was director of sales at Myrio Corp. He has also worked at NetworkTwo Communications, DecisionOne, Reltec, and AT&T Global Information Systems.


  • Robert Checketts was recently named vice president of field marketing. He previously worked at Juniper Networks as director of Americas marketing.


  • Todd Ortberg has been appointed to the new position of senior vice president of business and market development. Previously, he was president and CEO of network software technology vendor Alvarri. Prior to Alvarri, Todd was managing director of Coral Capital Management
http://www.calix.com

Equinix to Build Fourth Data Center in Zurich

Equinix is planning to build a new data center in Zurich, Switzerland, adding 1,200 square meters (12,920 square feet) of sellable data center space.

The new center, part of Equinix's continuing program of measured global expansion to meet demand, will add to the company's three other International Business Exchange (IBX) data centers in Zurich, doubling the company's data center footprint in one of the largest markets for Equinix's interconnection business in Europe.


Equinix said demand for colocation and data center services in the market continues to outpace supply.
http://www.equinix.com

Via Licensing Issues Patent Call for Power over Ethernet

Via Licensing Corporation issued a call for patents that are essential to the practice of Power over Ethernet (PoE). Via Licensing is seeking to identifying the owners of patents that are determined to be essential to the practice of the IEEE 802.3af standard and IEEE P802.3at draft standard. A patent is essential if it contains at least one independent claim that is necessarily infringed by the implementation or use of the standard.


PoE technology enables a system to transfer electrical power along with data to a wide range of remote devices, including IP telephones, wireless LAN access points, network cameras, network switches, embedded computers, and other devices. PoE uses standard twisted-pair cable on an Ethernet network to deliver power in situations where it is impractical or expensive to use a separate power source.
http://www.vialicensing.com

IEEE Ratifies 802.1Qay (PBB-TE) for Connection-Oriented Ethernet

The IEEE has ratified IEEE 802.1Qay -- a packet-based connection-oriented Ethernet technology for next-generation service provider transport networks. It incorporates determinism and resiliency capabilities.


The IEEE 802.1Qay standard, "IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks--Virtual Bridged Local Area Networks--Amendment: Provider Backbone Bridge Traffic Engineering," is based on the existing IEEE 802.1ah standard for Provider Backbone Bridging (PBB). IEEE 802.1Qay defines Provider Backbone Bridge Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE), a technology that helps enable service providers to explicitly set up traffic engineered paths across a Carrier Ethernet Network.

The IEEE said that unlike prior packet-based Ethernet, PBB-TE uses an external management plane for determining and deploying the traffic engineered paths. This approach simplifies the operational requirements of each network element and is consistent with current transport crafts and practices, enabling a smooth migration to next-generation transport networks.

"The ratification of IEEE 802.1Qay is an important milestone for the telecommunications industry, as service providers now have an approved standard for packet-based Connection-Oriented Ethernet technology and they can confidently proceed today with their IP network transformation programs," said Tony Jeffree, Chair of the IEEE 802.1 Working Group. "On behalf of the IEEE, I'd like to thank the 802.1 Interworking Task Group for its hard work and dedication and congratulate each member on this impressive achievement."http://www.ieee802.org

Fujitsu Provides Hosted EMS for Tennessee's DTC

DTC Communications, a telephone cooperative serving rural areas of Tennessee, has chosen and deployed the Fujitsu's new NETSMART 1500 Hosted Element Management System (HEMS) service to manage and monitor their network of approximately 20 network elements.


Fujitsu hosts the NETSMART 1500 software in Richardson, Texas, at the company's Network Operations Center (NOC), running on a dedicated server with redundancy in Sunnyvale, California. The Hosted EMS service offers Fujitsu customers access to the NETSMART 1500 application as a client, and provides the customer with full fault, performance and management control.


Fujitsu said its hosted network monitoring for service providers provides the benefits of a network Element Management System (EMS) without the need for software, servers or server support staff.
http://us.fujitsu.com/telecom

Intel and Nokia Partnership Targets Mobile Computing

Intel and Nokia announced a strategic alliance to develop a new class of Intel Architecture-based mobile computing device and chipset architectures that combine the performance of personal computers with high-bandwidth mobile broadband communications and ubiquitous Internet connectivity.


The new mobile platform is described as the next step beyond today's smartphones, notebooks and netbooks in a user-friendly pocketable form factor. Product specifics and timelines were not disclosed.


The Intel and Nokia effort includes collaboration in several open source mobile Linux software projects. The companies will collaborate on several open source software initiatives in order to develop common technologies for use in the Moblin and Maemo platform projects, which will deliver Linux-based operating systems for these future mobile computing devices.


Intel will also acquire a Nokia HSPA/3G modem IP license for use in future products.


"This Intel and Nokia collaboration unites and focuses many of the brightest computing and communications minds in the world, and will ultimately deliver open and standards-based technologies, which history shows drive rapid innovation, adoption and consumer choice," said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel Corporation senior vice president and general manager, Ultra Mobility Group. "With the convergence of the Internet and mobility as the team's only barrier, I can only imagine the innovation that will come out of our unique relationship with Nokia. The possibilities are endless."


"Today's announcement represents a significant commitment to work together on the future of mobile computing, and we plan to turn our joint research into action," said Kai Öistämö, Executive Vice President, Devices, Nokia. "We will explore new ideas in designs, materials and displays that will go far beyond devices and services on the market today. This collaboration will be compelling not only for our companies, but also for our industries, our partners and, of course, for consumers."

Intel reiterated that it supports multiple mobile broadband standards, including WiMAX -- on its platforms to address the needs of service providers worldwide, and to provide people with an always-connected experience.
http://www.intel.com/pressroomhttp://www.nokia.com/press
  • Earlier this month, Intel agreed to acquire Wind River Systems, a leading supplier of software for embedded processors, for $11.50 per share in cash, or approximately $884 million in the aggregate. Wind River's main products include its VxWorks, a proprietary and multicore-ready real-time operating system, and commercial-grade Linux software platforms. The company also provides design services and software expertise, including custom-built solutions, development tools and device testing products.

One Minute Video: Carrier Ethernet Framework








Presented by: Umesh Kukreja, Alcatel-Lucent

CEO Pitch: Who is Mu Dynamics?











CEO Pitch: Who is Mu Dynamics? presented by Dave Kress


Jargon Buster