Aricent Releases Data Center Ethernet Software

Aricent announced a new release of its Intelligent Switching Solution (ISS) specifically tailored for building Data Center Ethernet equipment. Aricent's ISS is a licensable, pre-packaged software framework that jumpstarts the development and integration of advanced switching products, and has been selected by more than 60 networking and telecom equipment manufacturers worldwide.


The new ISS release includes functions essential to delivering Ethernet in the Data Center including Priority Flow Control (PFC), Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS), congestion notification and Data Center Bridging Extensions (DCBX). Additional features targeted for the Data Center include VRF, hot-standby for OSPF and PIM, graceful restart, IS-IS integration, and enhancements to private VLAN, ACL, MLDv2, MSDP and IPv6. These capabilities, available in a licensable pre-packaged framework, represent another industry first for Aricent. ISS' Data Center features are compliant with multiple IEEE specifications, including 802.1Qbb, 802.1Qaz and 802.1QAu.


Aricent said its new Data Center feature additions are targeted at networking equipment manufacturers building products in the data center and storage markets. The company offers ISS packages for a variety of applications, from top-of-rack and end-of-row Data Center switches, to simple managed Ethernet switches to industrial Ethernet platforms, from Layer 3 switches with comprehensive routing capabilities, to metro Ethernet/carrier Ethernet applications, such as cellular/mobile backhaul, optical aggregation, DSLAMs, GPON switches, and (Multi Service Access Nodes) MSANs. http://www.aricent.com

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Xelerated Samples 100 Gbps Network Processor

Xelerated has begun sampling its HX family of network processor units (NPUs), which can process 100 Gbps of Ethernet traffic at wirespeed for any packet size. The silicon is aimed at a new generation Carrier Ethernet switches and routers.


Xelerated's HX family of NPUs integrate Ethernet MACs, programmable switching and advanced traffic management for the delivery of fine-granular Quality of Service (QoS). They also feature Xelerated's Dataflow packet processing architecture for wirespeed deterministic performance with programmability. The silicon architecture uses a single pipeline of hundreds of processor cores specifically designed for packet processing that can be programmed to perform any type of operations on the packets.


Xelerated said its latest NPU crosses the 100 Gbps performance threshold. The company is also making available a range of software and tools, including its reference design kit (RDK), software development tools, and data plane software. This includes a Metro Ethernet Application (MEA) data plane software that provides simultaneous support for Ethernet, PB, PBB, VPLS, IP, MPLS and OAM traffic with strict wirespeed guarantees. The software is provided in source code to allow for system vendor customization.
http://www.xelerated.com
http://www.xelerated.com/en/product-overview/

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Dell to Acquire Scalent for Data Center Software

Dell agreed to acquire Scalent, a private company that provides data center software, for an undisclosed sum.


Scalent, which is based in Palo Alto, California, brings an open, software-based approach to managing virtual infrastructure. Its software automates the end-to-end provisioning of server images, networks, and storage access in a coordinated manner. The company was founded in 2003.


Dell plans to integrate Scalent technology into its Advanced Infrastructure Manager (AIM) solution, which enables a single administrator to dynamically allocate compute, storage and network resources for physical and virtual application workloads. It enables dynamic deployment and repurposing of infrastructure without the need for physical server, cable or storage area network changes.
http://www.dell.com
http://www.scalent.com

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Juniper Invests in ADVA Optical

ADVA Optical Networking will issue 551,471 ordinary shares to Juniper Networks in exchange for an investment of US$3.0 million. The companies said they will evaluate the potential for jointly marketing and selling next-generation IP-based transport solutions to service providers to help reduce network complexity and costs.

http://www.advaoptical.com

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SingTel Deploys Juniper EX4200 Ethernet Switches

Singapore Telecommunications has deployed Juniper Networks' EX4200 Ethernet Switches at points-of-presence (POP) across the region for supporting its MEF-certified Carrier Ethernet suite, which includes international services such as ConnectPlus Ethernet Line (E-Line), ConnectPlus Ethernet Virtual Private Network (E-VPN), ConnectPlus Ethernet Virtual Private Line (E-VPL) and local services such as MetroEthernet and Meg@POP suite of Ethernet services including E-VPN and E-VPL. In addition to deploying the Junos OS across the EX switches, SingTel also deploys Juniper Networks M Series Multiservice Edge Routers in its POPs. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.juniper.net

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Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Lab Tests LTE with Ericsson

Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories and Ericsson demonstrated indoor and outdoor LTE mobility tests, application services as well as CHT-TL's in-house developed LTE Simulator. The LTE trial network was implemented by Ericsson at the end of last year as part of Chunghwa Telecommunications Laboratories' effort to support the Networked Communications Program (NCP) Project.


The trial focused on feature testing IP-based LTE-EPC, MIMO, LTE-EPC network performance verification, and displaying how to use LTE-EPC for various IMS-based applications and mobile broadband applications.


The companies said they have achieved smooth performance for LTE in HD streaming. The tests also showed optimized network efficiency with high speed transmission rates and minimal delay.


In addition, it demonstrated outstanding performance in FTP high speed data transmission in both the fixed and the mobile environment with on-the-move speeds of 60 and 90 kilometers per hour, as well as a seamless handover among base stations.
http://www.ericsson.com

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Ericsson Academy Launches Online

Ericsson launched an online Academy for sharing knowledge about networking technology with students, partners, suppliers and customers. The Academy was launched within Ericsson in November 2009 for its 80,000 employees. Online materials include tutorials, technical snapshots and webinarshttp://www.ericsson.com/ourportfolio/ericsson-academy

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NSN and Nokia Test LTE in 800 MHz Digital Dividend Spectrum

Nokia Siemens Networks and Nokia conducted the first end-to-end LTE data call with Nokia Siemens Networks' commercial equipment on the 800 MHz frequency band. The tests, conducted at NSN's LTE Center of Competence in Espoo, Finland, follow the company's commencement of production of LTE-ready Flexi Multiradio Base Stations for the 800 MHz band in April this year, and complement earlier tests with Nokia on the 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz bands.


During the test, the two companies demonstrated the end-to-end interoperability of Nokia Siemens Networks' LTE network infrastructure with Nokia's LTE-capable multi-mode multi-band Internet Modem RD-3. Infrastructure from Nokia Siemens Networks includes its Single RAN, featuring the Flexi Multiradio Base Station, the Evolved Packet Core comprising Flexi NS (Network Server) and Flexi NG (Network Gateway), and standard-compliant software.


Nokia Siemens Networks expects that LTE in the 800MHz will be attractive due to its propagation capabilities, which makes its suitable for deployment even in rural areas.


The 800 MHz spectrum, which is popularly known as the Digital Dividend, is becoming available as terrestrial TV moves from analog to digital broadcasting.


"These tests are part of a larger campaign which includes various customer trials and demonstrations to make LTE on 800 MHz commercially viable by this summer," added Reino Tammela, head of LTE business line, Nokia Siemens Networks. "Right after the first Digital Dividend spectrum was assigned to operators in the spectrum auction in Germany in May, it was important that standard compliant LTE network products and LTE user devices for this band become commercially available. This will enable successful rapid LTE network rollouts allowing end users to experience high speed and high quality mobile broadband services in rural areas with a large variety of terminals."http://www.nsn.com
http://www.nokia.com

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GSA: Rapid Shift to HSPA+ is Happening, 80 Operators Confirmed with LTE

3G/WCDMA is now commercially available on 357 networks in 148 countries, according to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), and nearly all of these mobile operators have implemented a High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) upgrade. The number of networks operators expressing a commitment to HSPA network upgrades is even higher -- 401 in 154 countries.


Some additional statistics from the GSA:

• The majority of HSPA networks, currently 58%, support a peak data rate of 7.2 Mbps or higher on the downlink.



• Almost 1 in 5 networks have deployed HSPA Evolution (HSPA+) technology. Sixty-three HSPA+ networks are launched in 35 countries. Of these, 53 commercial HSPA+ networks support a peak downlink data speed of 21 Mbps, 7 commercial HSPA+ networks support a peak downlink data speed of 28 Mbps, and 3 commercial HSPA+ networks support a peak downlink data speed of 42 Mbps.



• GSA anticipates that 95-100 HSPA+ systems will be commercially launched by end 2010.



• Several operators have confirmed plans for further network evolution steps to support 42 Mbps and 84 Mbps peak on the downlink.



• One third of HSPA operators have commercially introduced HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access). A total of 118 operators have launched HSUPA in 60 countries, with a further 8 networks currently deploying the technology in an additional 4 markets. Forty-one HSUPA systems support a peak uplink data rate of 5.8 Mbps, and 2 networks have confirmed the capability to support 11.5 Mbps peak.



• Last month, GSA confirmed that 110 operators in 48 countries are investing in LTE, comprising 80 firm network deployment commitments and 30 additional pre-commitments technology trials and study programs.



• GSA anticipates that up to 22 LTE networks will be in service by end 2010, and at least 45 are expected to be in service by end 2012.

Alan Hadden, President of GSA said: "The rapid shift to HSPA+ which is occurring will ensure its position as a mainstream technology this year, enabling operators all over the world to deliver higher data capacities and a compelling mobile broadband experience in fast expanding and highly competitive markets."http://www.gsacom.com

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Ericsson Conducts First LTE TDD trials in India

Ericsson demonstrated an LTE data call using the 2.3GHz band in a technology trial showcase in India. The LTE trial, which is a milestone for LTE TDD in India, was performed at the Experience Centre, Ericsson Forum, in Gurgaon, India.
http://www.ericsson.com

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Infonetics: North American Voice Revenues, including Mobile, Declined 5% in 2009

The decline of traditional fixed-line voice service and the rise of broadband access, video, and mobile data is speeding up, according to a new report from Infonetics on Residential Voice, Data, and Video Services in North America. Some highlights of the report:

• The residential services market in North America, which comprises voice, video, and Internet access services, held steady during the economic downturn, maintaining $240 billion in 2009



• Service provider revenue from voice services (including VoIP and mobile voice) decreased 5% in 2009, while broadband access and video service revenue increased 5% and 6%, respectively



• Infonetics Research forecasts the North American residential voice, video and Internet access services market to grow to $271 billion by 2014



• Broadband access is the true growth engine for residential services, with annual revenue for North American service providers expected to grow at a 13% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2009 to 2014, driven by both fixed and mobile broadband solutions



• In 2009, 70% of all North American voice subscribers were mobile; by 2014, that number will grow as an increasing number of consumers go mobile-only



• 55% of all residential mobile subscribers in North America are customers of either AT&T or Verizon



• The battle between cable operators and satellite providers for video services continues, with the dominating cable operators losing some revenue market share to satellite (DBS) and telco IPTV providers in 2009



• Comcast leads in North American residential video service revenue share, and DirecTV and Dish Network jumped ahead of Time Warner Cable in 2009



• Video services represent significant future revenue for service providers, but it comes at a high cost of programming and lower margins than voice services.

http://www.infonetics.com

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Motorola Outlines Separation Plans

In an S.E.C. filing, Motorola outlined its plans to separate its Mobile Devices and Home businesses from its Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Networks businesses. The separation will be accomplished through a series of transactions in which the assets, liabilities and operations of the Mobile Devices and Home businesses on a global basis will be transferred to a new company called Motorola SpinCo.


Motorola's Board of Directors cited several benefits for the separation, including:

• Strategic Focus. Allow each independent company to design and implement corporate strategies and
  policies that are based on the industries that it serves.



• Management Focus. Allow management of each independent company to concentrate that company's resources wholly on its particular markets, customers and core business opportunities. Motorola SpinCo will focus on the convergence of mobility, media and the Internet with new devices, applications and services for consumers in their home or on the go. Motorola Inc. will focus on enterprise systems, products and related services, and on its wireless networks and related telecommunication customers.



• Access to Capital. Remove the need for the businesses to compete internally for capital.



• Strategic Flexibility. Each company would gain flexibility to make acquisitions and form partnerships and alliances in its target markets, unencumbered by considerations of the potential impact on the businesses of the other company.



• Investor Choice. Provide investors in each company with a more targeted investment opportunity.

The filing details the recently financial performance of Motorola SpinCo and notes several risk factors for investors, including the losses for Motorola's mobile handset business in recent years, and the potentially negative impact on Motorola's set-top box sales to cable operators from possible changes in FCC regulation regarding set-top box functionality.http://investor.motorola.com/

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Fujitsu FLASHWAVE 4500 Clears Energy Efficiency Metric

Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE 4500 MSPP has met energy efficiency standards under the Telecommunications Energy Efficiency Ratio (TEER) metric released by ATIS.


The TEER standard provides a comprehensive methodology for measuring and reporting energy consumption as well as quantifying a network component's ratio of work performed to energy consumed.


Fujitsu noted that several of the nation's largest telecom service providers are currently using the ATIS TEER metric as a basis for evaluating network equipment under their procurement processes.http://us.fujitsu.com/telecom

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