Freescale Accelerates Developers with New Abstraction Layer for VortiQa Software

Aiming to accelerate the development cycle for new networking products, Freescale has expanded its VortiQa networking software to include industry’s first comprehensive user space software framework for embedded Linux software development.


Freescale's VortiQa networking software is designed for networking products built with Freescale silicon, such as enterprise routers, security appliances, application optimization devices, web application firewalls, wireless infrastructure devices and data center appliances.


The latest VortiQa provides developers an abstraction layer for software development targeting Freescale’s data path acceleration architecture (DPAA) –highly advanced technology integrated into the company’s QorIQ multicore processors. The abstraction layer enables a consistent API across multiple silicon devices and providing access to large repository of libraries (e.g. PCRE, XML). Significantly, VortiQa now uses the familiair Linux User Space.


“With the increased sophistication of multicore processors such as Freescale’s QorIQ products, user space programming minimizes development efforts, helps to unleash the full performance potential of our products and reduces overall total costs of software development and maintenance,�?said Sathyan Iyengar, vice president of Software Products for Freescale’s Networking and Multimedia Solutions Group.
http://www.freescale.com/VortiQa

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Marvell Shows Multicore Modem for World 4G + WCDMA

At Mobile World Congress, Marvell announced a complete reference design featuring high performance multicore application processing and a world modem including 4G Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) / Time Division Duplexing (TDD) LTE, Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) in a single platform.


The solution is comprised of the Marvell ARMADA PXA2128 application processor featuring Marvell's Hybrid-SMP Technology - a new symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) hardware and software architecture - and its PXA1801 multimode LTE modem - which provides support for all global broadband standards including FDD and TDD LTE network, DC-HSPA+ (Dual Carrier Evolved High-Speed Packet Access) and TD-SCDMA.


"Leveraging Marvell's leadership in multicore processors and connectivity technologies, I believe now our customers around the world can utilize a single platform to deliver high-performance, low-power, cost-effective, multicore, FDD / TDD LTE smartphones and tablets to meet global consumers' increasing demands for rich and live streaming content," said Weili Dai, Co-Founder of Marvell.


The Marvell reference design includes the company's latest power management and Radio Frequency (RF) technologies, as well as its wireless connectivity solution comprised of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (BT) and FM.\http://www.marvell.com

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Narus Enhances its Traffic Intelligence and Analytics System

Narus introduced the latest release of its NarusInsight traffic intelligence and analytics system, adding full IPv6 support as well as a number of performance and resiliency improvements. The system offers a highly scalable combination of real-time traffic intelligence and cyber analytics, including deep insight into multiple layer of traffic from heterogeneous networks.


The new NarusInsight 8 supports over 1,000 netflow sources with more than 2,500 interfaces. It also offers embedded connectors to data warehouses such as Teradata and SEIMs such as ArcSight.


Some key enhancements in NarusInsight 8:


Support for IPv6 — IPv6 traffic intelligence is especially critical for government and
large international organizations, including healthcare and financial institutions. Most of today's security solutions operate using IPv4, and are unable to correctly parse and identify IPv6 connections, creating a lapse in visibility.


Increased Efficiency, Enhanced Performance, Improved Scalability — Software efficiency is increased by 25 percent on average, with no need for investment in new hardware, although the new release also supports more powerful hardware.


System Hardening — Especially critical for government, financial services and healthcare organizations, NarusInsight 8 supports system hardening. This functionality reduces the areas of vulnerability by removing unnecessary software and disabling applications, thereby closing ports that may be easy entry points for hackers looking to invade a network.
http://www.narus.com

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Oclaro Announces 4x28G Optical Transceiver

Oclaro announced a tunable DWDM pluggable transceiver module that utilizes 4x28G wavelengths to deliver a 2.5 times improvement in spectral efficiency over competing 10G solutions. The new Oclaro transceiver is based on a direct-detection ODB (Optical Duobinary) modulation format which complements Oclaro's line of 100G coherent transponder solutions.


The new module is described as the first tunable 100G DWDM CFP transceiver, and represents an alternative to coherent 168-pin MSA transponders to address less demanding shorter reach applications in a more cost-efficient manner. Oclaro said its new tunable CFP transceiver not only provides a performance boost in spectral efficiency, but also meets the low cost and power consumption requirements.
http://www.oclaro.com

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JDSU Releases 40G Coherent Transponder

JDSU released a 40G coherent (DP-QPSK) transponder for a broad range of high-speed optical networking applications. The JDSU 8500 series transponder integrates a wide range of optical components from JDSU, including an intradyne coherent receiver, tunable laser, and lithium niobate modulator. It also includes the latest mixed signal digital processing (MXSP) system-on-chip technology from ClariPhy.


Coherent optical transmission increases both the reach and capacity of fiber networks, eliminating bulky and expensive optical dispersion compensation equipment while simplifying network management for network operators.
http://www.jdsu.com

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Ciena Unveils its WaveLogic 3 Optical Processor

Ciena introduced its "WaveLogic 3" software-programmable optical processor aimed at extending the reach and flexibility of 100G coherent connections while paving the way for 400G technology.


Ciena describes this new generation of silicon chips as fundamental for the migration to dynamic, software-defined Terabit networking. The software programmability of WaveLogic 3 enables network operators to constantly monitor optical transmission performance and optimize the transmission for various applications—including low latency—over metro, ultra-long haul or trans-Pacific submarine distances.


Some key technologies implemented in WaveLogic 3:


Transmit DSP-- Ciena has integrated digital signal processing in the transmitter (Tx DSP), enabling sophisticated programmable modulation, including 16QAM for greater than 100 Gbps speeds. This also allows operators to adjust network settings to meet varying reach and capacity demands. The DSP also provides spectral shaping, which reduces network cost by improving system margin in metro environments, and pre-compensation, which allows service providers to run higher capacity services over older fiber links, maximizing network investment.


Soft FEC -- Ciena’s new intelligent soft-decision forward error correction (soft FEC) algorithm extends maximum service reach and enables practical deployment of higher capacity (>100G) systems. The Soft FEC in WaveLogic 3 is software-programmable, allowing operators to adjust for latency and reach, depending on application needs.


Next-generation DSP receiver -- Ciena’s completely redesigned DSP receiver achieves 75 trillion operations per second—six times the processing power of WaveLogic 2. An advanced 32 nm CMOS process is used to provide the highest level of integration with lower power consumption Additional enhancements in PMD compensation ensure better performance in existing networks with non-optimal fiber conditions, allowing customers to extract more capacity out of their existing infrastructure rather than incurring the cost and complexity of laying new fiber.
http://www.ciena.com

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KT and NTT DoCoMo to Launch NFC Roaming in April

KT and DoCoMo are set to start NFC roaming service between Korea and Japan in April. The carriers agree to the plan a year ago and now standardization for NFC platforms and linkage between coupon systems are complete.


http://www.kt.com

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Vodafone and Visa Enter Mobile Payments Partnership

Vodafone and Visa tare embarking on a worldwide partnership to enable consumers to pay for goods and services using their mobile phones. The idea is a Vodafone-branded mobile wallet for consumers across Vodafone’s 398-million customer base in more than 30 countries. Transactions would be enabled by Visa’s payment network, product suite and brand.



Vittorio Colao, Group Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone, said: “The Vodafone mobile wallet represents the next stage of the smartphone revolution. It offers our customers the speed, simplicity and convenience of managing their everyday transactions with a single wave or tap of their smartphone, using innovative and reliable services developed by Vodafone and Visa - technology and providers they can trust. Our mobile wallet will be open to any service provider and we are committed to enable all partners to provide our joint customers the richest service portfolio possible."http://www.vodafone.com

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AT&T Offers Device Manufacturers Single SIM Access

At Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona, AT&T announced a worldwide M2M platform solution for device manufacturers featuring a single SIM offering expansive global coverage.


A single SIM, along with the AT&T Control Center powered by Jasper Wireless, would give d M2M device manufacturers the ability to manage global wireless device deployment and operations across markets with advanced diagnostic tools and smart process automation.


Currently, device manufacturers with M2M applications, must choose a SIM and partner for each target market.


“Lessons learned by market leading manufacturers suggest that a single carrier supplier with a single SIM solution is often preferred over working directly with multiple regional wireless carriers,�? said Glenn Lurie, president of emerging segments, AT&T. “Managing multiple relationships becomes increasingly complex and costly with each additional target market. With our single SIM dedicated exclusively to the Global M2M Offering, the benefit comes from a single solution, backed by an industry leading well managed platform. AT&T has made and will continue to make significant strategic investments with the world’s finest platform providers.�?http://www.att.com

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Mobile World Congress Attendance Up 11% to 67,000

Attendance at this week's Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona set a new record -- more than 67,000 visitors from 205 countries, up 11% over last year. The 2012 Congress hosted more than 1,500 exhibiting companies and occupied 70,500 net square metres of exhibition and business meeting space.


The GSMA estimates that the four day event contributed more than 300 million Euros to the local economy. Starting in 2013, the Mobile World Congress will be held at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, a move which will provide approximately 50 per cent more space.


The 2013 Mobile World Congress will be held 25-28 February, 2013.
http://www.mobileworldcapital.com

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Sprint Becomes Wireless Engine in Chrysler Group’s Uconnect Program

Sprint has been named strategic wireless partner for Chrysler's Uconnect Program. The companies are targeting advanced, next-generation connected vehicle and telematics services.
http://www.sprint.com

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Narus and Teradata Partner on Big Data Analytics

Narus, which specializes in real-time traffic intelligence and analytics, announced an alliance with Teradata, the analytic data solutions company, aimed at addressing the challenge of big data analytics.


Specifically, Teradata provides massive data storage capabilities that are matched to the Narus cyber analytics solutions.


Narus is known globally for its NarusInsight traffic intelligence system that protects and manages the largest IP networks around the world. It has been deployed with commercial and government installations on five continents.


Teradata’s analytic data management solutions are recognized by leading analysts as the highest-performing for data warehousing in the global market.


The new Narus-on-Teradata capability enables scalable, real-time traffic intelligence that captures, analyzes and correlates IP traffic in real time, and offers wide visibility across heterogeneous networks and deep insight into multiple layers of network traffic.


In a briefing, company executives stressed the urgency for real time cyber analytics among Fortune 500 companies, in addition to government organizations and public network operators. With the volume of overall traffic rapidly rising, there is a critical need to scale the network intelligence capabilities to keep ahead of malicious threats. Scaling the data storage in step with the analytics is a key challenge.


“Narus' leading real-time traffic intelligence system, coupled with Teradata’s blazing speed and with query performance and scalability that exceed conventional databases, provide our joint customers real-time situational awareness against cyber threats, and minimize the impact of cyber attacks better than ever,�? said Greg Oslan, chief executive officer, Narus.
http://www.narus.com
http://www.teradata.com

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Eye-Fi Raises $20 Million Series D Round

Eye-Fi, a start-up based in Mountain View, California, raised $20 million in Series D funding for its wireless memory cards.
The new funding was led by NTT DOCOMO and included existing investors Shasta Ventures, Opus Capital and TransLink Capital. NTT DOCOMO joins Eye-Fi as an investor and strategic partner, expanding the connected imaging leader's distribution and further establishing its mobile partnerships.


In April, NTT DOCOMO will become the first partner to launch Eye-Fi card activation via mobile phones. This enables NTT DOCOMO's 59 million mobile subscribers to quickly and easily share high quality images between their digital cameras, mobile devices, online photo sites and digital photo frame – no computer required.
In addition Eye-Fi announced the appointment of former Skype and eBay executive Michele Don Durbin as Vice President of Marketing.
http://www.eye.fi

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Huawei Debuts Eudemon8000E-X Cloud Security Gateway

Huawei introduced its Eudemon8000E-X, a new high-performance network security gateway solution for cloud data centers. The platform is designed for organizations that require a high-end security gateway, such as large enterprises and service providers, as they make the transition to cloud environments.


The Huawei E8000E-X helps organizations make this transition by:

• Harnessing the cloud: customers can achieve up to 200Gbps performance with the ability to scale to meet shifting business demands



• Providing comprehensive cloud protection: A comprehensive set of security capabilities ensure high detection ratio with low false negatives and positives and an IPv6 attack defense capability and transition solution



• Increasing agility to adapt to the cloud: offers flexible policies that respond to changing virtualization needs of a dynamic cloud environment.

The platform leverages Broadcom's XLP multi-core, multi-threaded processor, which features superscalar out-of-order execution capabilities, unparalleled data plane and control plane performance and XLP cores that effectively minimize bottlenecks and memory latencies.


Huawei's existing E8000E series adopts a redundant architecture of independent control modules, interface modules, and service processing modules, which use multi-core and multi-thread processors for multiple, concurrent services, such as Network Address Translation (NAT), Application Specific Packet
Filter (ASPF), Anti-DDoS, and VPN.


Huawei notes that the performance of the new E8000E-X was recently validated in an IT Brand Pulse Labs test report. The objective of the testing was to validate the firewall throughput of the Huawei Eudemon8000E-X16. To achieve this goal, the Ixia test equipment and E8000E-X were configured for Layer 3 IMIX throughput testing with firewall enabled. IMIX traffic was configured to simulate typical traffic for a 5,000 employee enterprise, including legitimate, illegitimate, and control traffic.


"Large enterprises and service providers face particularly complex challenges when moving to a cloud environment because of growing concerns around network security. As a leader in ICT, Huawei offers customers the cloud security assurance and confidence they need by protecting their critical business data and assets, while providing the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of a virtualized landscape,�? said Lei Yikang, President of Security Product Line, Huawei. "The new Huawei E8000E-X allows enterprises to tap into the business benefits of cloud without compromising the speed or performance of their operations."http://www.huawei.com

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Etisalat Test Alcatel-Lucent's lightRadio

Etisalat, the leading mobile telecommunications operator in the United Arab Emirates, has conducted a technology trial with Alcatel-Lucent's lightRadio portfolio. Alcatel-Lucent showcased the capabilities of its new lightRadio Metro Radio Outdoor (MRO) product at Etisalat’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, making the lightning-fast data connection over Etisalat’s commercial 4G LTE network, also powered by Alcatel-Lucent. A successful mobile data connection was made using Alcatel-Lucent’s new 9768 lightRadio Metro Radio Outdoor (MRO) product based on the lightRadio cube.
http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

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NTT Electronics Presents Low power 100G DSP

NTT Electronics (NEL) announced an energy-efficient Digital Signal Processor ASIC for coherent 100G fiber optical communication systems. The chip was used to successfully carry out a 100G line-side vendor interoperability demonstration.


NTT Electronics said its Digital Signal Processing (DSP) ASSP provides Chromatic Dispersion (CD) compensation and Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) compensation without using expensive optical devices. Moreover, the Soft-Decision (SD) Forward Error Correction (FEC), which is included in the ASIC, improves the Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR) margin making the 100G systems backward compatible with existing 10G/40G systems.
http://www.ntt-electronics.com/en/news/2012_02_29.html

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Akamai And Riverbed Offer SaaS Acceleration

Akamai Technologies and Riverbed Technology introduced a new way to deliver end-to-end optimization for software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications that combines Riverbed WAN optimization technology and the Akamai Intelligent Platform.


The solution enables globally-connected enterprises to speed data transfers and accelerate the performance of SaaS apps using Akamai’s globally-distributed network of more than 100,000 servers.


Target SaaS applications that benefit from this optimization include Google Apps, Salesforce.com and Microsoft Office 365.


The Steelhead Cloud Accelerator is a subscription-based add-on to existing Steelhead appliance deployments and does not require any changes in the way the appliances are deployed nor any changes to the SaaS provider’s infrastructure, regardless of where the application or end users are located, across any combination of physical, virtual and cloud infrastructures. Enterprises need only to deploy a single instance of the Steelhead Cloud Accelerator for each SaaS application to take advantage of the optimization from the jointly developed solution from Akamai and Riverbed.


Akamai and Riverbed offerings are already used separately today by more than 17,000 organizations, including many Fortune 500 businesses worldwide. Riverbed WAN optimization solutions are used byhttp://www.riverbed.com
http://www.akamai.com

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AMD to Acquire SeaMicro for Low Power Servers

AMD agreed to acquire SeaMicro, a developer of energy-efficient, high-bandwidth microservers, for approximately $334 million, of which approximately $281 million will be paid in cash.


SeaMicro, which is based in Sunnyvale, California, has created a new server architecture purpose-built for scale-out infrastructures such as those found in the web tier, online gaming, search and index computation. Among its innovations is a supercompute fabric, which connects thousands of processor cores, memory, storage and input/output traffic. SeaMicro's fabric supports multiple processor instruction sets.In 2009, the company received the largest U.S. Department of Energy grant given to a server company, $9.3 million, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The company was founded in 2007 and has approximately 80 employees.


AMD plans to offer the first AMD Opteron processor-based solutions that combine AMD and SeaMicro technology in the second half of 2012. AMD said it remains firmly committed to its traditional server business, and will continue to focus and invest in this area.


"Cloud computing has brought a sea change to the data center -- dramatically altering the economics of compute by changing the workload and optimal characteristics of a server," said Andrew Feldman, SeaMicro CEO, who will become general manager of AMD's newly created Data Center Server Solutions business. "SeaMicro was founded to dramatically reduce the power consumed by servers, while increasing compute density and bandwidth. By becoming a part of AMD, we will have access to new markets, resources, technology, and scale that will provide us with the opportunity to work tightly with our OEM partners as we fundamentally change the server market."http://www.amd.com
http://www.seamicro.com/

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Symantec Delivers Security Control Point for the Cloud

Symantec introduced its O3 Cloud Identity and Access Control -- a cloud information protection platform that will provide three layers of protection: access control, information security and information management. The aim is to provide companies with a single, secure access point to cloud applications and services.


In addition, Symantec has formed a partnership with salesforce.com to deliver Symantec O3 for Salesforce, a single sign on, access management and strong authentication application, built on Force.com, salesforce.com’s social enterprise platform.


Symantec O3 Cloud Identity and Access Control enables Single Sign On (SSO) across any web application, including those that do not support federation protocols. It leverages an enterprise’s existing identity infrastructure for authentication while enabling context-based authorization, password management and federation services. Symantec O3 Cloud Identity and Access Control comes pre-integrated with Symantec Validation and ID Protection Service (VIP), enabling enterprises to leverage their existing VPN credentials to strengthen access to any cloud application.


In the next phase, Symantec plans to deliver cloud information security by leveraging Symantec's leading DLP and PGP encryption technologies to automatically detect, block and encrypt confidential information before it’s stored or shared in the cloud. The third layer of Symantec O3 is scheduled to enable information management and compliance by aggregating all cloud-related security events, providing the foundation for comprehensive cloud audit, forensics and compliance.


http://www.symantec.com

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Symantec and VMware Target Virtual and Cloud Protection

At the RSA Conference 2012 in San Francisco, Symantec and VMware announced a partnership to provide security protection for virtual and cloud environments.


Symantec is initially delivering five security integrations with the VMware cloud infrastructure suite: data loss prevention, IT risk and compliance, data center protection, security information and event management (SIEM) and endpoint protection solutions.


"Companies today face an increasingly toxic threat landscape. True information protection is more than antivirus. With our new VMware integrations, we're enabling customers to proactively protect their information whether it's in a physical or virtual environment,�? said Francis deSouza, group president, enterprise products and services, Symantec. “Together, Symantec and VMware are taking protection to the next level to give companies confidence to fully embrace virtualization and realize the cost savings and efficiency it brings."


The integration of Symantec Data Loss Prevention with VMware vShield App enables Symantec customers to more easily find and locate their most valuable information across their virtual environments., Symantec Data Loss Prevention makes it easier for customers to identify and remediate potential data loss in their virtual environments by automatically separating virtual machines that contain sensitive information from those that do not.


Symantec Control Compliance Suite uses centralized vulnerability and control assessments to provide seamless discovery of unknown or unauthorized virtual machines to reduce security risk in the physical and virtual infrastructure.


Symantec Critical System Protection currently protects ESX guest and hypervisors with granular, policy-based controls.


Symantec Security Information Manager (SSIM) will enable organizations to seamlessly identify and respond to security threats that impact business critical applications across both their physical and virtual infrastructures. Through integration with the VMware vShield log management collector, SSIM will correlate virtual machine activity with events from the physical environment as well as the Symantec's global intelligence network to give a holistic view of an organization's security posture.


Symantec's Managed Security Service (MSS) will also offer a VMware vShield log management collector to allow customers who prefer a cloud-based service delivery model to benefit from a seamless view of security threats across both their physical and virtual environments.


Symantec also plans to leverage VMware vShield Endpoint with its endpoint security offerings to maximize performance in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and virtual server environments. These solutions will offload critical security analysis from protected virtual machines to a dedicated security virtual appliance resulting in optimized scan performance, reduced resource utilization, and increased management visibility.
http://www.symantec.com

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NSN Scores TD-LTE Contract with Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel will deploy its TD-LTE network in the 2.3 GHz frequency band allocated by the Indian government for broadband wireless access (BWA) technologies.


Nokia Siemens Networks will deliver the TD-LTE network and end-user data devices that can provide data speeds of upto 100 Mbps. The company will use its newly introduced and industry’s first TD-LTE 6 pipes radio.


Nokia Siemens Networks’ NetAct operations support system will enable effective and consolidated monitoring, management and optimization of Bharti Airtel’s GSM and TD-LTE networks. Nokia Siemens Networks will provide network design, integration, commissioning and optimization services to the operator for rapid roll-out of the network and full set of care services including hardware, software and competence development services. It will use its Global Network Solutions Center at Noida, India that is already supporting TD-LTE networks globally, to remotely deliver services for improved efficiency and network performance.


Nokia Siemens Networks noted that it is deploying its TD-LTE solution to commercial customers in Russia, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

http://www.nsn.com

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LightSquared's CEO Resigns

Following its failure to gain regulatory approval, LightSquared announced the resignation of its CEO, Sanjiv Ahuja. He will continue as Chairman of the board. The company is currently searching for a new CEO.


LightSquared also affirmed its intention to work through the regulatory issues and ultimately build a wireless network.


Philip A. Falcone, CEO and CIO of Harbinger Capital Partners stated:


"LightSquared's objective, through its wholesale business model, is to provide increased competition and lower prices in the telecommunications industry, and to bring broadband cellular phone service to rural areas that currently don’t have such service and that has not and will not change. That has been our vision from day one....


"We are, furthermore, committed to working with the appropriate entities to find a solution to the recent regulatory issues. We, of course, agree that it is critical to ensure that national security, aviation and the GPS communities are protected. I am confident that working together, we can solve this problem and bring the American consumer the lower priced 4G wireless alternative they need and deserve."http://www.lightsquared.com

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Intel's Medfeld Atom Processors Offers LTE/3G/2G

Speaking at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Intel CEO Paul Otellini disclosed plans to expand Intel's smartphone silicon ambitions, including early smartphone design engagements with Orange, India's Lava International, ZTE, and Visa.


Specifically, Intel announced plans for three new smartphone SoCs. The Intel Atom processor Z2460, formerly codenamed “Medfield,�? will now support speeds up to 2GHz. Intel also announced the Atom Z2580 processor that doubles the performance of the Atom processor Z2460, and features an advanced multimode LTE/3G/2G solution. Intel will sample the Z2580 in the second half of the year with customer products scheduled in the first half of 2013. For handsets in emerging markets, Intel disclosed plans for the Intel Atom processor Z2000, featuring a1.0 GHz Atom CPU and supporting the Intel XMM 6265 3G HSPA+ modem with Dual-SIM 2G/3G. Intel will sample the Z2000 in mid-2012 with customer products scheduled by early 2013.


Intel has previously announced a partnership with Motorola Mobility.


Intel also announced sampling of its XMM 6360 platform, a new slim modem 3G HSPA+ solution supporting 42Mbps downlink and 11.5Mbps uplink for small form factors.


Building on these 32nm announcements, Otellini discussed how the Atom processor will outpace Moore’s Law and announced that Intel will ship 22nm SoCs for carrier certification next year, and is already in development on 14nm SoC technology.
http://www.intel.com

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KT Selects Mindspeed Chips for LTE Small Cells

KT has approved Mindspeed’s Transcede SoC baseband processors for its LTE small cell dual mode (LTE and 3G) small cell base stations.


“Mindspeed is delighted that our Transcede platform has been chosen by KT for their next-generation femtocell development project," said Dr. Naser Adas, vice president and general manager, wireless and customer premises equipment (CPE), at Mindspeed. “We have been impressed by KT’s expertise and experience in LTE Cloud-RAN small cell technology and look forward to supporting their new product development efforts."


Separately, Mindspeed announced a collaboration with JUNI to jointly develop LTE femtocells and other small cell dual mode 3G/LTE solutions. The collaboration combines Mindspeed’s carrier-grade Transcede SoC baseband processor solutions with JUNI’s development expertise.
http://www.mindspeed.com

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Alvarion Shows its Wi-Fi Offload Solution with Hot Spot 2.0

Alvarion introduced its Wi-Fi mobile data offload solution for 3G and LTE networks. It implementation uses two-way beamforming Wi-Fi technology to provide access to the Internet. Alvarion offers an embedded access controller direct tunneling from base stations to the operator’s core. The solution is Hot Spot 2.0 and 802.11u ready permitting a cellular-like experience over the Wi-Fi network with zero-configuration from the user.


http://www.alvarion.com

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Alcatel-Lucent and China Mobile Sign lightRadio Architecture Deal

Alcatel-Lucent and China Mobile have signed a co-creation agreement under which teams from the two companies are conducting joint development and test activities on a series of lightRadio projects at Alcatel-Lucent’s Stuttgart lab.


This follows the non-binding MoU signed between Alcatel-Lucent and China Mobile in mid 2011. It also builds on the collaboration between the companies on the delivery of superfast mobile broadband using TD-LTE technology.


Alcatel-Lucent said this collaboration help to accelerate the smooth commercial introduction of the lightRadio product family to meet China Mobile’s business initiatives and support growing customer demand for high-bandwidth mobile broadband services.


Ben Verwaayen, CEO of Alcatel-Lucent, said: "The ability for us to pair with the world’s largest mobile provider to gain deeper insight into its customer behaviours and the way services are evolving will ensure we develop lightRadio in the right direction. The knowledge we gain from implementing lightRadio to support the delivery of mobile broadband services to 650 million people will help us to meet the growing demand for services across the globe.
http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

• China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile provider, had around 650 million subscribers at the end of 2011.

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Ericsson Pitches Self-organizing Networks

At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2012, Ericsson is launching a self-organizing networks (SON) Optimization Manager that automates the process of optimizing the capacity, coverage and quality of mobile networks.


The company is taking a number of the network optimization and management features developed for LTE and extending them for multi-standard networks. Whereas optimization is traditionally a slow, complex process carried out at regular intervals by teams of network experts, SON Optimization Manager automates the process.


Ulf Ewaldsson, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Head of Group Function Technology & Portfolio Management at Ericsson, says: "SON Optimization Manager is based on a simple idea - increasing automation to overcome increasing complexity. We call this Smart Simplicity, because it simplifies operators' processes and makes them more efficient."

http://www.ericsson.com

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Ericsson joins OpenStack

Ericsson has joined the OpenStack project, an open-source community dedicated to creating cloud software. Ericsson plans to contribute to further developing OpenStack to support carrier-grade services and applications. OpenStack provides a flexible alternative cloud management solution that is based on open-source components.


At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2012, Ericsson is demonstrating a unique virtual data center manager solution based on OpenStack that coordinates three data centers distributed across different continents. Slices of virtual data centers are created at the three physical locations and are bound together through elastic networking. This forms a separate distributed virtual private cloud, with seamless end-to-end operation and multi-tenant support provided by associating one or several distributed virtual private clouds with each tenant.


Also at MWC, Ericsson and recently acquired Telcordia are demonstrating an integrated cloud-management stack based on OpenStack.


http://www.ericsson.com
http://www.openstack.org

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NEC Delivers 2048 QAM Microwave Transmission

NEC announced plans to implement 2048 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (2048QAM) within its iPASOLINK microwave product family in the second half of 2012. This will deliver up to 40% per-channel capacity relative to the systems commonly in operation today which employ up to 256QAM. Furthermore, NEC's design also supports a full sequence of Adaptive Modulation in all steps from 2048QAM down to QPSK. The company said this feature allows scalable addition of capacity without compromising the reach and availability of transmission links deployed in the network.


Atsushi Noro, deputy general manager of NEC's Mobile Wireless Network Division, said: "In recent times we have seen a great deal of innovation in microwave technologies driven by the need to support next generation networks: high capacity, new carrier frequencies, packet transport, QoS aware adaptive modulation, smaller and more power efficient equipment, and others. Many of these technologies were pioneered by NEC thanks to our extensive research and development capabilities proven by years of market leadership. 2048QAM is the latest development from NEC and we are confident we will deliver further innovations."http://www.nec.co.jp

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Ceragon Networks Posts Reports Record Q4 Revenues

Ceragon Networks reported revenue for its fourth quarter which ended December 1, 2011 of 2011 reached $118.5 million, up 77% from $67.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2010, and up 2% from $116.1 million in the third quarter of 2011.
Net loss (GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2011 was ($8.2) million or $(0.23) per basic share and diluted share, compared to net income of $3.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, or $0.11 per basic share and $0.10 per diluted share.


Revenues for the full year of 2011 were $445.3 million, up 78% from $249.9 million in 2010. Net loss on a GAAP basis for 2011 was $(53.7) million or $(1.49) per basic share and diluted share. Net income for the year 2010 was $14.1 million or $0.40 per basic share and $0.38 per diluted share.


"As a result of our continued strong execution, we reported higher revenues, gross margin and profitability for the fourth quarter," said Ira Palti, President and CEO of Ceragon. "I am delighted to report that the integration of the Nera business is complete. We believe our decision to seize the first-mover advantage in the latest round of industry consolidation, combined with the rapid integration, positions us to continue to grow and to gain market share as the #1 wireless backhaul specialist.


Geographical breakdown, fourth quarter of 2011:


Europe: 24%

Africa: 21%

North America: 8%

Latin America: 21%

India: 10%

APAC: 16%

http://www.ceragon.com

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Infrastructure Winners at Mobile World Congress

Winners of the 17th Annual Global Mobile awards in infrastructure and services categories at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona:


Best Infrastructure Technology

Winner: Alcatel-Lucent - lightRadio Network


Best Mobile Broadband Technology

Winner: KT - KT's Premium WiFi Solution


Best Technology Breakthrough

Winner: Vodafone Group PLC - Quad Rate Technology: an evolved path doubling the efficiency of mobile voice


Best Cloud Based Technology

Winner: Appcelerator - Titanium Integrated Development Platform


Best Enterprise Mobile Service

Winner: Fiberlink - MaaS360


Best Consumer Mobile Service

Winner: Google - Google Maps for Android


Best Network Product or Solution for Serving Customers

Winner: Turkcell - Turkcell TiklaKonus


Best Product, Initiative or Service for Underserved Segments

Winner: Safaricom - Grundfos


Best Smartphone

Winner: Samsung - Samsung Galaxy S II


Best Feature Phone or Entry Level Phone

Winner: Nokia - Nokia C3-00


Device Manufacturer of the Year

Winner: Samsung


Best Mobile Tablet

Winner: Apple - Apple iPad 2


Best Embedded Mobile Device (Non-Handsets)

Winner: AT&T - Garmin GTU 10


The full list of winners and finalist for the 2012 Global Mobile Awards is available at:http://www.globalmobileawards.com/winners2012.php

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Cisco Leaps Forward in the Small Cell + Hot-Spot 2.0 Market

Cisco is pushing ahead into the market for carrier-grade, end-to-end Wi-Fi and small-cell infrastructure.


At Mobile World Congress, Cisco unveiled Next-Generation Hotspots (NGH) for seamless roaming, as well as a new Small Cell Gateway based on the Cisco ASR 5000 Series Mobile Multimedia Core Router.


For its Wi-Fi access points, Cisco is now embedding Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA)-approved NGH technology based on the Hotspot 2.0 specification established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The company has deployed over 12 million access points, the majority of which can now be upgraded to support NGH. These include access point solutions aimed at in-flight Wi-Fi, retail hotspots, stadium and large venue coverage, and extensive data offload deployments. Seamless Wi-Fi carrier roaming uses the SIM card and the network for authentication, making it much easier for users to access Wi-Fi networks where available.


Upgrades to the Cisco ASR 5000 Series Mobile Multimedia Core Router will now enable operators to manage subscriber and service information while integrating 2G/3G/4G LTE and femtocell (licensed) networks with Wi-Fi (unlicensed) networks. Potentially, service providers could also manage the Wi-Fi infrastructure of enterprise customers, providing their roaming users with seamless secure access to additional hotspots under this framework. PCCW, the mobile operating division of HKT, recently completed a commercial trial of the highly secure roaming provided by NGH via Cisco's service provider Wi-Fi solution in locations around Hong Kong.


Cisco is also working with Shaw Communications to deploy an extensive and advanced Wi-Fi network in Western Canada to provide broadband wireless access. The company cited other notable small cell deployments with AT&T, BT, Portugal Telecom, and Thailand's TrueMove H, among others.
http://www.cisco.com

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The Telco Challenge: Cloud Security Services

Almost by definition, telecom operators are becoming cloud service providers, opening up new opportunities to become a trusted extension of corporate IT.


In this video, Jim Reavis, Executive Director of the Cloud Security Alliance, discusses the two-fold requirement for operators to best secure their own networks while leveraging this infrastructure for outsourced IT services.


Nick Kael, Principal Security Strategist at Symantec, discusses the telco challenges of multi-tenant cloud security. Four design principles for cloud security are presented:

• 3:10 -- Security by Design


• 3:28 -- Security by Integration


• 3:53 -- Security by Visibility


• 4:15 -- Security by Automation

http://www.symantec.com

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AppliedMicro Develops Hybrid OTN Switching for 100G Linecards

AppliedMicro is preparing to release the industry's first standard Optical Transport Network (OTN) multiplexer to enable 100 Gbps OTU4 linecards. The new TPO415/C415 device facilitates the switching of any client and any rate traffic in Terabit-per-second Packet-Optical Transport Systems (P-OTS).


The TPO415/C415 contains a flexible OTU4 multiplexer with support of any size and combination of ODU0/1/2/3/4 and ODUflex containers. The device offers a 100G capacity ODU Segmentation And Reassembly (SAR) engine compliant with OIF-IA standards. It also offers a 100G capacity ODUk/ODUflex packet mapper for support of hybrid OTN and packet switching. Additionally, an advanced software Application Programming Interface provides large efficiency for software integration.


AppliedMicro said these capabilities will enable a new generation of terabit-class Packet Optical systems which leverage the new OTN networking layer and replace SONET/SDH to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the Internet by several orders of magnitude. In addition to IP transport, the new OTN layer will transport more specialized services such as Fibre Channel and video and allow for migration away from old SONET/SDH networks.


"AppliedMicro is first to market with a standard 100G multiplexer for hybrid OTN and packet switching systems," said Lars Pedersen, Chief Technology Officer of AppliedMicro TPACK A/S. "TPO415/C415 is future-proof because it is adaptable in meeting ever-changing customer requirements and evolving industry standards. It is supplied with the industry's most advanced Applications Programming Interface and a hardware reference design is available to help network system developers with rapid deployment of 100G systems. AppliedMicro provides the safest path to 100G P-OTS systems with advanced technology backed by our market-leading presence and experience."


AppliedMicro will demonstrate the 100G multiplexer during the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition/National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (OFC/NFOEC) next week in Los Angeles.
http://www.apm.com

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BT and Stoke Conduct Joint LTE Lab Tests

Stoke and BT’s Advanced Research Mobility have completed joint lab trials investigating different deployment models for LTE networks.


The test examine a variety of options for LTE transport connectivity. Stoke's Security eXchange was used to examine aspects of scalability, enhanced security, and multi-tenant network sharing scenarios, and acted as an anchor device in enabling the demonstration of different architectural strategies for LTE deployment. Stoke’s Security eXchange successfully demonstrated seamless interoperability and transparency with multiple vendors’ equipment including RAN, backhaul transport, caching, timing and synchronization and EPC.


“With spectrum owners looking at options ranging from build-own-operate to complete outsourcing arrangements, there are many unanswered questions. The test results shed much-needed light onto the feasibility of LTE rollout options, and point the way to some viable alternatives,�? said Dave Williams, Chief Technology Officer at Stoke “We are very pleased to support BT in extending its research into areas that will rapidly add value to its business divisions and customers. Additionally, the trials have helped us to develop advanced new features for our platform.�?http://www.stoke.com

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Freescale Unveils QorIQ Qonverge Macrocell Base Station-on-Chip

Freescale Semiconductor unveiled its first large cell base station-on-chip built on its QorIQ Qonverge multimode platform.


The new QorIQ Qonverge B4860 baseband processor, which is expected to begin sampling in Q2, supports LTE, LTE-Advanced and WCDMA standards. It is implemented in 28nm technology and offers more than 21 GHz of raw programmable performance. The macrocell SoC integrates four dual-thread, 64-bit e6500 Power Architecture cores with AltiVec SIMD engines running at up to 1.8 GHz. The e6500 core is ideal for Layer 2, control and transport processing, and incorporates an enhanced version of the proven, high performance and widely adopted AltiVec vector processing unit, which boosts performance for Layer 2 scheduling algorithms. The e6500 core has achieved the highest CoreMark® benchmark performance-per-watt profile ever recorded for an embedded processor. The B4860 also integrates six all-new, high performance SC3900 StarCore FVP cores running at 1.2 GHz. Together, these technologies provide a balanced, programmable architecture for all baseband digital processing layers for next-generation base stations.


The macro base station chip extends Freescale’s QorIQ Qonverge small cell products, which were first introduced a year ago. The QorIQ Qonverge portfolio shares a common architecture integrating Power Architecture microprocessors, StarCore digital signal processors and wireless acceleration technologies on a single chip.


Freescale notes that the new B4860 is one of the first single-chip LTE base station products to support three sectors of 20 MHz, and is designed to replace today’s channel cards that can include up to six discrete devices. In addition to simplified design and board-level efficiency resulting from reduced part counts, the B4860 provides 4x cost reduction and 3x power reduction compared to similarly deployed discrete solutions. The chip also supports Multi-RAT (i.e. multi-standard) and Multimode (i.e. LTE-A, LTE and WCDMA) standards simultaneously.


The company cited Fujitsu and Alcatel-Lucent as lead customers for the key technologies powering the QorIQ Qonverge B4860 baseband processor. Alcatel Lucent is already planning lightRadio base station designs built on Freescale’s QorIQ Qonverge B4860.


“Freescale’s QorIQ Qonverge macrocell products provide the performance, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness that OEMs and service providers need to help address challenges associated with the growing tsunami of wireless data worldwide,�? said Tom Deitrich, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale's Networking & Multimedia Solutions Group. “The QorIQ Qonverge B4860 macrocell baseband processor allows OEMs to develop differentiated products that help service providers ramp LTE, begin to deploy LTE-Advanced and address the stringent cost requirements of WCDMA base station processing.�?http://www.freescale.com

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Huawei Intros LTE-A Inter-Band Carrier Aggregation

Huawei introduced an LTE-Advanced inter-band carrier aggregation (CA) solution to help operators re-farm discontinued spectrum resources and increase user peak rate and network throughput.


At Mobile World Congress 2012, Huawei is showing the LTE-A inter-band CA solution performing inter-band carrier aggregation at 800MHz and 2.6GHz with peak throughput of over 225 Mbps. The solution is expected to revolutionize user experience by allowing networks to meet bandwidth requirements of data-heavy applications, marking an industry milestone and demonstrating Huawei's leadership in field of LTE-A innovation.


The company notes that inter-band CA is the most difficult to realize of the three forms of LTE-A CA (continuous CA within the band, non-continuous CA within the band, and non-continuous CA outside of the band). Given existing spectrum allocation policies, inter-band CA not only dramatically increases spectrum resource utilization, but also helps operators flexibly combine bandwidth and solve spectrum discontinuity to increase user peak rate and experience. With this solution, Operators enjoy greater returns and spectrum assets will appreciate in value.


"Through customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, we are dedicated to creating maximum value for our customers by providing competitive solutions," said Ying Weimin, President of Huawei GSM&UMTS<E Wireless Network Business Unit. "Huawei has been partnering with global leading operators in the fields of LTE/LTE-A. Huawei's leading end-to-end advantages help operators build efficient, sustainable, and profitable mobile broadband networks, as well as bring people a wonderful service experience."http://www.huawei.com

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Huawei Unveils Quad-Core Mobile Processor

Huawei's HiSilicon Technologies group unveiled a quad-core processor with 4 ARM Cortex A9 cores, a 16-core super GPU and 64-bit memory system targeted at smartphones and tablets. The company claims the new K3V2 device to be the fastest application processor both in CPU and GPU. Huawei's newly announced flagship, Ascend D quad, is the first smartphone based on HiSilicon K3V2 AP. HiSilicon is also announcing a smartphone/tablet platform solution based on K3V2 AP, Balong 10 LTE multi-mode modem and Android 4.0 ICS software package.
http://www.huawei.com

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Alcatel-Lucent to Supply Small Cells to Telenor

Alcatel-Lucent will supply Telenor with small cell base stations to support its customers. Under the global frame agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will supply plug-n-play femto cells to enhance coverage in areas where it can be traditionally poor, such as buildings which can interfere with the quality of a mobile signal. They can also be applied in rural or remote areas far from a cellular network base station, as well as busy public areas such as shopping malls and airports, where crowds of people and their mobile devices can also impede mobile coverage and capacity.
http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

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Symantec Advances Enterprise Mobility Strategy

Symantec is advancing its enterprise mobility strategy across Android, iOS and Windows Phone 7 platforms with new Mobile Device Management (MDM) capabilities and mobile threat protection for both company-owned devices and personally owned mobile phones and tablets. The expanded strategy addresses enterprises’ concerns by applying corporate security policies uniformly on all mobile devices, endpoints and applications.

Key highlights include:

• New Symantec Mobile Management for Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)



• Enhanced native mobile device management for Android and Windows Phone 7



• New Symantec Mobile Security for Android



• New Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablets integration with Mobile Management



• New Symantec Managed PKI Service integration with Mobile Management



• Symantec O3 tie with Symantec’s enterprise mobility platform.

Symantec’s modular enterprise mobility platform will allow these services to be delivered via on-prem and SaaS models.


“Our recent State of Mobility Survey highlighted that 59 percent of enterprises are making line-of-business applications accessible from mobile devices, representing a dramatic shift in the nature of mobility from an email extension to a core business enabler,�? said CJ Desai, senior vice president, Endpoint and Mobility Group, Symantec.


http://www.symantec.com

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Telkomsel First with Mobile Cloud Accelerator from Ericsson+Akamai

Indonesia's Telkomsel is the first carrier to deploy a mobile cloud accelerator (MCA) solution from Ericsson and Akamai in its live network. The implementation enables selected mobile users reduce page load times by as much as 70 percent - thereby providing a better and more consistent user experience.

Ericsson is positioning MCA as a means for operators to monetize over-the-top (OTT) traffic. Content providers also gain a way of improving quality of experience, conversion rates and brand perception.


Mobile penetration in Indonesia has increased rapidly in recent years. Telkomsel as the largest mobile operator has recorded more than 107 million customers.
http://www.ericsson.com
http://www.akamai.com

• In February 2011, Ericsson and Akamai Technologies announced an exclusive strategic alliance focused on bringing to market mobile cloud acceleration solutions aimed at improving end-user Internet experiences such as mobile ecommerce, enterprise applications and internet content. The companies will jointly develop solutions for delivering content and applications to mobile devices.

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Nokia Siemens Networks Sets 4G speed record -- 1.4 Gbps

Nokia Siemens Networks announced a 4G speed record -- 1.4 Gbps using LTE-Advanced on 100 MHz spectrum and the company's commercial Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station. The company said huge file transfers and HD video streaming over the connection hit peaks of 1.429 Gigabits-per-second.


"Moments such as these only come once,�? said Marc Rouanne, the company’s head of Network Systems. “Taking advanced technologies – such as LTE-Advanced – to a higher level is hugely satisfying. This work shows the potential for operators moving to LTE and beyond to deliver ubiquitous mobile broadband that truly delights people. The fact that this world record has been achieved using our commercial Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station is just another proof of our platforms’ superior capacity."http://

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Qualcomm to Support HSPA+ R10, LTE-A & Carrier Aggregation in Q4 2012

Qualcomm confirmed that its next generation Gobi modem chipsets, the MDM8225, MDM9225 and MDM9625 chipsets, will begin sampling in Q4 2012 and will be the first to support both HSPA+ Release 10 and the next-generation of the LTE mobile broadband standard, LTE Advanced.

The MDM9225 and MDM9625 chipsets, which represent Qualcomm’s third generation LTE modem chipsets, will also support LTE carrier aggregation and LTE Category 4 with data rates of up to 150 Mbps. These chipsets will be implemented in a 28nm manufacturing process, enabling significant improvements in performance and power consumption from previous generations for smartphones, tablets, ultra-portable notebooks, portable hotspots, dongles and CPE. Qualcomm noted that these designs integrate 7 different radio access modes on a single baseband chip: cdma2000 (1X, DO), GSM/EDGE, UMTS (WCDMA, TD-SCDMA) and LTE (both LTE-FDD and LTE-TDD).


In addition to supporting both LTE Advanced (LTE Release 10) and HSPA+ Release 10 (including 84 Mbps dual carrier HSDPA), they are backward compatible with other standards including EV-DO Advanced, TD-SCDMA and GSM.


"Our newest generation of Gobi modem chipsets will allow mobile device OEMs to design products that can operate on nearly any mobile broadband network worldwide," said Cristiano Amon, senior vice president of product management, Qualcomm. "In addition to supporting the latest mobile broadband technologies, these chipsets improve over Qualcomm’s previous 7-mode 28nm LTE chipsets (MDM9x15) by offering a reduction in power consumption and overall board area, enabling OEMs to design smaller, sleeker devices with longer battery life."


LTE carrier aggregation combines multiple radio channels within and across bands to increase user data rates, reduce latency and enable Category 4 capabilities for operators without 20 MHz of continuous spectrum.


The MDM8225 chipset supports UMTS only devices, the MDM9225 chipset supports LTE and UMTS devices and the MDM9625 chipset supports LTE, UMTS and CDMA2000 devices. All three chipsets are expected to begin sampling in Q4 2012.
http://www.qualcomm.com

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Qualcomm and Ericsson Show LTE Broadcast - eMBMS

Qualcomm and Ericsson are demonstrating LTE Broadcast based on the evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (eMBMS) platform.


LTE Broadcast is a point-to-multipoint system that promises resource-efficient, scalable delivery of high-bandwidth, high-demand live, premium and software content.


Ericsson said eMBMS has the potential to significantly reduce operators’ costs by allowing them to optimize content and software distribution using broadcast principles over LTE networks. The system could also be used to schedule broad distribution of software upgrades during off-peak hours or dynamically increase network capacity during peak demand occasions, such as high-density live events like stadium sporting and music concerts.
http://www.qualcomm.com
http://www.ericsson.com

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Ericsson Lands Packet Data Contract with China Telecom

China Telecom has selected Ericsson as a supplier of its packet data serving node (PDSN) and to expand its CDMA packet core network as well as provide related services for a period of two years. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Ericsson note that this is the first time it will supply a complete CDMA packet core network solution to China Telecom. In addition, Ericsson will also deploy the world's first smart pipe solution customized for CDMA networks. It will be deployed in the Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.


China Telecom currently has 129.25 million CDMA users, including 38.7 million 3G subscribers.
http://www.ericsson.com

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Ericsson Launches Pico Base Station with Wi-Fi

Ericsson introduced several small-cell products, including a pico radio base station with both 3GPP-licensed spectrum and integrated Wi-Fi. The company is positioning small cells as a complement to the macro layer, especially in dense urban environments.


Ericsson is also releasing an Indoor Pico Gateway, to enable indoor deployments that are fully coordinated with the macro layer.


Ericsson calculates that its hetnet solution will offer at least a 50 percent lower total cost of ownership for the small cell layer compared to using a multivendor approach. The cost savings are due to integration, flexible backhaul and less complexity in installation and maintenance.
http://www.ericsson.com

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Sony Mobile Shows its Xperia U Android Smartphone

Sony Mobile Communications unveiled its next generation Xperia P and Xperia U smartphones. The devices are distinguished in style by the “transparent element�?, a band that encircles the base of the phone and also integrates invisible antenna components. The transparent element illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications.


Both devices run Android and feature a new Sony Mobile User Interface (UI) that builds on the Android experience. Both are powered by 1 GHz dual-core processors and the Sony "Mobile BRAVIA Engine" for razor-sharp display clarity, along with fast capture to take the camera from sleep to snap in a little over a second with a single key press.


In addition, Xperia S, the ultimate HD smartphone, is now shipping to markets across the globe, with first sales in the Sony Style store in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress. Xperia P and Xperia U will be available to consumers globally in the second quarter of this year.
http://www.sonymobile.com

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Telefónica Sees Growth in Latin America and Mobile Broadband

in line with its prior financial guidance, Telefónica reported 2011 consolidated revenues of over 62,800 million euros, up 3.5% for the year. Growth was driven by the increase in wireless data revenues (+19% in organic terms) and growth in Latin America (+13.5%), a region which already represents 47% of the Group's total consolidated revenues. Telefónica increased its customer base by +7% year-on-year, reaching 306.6 million accesses as at 31 December 2011.


César Alierta, Chairman of Telefónica, stated "On the one hand, we have increased our customer base to exceed the 306 million mark, while the Company’s strategy to strengthen its competitive position is already paying off, showing a significant increase in the commercial activity in the second half of the year, and a remarkable growth in mobile broadband. In 2011, Telefónica has led the increase of penetration of mobile broadband services in its markets, with more than 38 million customers at the end of the year, 61% above 2010 figure. As a result, mobile data revenue also grew significantly to almost 20% in organic terms, and now represents 31% of mobile service revenues."


Some highlights:


Telefónica’s mobile accesses stood at 238.7 million in 2011, with a year-on-year increase of 8% in organic terms, following an acceleration in the growth rate during the second half of the year. It is worth highlighting net additions registered during the fourth quarter, reaching a record in the year (7.8 million accesses, excluding the disconnection of 1 million inactive prepaid accesses in Brazil in December), with a year-on-year increase of 45%.


Mobile broadband accesses -accesses with a data rate attached and therefore active users of the service- exceeded 38 million at the end of 2011 (+61% year-on-year). This figure represents a penetration rate of 16% over Telefónica's total mobile access base. Telefónica Europe reached a penetration rate of 31%, followed by Telefónica España (29%).



Retail fixed broadband accesses reached a total of 18.0 million (+5% year-on-year).

The number of Pay TV accesses stood at 3.3 million in 2011 (+19% year-on-year), with a pickup in the growth rate, basically due to the successful commercial repositioning in Latin America, where net additions in 2011 tripled those of 2010, the inclusion of TVA's Brazilian customers as of June and the good commercial performance in Spain during the second half of the year.


Fixed telephony accesses reached 40.1 million, down 3% year-on-year. This decline remained stable throughout 2011.


CapEx in 2011 reached 10,224 million euros, with a 3.3% year-on-year increase in organic terms. In reported terms, CapEx declined 5.7% year-on-year. It is important to mention that the 2011 CapEx figure includes the cost of the spectrum in Spain, Brazil and Costa Rica, amounting to 1,296 million euros.
http://www.telefonica.com

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Cisco to Acquire Lightwire for Optical Interconnect

Cisco will acquire Lightwire, a developer of optical interconnect technology, for $271 million in cash and incentives.


Lightwire, a start-up based in Allentown, Penn., specializes in CMOS photonics. Its optical interconnects promise to integrate multiple high speed active and passive optical functions onto a small silicon chip. Lightwire’s OASIS (Opto-electronic Application Specific Integrated Subsystem) platform is expected to offer lower power dissipation and smaller form-factor modules. On its website, the company says it is developing a range of high speed optical transceivers, but has not publicly announced any products to date.


"The acquisition of Lightwire will support our data center and service provider customers as they manage the continuing deluge of network traffic alongside tight capital and operating budgets," said Surya Panditi, senior vice president, Cisco Service Provider Networking Group. "With the combined know-how from Cisco in silicon design and Lightwire in CMOS photonics, we will transform Cisco's optical connectivity business to an integrated technology platform that supports our customers' burgeoning need for cost-effective high-speed networks."


Lightwire employees will be integrated into Cisco's Transceiver Modules Group Business Unit and Supply Chain Operations Group.http://lightwire.com

• Lightwire is headed by Ameesh Divatia, who was Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intelligent Network Products at Emulex Corporation from May 2006 to September of 2008. Earlier in his career, he was the founder of Pipelinks, which was acquired by Cisco in December 2008.

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ZTE Claims 33% Sales Growth in First 9 months of 2011

ZTE claims a 33.4 per cent increase in sales revenue year-on-year to US$9.17 billion in the first nine months of 2011. This makes ZTE the fastest growing major network equipment supplier. Average revenue growth for the industry during the first three quarters of 2011 was approximately 10 percent, according to the company.


ZTE credits its growth in part to a successful expansion into Tier-1 markets around the globe, including work with Softbank in Japan, Bharti Airtel in India, and América Móvil in Mexico.
http://www.zte.com.cn

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Marvell Revenues Slide 22% to $743 Million

Marvell Technology Group reported quarterly revenue for its fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, ended Jan 28, 2012) of $743 million, a 22 percent sequential decrease from $950 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, ended October 29, 2011, and down 18 percent from $901 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, ended January 29, 2011. GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 was $81 million, or $0.13 per share (diluted), compared with GAAP net income of $195 million, or $0.32 per share (diluted) in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, and $223 million, or $0.33 per share (diluted), for the fourth of last year.


"Fiscal year 2012 was a challenging year for Marvell in which we endured not only a choppy macro-economic environment but also the effects of an earthquake, massive floods, and product transitions at one of our largest customers. In spite of these challenges, Marvell delivered excellent profitability and free cash flow margins while simultaneously increasing our investments for several new initiatives," said Dr. Sehat Sutardja, Marvell's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "During fiscal 2012, Marvell was successful in several new products and initiatives. Our China TD business is now producing tangible results, our SSD revenue has exceeded expectations and our networking business is growing due to new products and share gains. As a result of these new initiatives and the recovery in the hard disk drive industry, we expect to see steady improvement in each of our end markets in the new fiscal year."http://www.hp.com

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Tellabs Enhances its Mobile Backhaul for LTE

Tellabs announced a major refresh of its mobile backhaul portfolio with a goal of providing enhanced support for LTE and soon LTE-Advanced traffic.


Key enhancements include:

• the ability to deliver up to 10 Gbps mobile backhaul speeds to cell sites



• multiple built-in synchronization and syntonization schemes for LTE



• the Tellabs 7100 and 7300 have been improved for fiber-optic mobile backhaul



• a new Tellabs 8611 Access Switch provides 10G interfaces in a compact 2RU unit optimized for cell sites and small aggregation locations,



• the Tellabs 8630 system now provides up to 80G of capacity



• the Tellabs 8660 system provides up to 240G of capacity



• the Tellabs 8800 system provides up to 360G of capacity



• the Tellabs 9200 system provides up to 5.5 Terabits of capacity.

http://www.tellabs.com

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LSI Adopts Multicore ARM for Mobile Infrastructure Processing

LSI will leverage ARM processor core for the first time in its Axxia platform for next-generation wireless infrastructure.



The Axxia solutions will combine the latest ARM Cortex A-15 processors cores with LSI hardware accelerators, resulting in a system on a chip uniquely suited to building intelligent, heterogeneous networks. Key points:

• Energy-efficient, low-power multicore processors for base stations and wireless infrastructure.



• Scalable performance to contend with massive data growth driven by smartphones, tablets and cloud-based services.



• Embedded intelligence to identify traffic, recognize applications and deliver the right content at the right time, enabling real-time services including mobile video.



• Third-party tools and support through the ARM community and LSI networking ecosystem.

“Consumers worldwide have an insatiable appetite for mobile broadband services. Operators need intelligent solutions to deliver exponentially growing traffic without exponentially growing their costs and power consumption,�? said Jim Anderson, senior vice president and general manager, Networking Components Division, LSI. “With solutions ranging from dual core to 16 or more cores, the Axxia wireless platform delivers the intelligence and performance to accelerate mobile networks from small cells to macro base stations.�?http://www.lsi.com

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HP Enhances its Home Subscriber Server for LTE

HP has expanded its Actionable Customer Intelligence portfolio with two key offerings designed for communications service providers (CSPs):

• The HP Home Subscriber Server (HSS) solution, which supports multiple networks, is enhanced with mobility management features that help CSPs migrate smoothly from 2G/3G networks to LTE networks. HSS is the primary customer database with information including personal profiles and the mobile services they use. New features in HP HSS version 5.1 include seamless fallback from LTE to 2G/3G; Voice over LTE (VoLTE); and Voice calls between LTE and 3G networks using the Single Voice Call Continuity protocol as an IMS application.
  



• The HP Subscriber, Network and Application Policy (SNAP) management solution now integrates real-time charging (billing) so CSPs can apply business rules that allow personalized services and offers to customers. HP SNAP combines policy and charging rules to create a single, holistic view of rules that draws on data from diverse sources, including the network (both 3G and LTE), billing systems, customer data stores and application environments. This lets service providers to develop policy and charging rules that enable personalized, context-aware offerings for customers. Such offerings can include tiered pricing plans, content packages, customized service bundles, and real-time up-sell offers.
  

“LTE is both a challenge and an opportunity for CSPs, as it levels the playing field for intense ‘co-opetition’ and opens the door to new revenues,�? said David Sliter, vice president and general manager, Communications and Media Solutions, HP Enterprise Services. “HP is helping CSPs use their unique assets to forge personalized, loyal customer relationships that can lead to entirely new revenue streams.�?http://www.hp.com/go/aci

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NSN Showcases Active Antennas with Telecom Italia

Nokia Siemens Networks will showcase a live Active Antenna System at Mobile World Congress 2012 in partnership with Telecom Italia. The companies will demonstrate the beam forming capability of the Flexi Multiradio Antenna System, which creates moving beams of radio signals that can be directed at individual users or confined to a specific area. Telecom Italia is currently conducting trials of the technology in its network and has been collaborating with NSN on a common R&D framework for intelligent antennas since 2006.


Nokia Siemens Networks said its active antenna systems can increase base station capacity by up to 65 percent and coverage by as much as 30 percent compared to traditional antennas. The Active Antenna System technology integrates several radio frequency (RF) components such as power amplifiers and transceivers into the antenna dipoles. This enables the unique beam forming capability that delivers significant performance enhancement and energy efficiency. In addition to improved capacity and coverage,http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

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T-Mobile USA Cites iPhone for Customer Defections, LTE Planned for 2013

As of the end of Q4 2011, T-Mobile USA had 33.2 million customers, down from 33.7 million customers at both the end of third quarter 2011 and the end of fourth quarter 2010. Net customer losses of 526,000 compared to net customer additions of 126,000 in the third quarter of 2011, and net customer losses of 23,000 in the fourth quarter of 2010.


Service revenues were $4.57 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, down from $4.67 billion in the third quarter of 2011 and $4.69 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010. T-Mobile USA reported Adjusted OIBDA was $1.40 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to $1.45 billion in the third quarter of 2011 and $1.34 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010.


Blended ARPU in the fourth quarter of 2011 was $46, consistent with the fourth quarter of 2010.


"In 2011, T-Mobile USA showed solid financial performance with a remarkable adjusted OIBDA turn-around in the second half of the year, despite nine challenging months during the pending acquisition. We further increased our 4G data speed to 42 Mbps, expanded our sales channels, launched 25 new 4G handsets and significantly improved our operational efficiency. As a result, adjusted OIBDA rose again year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2011 and branded data ARPU grew 20 percent year-on-year as smartphone adoption accelerated,�? said Philipp Humm CEO and President of T-Mobile USA. "However, not carrying the iPhone led to a significant increase in contract deactivations in the fourth quarter of 2011. In 2012 and 2013, T-Mobile USA will invest to get the business back to growth, including an incremental $1.4 billion investment in its network modernization initiative, which will total a $4 billion investment over time."


Specifically, starting in 2013, T-Mobile USA will use spectrum it obtained through the failed AT&T merger, along with refarmed frequencies, to launch LTE services. The $1.4 billion in incremental CAPEX will support this initiative.


Cash capital expenditures in Q4 2011 were $551 million, compared to $741 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $828 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. CAPEX during 2011 were driven by the continued build-out of the HSPA+ 21 and HSPA+ 42 networks.http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/

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MetroPCS Reports Increased Profitability

MetroPCS Communications continued to add subscribers in Q4 2011, although at a slower rate, as service revenues reached $1.1 billion for the quarter, an increase of $162 million, or 17% over last year. The company reported growth in quarterly Adjusted EBITDA of 15% over the fourth quarter 2010 and ended the fourth quarter 2011 with over 9.3 million subscribers.


“Throughout 2011, we maintained our cost discipline while growing our subscriber base. We believe 2011 results were driven by our compelling lineup of smartphones and our continued investment in our CDMA network combined with our focus on enhancing the customer experience. For the sixth consecutive year, we added over 1 million net subscribers, growing our subscriber base at a 30% CAGR over the same period. This growth rate is outstanding and we believe demonstrates that no annual contract mobile broadband wireless service continues to be the fastest growing sector within wireless. As we move towards the second half of 2012, we expect to offer MetroPCS subscribers Android smartphones on our 4G LTE network at lower prices. Since our launch of Android smartphones in late 2010, 35% of our subscriber base is now on a smartphone plan. With our 4G LTE network and line-up of smartphones, we believe we can build on our momentum and continue to drive profitable growth,�? stated Roger D. Linquist, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPCS.


Some other highlights:


Average revenue per user (ARPU) of $40.55 for the fourth quarter of 2011 represents an increase of $0.76 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. The increase in ARPU was primarily attributable to continued demand for our Wireless for All and 4G LTE service plans offset by an increase in family plan penetration from 32% of our customer base in 2010 to 45% of our customer base in 2011.


Churn decreased 80 basis points from 4.5% to 3.7%, when compared to the third quarter of 2011, and increased 20 basis points when compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. The sequential decrease in churn was driven by normal seasonal effects related to the traditional retail selling periods, as well as improved network performance resulting from the investment in our CDMA network to meet increased data demands.
http://www.metropcs.com

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Procera Sees Strong Growth for its Policy Enforcement

On February 21, Procera Networks reported Q4 2011 revenue of $15.6 million, up 28% sequentially from revenue of $12.2 million in the third quarter of 2011 and up 108% from revenue of $7.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Revenue for 2011 was $44.4 million, up 118% from revenue of $20.3 million in 2010. Net income for Q4 2011 was $1.8 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to net income of $182,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2010. Net income for 2011 was $3.8 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2.9 million, or $0.27 per share, in 2010.


Procera added 15 new service provider companies in Q4 including two new Tier-1 customers in Asia-Pac and Western Europe, and noted bookings of approximately $10 million.


Annual revenue guidance for 2012 is for 30% revenue growth, year-over-year.


"Our strong fourth quarter and full year financial results reflect performance against our growth initiatives for 2011, a year in which we achieved business expansion and balance: we entered new markets; expanded our product line; received significant follow-on orders, including eight from our existing Tier-1 customers; and won six new Tier-1 customers across fixed/mobile and cable broadband service providers. We continued to gain traction in the rapidly growing fixed/mobile market with strong contribution from fixed/mobile in 2011 and our momentum with cable customers continued with the significant follow-on orders we received from cable customers during 2011. We believe there are significant opportunities within broadband operators for expansion and replacements, as well as initial deployment of our solutions," stated James Brear, president and CEO of Procera Networks.
http://www.proceranetworks.com

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Radisys: Strong Carrier Interest in Small Cells, Wi-Fi Offload, VoLTE

Small cell networks will be widely deployed by mobile operators worldwide over the next two years, according to a global operator survey commissioned by Radisys and undertaken by wireless analysts Senza Fili Consulting, ahead of Mobile World Congress 2012. In fact, 100% of surveyed operators in Europe and Asia intend to deploy small cell networks within two years, while 100% of North American operators will do so in three years' time.

Some key highlights from the survey:

• 86% of all operators surveyed support VoLTE


• 82% of all operators surveyed support Wi-Fi offload


• 82% of all operators surveyed believe new mobile devices will have a positive impact on revenues and subscriber experience


• 71% of all operators surveyed viewed new mobile devices as the most disruptive force in the next three years
  
• In North America, the most disruptive force will be VoLTE. In Europe, it will be new mobile devices, and in Asia Pacific, it will be, jointly, Wi-Fi offload, small cells and TDD/FDD hybrid networks, with devices in second.


• 58% of all operators surveyed believe LTE Advanced will have a highly positive impact on revenues and subscriber experience; 66% agree that it will not happen for three years.

"Devices will continue to be the main driver to change in our industry," comments Monica Paolini of Senza Fili Consulting. "They have fundamentally changed the way subscribers use mobile broadband - why they use it, what they do with it, and how much traffic they generate. Yet, there is a pervasive feeling that we have just started to scratch the surface."


More on the Radisys website.
http://www.radisys.com

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MEF Introduces Carrier Ethernet 2.0

The Metro Ethernet Forum introduced a set of "Carrier Ethernet 2.0" specifications aimed at revolutionizing the efficiency and usability of Ethernet service delivery through the addition of three standardized features: Multi-class-of-service (Multi-CoS), Interconnect and Manageability.


Carrier Ethernet 2.0 is defined by its ability to deliver differentiated applications over interconnected, managed networks globally. Whereas the first generation of Carrier Ethernet standardized E-Line and E-LAN services, CE 2.0 standardizes Multi-CoS over eight interconnected services, including two versions of E-Line, E-LAN, E-Tree and E-Access.


Newly defined Multi-CoS extensions will now ensure standardized performance objectives across geographic boundaries, resulting in improved QoS and optimized efficiency on a global scale. New interconnect specifications extend the reach between carriers, and new management specifications provide scalability and measurability not previously possible. A new Mobile Backhaul Implementation Agreement creates a standard for 4G mobile backhaul services through Multi-CoS-enable interconnects.


The Metro Ethernet Forum cited several benefits for enterprises and Service Providers, most notably better service level agreements (SLAs) per location regardless of location.


Key standards and implementation agreements supporting CE 2.0 were completed by the MEF in January. The Metro Ethernet Forum is also planning to offer CE 2.0 certifications.
http://metroethernetforum.org

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Orange First Out with Intel-powered Smartphone

Orange plans to market an Android smartphone powered by Intel's Atom Z2460 processor. The first model will run on the carrier's HSPA+ network and should hit the market by mid-year under the Orange label. The initial model will run Android's Gingerbread platform with a planned upgrade to Android's Ice Cream Sandwich platform shortly thereafter. Another feature, the phone boasts a camera that can take 10 pictures in under a second with 8-megapixel quality.http://live.orange.com/http://download.intel.com/newsroom/kits/ces/2012/pdfs/AtomprocessorZ2460.pdf

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ZTE Shows First TD-LTE + Wi-Fi Pico Base Station

ZTE unveiled a TD-LTE multi-mode Pico base station. The multi-mode design supports LTE and WiFi simultaneously. Operators can configure the Pico to work in Wi-Fi mode initially, and as their LTE rollout gets underway, TD-LTE/WiFi dual-mode can then be enabled. In addition, the Pico can work in CPE mode and use TD-LTE as wireless backhaul while simultaneously working as a WiFi access point. The relay-assisted product also enables operators that lack wireline backhaul resources to efficiently develop their advanced heterogeneous LTE networks.
http://www.zte.com.cn

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Symmetricom Shows LTE Synchronization over IPv6

Symmetricom has completed testing showing IPv6 interoperability between network elements, LTE eNodeBs and synchronization master clocks. The testing was performed between Symmetricom's grandmaster clock connected to Alcatel-Lucent's switches, routers, and LTE basestations.


Symmetricom already provides IPv6-enabled 1588 grandmasters and a next generation network (NGN) ready platform that can adapt to any network topology.


"IPv6 is a key initiative for many operators in 2012 and the transition will require solutions and technologies that are interoperable," said Fred Davant, LTE and Light Radio senior product manager, Alcatel-Lucent. "We're proud to have conducted these industry-first tests with Symmetricom because this demonstrates to our customers that we are able to support their IPv6 initiatives over their LTE networks."http://www.symmetricom.com/syncworld

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Telefónica Deploys 2.6 GHz LTE at MWC with ALU's LightRadio

On the eve of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Telefónica activated an LTE network using the 2.6Ghz frequency band and small cell architecture. Download performance is rated at 100 Mbps with uploads ranging between 40-60Mbps. Telefónica said each cell in its LTE network can comfortably support 30 people browsing simultaneously with average speed of 30Mbps. Telefónica also expects to see vastly improved indoor coverage and can increase capacity by up to 400 per cent in high density data-traffic areas.


In a press conference with partners Alcatel-Lucent and Samsung, Enrique Blanco, Telefónica's Chief Technology Officer stated 'Today the future of mobile networks begins. The deployment of LTE that Telefónica has brought to the MWC, together with Alcatel -Lucent, gives us a glimpse of a tomorrow where everyone and everything is seamlessly connected, and in superfast time. But the challenge ahead is to ensure that all the technologies currently being deployed – 2G, 3G, LTE, Wi-Fi and Fiber – can co-exist to deliver next generation communications. Telefónica's strategy is to develop intelligent networks that allow these different technologies to co-exist efficiently and cover customers' growing connectivity needs in markets that are at different stages of development."


Telefónica's network is using Alcatel-Lucent's lightRadio technology, allowing conventional radio base stations co-exist with 4G metro cells (small base stations incorporating antennas and radio) working on the same frequency and with no interference. As a strong supporter for Telefonica's LTE service initiative, Samsung is also presenting the first LTE smart mobile devices for band 7 (2.6Ghz), GALAXY S II LTE smartphone and GALAXY Tab 8.9 LTE tablet, which can be used on this new high-capacity network.


Wim Sweldens, President of Alcatel-Lucent's Wireless Division said: 'This close collaboration with Telefónica through our co-creation programme is a clear articulation of the future of mobile broadband – rather than merely evolving their current architecture, which was designed for voice and messaging, Telefónica is making fast progress toward building a mobile broadband network designed with the future in mind. The wireless network of the future needs to be lighter, greener and closer to customers and deliver much higher capacity - that is what lightRadio is all about'.
http://www.telefonica.com

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Japanese Players Target Multi-Mode Wireless Modem Chip

NTT DOCOMO, NEC, Panasonic Mobile Communications and Fujitsu are joining forces to develop the software and hardware intellectual property for a single large-scale integration (LSI) chip that will enable small, energy-efficient modems to support the GSM, W-CDMA, HSPA+ and LTE mobile standards.


The first prototype chips has already been taped out and tested.


All mobile broadband standards supported by the chip meet 3GPP specifications. The LTE standard supports FDD (Frequency Division Duplexing) mode adopted by DOCOMO and TDD (Time Division Duplexing) mode expected to be adopted for LTE networks in China and other markets, which will help to further the development of advanced mobile devices by manufacturers worldwide.


The four partners, in addition to other major players in the mobile technology field, working through a joint venture currently being planned, aim to commercialize the chip in Japan and other countries as quickly as possible. A follow-up chip supporting LTE-Advanced is also being planned. http://www.nec.co.jp

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NEC Launches LTE Femtos

NEC launched two new indoor LTE Femtocell base stations designed for offices and homes.


NEC's RAN-GW (radio access network gateway) system connect to a telecom carrier's core network through an indoor broadband connection, while the connections between the base stations and terminals occur over LTE. The base stations feature plug-and-play functionality that configures the device simply by connecting it to the broadband line, without the need for any initial settings. The stations automatically control radio wave interference, which ensures high-quality communications and enables users to build high-speed, high-volume communications environments indoors, even when installed amid different networks, such as outdoor LTE base stations. The base stations will be available in the second quarter of 2012.


"NEC has an extensive track record in the Femtocell market, having made agreements with 18 telecom carriers around the world to deliver comprehensive Femtocell systems that include femto gateways, base stations and 39 trials," said Tadatoshi Fujiwara, senior vice president at NEC Europe. "NEC plays a central role as a board member of the Small Cell Forum, a gathering of Femtocell-related telecom carriers and vendors, and for three years running has received awards from the Forum in recognition of its efforts in the field."http://www.nec.co.jp

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Navy's MUOS Satellite Successfully Launched

The first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite, which will provide simultaneous voice, video and data communications to U.S. military combatants, was successfully launched into orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.


The first satellite in the MUOS constellation was built by Lockheed Martin. MUOS satellites feature a wideband code division multiple access payload that incorporates advanced technology to provide a 16-fold increase in transmission throughput over the current UFO satellite system. A single MUOS satellite will provide four times the capacity of the entire legacy UFO constellation of 10 satellites. The satellites also include a hosted legacy UHF payload that will be fully compatible with the current UFO system and legacy terminals.


Lockheed Martin Space Systems, which is the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator, said the first MUOS satellite and associated ground system will provide initial on-orbit capability this year with the four-satellite global constellation achieving full operational capability in 2015, extending UHF narrowband communications availability well past 2025.


"MUOS is a revolutionary new satellite system that will provide unprecedented new communications capabilities for the armed forces," said Kevin Bilger, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of Global Communications Systems. "We look forward to executing a smooth and efficient on-orbit checkout, paving the way for operational use."http://

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MWC12: Barcelona Transit Strike Averted

Pubic transit workers in Barcelona voted not to strike, averting potentially chaotic transportation issues at this week's Mobile World Congress. The metro system is now expected to run as normal throughout the week.
http://www.gsma.com

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MWC12: Carriers Showcase Connected Living

At the Mobile World Congress 2012, the GSMA is hosting a Connected House with the participation of AT&T, KT and Vodafone and their partners – Accenture, Airbiquity, AQ Corporation, Ericsson, Intel, KTH, Qualcomm, Rsupport, Sony and Zelitron.


Embedded SIM is be featured in a number of the demonstrations.


AT&T is showcasing its Blue Libris Personal Emergency Response System, a health monitor for seniors, patients and children. AT&T will also be featuring its "Digital Life", a wholesale IP-based remote monitoring and automation platform that will equip global service providers with the capabilities to offer their subscribers customisable, web-based home automation, energy and security services. The platform will enable providers to offer devices like wireless sensors and cameras that will communicate with a control center inside the home, managed through a web based user interface.


KT is introducing a "Kibot" robot that teaches children to read, sing and speak in different languages. This robot terminal provides customized 'Smart Home' services for infants and elementary school students, assuring safety through learning, play, and home monitoring.


Vodafone is highlighting a Tracking and Monitoring Service to help companies monitor and manage stock levels while preventing the theft of valuable assets such as refrigerators. The live demo shows how companies can check the location in real time of an ice cream cooler – and monitor whether it has been moved or stolen.
http://www.gsma.com

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