Procera Offers DPI-based Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGN) and Advanced Traffic Steering

Procera Networks
introduced new Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGN) and Advanced Traffic Steering capabilities that leverage the subscriber, service, and application awareness of the company's PacketLogic solutions.



This marks Procera’s entry into the Application Delivery market, which represented a $2.6 billion market in 2011, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC).



Procera said its PacketLogic products simplify large-scale subscriber deployments for network and cloud service providers.



Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGN): Network operators are increasingly using CGN to combat IPv4 address exhaustion. CGN is also commonly implemented on router platforms that were not designed to have subscriber or stateful awareness. The PacketLogic CGN uniquely provides these capabilities due to tight integration with the PacketLogic Subscriber Manager, which is used to simplify address management for operators, maintain subscriber visibility and service awareness, and ensure a transparent experience for subscribers.



The PacketLogic CGN solution offers asymmetric traffic handling using FlowSync, providing operators with more flexibility in CGN deployments and maintaining flow state – even in geographically diverse deployments. A CGN deployment with PacketLogic ensures that an operator maintains complete capability to leverage 3GPP policy and charging as well as full analytics and network visibility, which can be lost when deploying CGN solutions not based on IPE.



Application and Subscriber-Aware Traffic Steering: Unlike traditional load-balancing systems, intelligent policy enforcement-based traffic steering solutions can make policy decisions based on subscriber service plans and applications without complicated configurations or integrations. The PacketLogic Advanced Traffic Steering can steer traffic at any point in the flow setup process, using Procera’s unique DRDL technology to surgically send only the exact application traffic to Value Added Services solutions (VAS). This technology enables flexibility for value-added services that require full TCP-state visibility, such as video optimization or parental control, and saves significant capital and operational expense by drastically reducing the amount of hardware needed to offer VAS. Cloud operators can take advantage of the traffic steering capabilities while providing detailed charging and analytics to their customers using a single system, thereby reducing the cost, overhead, and complexity of multi-system deployments.



Advanced Traffic Steering and CGN are both available for customer trials immediately, and will ship in the third quarter of 2012. http://www.proceranetworks.com

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Verizon 4G Venture Forum for Connected Cars

Verizon is backing a new 4G Venture Forum for Connected Cars whose members already include BMW, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors and Toyota Motor Sales. The group will collaborate and explore ways to deliver connectivity to vehicles of all types, by leveraging open standards and discussing ways to accelerate development of the 4G LTE ecosystem across automotive OEMs, suppliers, device manufacturers, application developers and content publishers.



Verizon said its goal is to accelerate the pace of innovation across the automotive and telematics 4G LTE ecosystem.



"There are many challenges to designing next generation telematics and infotainment solutions, including supporting safe and responsible driving, advancing vehicle-to-vehicle solutions and improving sustainability, among others," said Tami Erwin, chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. "As an innovator in the technology industry, Verizon is a natural impetus for this collaboration, which we all expect will include other companies and spur results that will benefit not only the industry, but millions of consumers around the world."



Professor Sanjay Sarma of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology also joins the Forum, providing members a link to track important advancements in related academic research. http://www.verizonwireless.com

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Tanzania's Smile Deploys 800 MHz LTE with Alcatel-Lucent

Smile Telecom Holdings Ltd (Smile) has launched LTE in the 800 MHz band in Dar es Salaam using Alcatel-Lucent's solution. So far, the network has been rolled out in several districts of Dar es Salaam, including Mikocheni, Massani Peninsula, Oysterbay and Sinza. Smile plans to extend coverage through Tanzania in 2012, followed by the launch of similar services in the other three countries where Smile currently operates. http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

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Alvarion Announces Downsizing

Alvarion will be streamlining its operations and implementing certain cost reduction initiatives intended to help achieve profitability. Plans call for a global wage reduction for all employees, along with adjustments to headcount.



“We believe that the new initiatives will enable the company to move towards stability, while we continue to invest in its growth engines, and develop new product innovations. We believe that the new organizational structure will be managed effectively and profitably to serve the needs of our customers.�?http://www.alvarion.com

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BT Employs F5 for Dual Stack IPv4

BT has implemented F5 Networks' BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) to allow complete translation between IPv4 and IPv6 addresses in its existing network. F5 said the deployment went from last testing to commercial rollout in a matter of months and is now part of BT's live network.



“We knew we needed to become more accessible to everyone using the Internet, whether they’re an IPv6 user or an IPv4 user, and the F5 solution has allowed us to do that without substantial re-engineering,�? said David Osborne, IPv6 Programme Director, BT. “BIG-IP LTM sits in front of the web servers and handles the IPv6 configuration. In addition, the F5 team was very responsive and was able to turn the project around in short order."http://www.f5.com/news-press-events/world-ipv6-day.html

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Big Switch Builds OpenFlow-based Overlays

Big Switch Networks is now supporting OpenFlow Overlay technology into the latest release of its Big Virtual Switch application, the company’s flagship SDN application for network virtualization built on the Big Switch Controller Platform.



OpenFlow Overlays allow for virtual OpenFlow networks to be overlaid on top of traditional, non-OpenFlow physical networks. The company said the key benefit is in placing any VM anywhere in the data center to reclaim stranded compute capacity. Beta testing is underway.



“OpenFlow Overlays are a great way to get started with SDN vision – getting subnets and vlans out of the way. This approach to Overlays is both backward-compatible with networking hardware already in place and forward-compatible with OpenFlow hardware for a smooth migration path to SDN,�? says Omar Baldonado, Head of Product Management at Big Switch Networks. “Our vision is that OpenFlow Overlays aren’t the end goal, but they let enterprises get started with an Open SDN architecture that works on top of the network they have today.�?http://www.bigswitch.com

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Terremark to Standardize its Private Cloud on EMC

Verizon's Terremark data center division intends to standardize its private cloud business on EMC infrastructure technologies and offer EMC-based public and hybrid cloud deployments for their customers. The strategic partnership covers core EMC storage, back up, and replication technologies.



Through this strategic initiative, EMC will provide the infrastructure for Terremark’s Enterprise Cloud Private Edition offering as well as public and hybrid deployments.



"EMC, Verizon and Terremark have been working in the market for nearly a decade. Today, we’re extending our well-established, highly successful alliance and taking our strategic partnership to the next level to help customers more rapidly realize the true benefits of cloud computing. This announcement symbolizes the dramatic customer value that can be derived through joint collaboration and will help customers transform their business operations and ultimately deliver IT as a service," stated Bill Scannell, Executive Vice President, Americas and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) EMC Corp. http://www.emc.comhttp:/www.terremark.com

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Huawei Announces Wins in Portugal, South Africa, Switzerland

Portugal Telecom has selected Huawei's SingleRAN LTE solution to launch commercial LTE services. Portugal Telecom will integrate existing GSM networks and new LTE networks on a single platform, offering data speeds up to 150 Mbps and providing end users with seamless mobile services.



Telkom South Africa has selected Huawei's SingleFAN solution for its next gen access network supporting voice, data, and IPTV over downlinks of up to 100 Mbps. Deployment of the countrywide network will involve four million users. Telkom, Africa plans to migrate its fixed network to a fiber-based ultra-broadband network. Huawei will supply a highly integrated COMBO board that combines voice and VDSL2 modules on one service port.



Sunrise, the largest private telecommunications provider in Switzerland, named Huawei as its sole managed services partner for its fixed and mobile network. The Five year multi-technology agreement is one of the largest managed services contracts for Huawei in Europe and includes the transfer of staff from the previous technology partner as well as from Sunrise. Huawei will be responsible for managing Sunrise's mobile and fixed network including internet and IPTV. Huawei will provide design and planning, network build and integration network performance management, field operations, network operations, and spare parts management.
http://www.huawei.com

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Zain Saudi Arabia to Refarm 1800 MHz GSM

Zain KSA has selected Nokia Siemens Networks as its LTE infrastructure and services vendor for Jeddah, the country’s second largest city. The operator will be refarming its 1800 MHz GSM frequency band to offer 4G services. As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will also manage Zain KSA's 4G network in Jeddah, in addition to the operator’s existing GSM and 3G networks in the city.



Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its Flexi Multiradio Base Station for 4G deployment and 3G network modernization. Optimized backhaul will be provided by FlexiPacket Microwave platform. NSN will also upgrade and expand Zain’s legacy Home Location Register (HLR) to the latest, One NDS subscriber data management solution, supporting a total of 25 million subscribers’ mobile services, including 4G. Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide its NetAct platform for efficient monitoring, management and optimization of Zain KSA’s LTE network. http://www.nsn.com

Read More

Procera Offers DPI-based Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGN) and Advanced Traffic Steering

Procera Networks
introduced new Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGN) and Advanced Traffic Steering capabilities that leverage the subscriber, service, and application awareness of the company's PacketLogic solutions.



This marks Procera’s entry into the Application Delivery market, which represented a $2.6 billion market in 2011, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC).



Procera said its PacketLogic products simplify large-scale subscriber deployments for network and cloud service providers.



Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGN): Network operators are increasingly using CGN to combat IPv4 address exhaustion. CGN is also commonly implemented on router platforms that were not designed to have subscriber or stateful awareness. The PacketLogic CGN uniquely provides these capabilities due to tight integration with the PacketLogic Subscriber Manager, which is used to simplify address management for operators, maintain subscriber visibility and service awareness, and ensure a transparent experience for subscribers.



The PacketLogic CGN solution offers asymmetric traffic handling using FlowSync, providing operators with more flexibility in CGN deployments and maintaining flow state – even in geographically diverse deployments. A CGN deployment with PacketLogic ensures that an operator maintains complete capability to leverage 3GPP policy and charging as well as full analytics and network visibility, which can be lost when deploying CGN solutions not based on IPE.



Application and Subscriber-Aware Traffic Steering: Unlike traditional load-balancing systems, intelligent policy enforcement-based traffic steering solutions can make policy decisions based on subscriber service plans and applications without complicated configurations or integrations. The PacketLogic Advanced Traffic Steering can steer traffic at any point in the flow setup process, using Procera’s unique DRDL technology to surgically send only the exact application traffic to Value Added Services solutions (VAS). This technology enables flexibility for value-added services that require full TCP-state visibility, such as video optimization or parental control, and saves significant capital and operational expense by drastically reducing the amount of hardware needed to offer VAS. Cloud operators can take advantage of the traffic steering capabilities while providing detailed charging and analytics to their customers using a single system, thereby reducing the cost, overhead, and complexity of multi-system deployments.



Advanced Traffic Steering and CGN are both available for customer trials immediately, and will ship in the third quarter of 2012. http://www.proceranetworks.com

Read More

Verizon 4G Venture Forum for Connected Cars

Verizon is backing a new 4G Venture Forum for Connected Cars whose members already include BMW, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors and Toyota Motor Sales. The group will collaborate and explore ways to deliver connectivity to vehicles of all types, by leveraging open standards and discussing ways to accelerate development of the 4G LTE ecosystem across automotive OEMs, suppliers, device manufacturers, application developers and content publishers.



Verizon said its goal is to accelerate the pace of innovation across the automotive and telematics 4G LTE ecosystem.



"There are many challenges to designing next generation telematics and infotainment solutions, including supporting safe and responsible driving, advancing vehicle-to-vehicle solutions and improving sustainability, among others," said Tami Erwin, chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. "As an innovator in the technology industry, Verizon is a natural impetus for this collaboration, which we all expect will include other companies and spur results that will benefit not only the industry, but millions of consumers around the world."



Professor Sanjay Sarma of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology also joins the Forum, providing members a link to track important advancements in related academic research. http://www.verizonwireless.com

Read More

Tanzania's Smile Deploys 800 MHz LTE with Alcatel-Lucent

Smile Telecom Holdings Ltd (Smile) has launched LTE in the 800 MHz band in Dar es Salaam using Alcatel-Lucent's solution. So far, the network has been rolled out in several districts of Dar es Salaam, including Mikocheni, Massani Peninsula, Oysterbay and Sinza. Smile plans to extend coverage through Tanzania in 2012, followed by the launch of similar services in the other three countries where Smile currently operates. http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

Read More

Alvarion Announces Downsizing

Alvarion will be streamlining its operations and implementing certain cost reduction initiatives intended to help achieve profitability. Plans call for a global wage reduction for all employees, along with adjustments to headcount.



“We believe that the new initiatives will enable the company to move towards stability, while we continue to invest in its growth engines, and develop new product innovations. We believe that the new organizational structure will be managed effectively and profitably to serve the needs of our customers.�?http://www.alvarion.com

Read More

BT Employs F5 for Dual Stack IPv4

BT has implemented F5 Networks' BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) to allow complete translation between IPv4 and IPv6 addresses in its existing network. F5 said the deployment went from last testing to commercial rollout in a matter of months and is now part of BT's live network.



“We knew we needed to become more accessible to everyone using the Internet, whether they’re an IPv6 user or an IPv4 user, and the F5 solution has allowed us to do that without substantial re-engineering,�? said David Osborne, IPv6 Programme Director, BT. “BIG-IP LTM sits in front of the web servers and handles the IPv6 configuration. In addition, the F5 team was very responsive and was able to turn the project around in short order."http://www.f5.com/news-press-events/world-ipv6-day.html

Read More

Big Switch Builds OpenFlow-based Overlays

Big Switch Networks is now supporting OpenFlow Overlay technology into the latest release of its Big Virtual Switch application, the company’s flagship SDN application for network virtualization built on the Big Switch Controller Platform.



OpenFlow Overlays allow for virtual OpenFlow networks to be overlaid on top of traditional, non-OpenFlow physical networks. The company said the key benefit is in placing any VM anywhere in the data center to reclaim stranded compute capacity. Beta testing is underway.



“OpenFlow Overlays are a great way to get started with SDN vision – getting subnets and vlans out of the way. This approach to Overlays is both backward-compatible with networking hardware already in place and forward-compatible with OpenFlow hardware for a smooth migration path to SDN,�? says Omar Baldonado, Head of Product Management at Big Switch Networks. “Our vision is that OpenFlow Overlays aren’t the end goal, but they let enterprises get started with an Open SDN architecture that works on top of the network they have today.�?http://www.bigswitch.com

Read More

Terremark to Standardize its Private Cloud on EMC

Verizon's Terremark data center division intends to standardize its private cloud business on EMC infrastructure technologies and offer EMC-based public and hybrid cloud deployments for their customers. The strategic partnership covers core EMC storage, back up, and replication technologies.



Through this strategic initiative, EMC will provide the infrastructure for Terremark’s Enterprise Cloud Private Edition offering as well as public and hybrid deployments.



"EMC, Verizon and Terremark have been working in the market for nearly a decade. Today, we’re extending our well-established, highly successful alliance and taking our strategic partnership to the next level to help customers more rapidly realize the true benefits of cloud computing. This announcement symbolizes the dramatic customer value that can be derived through joint collaboration and will help customers transform their business operations and ultimately deliver IT as a service," stated Bill Scannell, Executive Vice President, Americas and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) EMC Corp. http://www.emc.comhttp:/www.terremark.com

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OIF Approves Multi-Link Gearbox Implementation Agreement

The OIF approved two new Implementation Agreements (IAs):



The Multi-Link Gearbox (MLG) Implementation Agreement defines a 10:4 Mux function to convert multiple (up to 10) independent 10 Gbps links into 4x25G lanes, and a 4:10 DeMux function to convert the 4x25G lanes back to multiple (up to 10) independent 10 Gbps links. This enables a variety of applications reusing 100GBASE-R technology for the transport of individual 10G links.



The End-to-End Transport of UNI Client Authentication, Integrity, and Data Plane Security Support Information Implementation Agreement describes a new end-to-end digital signature mechanism that provides authentication, integrity, and support for non-repudiation of UNI-C to UNI-C communications. It provides guidelines for implementers describing what to protect and how to apply this protection. It also discusses performance impacts, policy enforcement, security credentials and error handling.



The OIF also released a whitepaper on Management Plane (OSS) Support for Control Plane (CP) Networks as well as a second whitepaper on Thermal Management at the Faceplate, which focuses on air cooling of pluggable modules in a line card.



In addition, the OIF furthered its commitment to secure control plane networks by performing interoperability testing of the Security Extension for UNI and E-NNI 2.0 and Security for Management Interfaces to Network Elements 2.0 implementation agreements. http://www.oiforum.com

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Huawei Announces Wins in Portugal, South Africa, Switzerland

Portugal Telecom has selected Huawei's SingleRAN LTE solution to launch commercial LTE services. Portugal Telecom will integrate existing GSM networks and new LTE networks on a single platform, offering data speeds up to 150 Mbps and providing end users with seamless mobile services.



Telkom South Africa has selected Huawei's SingleFAN solution for its next gen access network supporting voice, data, and IPTV over downlinks of up to 100 Mbps. Deployment of the countrywide network will involve four million users. Telkom, Africa plans to migrate its fixed network to a fiber-based ultra-broadband network. Huawei will supply a highly integrated COMBO board that combines voice and VDSL2 modules on one service port.



Sunrise, the largest private telecommunications provider in Switzerland, named Huawei as its sole managed services partner for its fixed and mobile network. The Five year multi-technology agreement is one of the largest managed services contracts for Huawei in Europe and includes the transfer of staff from the previous technology partner as well as from Sunrise. Huawei will be responsible for managing Sunrise's mobile and fixed network including internet and IPTV. Huawei will provide design and planning, network build and integration network performance management, field operations, network operations, and spare parts management.
http://www.huawei.com

Read More

Zain Saudi Arabia to Refarm 1800 MHz GSM

Zain KSA has selected Nokia Siemens Networks as its LTE infrastructure and services vendor for Jeddah, the country’s second largest city. The operator will be refarming its 1800 MHz GSM frequency band to offer 4G services. As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will also manage Zain KSA's 4G network in Jeddah, in addition to the operator’s existing GSM and 3G networks in the city.



Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its Flexi Multiradio Base Station for 4G deployment and 3G network modernization. Optimized backhaul will be provided by FlexiPacket Microwave platform. NSN will also upgrade and expand Zain’s legacy Home Location Register (HLR) to the latest, One NDS subscriber data management solution, supporting a total of 25 million subscribers’ mobile services, including 4G. Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide its NetAct platform for efficient monitoring, management and optimization of Zain KSA’s LTE network. http://www.nsn.com

Read More

Ciena Supplies 100G for CWW in Hong Kong and Singapore

Cable&Wireless Worldwide has selected Ciena to deploy 100G metro networks in Hong Kong and Singapore. The networks will use Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, equipped with WaveLogic Coherent Optical Processors and supporting coherent 100G and mesh networking.



Ciena said these live metro networks leverage mesh architecture, allowing CWW to offer its customers superior network resiliency and service flexibility, and meet service level agreement (SLA) requirements. It also ensures that the CWW network can scale to meet future capacity demands across the region. The project included planning for services supported by CWW’s current metro ring architectures, which are based on Ciena’s 4200 Advanced Services Platform, ensuring a smooth upgrade to 100G and seamless transition for existing customers as the carrier continues its move toward its next-generation mesh networks. http://www.ciena.com

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