Research Networks Test Trans-Atlantic 100G Connection for LHC

Leading research networks supporting CERN's Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland are testing a 100G trans-Atlantic link for transporting the massive data sets associated with the project. Currently, up to fifteen 10G links over different paths are used in concert to move the data.

In March, the Department of Energy’s ESnet, Internet2, CANARIE, GÉANT, NORDUnet and SURFnet began testing a leased  100 Gbps connection between Amsterdam (Netherlight Open Exchange) and New York. The four-week test was conducted in collaboration with LHCONE, the LHC Open Network Environment.

ESnet reports positive results from the Advanced North Atlantic 100G Pilot. A saturation test over 10 minutes yielded a 99.9 percent utilization with no loss, no errors.  A 24 hour test at 50 Gbps, carried over 540 terabytes of data with no loss and no errors.

http://es.net/news-and-publications/esnet-news/2014/100-gbps-test-link-sets-pace-for-faster-trans-atlantic-data-transfers/

https://blog.surfnet.nl/?p=1952

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Citrix Integrates its NetScaler ADC with Cisco Nexus Fabric

The Citrix NetScaler application delivery controller (ADC) can now be configured as a remote services blade for the Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switch, enabling automated control, simplified deployment and an overall lower cost of operations compared to a conventional side-by-side deployment.

The integration of NetScaler into the Nexus 7000 is made possible by Cisco Remote Integrated Service Engine (RISE) technology. Once installed, NetScaler integrates an external appliance as if it were an embedded service module attached directly to the switch backplane in order to leverage the intelligence of the switch itself. RISE technology significantly reduces the number of steps required to integrate NetScaler with the Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switch.

"As networks transform into cloud architectures for secure and scalable mobile services delivery, intelligent automation becomes a core underpinning to ease deployment, enhance operational control and enable true network elasticity. Leveraging Cisco RISE technology in the Nexus 7000 series, best-in-class application delivery capabilities powered by Citrix NetScaler become an industry-first offering to be tightly coupled with the Nexus fabric - empowering public and private clouds to dramatically simplify networks and gain unparalleled agility," stated Sunil Potti, Vice President and General Manager, NetScaler Product Group, Citrix.

http://www.citrix.com/news/announcements/apr-2014/netscaler-cisco-rise-announcement.html

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Amdocs Debuts Virtualized Policy Control for VoLTE

Amdocs introduced a virtualized policy control and charging rule function (PCRF) solution specifically designed to support the stringent feature requirements that enable a high definition (HD) quality and differentiated VoLTE experience.

The Amdocs VoLTE Controller can operate in a dedicated hardware environment or as a virtualized appliance.  Amdocs says its solution comes with pre-packaged services for rapid deployment in two months.  It operates as a dedicated PCRF solution for VoLTE and can be deployed alongside legacy PCRF systems, which can continue to support basic policy needs such as fair usage control.

Amdocs noted that its solution is already supporting VoLTE services at a Tier-1 North American operator.  The company has also been selected for policy control support of VoLTE by a European Tier-1 service provider.

"Landline services have set the bar for voice and service providers are challenged to meet and exceed those expectations with VoLTE," said Rebecca Prudhomme, vice president of product and solutions marketing at Amdocs. "This solution extends policy control for VoLTE with its extensive support for emergency call services, voice roaming and other critical voice service attributes; having a specialized PCRF solution, designed with the rigors of VoLTE in mind, is vital for operators seeking to differentiate next-generation voice services over LTE."

http://www.amdocs.com

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Advisories Posted on Heartbleed Bug in OpenSSL

Tumblr posted an urgent advisory about a major vulnerability in the popular OpenSSL cryptographic software library, which is used in the majority of SSL protected sites on the Internet.

Codenomicon, a developer of security and robustness testing solutions based in Finland, warned that the Heartbleed bug allows the theft of the information protected, under normal conditions, by SSL/TLS encryption used in a wide range of applications such as web, email, instant messaging (IM) and some virtual private networks (VPNs).

http://heartbleed.com/
http://www.tumblr.com/search/Heartbleed

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AT&T Leverages Blue Coat for Cloud Web Security Service for SMBs

AT&T launched a subscription-based Cloud Web Security service for businesses that provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and compromised web sites.

AT&T Cloud Web Security, which is built on Blue Coat Systems’ Security Policy and Enforcement Center, does not require any on-site equipment. It enables customers to enforce consistent global security policies across wired, roaming, and mobile environments.

AT&T said its Cloud Web Security Services uses a combination of sophisticated, real-time analysis, malware scanning and shared threat intelligence from 75 million users to block suspicious and malicious web content. By blocking communications to command and control servers, the service also enables IT to quickly identify and quarantine infected systems.

“Six months ago, we told our customers we’d deliver better end-to-end protection, making major improvements to our network-based defense, cloud security, secure mobile business, and threat management solutions,” said Andy Daudelin, VP, Security Services, AT&T Business Solutions. “Since then, we announced significant enhancements in each of these areas, but we’re not stopping here. The launch of this new on-demand cloud security solution is an important milestone in our commitment to deliver improved security, analytics, and threat visibility to our customers.”

http://about.att.com/story/att_strengthens_security_for_businesses.html

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Intel, 3M, SGI Optimize Immersive Cooling for Data Centers

3M, Intel and SGI have developed a fully functional supercomputer that leverages two-phase immersion cooling technology from 3M to slash cooling costs by up to 95% compared to conventional forced air + evaporative cooling methods.

In this proof-of-concept, SGI ICE X, the fifth generation of the world's fastest distributed memory supercomputer and the Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 hardware are placed directly into 3M Novec Engineered Fluid.

“As the backbone of the data economy, modern data centers must increase the raw performance they deliver, but also do so efficiently by containing power consumption and operating costs,” said Charles Wuishpard, vice president, data center group and general manager, Workstation and High Performance Computing at Intel. “Intel is continually innovating and improving microprocessor technologies to meet today’s datacenter demands and is working with companies like 3M and SGI to explore advanced cooling technologies that improve energy efficiency in datacenters while also containing operating costs.”

http://www.3m.com
http://www.intel.com

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Data Foundry Builds 350,000 Square Foot Data Center in Houston

Data Foundry, which operates major data centers in Austin and Houston, Texas, is beginning construction on a huge new facility in Houston.

Data Foundry’s newly planned Houston 2 data center is a 350,000 square foot facility being constructed in North Houston’s Greens Crossing district. The state-of-the-art data center will provide a choice for premium data center services to companies within the greater Houston metro area.  With capabilities for 60 megawatts of power, the facility will have a chilled water-cooling system, a 185mph wind rated structure and will offer carrier neutral network access to more than 10 On-Net fiber carriers.

“A number of our Houston-based customers have been asking for us to construct a Texas 1 style facility in Houston,” said Edward Henigin, CTO at Data Foundry. “We are excited to mark the beginning of construction of Houston 2 and we expect to have this facility fully operational by the first quarter of next year.”

http://www.datafoundry.com/news/data-foundry-schedules-ground-breaking-ceremony-350000-square-foot-data-center-houston/

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Intel Looks for Market Ramp of Thunderbolt 2 this Year

Intel announced Thunderbolt Networking, a new way to connect two computers directly together using a standard Thunderbolt cable to achieve 10 Gbps throughput.  Thunderbolt Networking, which is already released on the Mac with OS X Mavericks, will soon be available to connect two PCs together or a PC to a Mac.

Intel said Thunderbolt Network will prove to be especially valuable for handling 4K video production workflows or for backing up large data sets between computers, which should lead to "a strong ramp of Thunderbolt 2 in the market this year." A demo at this week's NAB conference in Las Vegas features HP’s Z Workstation and Apple's Mac Pro.

http://blogs.intel.com/technology/2014/04/intel-nab-2014-4k-video-drives-thunderbolt-2-everywhere/

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M2M Spectrum Networks Plans Nationwide Network

M2M Spectrum Networks, a new venture based in Phoenix, Arizona unveiled its plan to build and operate a licensed, all-IP, wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) network throughout the United States. The company will acquire spectrum and facilities from a variety of partners.

M2M Spectrum Networks said it is currently deploying its dedicated, nationwide M2M network in conjunction with network equipment, engineering, site acquisition, and construction partners. It will take a proprietary approach to assembling a nationwide wireless network that is says "substantially lowers costs and dramatically speeds implementation from what was experienced in the slow and expensive nationwide cellular network buildout programs."

The company is planning trials in Q2 2014 and expects to cover 75% of the US population by the end of 2015, and 95% by the end of 2016.

http://m2mworldnews.com

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Cisco and Sony Demo Live 4K Streaming

Cisco and Sony are demonstrating live delivery of full-frame rate 4K 60P content at this week's NAB 2014 show in Las Vegas. The live demonstration, which stream live 4K video from New York City to Las Vegas, uses the Sony F55 4K camera and HEVC encoding in Cisco’s Videoscape AnyRes platform.  The stream is decoded with a Cisco set-top box with 4K support and displayed on Sony XBR 4K Ultra HD TVs.

Joe Cozzolino, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Service Provider Video Infrastructure for Cisco, said, “This is an exciting time in our industry as advanced 4K content experiences reach a tipping point for distribution across multiple devices. We are ushering in the next era in content experiences with partners like Sony, and demonstrating that today’s cable networks are fully capable and ready to deliver full-frame rate 4K content.”

http://thenetwork.cisco.com
http://www.sony.com

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