Intel Highlights Embedded Multi-die Interconnect Bridge for 14nm

Intel highlighted two new advanced packaging and test technologies for its foundry customers.

Embedded Multi-die Interconnect Bridge (EMIB), available to 14nm foundry customers, is a simpler 2.5D packaging approach for very high density interconnects between heterogeneous dies on a single package.

Intel said this technology embeds a small silicon bridge chip in the package, enabling very high density die-to-die connections only where needed. Standard flip-chip assembly is used for robust power delivery and to connect high-speed signals directly from chip to the package substrate.

Intel also announced the availability of its revolutionary High Density Modular Test (HDMT) platform for markets including server, client, system on chip, and Internet of Things. Until now, this capability was only available internally for Intel products.

http://newsroom.intel.com/community/intel_newsroom/blog/2014/08/27/intel-announces-new-packaging-and-test-technologies-for-foundry-customers

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South Africa's MTN Tests 2.4 Tbps Wavelength with Huawei

South Africa-based MTN has conducted a live trial of Huawei's Transport Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and 2.4 Tbps wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) system.

The ultra-fast single-channel 2.4 Tbps field trial took place on MTN’s national fibre backbone network in South Africa. In the first scenario, 2.4 Tbps with 16QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) was achieved over a transmission distance exceeding 300 km. In the second scenario, 2 Tbps with QPSK was achieved over a transmission distance of 1031 km.

Huawei described the system as the biggest in terms of capacity tested to date. In addition to the large system capacity, the "world’s first" transport SDN new features were also tested. Huawei Transport SDN solutions, using physical network modeling and resource abstraction, have realized transmission pipe virtualization. These advances allow traditional communication technology networks to be "IT-like". This trial successfully demonstrated SDN features such as Bandwidth on Demand (BoD), Virtual Transport Service (VTS) and Automatic O&M functions.

Mr. Navi Naidoo, Group Technology Officer, MTN, said: "With this successful field trial, we have demonstrated our commitment to digital innovation. MTN continues to invest in future-proof transport networks to realize world class technologies, not only to our existing markets, but to extend our technology offerings globally. We believe that networks such as cloud computing, streaming media and mobile broadband must be scalable, intelligent and flexible. To this end, Huawei's next generation optical evolution concept 'SDN-based flex optical network' properly fits our requirements."

Mr. Zha Jun, President of Huawei's Fixed Network Business Unit, said: "Huawei will maintain cooperation and joint innovation with MTN, and continue to promote the commercialization process of SDN and ultra-high speed optical transmission technology, in order to jointly meet the challenges of a digital future. "

http://www.huawei.com

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Zayo Announces Connect to the Cloud Platform

Zayo introduced its Connect to the Cloud platform for helping enterprise customers adopt a hybrid cloud strategy.

Zayo's Connect to the Cloud platform will provide a direct connect options to multiple cloud providers and over 500 data centers worldwide. The expanded program offers a direct connect option to many leading cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Softlayer.

“More and more companies are relying on some form of cloud computing,” said John Real, vice president of strategic channels at Zayo Group. “It’s clear that the business landscape is changing, and with so much critical business intelligence now residing in the cloud, it is crucial to have reliable network connectivity. Zayo’s Connect to the Cloud platform provides that connectivity.”

http://www.zayo.com

• In 2011, Zayo became one of the first providers to offer direct bandwidth up to 10G through the AWS Direct Connect portal and in 2013, announced it had become an Amazon Partner Network (APN) Technology Partner. As an APN, Zayo provides private networks with circuits to enable connectivity to each AWS Direct Connect location.

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CenturyLink Opens 2nd Toronto Data Center

CenturyLink inaugurated a new data center in the greater Toronto area, offering 5 megawatts of IT load and 100,000 square feet of raised floor space.

The new Tier III data center, known as TR3, is located in Markham. CenturyLink now operates 57 data centers worldwide, including Canadian facilities in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

“Today’s dynamic business environments require businesses to partner with an agile data center provider that offers reliable, secure IT services and outstanding support,” said Ash Mathur, regional vice president and country manager for CenturyLink Technology Solutions’ Canadian operations. “Businesses that operate in Canada partner with CenturyLink because we help them succeed by understanding and addressing their specific technology needs, as well as ensuring the continuity of mission-critical business applications.”

http://www.centurylink.com

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BT Signs Ciena for Ethernet Service Delivery

Openreach, BT’s local access network business, has selected Ciena’s packet networking solutions to support the evolution of its Ethernet services.

Openreach provides CPs with equal access to the wires and fibres that deliver the data, broadband and voice services to tens of millions of homes and businesses in the UK. Openreach’s EAD+ services offer a wide choice of high-bandwidth, permanently connected, point-to-point Ethernet solutions that help CPs expand their own networks and deliver a range of high-quality services, such as cloud computing, storage area network connectivity and mobile backhaul.

Openreach’s EAD+ services will use Ciena’s E-suite family of packet switch modules, including the 3916 and 3930 Service Delivery Switches and 5142, 5150 and 5160 Service Aggregation Switches. Openreach will also leverage Ciena’s Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) software, including its Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS) and OneControl Unified Management System, to enable low-touch service provisioning. With Ciena’s automated reporting and service-level testing capabilities, Openreach will be able to proactively monitor and measure the network’s ongoing performance for greater efficiency.  Financial terms were not disclosed.

“We have been providing our Ethernet Access Direct products to the UK communications industry since 2009. During this time, market demand for secure, dedicated business connectivity has grown exponentially – literally underpinning the bread and butter of businesses right across the UK. Maintaining a robust supply chain against this backdrop is of paramount importance to us and our customers. Choosing Ciena as our new dual NTE vendor will provide assurance of continuous supply while also maximising opportunities to further develop the capabilities we offer," stated Jon Hurry, MD, Strategy, Commercial, Portfolio & Policy, Openreach.

http://www.ciena.com

http://www.openreach.co.uk/

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Norway's Broadnet Resigns Contract with Ericsson

Broadnet, the leading Norwegian provider of fiber-based data communication, has signed a five-year network transformation agreement with Ericsson, extending a partnership started in 2006. Ericsson will supply IP routing, optical and microwave solution. The current agreement extends a long-term partnership that started in 2006.

Ericsson said the first stage of the project will cover the upgrade of the 125 metro rings in Norway. Transforming the infrastructure will allow the operator to simplify network management, enjoy less opex and faster time to market for new services.

Per-Morten Torvildsen, CTO Broadnet: “Our network is constantly evolving and we are always seeking advanced tools for improving the efficiency and quality of our services. Our transformation endeavors were primarily focused on simplifying the network. To this end, we decided to reduce the number of vendors from 22 to three. Ericsson was chosen based on the solid mix of own and partner products and the ability to deliver a wide range of professional services. We expect that transformation will allow us to lower operational costs while meeting the growing demand for high-speed services.”
Aksel Aanensen, Head of Ericsson Norway: “We are happy to continue our long-term partnership with Broadnet and proud to be selected as one of very few vendors for the network transformation. We look forward to supporting Broadnet in meeting its goals to achieve a simple and robust network with advanced services now and in the years to come.”

http://www.ericsson.com

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Global Cloud Xchange Hires Mark Simpson

Global Cloud Xchange appointed Mark Simpson as President of North America.

Simpson most recently served as CEO of SEACOM Ltd. where he was instrumental in transitioning the company into a profitable organization serving many markets in Africa and international operators.  Prior to SEACOM, Mr. Simpson was President and CEO of Pacific Crossing where he completed the sale of the company to NTT Communications and remained in the role during a one-year transition to maintain the company's strong financial performance post-acquisition.

http://www.globalcloudxchange.com/

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