Friday, April 6, 2018

Epsilon deploys EKINOPS FlexRate in greenfield NYC metro network

Epsilon, a privately owned global communications service provider that operates a cloud-centric interconnect fabric, has deployed Ekinops' new FlexRate line module in a greenfield network.

Specifically, the deployment by Epsilon uses EKINOPS PM 200FRS02 FlexRate line modules to provide up to 200G of bandwidth for connectivity of 100GbE services to any of its 18 New York metro area Points of Presence (PoPs).

Ekinops said it was selected for its performance, flexibility, and scalability. Up to six modules can be deployed in a single shelf providing 1.2 Tbps of capacity in just 2RU and with ultra-low power consumption. EKINOPS was also the only vendor capable of meeting Epsilon’s accelerated four-week delivery schedule that was requested to meet specific customer demands.

The EKINOPS PM 200FRS02 employs dual QSFP28 client ports with software-selectable line side modulation that can be provisioned as either DP-QPSK or 16QAM to create 100G or 200G transport links.

Ekinops also confirmed that Epsilon will use its solution to upgrade its network in three major European cities — Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. The upgrades will use Ekinops ROADM solutions as well as its passive filter solutions.

“Networks today are all about speed, not just bit rates, but speed to market and speed of delivery and Epsilon is a perfect example of this approach” said Mark Burton, Vice President of Sales EMEA of Ekinops. “The EKINOPS 360 platform with the PM 200FRS02 helps them in each of these areas today with 200G, while also providing the pathway to 400G when they need it.”

Qualcomm continues to extend cash tender for NXP shares

Qualcomm once again extended the offering period of its previously announced cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding common shares of NXP Semiconductors N.V.

With the extension, the tender offer is now scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 13, 2018, unless extended or earlier terminated, in either case pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement.

The original purchase agreement was announced on October 27, 2016.

SPIE appoints Dr. Kent Rochrod as CEO

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, announced Kent Rochford as its new CEO, replacing Eugene Arthurs, who will retire from SPIE on June 2.

Dr. Rochford, a longtime SPIE member, was associate director for Laboratory Programs at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), providing direction and operational guidance for NIST's scientific and technical laboratory programs with 2,800 staff and an $800M budget. In this role, he represented the full breadth of laboratory activity to domestic and international constituencies, collaborators, stakeholders, the U.S. Congress, and advisory boards.

"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization during such an exciting time for optics and photonics," said Rochford. "I look forward to working with the SPIE Board, leadership, staff, and volunteers to build on their remarkable accomplishments. I've always felt privileged to work in photonics, and I'm thrilled to be part of SPIE's efforts to advance this extraordinary field."