Monday, July 22, 2019

Cloud Native - Kubernetes becomes the universal abstraction layer

Kubernetes, which is sometimes described as "the Linux of the cloud," is poised to play a major role in next-gen carrier infrastructures, says Dan Kohn, Executive Director, Cloud Native Computing Foundation, which is part of The Linux Foundation.

Over time, virtual network functions (VNFs) will evolve to become cloud-native network functions (CNFs). In this world, Kubernetes can become the universal abstraction layer.



A "2019 Next-Generation Central Office Report" from AvidThink is available for download. It covers the evolution in NGCO, recent trends, and key projects like CORD and VCO, as well as the role of the NGCO in new applications in edge computing and SD-WAN/vCPE.

https://nginfrastructure.com/

Verizon launches MPLS-based connectivity to Equinix data centers worldwide

Verizon launched a Software-Defined Interconnect (SDI) solution that provides Private IP network direct connectivity to 115 Equinix International Business Exchange (IBX) data centers around the globe within minutes. 

Verizon's SDI solution leverages an automated Application Program Interface (API) to quickly and simply integrate pre-provisioned Verizon Private IP bandwidth via the Equinix Cloud Exchange Fabric (ECX Fabric) while eliminating the need for dedicated physical connectivity.

“SDI is an addition to our best-in-class software-defined suite of services that can deliver performance ‘at the edge’ and support real-time interactions for our customers,” said Vickie Lonker, vice president of product management and development for Verizon. “Think about how many devices are connected to data centers, the amount of data generated, and then multiply that when 5G becomes ubiquitous. Enabling enterprises to virtually connect to Verizon’s private IP services by coupling our technology with the proven ECX Fabric makes it easy to provision and manage data-intensive network traffic in real-time, lifting a key barrier to digital transformation.”

Verizon notes that its private Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network is seeing high double-digit traffic growth year-over-year, and the adoption of colocation services continues to proliferate as more businesses grapple with complex cloud deployments to achieve greater efficiency, flexibility and additional functionality in data management.

Verizon manages 500,000+ network, hosting, and security devices and 4,000+ networks in 150+ countries.

Equinix opens eleventh data center in Tokyo

Equinix opened its eleventh International Business Exchange™ (IBX) data center in Tokyo, Japan.

The first phase of Equinix TY11 provides a capacity of 950 cabinets and colocation space of approximately 39,800 square feet (approximately 3,700 square meters). Upon completion of the planned future phases, the facility is expected to provide a total capacity of more than 3,500 cabinets and colocation space of more than 153,800 square feet (approximately 14,300 square meters), becoming the largest IBX data center to date in Japan. TY11 is situated in Ariake, a district in Koto ward, which is close to key venues for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Equinix now operates a total of 11 data centers in Tokyo and two in Osaka.

In Asia-Pacific, Equinix now operates 42 IBX data centers across 12 markets. Globally, Equinix operates more than 200 IBX data centers across 52 markets and 24 countries.

Washington Post: Huawei assisted with North Korea's mobile network

Huawei played a key role in building and maintaining North Korea's first commercial wireless network, according to The Washington Post, by partnering with a Chinese state-owned firm, Panda International Information Technology Co. Ltd.

A key question is whether equipment supplied for the project used U.S. components in violation of U.S. export controls. The article cites an unnamed, former Huawei employee as its source

NTT DATA Becomes a Google Cloud Premier Partner

NTT DATA Services is now a Google Cloud Premier Partner, the highest status a Google Cloud partner can achieve. The companies will undertake joint go-to-market strategy to provide consulting, implementation and managed services to clients seeking digital transformation.

“Being named a Google Cloud Premier Partner highlights our commitment to innovative, strategic relationships that allow us to deliver cloud insights and solutions that drive meaningful outcomes for our clients. Google Cloud’s ecosystem of partners will be strengthened by our vertical industry expertise and technical knowledge, as well as our cloud intellectual property, accelerators and tools,” said Eric Clark, Chief Digital Officer, NTT DATA Services. “Our relationship with Google Cloud underscores our ability to assess cloud maturity, create a strategic plan and architect a cloud transformation that helps maximize business value with responsive, performance-driven digital technology."

Skyworks launches component portfolio for 5G base stations

Skyworks Solutions launched its portfolio of proprietary solutions for next-generation 5G wireless infrastructure applications.

Skyworks’ portfolio includes high-efficiency amplifiers, switch LNAs, compact circulators and isolators, as well as more fully integrated solutions for sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave frequencies ─ all designed to meet the high-performance requirements of 5G base stations.

Skyworks said its suite of miniature circulators provides significant size advantages and leverages proprietary internal ferrite core procedures for improved isolation and reduced insertion loss. The company’s high power switches incorporate patented design techniques to deliver products with fast switching speeds, increased power handling capabilities at extreme operating temperatures and low insertion loss.

“Skyworks has strategically aligned our product development roadmap with 5G platforms,” said David Stasey, vice president and general manager of diversified analog solutions for Skyworks. “We are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and are leading the way in semiconductor integration as carriers upgrade their wireless networks.”

http://www.skyworksinc.com/