Monday, September 16, 2019

Telia Carrier implements RPKI to protect Internet core

Telia Carrier, which is currently ranked the number one global IP backbone (AS1299) by Dyn Research, has implemented RPKI to validate and secure critical BGP route updates.

RPKI (Resource Public Key Infrastructure) is a mechanism by which Internet address (IP) resource owners can ensure that they provide an authoritative list of allowable upstreams to the world. Network Operators who adopt RPKI validation and filtering can then choose to reject announcements from networks not authorised to advertise those resources. Although not a new technology, RPKI has struggled, like IPv6, with poor uptake across resource owners and network operators. Essentially, RPKI reduces the risk of accidental route leaks, or even hijacks, which can result in critical outages or fraudulent traffic manipulation.

“As the leading global Internet backbone, route stability is paramount and we encourage our network customers, peers and the Internet community, in general, to support the RPKI initiative by implementing it in their own networks,” explained Jorg Dekker, Head of Internet Services, Telia Carrier. “We joined MANRS officially last year, and after extensive testing we’re confident that RPKI is sufficiently stable and secure to be rolled-out in our global network. We have already implemented RPKI filtering towards our peering partners and are currently extending this to our customer connections.”

Wireless Innovation Forum hails initial CBRS commercial deployment

The Wireless Innovation Forum (WInnForum) announced Initial Commercial Deployment (ICD) of services in the 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band.

Amdocs, CommScope, Federated Wireless, Google, and Sony have received FCC Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) approval.

WInnForum’s Spectrum Sharing Committee (SSC) was specifically formed to develop the solutions and standards that will encourage rapid development of the CBRS ecosystem, protect incumbent operations, and benefit all potential stakeholders in the band. The SSC benefits from participation of a broad-based group that includes wireless carriers, network equipment manufacturers, potential SAS Administrators, federal government incumbents, satellite operators, existing 3650-3700 MHz band licensees, and other parties with an interest in the 3.5 GHz band.

On the heels of the group’s release of the complete baseline standards package in January 2018, the WInnForum delivered test code to the government’s test lab, the Institute for Telecommunications Sciences (ITS), in May of that year. ITS completed its laboratory testing of the SAS operational models provided by the above SAS administrators in May of the current year.

Dr. Eric Schmidt, ex-CEO and Chairman of Google and Alphabet, and Co-Chair of the PCAST study, stated: “The initiation of ICD validates the ability of Federal and civil users to work together to share spectrum, a feat that many had claimed could not be accomplished. When we proposed this joint cooperation in the PCAST report, it was unclear how it would occur. But, with the work of the FCC in establishing CBRS, and the WInnForum in creating this cooperation, we now see the PCAST vision happening. I look forward to seeing the innovation in wireless services, business models, and technologies that this will enable.”

https://www.wirelessinnovation.org



SubCom begins manufacturing High Fiber Count (HFC) cable

SubCom achieved qualification status for its new high fiber count (HFC) cable. Manufacturing is now underway.

As announced in April 2019, SubCom will be first to market with the long haul system implementation of their space division multiplexing technology (SDM) and HFC architecture.

SubCom has added a new high fiber count loose tube line in a Class 100,000 clean room to ensure the highest quality standards in cleanliness during the fiber handling and loose tube production process. This loose tube line can handle up to 48 fiber spools allowing for a 24FP cable and runs at a speed of 175+ meters per minute. Along with added capacity, this line provides us improved processing controls allowing us to reduce processing variation.

SubCom also noted improvements to its manufacturing process, including the ability to consistently weld copper and steel to reduce unplanned joints. 3D laser weld alignment sensors and a new weld box with seam tracking provide a more autonomous and stable seam welding process.

“SubCom is committed to providing the highest quality products and services to meet the evolving needs of the subsea cable industry,” said David Coughlan, CEO of SubCom. “We’re proud of our track record of long-term success in getting the wet plant right for the systems we deploy, and we thrive on satisfying the insatiable demand for data transport.”

http://www.subcom.com

SubCom confirms next gen SDM high fiber count undersea systems

SubCom confirmed the manufacturing and installation of next-generation SDM high fiber count (HFC) undersea systems. The company’s repeaters incorporate SDM technology with an HFC solution that utilizes pump sharing amplifier architecture for increased system reliability and optimized cost-effective capacity. This flexible architecture allows every amplifier to be supported by a combination of pump lasers, thus providing maximum overall capacity across 12FP, 16FP and 24FP trunk and branch segments.

SubCom also confirmed that its Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) ROADM technology is now in production. WSS filter technology supports fully-flexible, reconfigurable routing of the optical spectrum on each fiber pair. This flexibility allows customers to dynamically reassign the optical spectrum between trunk and branches throughout the system’s life to achieve maximum value. Further flexibility is achieved using SubCom’s enhanced branching units (eBU) for optical path switching on up to 24FP branches.

To drive improvements in cable manufacturing, optical assembly and system integration, SubCom is using the latest tools and technologies at its factory in New Hampshire.

FCC approves CommScope's CBRS Spectrum Access System

CommScope received official notification from the FCC that its spectrum access system (SAS) to support the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) is now certified for initial commercial deployment.

With the notification earlier this year from the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences that its Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) sensor passed testing, and the addition of Ruckus Networks’ Band 48 CBRS devices (or access points) and cloud services, CommScope said it is now poised to deliver on the promise of wireless coverage and capacity for in-building, public spaces and IoT.

“With the public notice from the FCC, companies can finally enter initial commercial deployment and begin to realize the value that private LTE can bring to their buildings, campuses, employees, customers and business,” said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR. “CommScope is demonstrating its commitment to bringing CBRS to life with a full solution consisting of CBRS access points, SAS and ESC. The industry needs an end-to-end solution to give organizations the ability to quickly, and confidently, deploy LTE-based wireless solutions.”


  • In 2018, AT&T announced CommScope was selected as the SAS provider for its first 5G-ready CBRS network solution. In addition, CommScope’s SAS is in trials with other major carriers for customers in a variety of industries.



CBRS milestone: Commscope and Google pass test

The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) has given a passing grade to a Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) system developed by CommScope and Google.

ITS, which is part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is the official test lab that has been tasked with confirming the performance of ESCs.

CBRS provides 150 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band in the U.S. CBRS spectrum is managed by Spectrum Access Systems (SASs) but will require an ESC network to detect federal radar operations. The ESC will alert the SASs of federal radar activity, and SASs will then reconfigure nearby CBRS devices to operate without interfering with federal operations.

“Our ESC sensor has passed all required testing for certification - demonstrating that we can detect all current and future radar waveforms and our respective SASs can protect incumbent users,” said Mat Varghese, Senior Product Manager, Wireless Services, Google. “This is an important milestone and we are looking ahead toward commercial operations in CBRS.”

Aligned Energy completes phase one of Ashburn data center

Aligned Energy completed phase one of its hyperscale data center campus in Ashburn, Virginia. The initial 368,755 square-foot, 60 MW facility will be followed by a 409,000 square-foot, 120 MW development on the 26-acre campus. At full build, the planned Aligned Ashburn campus will offer over 1 MM square feet of space and 180 MW of total critical load in the heart of Loudoun County, Virginia — the nation’s most robust data center market.

Aligned Ashburn sits atop major fiber and conduit routes, providing access to more than 50 carriers in the immediate area. The company notes that its new flagship Ashburn data center campus is located less than 800 feet from the original UUNET-managed MAE East Exchange — the first Internet Exchange Point (IXP).

SEA-ME-WE 5 implements Ciena’s GeoMesh Extreme

The SEA-ME-WE 5 (South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 5) cable system, which spans 20,000 km and connects 17 countries, has completed a significant upgrade using Ciena’s GeoMesh Extreme solution.

The upgrade – which was completed ahead of schedule – resulted in an 100% active capacity increase of the cable. SEA-ME-WE 5 was originally designed with 3 fiber pair and a capacity of 24 Terabits per second. In contrast with other submarine cable systems, the SEA-ME-WE 5’s main endpoints are carrier-neutral/open Points-of-Presence (PoPs) and not just Cable Landing Stations (CLS).


Ciena’s GeoMesh Extreme features the 6500 Packet-Optical platform. The deployment leverages Ciena’s WaveLogic Ai platform to help lower the cost per 100Gbps significantly by increasing the capacity per wave up to 300Gbps. In addition, SEA-ME-WE 5 will also leverage Ciena’s Manage, Control and Plan (MCP) domain controller software to get real-time visibility into the performance of the network.

“SEA-ME-WE 5’s latest upgrade is a great reflection of the dynamic digital transformation that’s taking place along the Europe to Asia route, which is experiencing an overwhelming demand for capacity. Ciena’s strength in developing subsea innovations affords us a keen understanding of the right mix of technologies needed to transition to adaptive networks that leverage intelligence, scalability and programmability,” stated Ian Clarke, Vice President of Global Submarine Sales, Ciena.

Viavi combines PON, Ethernet and Wi-Fi testing

Viavi Solutions introduced in a new class of field test instruments called the Network & Service Companion thatintegrates passive optical network (PON), Ethernet and Wi-Fi test capabilities together with the automated test process known as VIAVI OneCheck.

This compact, rugged device was designed to address demand from service providers for instruments that frontline technicians and contractors of any skill level can pick up and begin using to speed residential, small business and enterprise Ethernet network deployment and maintenance up to 10G.

The compact, handheld Network & Service Companion tests both network delivery and service performance. It can be used to test a range of network environments such as PON (for FTTH and 5G xHaul), DOCSIS 3.1 (cable), xDSL and Gfast (telco), and Ethernet (enterprise, data center and metro). It features a robust, field-ready screenless design and is operated directly via the VIAVI Mobile Tech app, or paired with other VIAVI test instruments to expand their capabilities. Instruments that can be paired with the NSC-100 include the OneExpert CATV and DSL analysis platforms, SmartOTDR, T-BERD/MTS-2000 and 4000 fiber testers, T-BERD/MTS-5800 Metro network tester and NITRO vNet Fusion virtual test and activation.