Intel and VMware target virtualized Radio Access Networks

Intel and VMware are collaborating on an integrated software platform for virtualized Radio Access Networks (RAN) for LTE and 5G networks.

As part of this effort, Intel and VMware will collaborate in building programmable open interfaces that leverage Intel’s FlexRAN software reference architecture and a VMware RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), to enable development of innovative radio network functions using AI/ML learning for real time resource management, traffic steering and dynamic slicing. This in turn will assist in optimized QoE for rollout of new 5G vertical use cases.

The companies said they would also work with telecom equipment manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers and RAN software vendors.

“Many CoSPs are choosing to extend the benefits of network virtualization into the RAN for increased agility as they roll out new 5G services, but the software integration can be rather complex. With an integrated vRAN platform, combined with leading technology and expertise from Intel VMware, CoSPs are positioned to benefit from accelerated time to deployment of innovative services at the edge of their network,” explained Dan Rodriguez, corporate vice president and general manager, Network Platforms Group, Intel.

“CoSPs around the globe rely on VMware’s Telco Cloud platform to deploy and manage myriad core network functions. As they look to extend their software-defined infrastructure out to the RAN, there are tremendous benefits to delivering all network functions on a single platform,” said Shekar Ayyar, executive vice president and general manager, Telco and Edge Cloud, VMware. “With an integrated platform, CoSPs will be able to deploy new network functions across the same Telco Cloud architecture, from core to RAN, enabling the scale and agility needed to deliver services across a 5G network more efficiently.”

Deutsche Telekom to test cloud-based virtual RAN with VMware, Intel

Sunday, March 01, 2020  Deutsche Telekom, Intel, O-RAN, Vmware  

VMware and Deutsche Telekom are collaborating on an open and intelligent virtual RAN (vRAN) platform, based on O-RAN standards, for both existing LTE and future 5G networks.

The solution is based on Intel’s FlexRAN architecture. It runs vRAN workloads on top of VMware’s telco cloud platform. The design is optimized for real-time and low latency workloads. The solution will also feature a VMware-developed pre-standard, near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) that will adopt O-RAN open interfaces with required enhancements to enable real-time radio resource management capabilities to be delivered as applications on top of the platform. VMware, Deutsche Telekom and Intel are collaborating with an open partner ecosystem to develop this solution, and key initial partners include Cohere Technologies and Mavenir.

Deutsche Telekom will conduct testing and validation at its headquarters in Bonn, Germany.

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SES awards launch contracts to ULA and SpaceX

SES awarded a launch contract to U.S.-based United Launch Alliance (ULA) to launch two C-band satellites. ULA’s Atlas V rocket will launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida in 2022 and carry the two stacked satellites.

SES also awarded a contract to SpaceX to provide launch capability for up to 3 of its C-band satellites over two launches.

The launches will be part of SES' accelerated C-band clearing plan to meet the Federal Communications Commission’s objectives to roll out 5G services in the United States.

Earlier this year, SES contracted with American companies Northrop Grumman and the Boeing Company to deliver four C-band satellites. These satellites will enable SES to clear 280MHz of mid-band spectrum for 5G use while seamlessly migrating SES’s existing C-band customers and ensuring the continued delivery of digital television to nearly 120 million American TV homes and other critical data services. ULA will launch the two C-band satellites manufactured by Boeing.

SES is investing in America through its C-band transition plan and its work with large and small businesses across the country and its selection of Atlas V, an American launch vehicle “Clearing mid-band spectrum expeditiously while protecting cable neighborhoods across America is a huge undertaking and one that requires partners that can deliver mission success and schedule assurance,” said Steve Collar, CEO at SES. “We are thrilled to be working with ULA again and partnering to meet the FCC’s ambitious timeline for the accelerated clearing of C-band spectrum.”

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Verizon invests in PICadvanced for NG-PON2

Verizon Ventures led a $4.5 million Series A financing round backing PICadvanced, a start-up targetting NG-PON2.

PICadvanced, which is based in Portugal, is working on NG-PON2 transceivers - including innovation in the optics, electronics and in the blending of the the two.

The investment round also included the participation of 200M Co-Investment Fund managed by PME Investimentos, which makes co-investments in high-growth Portuguese startups.

https://picadvanced.com/

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DE-CIX adds POP at Carrier-1’s Dallas facility

DE-CIX Dallas has added a new switch and Point of Presence (PoP) in Carrier-1’s Data Center in Dallas, which ranks as one of the largest data centers in North Texas.

This new switch site with Carrier-1 provides customers access to DE-CIX Dallas that is fully diverse from 1950 Stemmons and can be utilized by customers seeking a diverse PoP. As an independent data center owner and operator, Carrier-1 Data Centers offers a diverse suite of connectivity options, including a managed plug-and-play bandwidth blend as well as direct access to all major network carriers and cloud providers. DE-CIX delivers a unique and reliable connectivity option not historically available to data center customers in Dallas.

DE-CIX Dallas provides interconnection capabilities from multiple data centers, delivering access to over 80 networks across its carrier and data center-neutral platform.

“Carrier-1 Data Centers is a great example of the partnerships we continue to form in Dallas. Now, DE-CIX has a new diverse data center location offering local, proven providers with deep roots in the market. This new location allows us to better serve the robust existing community and offers networks in the Dallas market another data center option to connect to DE-CIX,” comments Ed d’Agostino, Vice President and General Manager of DE-CIX North America.

“We are excited to bring the premier, globally known operator DE-CIX to our facility, enhancing our leading carrier-neutral platform while offering additional service capabilities to our existing and future customers,” adds Julia Morgan, President of Carrier-1 Data Centers.

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Infinera posts Q2 revenue of $331.6 million, up 8% YOY

Infinera reported Q2 GAAP revenue of $331.6 million compared to $330.3 million in the first quarter of 2020 and $296.3 million in the second quarter of 2019.

GAAP gross margin for the quarter was 29.4% compared to 23.3% in the first quarter of 2020 and 20.7% in the second quarter of 2019. GAAP net loss for the quarter was $(61.6) million, or $(0.33) per share, compared to $(99.3) million, or $(0.55) per share, in the first quarter of 2020, and $(113.7) million, or $(0.64) per share, in the second quarter of 2019. Non-GAAP net loss for the quarter was $(17.2) million, or $(0.09) per share, compared to a net loss of $(49.4) million, or $(0.27) per share, in the first quarter of 2020, and net loss of $(42.0) million, or $(0.24) per share, in the second quarter of 2019.

The company said it has 5 new 600G customers (16 total), including 1 major ICP. Infinera also noted that it is pleased with the result of field trials of its ICE6 (800G) technology, which is
on track for delivery this year.

“I am pleased with our execution in the quarter from a financial, operational and technical perspective, making advances on all fronts. We are managing the operational impacts of COVID-19 and are continuing to take the necessary measures to reduce costs and improve working capital utilization as macroeconomic uncertainty in our industry continues,” said Tom Fallon, Infinera CEO. "Importantly, I am encouraged by the opportunity we believe will be created by our ICE6 solution as the industry readies for a new technology cycle driven by ever increasing demand for bandwidth.”

https://investors.infinera.com/presentations/default.aspx

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Renesas adds RF Amplifier for 4G/5G

Renesas Electronics is now sampling a new F1490 second-generation high-gain, 2-stage RF amplifier that covers the key sub-6 GHz 5G frequency bands from 1.8 GHz to 5.0 GHz. The F1490 benefits designers with simplified product selection for their transmitter (Tx) lineup, elimination of a gain block with better margin, two selectable gain modes for system design flexibility, lower power consumption, and superior performance.

The device is suited for use with both FDD and TDD sub-6 GHz 5G applications.

Key features:

• Two selectable gain modes: 39.5 dB high gain or 35.5 dB low gain
• High performance OIP3 of 38 dBm and OP1dB of 24 dBm
• RF frequency range of 1.8 GHz to 5.0 GHz
• Ultra-low quiescent current of 75 mA
• Supply voltage of 5V
• Up to +115°C TCB operating temperature
• Today’s higher data rates drive the need for better radio signal-to-noise ratio

“The F1490 delivers high gain with selectable modes and ultra-low power consumption, while maintaining high OP1dB performance and 2.4 dB noise figure, to meet all the system-level requirements customers want from their massive MIMO 5G pre-driver,” said Naveen Yanduru, Vice President of RF Communications, Industrial and Communications Business Division at Renesas. “We are excited to continue driving LTE and 5G innovation with our RF amplifier solutions for AAS, 4G/5G base stations, and other wireless communications equipment.”

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Keysight intros 60 GHz optical-to-electrical converter

Keysight Technologies introduced an optical-to-electrical converter designed for use with its Infiniium UXR-series of high-performance real-time oscilloscopes.

Keysight said its new N7005A, which offers up to 60 GHz of optical measurement performance (O/E), used in conjunction with the company’s 70 GHz Infiniium UXR oscilloscope, offers designers end-to-end debugging capabilities that reduce time needed to debug, while simplifying overall workflow results. It also enables engineers to take advantage of the PAM4 optical measurement and deep analysis capabilities such as TDECQ (transmitter and dispersion eye closure quaternary) measurement provided by the new FlexDCA sampling oscilloscope software feature called FlexRT.

Keysight’s N7005A delivers a low-level of noise for 56-GBaud optical PAM4 measurements, enabling engineers to efficiently troubleshoot optical devices using a complete set of debug capabilities. Each N7005A O/E converter contains a measured frequency response data for an optimized correction filter. This frequency response data is used to flatten the frequency response for a more accurate measurement.

“Keysight’s new N7005A delivers a high-bandwidth optical input solution for the Infiniium UXR oscilloscope with ultra-low noise for high signal integrity optical measurements,” said Brad Doerr, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s Digital and Photonics Center of Excellence. “This is an important addition to Keysight’s portfolio of optical measurement solutions based on real-time and sampling oscilloscope platforms and it will enable key capabilities for test/debug of emerging 400G/PAM4 signaling standards.”

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Infinera announces CEO transition

Infinera announced that Tom Fallon will step down as CEO before the end of 2020, to be replaced by David Heard, who currently serves as Infinera's Chief Operating Officer.

Fallon, in his 17th year with Infinera and 11th as CEO, will remain on the Board of Directors.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the Board’s selection of David as Infinera’s next CEO and I have the utmost confidence in his ability to successfully lead the company in its next phase of growth,” said Mr. Fallon, Infinera CEO. “When David joined Infinera three years ago, our objective was to bring onboard a Chief Operating Officer who would be positioned to take over as CEO at the right time. David’s contributions since joining the company have been substantial, making us more scalable as he led us through a major acquisition, driving synergies through operational improvements, aligning our product and service portfolio and focusing our investments on the highest value areas for our customers and shareholders.”

Heard has served as Infinera’s COO since October 2018. Previously, he has served in executive leadership at JDS Uniphase, BigBand Networks (now part of CommScope), Somera (now part of Jabil), Tekelec (now part of Oracle), and Lucent Technologies (now part of Nokia). He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Dayton, an M.S. in management from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he was a Sloan Fellow, and a B.A. in production and operations management from Ohio State University.

Infinera is also announcing that Kambiz Hooshmand will be stepping down as Chairman of the Board on the same date as the CEO transition, while remaining on the Board. Mr. Hooshmand has served as Chairman since October 2010. George Riedel, a current member of the Board, will succeed Mr. Hooshmand as Chairman.

“Together with the entire Board, I want to thank Kambiz sincerely for his longstanding and dedicated commitment and service to Infinera,” said Tom Fallon. “We are very fortunate to have someone of George’s industry experience, knowledge and strategic leadership abilities step into the Chairman role and partner with David as he assumes the CEO mantle later this year. These succession changes have been thoughtfully planned and we anticipate a smooth transition. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to serve as CEO over the past decade and I look forward to helping Infinera in the next phase of our journey.”

https://www.infinera.com/newsroom

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Fujikura develops 5G millimeter-wave module for 66~71GHz

Fujikura has developed a millimeter-wave communication module operating at a new 5G band (66~71GHz). The company has acquired a license for this frequency band to conduct a variety of experimental field tests, including for fixed wireless access and V2X applications.

The 66~71GHz range has already been allocated as an unlicensed band in the US, but WRC-19 has newly identified it as a globally allocatable 5G band and is expected to be used all over the world.

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ADTRAN posts Q2 revenue of $128.7 million

ADTRAN reported Q2 revenue of $128.7 million, down from $156.3 million for the same period last year.

Net income for the second quarter of 2020 was $0.8 million and earnings per share, assuming dilution, was $0.02 per share. Non-GAAP net income was $1.6 million and non-GAAP earnings per share, assuming dilution, was $0.04 per share.

ADTRAN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stanton stated, “The world has changed dramatically since the start of 2020, altering the way that we live and work. As we adapt to this new environment, it has increased the importance of remote working, virtual classrooms and telemedicine. This has clearly defined the necessity for a robust, high-capacity fiber broadband network across all geographies and social demographics. During the quarter, these factors contributed to strong revenue growth from Tier 2 and Tier 3 service providers in the US. We also saw strength internationally from the Asia-Pacific region. We added 33 new customers and announced major awards with multiple Tier 1 operators for our next generation fiber access solutions and our Mosaic Cloud Platform. Our overall performance for the quarter was in line with our expectations and we are well-positioned to lead the paradigm shift to the software-defined next generation fiber access platform of the future.”

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CommScope announces the death of Jeff White

CommScope announced the passing of Jeff White, its Chief Commercial Officer.

CommScope Chief Executive Officer Eddie Edwards said, “Although new to CommScope, Jeff made an immediate impact on our team, bringing his expertise and talents to our sales and marketing teams, positioning them for success during an extremely challenging period.”

Jeff White joined CommScope in May 2020. Before CommScope, Jeff served in leadership roles for Here Technologies, Syniverse, Extreme Networks, and Cisco.

CommScope names Jeff White as Chief Commercial Officer

Wednesday, May 13, 2020  CommScope, People  

CommScope has appointed Jeff White as Chief Commercial Officer. He will be responsible for the development and growth of CommScope’s sales and marketing operations to meet strategic business initiatives.

White joins CommScope from Here Technologies, a location services platform company, where he served as chief customer officer in Amsterdam and oversaw a complete go-to-market transformation. Previously, he was chief revenue officer for Syniverse and Extreme Networks and held several leadership roles with Cisco Systems including senior vice president/president of India - Bangalore. Mr. White has nearly 30 years of experience in network technology industries, the majority in sales leadership roles of increasing responsibility.

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