Google Cloud and Intel partner on telco cloud architectures

 Google Cloud and Intel agreed to develop telco cloud reference architectures and integrated solutions for communication service providers to accelerate 5G deployment across multiple network and edge locations. 

The partnership is focused on:

• Accelerating the ability of communications service providers to deploy their virtualized radio access network (RAN) and open RAN solutions with next-generation infrastructure and hardware.
• Launching new lab environments to help communications service providers innovate for cloud native-based 5G networks.
• Making it easier for communications service providers to deliver business applications to the network edge.

“Communications service providers can adopt cloud-native technologies to harness the potential of 5G both as a connectivity solution and as a business services platform to deliver applications to the network edge,” said Shailesh Shukla, vice president and general manager of networking at Google Cloud. “Expanding on our work with the telecommunications industry, we are excited to work with Intel to help customers plan, test and deploy the technology and infrastructure needed to accelerate the delivery of cloud-native 5G for consumer and enterprise use cases.”

Intel said the collaboration marks another important step forward in its journey to help transform the 5G network with a software-defined, agile and scalable infrastructure.

“The next wave of network transformation is fueled by 5G and is driving a rapid transition to cloud-native technologies. As communications service providers build out their 5G network infrastructure, our efforts with Google and the broader ecosystem will help them deliver agile, scalable solutions for emerging 5G and edge use cases,” said Dan Rodriguez, corporate vice president and general manager of the Network Platforms Group at Intel.

Google Cloud said it is working closely with Intel in three main areas: accelerating the ability of communications service providers to deploy their Virtualized RAN (vRAN) and Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) solutions by providing next-generation infrastructure and hardware, launching new lab environments to help communications service providers innovate on cloud-native 5G, and making it easier for them to deliver business applications to the network edge. 

Regarding 5G vRAN deployments, the architecture will leverage Google Cloud’s global infrastructure and capabilities alongside Intel’s FlexRAN reference software; Intel’s cloud-native Open Network Edge Service Software (OpenNESS) deployment model and best practices applicable to Anthos; Intel’s Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK) and hardware infrastructure based on Intel Xeon processors; and New reference architecture and solutions to accelerate 5G vRAN with Anthos, an application platform.

In addition, Google Cloud will jointly launch a Network Functions Validation lab and collaborate with Intel to support vendors in testing, optimizing, and validating their core network functions running on Google Cloud’s Anthos for Telecom platform. 

https://newsroom.intel.com/news/intel-google-cloud-aim-advance-5g-networks-edge-innovations/#gs.ubx9fa

https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/partners/speeding-up-cloud-native-5g-networks-with-intel-and-google-cloud

Google Cloud and Nokia announce Telco Cloud Partnership

Thursday, January 14, 2021  Google Cloud, Nokia, Telco Cloud  

Google Cloud and Nokia announced a global, strategic partnership focused on cloud-native solutions for communications service providers (CSPs), including a cloud-native 5G Core and a network edge for business services.Under this partnership, Google Cloud and Nokia will work closely to validate, optimize and evolve cloud-native network functions, and the two companies will also co-innovate new solutions that will help CSPs deliver 5G connectivity...

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Xilinx debuts new family of Alveo SmartNICs and AI video analytics

Xilinx introduced a new family of Alveo SmartNICs, smart world AI video analytics applications, an accelerated algorithmic trading reference design for sub-microsecond trading, and a Xilinx App Store - all aimed at next gen data centers and workloads.

The Xilinx Alveo SN1000 SmartNICs, which is based on the Xilinx 16nm UltraScale+ architecture, are powered by the low-latency Xilinx XCU26 FPGA and a 16-core Arm processor. The SN1000 SmartNICs deliver dual-QSFP ports for 10/25/100Gb/s connectivity with leading small packet performance and a PCIe Gen 4 interconnect. The first model in the family is the SN1022, which is offered in a full height, half-length form factor in a 75-Watt power envelope.

The Alveo SN1000 SmartNICs deliver software-defined hardware acceleration for all function offloads. SN1000 SmartNICs directly offload CPU intensive tasks to optimize networking performance, with an open architecture that can accelerate a broad range of network functions at line rate. Programmability is provided via the company's Vitis Networking platform and industry standard, high-level programming languages such as P4, C, and C++. 

SN1000 SmartNICs provide software-defined hardware acceleration for a wide range of networking, security, and storage offloads, such as Open vSwitch and virtualization acceleration (Virtio.net). Security offloads include IPsec, kTLS and SSL/TLS and accelerated storage applications including Virtio.blk, NVMe over TCP, Ceph, and compression and crypto services.

“Data centers are transforming to increase networking bandwidth and optimize for workloads like artificial intelligence and real-time analytics,” said Salil Raje, executive vice president and general manager, Data Center Group at Xilinx. “These complex, compute-intensive and constantly-evolving workloads are pushing existing infrastructure to its limits and driving the need for fully composable, software-defined hardware accelerators that provide the adaptability to optimize today’s most demanding applications as well as the flexibility to quickly take on new workloads and protocols, and accelerate them at line rate.

In addition, Xilinx is launching an AI video analytics platform with an ecosystem of partner solutions built to accelerate the most complex and latency-sensitive AI video inferencing applications. One example use case is retail video analytics, where accelerated video processing could help identify key trends in consumer behavior.

https://www.xilinx.com/applications/data-center/network-acceleration/alveo-sn1000.html

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Semtech samples CDR for 50 Gbps PAM4 front haul

Semtech is now sampling its new Tri-Edge CDR to emerging 50Gbps PAM4 5G front haul deployments. 

The new solution (GN2255), which is based on the company's existing Tri-Edge CDR platform qualified in data center applications, offers the small footprint, low power, ultra-low latency, and performance required by 5G front haul applications.

Semtech’s new integrated circuit (IC) enables 50Gbps PAM4 links that will double the bandwidth of currently deployed 25Gbps NRZ front haul links. The IC combines Semtech’s proprietary analog Tri-Edge technology with enhanced laser driver compensation to enable IEEE-compliant optical modules over industrial temperature ranges. 

The GN2255 Tri-Edge IC is the industry’s first analog IC solution enabling ultra-low latency, less than 1.5W module power and industry leading performance for up to 10km reach for 50Gbps PAM4 SFP56 optical modules. Semtech’s Tri-Edge technology and proprietary DML compensation will enable use of high volume, low cost 25Gbps bandwidth optics to operate at 50Gbps PAM4.

“Semtech is at the forefront of innovation with this new Tri-Edge IC and we look forward to collaborating with system vendors and our optical module partners to enable next-generation 5G wireless front haul deployments,” said Raza Khan, Senior Market Manager for Semtech’s Signal Integrity Products Group.

https://www.semtech.com/company/press/semtech-to-enable-50gbps-pam4-front-haul-5g-wireless-deployment-with-industrys-first-5g-front-haul-tri-edge-cdr-ic-solution

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Brazil's Altarede deploys Padtec's 200G and 800G optical systems

Altarede, a fiber-based network operator in Brazil, has made a record investment in Padtec’s 200 Gbps and 800 Gbps family of transponders to ensure high capacity connections to its customers - such as operators, internet service providers (ISPs), governments and enterprises.

To light up the operator's new routes, installed between the capitals of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, Padtec provided state-of-the-art DWDM systems with ROADM (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer) technology which adds more flexibility in directing optical network traffic transponders with 200 and 800 Gbps per channel data rates, optical amplifiers and protection systems.

The partnership between the companies also includes the provision of services by Padtec for the management of the operation of Altarede's optical networks which includes technical support and monitoring of the operator's optical network through its Network Operations Center (NOC). 

“With the offer of a complete telecommunications services solution, which involves everything from system planning to the installation, operation and maintenance of networks, we add value and provide more security and convenience for our customers”, says Argemiro Sousa, Padtec’s Business Director. "To support these services, we currently have more than 40 points of presence spread across all regions of the country and also in Argentina and Colombia", he concludes.

https://www.padtec.com.br/

Padtec debuts 800 Gbps and 1.2 Tbps transponders

Tuesday, October 13, 2020  Padtec  

Padtec introduced its TM800G and TM1200G transponders for short, medium and long distances in a compact, rack mountable form for both telecom and data center applications. The muxponders enable service providers to combine multiple 100Gbps client signals into a single network signal.

Padtec said its new LightPad i6400G platform’s transponders combine a high data transmission rate with a lower cost per transmitted bit and are suited for alien wavelength applications. 

“The development of this product is in line with the company’s commitment to constantly invest in the evolution of its product line, providing the market with innovative solutions and state-of-the-art technology in optical systems”, says Manuel Andrade, Padtec North America’s CEO.

“Another of the technical innovations of this generation of transponders is the more flexible network interfaces that allow better adaptation of optical channels to meet the increasing demands for network performance and expansion”, says Manuel.

The new unit measures 1RU high and 300 mm deep, enabling rack mounting in both datacenters and telecom locations. 

https://www.padtec.com.br/en/padtec-introduces-its-new-generation-of-800-gbs-and-1-2-tbps-transponders/

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Rosenworcel proposes more mid-band spectrum for 5G

FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is proposing 100 megahertz of mid-band spectrum in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band would be made available for auction and 5G deployment across the contiguous United States.  The Acting Chairwoman also shared with her colleagues a proposed Public Notice seeking comment on procedures for this auction (Auction 110), in which bidding would begin in early October 2021.

The proposed new rules, if adopted, would allocate the 3.45-3.55 GHz spectrum band for flexible-use service.  It would establish a framework for coordination of non-federal and federal use and establish a band plan, as well as technical, licensing, and competitive bidding rules for the band.  Lastly, it would complete the relocation of non-federal radiolocation operators to the 2.9-3.0 GHz band and the sunset of amateur use in the 3.3-3.5 GHz band.

The draft order will be considered at the FCC's March 17th Open Meeting.

“The promise of 5G means new and improved services and applications for consumers and businesses alike.  This means not only faster download speeds, but also enabling digital tools we can’t even imagine yet,” said Rosenworcel.  “We need to deliver the 5G that the American people were promised.  That means a 5G that is fast, secure, resilient, and—most importantly—available across the country.  This important auction is a crucial step toward making that a reality.  I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this proposal.”

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Samsung intros indoor 5G mmWave Small Cell

Samsung Electronics introduced a 5G mmWave small cell for indoor use within enterprises, including manufacturing or distribution facilities, corporate offices, and entertainment or public venues (such as shopping centers, stadiums or hotels). The first version of Samsung’s Link Cell will support 28GHz and has the capability to combine four 100MHz bandwidth of frequencies.

Verizon will be the first U.S. wireless operator to commercially deploy Samsung’s Link Cell, which the wireless provider will use to extend the footprint of its 5G Ultra Wideband network. 

In addition, Samsung is introducing Link Hub and Link HubPro small cells to provide low and mid-band support to operators and enterprises. Link Hub is designed for venues with existing Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), providing low and mid-band 5G service across an existing in-building infrastructure. Link HubPro is an active antenna system, which includes a hub and indoor radios for mid-to-large enterprises with support for various spectrum options. Link Hub and Link HubPro are expected to begin commercial rollouts beginning 1Q 2021.

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Infinera posts Q4 2020 revenue of $353.5 million

Infinera reported Q4 2020 revenue of $353.5 million compared to $340.2 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $384.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

GAAP gross margin for the quarter was 35.7% compared to 31.8% in the third quarter of 2020 and 29.0% in the fourth quarter of 2019. Non-GAAP net income for the quarter was $26.3 million, or $0.13 per share, compared to a net income of $4.2 million, or $0.02 per share, in the third quarter of 2020, and $6.4 million, or $0.03 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2019.

“We ended the year with another quarter of strong performance marked by solid execution across the board. Fourth quarter non-GAAP revenue was in line with our outlook, with non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP operating margin coming in above the guidance range. Further, we generated free cash flow in the quarter,” said David Heard, Infinera CEO. “I am encouraged by the financial progress, operational improvements, and technology innovation delivered by the Infinera team in 2020. We believe our team’s focused execution in 2020 positions us well towards achieving our target business model.”

https://investors.infinera.com/

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Samsung ships SSDs tuned for hyperscale operators

Samsung Electronics Co. has begun mass producing its most advanced line of data center SSDs, the PM9A3 E1.S.

The new PM9A3 fully complies with the Open Compute Project (OCP) NVMe Cloud SSD Specification to satisfy the rigorous demands of enterprise workloads. Defined by leading data center providers including Facebook, the OCP Specification is a set of unified interoperable standards, enabling SSD vendors to work toward next-generation storage designs with much more effectiveness.

The drives feature Samsung's sixth-generation (1xx-layer) V-NAND with double the sequential write speed at 3000MB/s, a 40% higher random read speed of 750K IOPS and 150% higher random writes at 160K IOPS.

"Wider 5G deployment and accelerating growth in IoT devices are fueling a hyperconnected lifestyle, driving the demand for more sophisticated hyperscale data centers," said Cheolmin Park, vice president of Memory Product Planning at Samsung Electronics. "Providing an optimal mix of performance, power, reliability and firmware, we believe our new PM9A3 will help advance today's data center storage technologies and expand the market for OCP-compliant SSDs."

“Innovations such as the OCP NVMe Cloud SSD and E1.S are important to solving today’s data center challenges. The OCP NVMe Cloud SSD Specification defines hyperscale SSD requirements, enabling SSD makers to provide leading-edge products that meet the challenging demands of hyperscale environments. Deploying storage at scale is very challenging and Samsung’s support for next-generation industry-leading technologies such as the OCP NVMe Cloud SSD and EDSFF E1.S is a great step forward,” said Ross Stenfort, Hardware Storage Engineer at Facebook.

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Lacework names David Hatfield as CEO, Ulfar Erlingsson as Chief Architect

Lacework, a Silicon Valley start-up offering cloud security solutions, named David “Hat” Hatfield as its new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, replacing former CEO Dan Hubbard who now takes the helm as Lacework’s Chief Product Officer. Lacework founder and CTO, Vikram Kapoor is taking on an additional role as the founder of a wholly owned Lacework entity, to be revealed at a later date. 

Hatfield most recently has served as president and vice-chairman of Pure Storage. Prior to that he played key leadership roles at Akamai Technologies and Limelight Networks, from the early stages through IPOs, and participated in one of the largest software mergers in history at the time, of Veritas Software and Symantec Corporation.

“Lacework is building the security company for the public cloud and we believe Hat is the right leader to fully realize its potential,” said Mike Speiser, Managing Director at Sutter Hill Ventures and Lacework board member. “We believe Lacework is on a trajectory to do for cloud security what Snowflake is doing for cloud data warehousing. We are thrilled to have Hat take the helm as we aggressively expand product development and scale globally. We also wish to recognize the important contributions Dan Hubbard has made over the past four years and we’re excited he will be leading the innovation strategy to deliver the most comprehensive and loved cloud security platform in the market.”

“Lacework is a special company with a fantastic team and an enormous opportunity,” said David Hatfield, newly appointed Lacework CEO. “With tens of thousands of companies and hundreds of billions of dollars shifting away from data centers to the cloud, the attack surface area and software development processes have fundamentally changed, and the legacy approaches for security simply don’t work. Lacework was purpose built to secure digital businesses built on dynamic cloud infrastructure. Digital businesses should not have to choose between innovation speed and security. With our leading innovation and customer obsession, Lacework is poised to become the leading security platform of the cloud era.”

Lacework also announced that renowned security and machine learning researcher Ulfar Erlingsson, PhD. has joined the company as Chief Architect. Erlingsson holds over 30 issued U.S. patents and has authored dozens of influential scientific publications with wide-ranging impact on computer architecture, operating systems, data-parallel processing, as well as computer security and privacy mechanisms.  He is currently chair of the IEEE Technical Committee on Security and Privacy, and joins Lacework from Apple, where he led the development of privacy-preserving technologies for machine learning. Prior to that he held similar positions at Google Brain, led research in cloud security in Google’s infrastructure security team, as well as at Microsoft Research, Silicon Valley. Early on, his startup GreenBorder Technologies provided the security foundations of the Chrome web browser.  

https://www.lacework.com/

• In January 2021, Lacework, the security platform for the cloud generation, today announced a $525 million growth round with a valuation of $1 billion. Led by Sutter Hill and Altimeter Capital, and joined by D1 Capital Partners, Coatue, Dragoneer Investment Group, Liberty Global Ventures, Snowflake Ventures and Tiger Global Management, the round reflects Lacework’s accelerated adoption among digital businesses building on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Kubernetes. 

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Japan's MCTV to deploy Ciena’s 6500 platform

Matsusaka CATV (MCTV), a cable operator in Japan, will deploy Ciena's 6500 Coherent Optical Platform to transform its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure and deliver high-quality digital services across rural areas. Ciena’s 6500  will enable MCTV to expand its backhaul capacity from 10G to 400G and scale its network to support new user demands.

“Our vision is to contribute to the local community by delivering superior telecom and broadcast services and ensuring our customers in rural areas have access to exceptional connectivity,” said Toshiyuki Shiota, deputy director of technology department, MCTV. “Ciena’s WaveLogic coherent optical solutions will allow us to further satisfy the digital needs of our growing customer base and promote a more connected society.”

ICT Infrastructure service partner UNIADEX will provide configuration, construction, service and support for the deployment.

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