Equinix and Vodafone to build subsea hub in Genoa for 2Africa cable

Equinix and Vodafone announced a plan to build a new subsea hub in Genoa, called GN1, to serve as a strategic interconnection point for the 2Africa cable system.

2Africa is a consortium cable project backed by China Mobile International, Facebook, MTN GlobalConnect, Orange, stc, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone and WIOCC. At 37,000km long, 2Africa will be one of the world’s largest subsea cable projects and will interconnect Europe (eastward via Egypt), the Middle East (via Saudi Arabia), and 21 landings in 16 countries in Africa.

Vodafone is the cable consortium's lead for European landings.

Equinix said GN1 will have a direct fiber connection to ML5, the soon-to-be opened Equinix flagship data center in Milan, and will allow Equinix customers to increase the number of partners they connect with and expand their reach into new markets.

GN1 will offer customers secure, resilient colocation and interconnection services, as well as the ability to directly leverage Equinix's digital ecosystems and colocation facilities in Milan. It will provide a capacity of 150 cabinet equivalents, and colocation space of approximately 6,000 square feet (560 square meters).

Eugene Bergen Henegouwen, President, EMEA, Equinix, states: "I am thrilled we are adding a new metro to our EMEA portfolio. Equinix's Genoa site provides a great landing hub for subsea cable operators, whilst at the same time boosting the digital ecosystems at our recently announced Milan flagship, ML5. Equinix continues to focus on expanding its position as a global connectivity service provider. Our commitment is always to support the increasing demands we're seeing from companies globally to accelerate their digital transformation. We're helping businesses connect to everything they need to succeed, and will continue to do so."

https://www.2africacable.com/

http://www.equinix.com

Equinix builds flagship data center in Milan

Tuesday, July 21, 2020  Data Centers, Equinix, Italy  

Equinix is building a new state-of-the-art colocation data center in Milan, Italy.

Known as ML5 and due to open in Q1 2021, the International Business Exchange (IBX) data center will host advanced interconnection services, including Equinix Cloud Exchange Fabric (ECX Fabric) and Equinix Internet Exchange.

The facility is situated in North-West Milan, which will provide customers with direct access to Equinix's industry-leading software-defined networking service, ECX Fabric, enabling virtual interconnections to some of the largest cloud providers in the world, such as: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and Google Cloud.

The $51 million first phase of ML5 is expected to provide a capacity of 500 cabinet equivalents and colocation space of approximately 15,000 square feet (1,400 square meters). Upon completion of the planned future phases, ML5 is expected to provide total capacity of more than 1,450 cabinet equivalents and colocation space of more than 45,000 square feet (4,200 square meters).

The ML5 IBX is the fourth data center for Equinix in Italy.

https://www.equinix.com/newsroom/press-releases/pr/123965/Equinix-to-Open-New-Flagship-Data-Center-in-Milan/

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NeoPhotonics ships QSFP-DD 400G ZR modules

NeoPhotonics announced the availability of its extended case temperature QSFP-DD 400G ZR modules.

NeoPhotonics said the new 400G ZR modules leverage its Silicon Photonics Coherent Optical Subassembly (COSA) and low power consumption, ultra-narrow linewidth Nano-ITLA tunable laser.  Each of these components can be operated over a wide module case temperature range up to 80C. This enables the Neophotonics 400G ZR modules to be deployed in extended temperature data center environments while reducing cooling requirements and fan power.

“The ability of 400G ZR vendors to offer thermally-optimized designs capable of supporting higher case temperatures will significantly help reduce system cooling requirements,” said Dr. Hacene Chaouch, Distinguished Engineer at Arista Networks. “This is an important consideration for implementing power efficient data center interconnect architectures.” 

“We are pleased to support customers with high-performance 400G ZR modules that operate across a wide thermal envelope, without sacrificing optical performance.” said Tim Jenks, Chairman and CEO of NeoPhotonics.  “By utilizing our leading high-speed coherent components technology and optimizing the entire optics suite through in-house design, we are able to favorably benefit data centers need to reduce power consumption and improve environmental sustainability,” concluded Mr. Jenks.

https://www.neophotonics.com/press-releases/?newsId=12221

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II‐VI develops VCSEL module for driver monitoring systems

II‐VI introduced its vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) flood illuminator modules for driver and occupancy monitoring systems in vehicles.

II-VI said its new VCSEL flood illuminator modules emit higher optical power and with a narrower spectral width than infrared LEDs currently used in existing driver monitoring systems, enabling substantial improvements in system performance. The infrared light emitted from II-VI’s flood illuminator modules can be modulated to frequencies greater than 100 MHz, making them ideal for 3D time-of-flight cameras for driver and occupancy monitoring systems. The modules are expected to be AEC-Q102 certified for automotive applications in the second quarter of calendar 2021.

“Our new VCSEL flood illumination modules integrate VCSEL chips, photodiodes, and diffuser optics, achieving a greater level of vertical integration and value for our customers,” said Dr. Julie Eng, Sr. Vice President, Optoelectronic & RF Devices Business Unit. “We leveraged our in-house 6-inch GaAs technology platform to successfully scale production of our VCSEL arrays for consumer electronics, and we look forward to ramping production of flood illumination modules for in-cabin sensing in automotive as the demand grows.”

https://ii-vi.com/news/ii-vi-incorporated-unveils-vcsel-flood-illuminator-modules-for-driver-and-occupancy-monitoring-systems-in-vehicles/

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Credo intros PAM4 Optical DSP

 Credo introduced its Seagull 200 Optical DSP for supporting high-performance QSFP56 optical modules to enable 200GbE SR4, DR4, FR4, and LR4 applications in hyperscale data centers, cloud networks, and 5G wireless mid-haul and back-haul networks.

Seagull 200 accepts four lanes of 53.125Gbps (26.5625Gbaud) PAM4 on the client (host) interface and sends the traffic to four lanes of 53.125Gbps PAM4 signal on the optical (line) interface. The device is designed in Credo’s unique architecture and optimized for die size and mainstream silicon process technology, enabling low cost-of-ownership and accelerating 200GbE market adoption.

Seagull 200 (CFD50502) integrates high-performance digital signal processing (DSP) engine and equalization techniques to compensate for optical impairments while achieving good BER performance and maintaininglow power dissipation. The architecture has minimal and deterministic latency that is needed in the mobile infrastructure. 

Seagull 200 comes with advanced diagnostics and loopback features to reduce time-to-market and aid with rapid system debug. The device footprint is compatible with Credo’s low power Dove 200 Optical DSP, which allows customers to design a common PCB for either component and choose the DSP that best meets the application need.

“Seagull 200 is the ideal high-performance and low power DSP for data centers and for 5G wireless mid-haul and back-haul deploying PAM4 networks,” said Scott Feller, Vice President of Marketing at Credo. “The low power and fixed latency enable 200G upgrades on the next generation wireless networks,” Feller added.

https://www.credosemi.com

Credo intros DSP for 5G front- and mid-haul

Thursday, September 10, 2020  #5G, Credo, DSP  

Credo introduced a DSP for optical modules used in 5G front- and mid-haul wireless networks. 

The Credo Seagull 50, CFD10101, is a versatile full-duplex product that can be used in next-generation QSFP28, DSFP, and SFP56 pluggable optical transceivers. It supports 50Gbps SR/DR/FR/LR and ER applications based on PAM4 modulation. 

Seagull 50 operates over the full industrial temperature range of -40oC to +85oC module case and is ideal for use in datacenters and 5G wireless/eCPRI front-, mid- and backhaul applications.

The DSP can be used as a gearbox or retimer. In gearbox mode, the IC is configured as two lanes of 24.33-25.78Gbps NRZ on the host side to one lane of 50.135-53.125Gbps PAM4 on the line side. In retimer mode, the DSP is configured as one lane of 50.135-53.125Gbps PAM4 to one lane of 50.135-53.125Gbps PAM4. 

https://www.credosemi.com/releases/2020/9/7/credo-introduces-seagull-50-pam4-dsp-to-drive-front-and-mid-haul-5g-wireless-networks

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AT&T to spinoff its video business into New DIRECTV

AT&T reached a deal with TPG Capital, a private equity firm, to establish a new company named DIRECTV that will own and operate AT&T’s U.S. video business unit, which includes the current DIRECTV, AT&T TV, and U-verse video services.

Under the deal, AT&T will own 70% of the common equity of the new company and TPG will own 30%. The transaction to separate AT&T’s U.S. video business into New DIRECTV implies an enterprise value for the new company of $16.25 billion.

“This agreement aligns with our investment and operational focus on connectivity and content, and the strategic businesses that are key to growing our customer relationships across 5G wireless, fiber and HBO Max. And it supports our deliberate capital allocation commitment to invest in growth areas, sustain the dividend at current levels, focus on debt reduction and restructure or monetize non-core assets,” said AT&T CEO John Stankey. “As the pay-TV industry continues to evolve, forming a new entity with TPG to operate the U.S. video business separately provides the flexibility and dedicated management focus needed to continue meeting the needs of a high-quality customer base and managing the business for profitability. TPG is the right partner for this transaction and creating a new entity is the right way to structure and manage the video business for optimum value creation.”

AT&T Completes Acquisition of DIRECTV

Friday, July 24, 2015  ATT, DirecTV  

AT&T completed its acquisition of DIRECTV, making it the largest pay TV provider in the United States and the world, providing service to more than 26 million customers in the United States and more than 191 million customers in Latin America, including Mexico and the Caribbean. Additionally, AT&T has more than 132 million wireless subscribers and connections in the U.S. and Mexico; offers 4G LTE mobile coverage to nearly 310 million people in the U.S.; covers 57 million U.S. customer locations with high-speed Internet; and has nearly 16 million subscribers to its high-speed Internet service.

DIRECTV shareholders received 1.892 shares of AT&T common stock, in addition to $28.50 in cash, per share of DIRECTV.  The implied total equity value is $48.5 billion and the total transaction value is $67.1 billion, including DIRECTV’s net debt.

AT&T said the DIRECTV acquisition significantly diversifies its revenue mix, products, geographies and customer bases. As a result of this acquisition, as well as AT&T’s acquisition of Iusacell and Nextel Mexico, AT&T expects that, by the end of 2015, its largest revenue streams will be, in descending order: Business Solutions (both wireless and wireline); Entertainment & Internet; Consumer Mobility; and International Mobility and Video.

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Akraino Release 4 extends Kubernetes to more edge use cases

LF Edge announced the availability of Akraino Release 4 featuring additional blueprints that support various deployments of Kubernetes across the edge, from Industrial IoT, to Public Cloud, Telco, and Machine Learning (ML). 

Akraino delivers an open source software stack for edge computing systems and applications. New use cases and new and existing blueprints provide an edge stack for Industrial Edge, Public Cloud Edge Interface, Federated ML, KubeEdge, Private LTE/5G, SmartDevice Edge, Connected Vehicle, AR/VR, AI at the Edge, Android Cloud Native, SmartNICs, Telco Core and Open-RAN, NFV, IOT, SD-WAN, SDN, MEC, etc.

Akraino R4 includes seven new blueprints for a total of 25+, all tested and validated on real hardware labs supported by users and community members, and API map.

The 25+ “ready and proven” blueprints include both updates and long-term support to existing R1, R2, and R3 blueprints, and the introduction of seven new blueprints:

• Public Cloud Edge Interface (PCEI)
• Private LTE/5G ICN
• The AI Edge: Federated Machine Learning (ML) at Edge
• The AI Edge: Intelligent Vehicle-Infrastructure Cooperation System(I-VICS)
• IoT Workloads at the Smart Device Edge – Predictive Maintenance (with a Thermal Imaging Camera, vibration sensors, etc.)
• KubeEdge Service
• Kubernetes Native Infrastructure (KNI) for Industrial Edge

“Now on its fourth release, Akraino is a fully-functioning open edge stack,” said Arpit Joshipura, general manager, Networking, Edge and IoT, the Linux Foundation. “This latest release brings new blueprints that focus on Kubernetes-enablement across edges, as well as enhancements to other areas like connected cars, ML, telco and more. This is the power of open source in action and I am eager to see even more use cases of blueprint deployments.”  

https://www.lfedge.org/projects/akraino/release-4-2/

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VMware posts revenue of $3.3 billion, up 7% yoy

VMware reported Q4 2020 revenue of $3.3 billion, an increase of 7% from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Non-GAAP net income for the fourth quarter was $936 million, or $2.21 per diluted share, up 8% per diluted share compared to $868 million, or $2.05 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

Some highlights:

• The combination of Subscription and SaaS and license revenue was $1.7 billion, an increase of 8% from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
• Subscription and SaaS revenue for the fourth quarter was $707 million, an increase of 27% year-over-year.
• Workloads on VMC on AWS and revenue nearly doubled YoY in Q4
• NSX and vSAN had single-digit YoY declines in Q4, an improvement for both over Q3FY21

"We are pleased with our fourth quarter financial performance and it was a good finish to the fiscal year. Our results reinforce that customers continue to choose VMware technologies and solutions to drive their digital foundation for today and for the future,” said Zane Rowe, CFO and Interim CEO, VMware. “We continue to build and scale our Subscription and SaaS business, bringing customers flexibility in consumption choices, as well as delivering new offerings to market.”

https://ir.vmware.com/

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Marvell supplies OCTEON baseband processors for Fujitsu base stations

Fujitsu has selected Marvell’s baseband processor silicon to power its new 5G New Radio (NR) base stations.

Specifically, Fujitsu will adopt Marvell’s OCTEON Fusion baseband processors for their 5G base station designs and also plans to engage with Marvell on O-RAN distributed unit (DU) products, enabling them to bring advanced 5G technologies to the worldwide market.

“We are extremely pleased that Fujitsu has selected Marvell to help increase their 5G RAN footprint around the globe,” said Raj Singh, Executive Vice President of the Processors Business Group at Marvell. “Fujitsu is an innovator in 5G infrastructure solutions from the radio unit (RU) to the DU and the network core. OCTEON Fusion provides a scalable and flexible platform that will enable Fujitsu to leverage the technology across multiple product offerings.”

www.marvell.com/solutions/carrier

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L-Com offers 18 new passive fiber optic splitters

L-com introduced a new series of passive optical splitters/combiners for use in various Passive Optical Network (PON), Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) applications and in a wide range of fiber to the home, building, curb and other (FTTx) networks. 

L-com's new line of passive fiber optic splitters/combiners consists of 18 new models that are comprised of LGX-style cassettes as well as 900um and 250um fiber cable form factors. The LGX cassettes are available with 1x02, 1x04, 1x08, 1x16 and 1x32 even splits and feature SC fiber connectors with an APC polish. The 900um field units are available with 1x04, 1x08, 1x16 and 1x32 even split options as well as non-connectorized versions or connectorized versions with SC/APC polish connectors. The 250um field units are available in 1x02, 1x04, 1x08, 1x16 and 1x32 even splits using bare fiber (no connectors).

"Our new line of passive splitters/combiners is perfect for use in metro and regional transport, and distribution networks including passive fiber applications where two or more channels need to be either combined or split. Our new splitter/combiner offering provides installers with a range of styles and form factors to address just about every fiber PON application," said Paul Hospodar, Product Line Manager.

https://www.l-com.com/

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