T-Mobile U.S. launches 4G/5G Home Internet service

T-Mobile U.S. officially launched its wireless Home Internet service with coverage to more than 30 million households, making T-Mobile one of the largest broadband providers in the entire country by service area — on its first day of service. 

Nearly 10 million of the households eligible for T-Mobile Home Internet are in rural areas where often there is only one other broadband provider or none at all.

T-Mobile Home Internet access runs over the carrier's 4G and 5G network. Monthly service is priced at $60 with no data cap. T-Mobile says most users should experience download speeds of 100 Mbps. Availability is based on network capacity, which is increasing all the time, as well as Wi-Fi Gateway inventory, which is limited by global supply chain constraints at launch. 

https://www.t-mobile.com/isp

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Nokia and Optus demo 10 Gbps downlink from a live 5G site

Nokia and Optus achieved a record-breaking aggregate site throughput of 10 Gbps during a downlink speed demonstration using 800 MHz of millimetre Wave (mmWave) spectrum at a live 5G site in Brisbane, Australia. The site is powered by Nokia AirScale Radio.

The recent demonstration showcased the capabilities of Nokia’s 5G mmWave technology and the benefits of adding it on top of an existing 5G/4G site.

Lambo Kanagaratnam, Managing Director of Networks at Optus, said: “We’re committed to keeping Australia connected and at the forefront of 5G. By partnering with global technology leaders like Nokia, we’ve taken an exciting step towards unlocking the massive potential that 5G mmWave will bring to the consumers, enterprises and industries in Australia. Reaching 10 Gbps per site is a crucial step in our 5G development and validates the progress we’ve made with the technology together with Nokia.”

Anna Wills, Head of Oceania at Nokia, said: “This is another milestone in the development of 5G services and demonstrates the confidence operators have in our 5G solutions. Today’s achievement with Optus shows the potential of mmWave deployments, particularly at a time when connectivity and capacity are so crucial. We’re proud of our long-standing relationship with Optus and the great strides we continue to make together in this new era of connectivity."

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Semtech expands 5G front haul portfolio with 50Gbps CDR

Semtech announced sampling of the newest member of its Tri-Edge CDR portfolio, the GN2256, an IC solution to enable 50Gbps PAM4 Fixed-WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing), Tunable WDM and Silicon Photonics optical modules.

The device integrates Semtech’s proven Tri-Edge CDR platform with a differential EML (Externally Modulated Laser) driver.

Semtech says the approach to expanding 5G wireless infrastructure bandwidth differs based on geographic region, deployment area considerations and carrier preferences. This often requires different types of optical modules in 5G wireless front haul links. In regions where it is typically difficult to install more fiber or reduce overhead costs, carriers utilize “colored” optical modules that send and receive multiple signals using differing wavelengths on a single fiber. These optical modules are also referred to as WDM optical modules and are critical for the 5G wireless infrastructure, especially for countries like Japan, Korea and the U.S. 

The GN2256 combines Semtech’s proprietary analog Tri-Edge technology with enhanced laser driver compensation to enable IEEE and Open Eye MSA compliant optical modules over industrial temperature ranges. Semtech’s Tri-Edge 5G platform addresses the full range of optical modules needed for all regions by enabling multiple types of SFP56 optical modules operating at 50Gbps PAM4.

“With the introduction of the GN2256 Tri-Edge IC, Semtech has established itself as the leader in 5G wireless front haul deployments with a truly differentiated and comprehensive IC portfolio. Semtech is a one-stop shop for our optical module partners and system vendors to enable worldwide 5G wireless front haul deployments,” said Raza Khan, senior market manager for Semtech’s Signal Integrity Products Group.

http://www.semtech.com/optical

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Arista enhances its CloudVision with automation

Arista introduced its CloudVision 2021 software platform with new automation capabilities designed to improve network agility and streamline enterprise business outcomes.

Arista describes CloudVision as a multi-domain management plane that brings cloud network operations to enterprise customers through a network-wide suite of automation, telemetry, and analytics, bringing consistency across data center, campus wired and wireless, and public cloud use cases. 

CloudVision’s existing network configuration management approach delivers streamlined network provisioning through a centralized ‘configlet’ model that leverages configuration inheritance and reuse principles. Building on this, Arista introduces CloudVision Studios: new capabilities for automating configuration workflows within CloudVision and providing a flexible abstraction between the business and the underlying network.

CloudVision 2021 cognitive capabilities include:

• New network latency and path selection dashboards - CloudVision can now receive Inband Network Telemetry (INT) data, a standards-based capability for exporting latency and path telemetry and is now available across a suite of Arista’s latest switching platforms. CloudVision then provides the operator with views of network congestion hotspots with an unmatched level of granularity, providing visibility that helps to root-cause network performance problems across campus and data center networks.
• Quality of Experience (QoE) Dashboard - In addition to video collaboration tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, CloudVision now supports QoE monitoring for up to 25 applications, including Office 365, Google Workspace, Workday, Salesforce, and other enterprise application suites.
• A Performance Dashboard utilizing a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Engine to deliver client-specific views on the end user experience, including application, radio frequency interference, network, and client-specific analytics such as DNS and DHCP state to provide a unified view of the end user experience and automated remedial action recommendations.
• CloudVision’s Radio Frequency (RF) Explorer delivers in-depth, live and historical views across the entire WiFi RF spectrum, delivering a comprehensive tool for monitoring, managing, and proactively troubleshooting RF-related issues.
• A suite of additional enhancements, including new dashboards for customizable infrastructure views, an updated events app, additions to the continuous compliance app for expert insights and product lifecycle tracking, and integrations with the Arista TAC knowledge base.

The new CloudVision 2021 feature sets are in customer trials now and will be generally available in Q2 2021.

https://www.arista.com/en/company/news/press-release/12322-pr-20210407

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Open Dutch Fiber plans FTTH rollout across the Netherlands

Open Dutch Fiber, an independent platform majority owned by KKR and with DTCP as minority shareholder, will deploy Fiber-to-the-Home in the Netherlands across urban and higher population density areas.

The platform has an open architecture and will make wholesale fiber services available to all operators. Open Dutch Fiber will begin operations in Q2 2021 with a fully-funded commitment for an envisaged capital expenditure of approximately €700 million and construction agreements already in place.

Open Dutch Fiber has signed an agreement with T-Mobile Netherlands, the leading mobile operator and FMC challenger in the Netherlands. T-Mobile Netherlands, which currently has a mobile base of 6.8 million customers and a fixed base of 682,000, will be the anchor tenant for Open Dutch Fiber with a 20-year agreement.

Open Dutch Fiber will be led by Jordi Nieuwenhuis and Uwe Nickl, who previously were co-CEOs of Deutsche Glasfaser in Germany, which rolled out digital infrastructure to more than 1 million homes and 6,000 businesses. Prior to his role at Deutsche Glasfaser, Jordi co-founded Reggefiber in the Netherlands. They will be joined at Open Dutch Fiber by Michael Griffioen as CEO, who will oversee the company’s day-to-day operations.

Jordi Nieuwenhuis, co-founder of Open Dutch Fiber, said: "High-quality and reliable fiber connectivity is essential for the Netherlands and this has only been accelerated with the structural changes to working patterns of companies and citizens brought about by the COVID-19 crisis. We are building a digital infrastructure platform with open access to all operators, to ensure an efficient and rapid deployment of capital resources, while avoiding uneconomical overbuild. We look forward to making a significant contribution to the digitization of the Netherlands to benefit Dutch households and businesses.”

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DISH picks Nokia for security automation and orchestration

DISH has selected Nokia’s NetGuard solution to assist with securing its Open RAN-based 5G network. This partnership will enable DISH to safeguard 5G network slices, which will be provisioned to support enterprise and wholesale customers.

DISH is deploying NetGuard to support the security orchestration, automation and response capabilities needed to rapidly scale its network and intelligently assess and resolve cyber incidents with minimal manual intervention.

DISH will support new business models with network slicing for both enterprise and wholesale customers. Nokia’s NetGuard security operations enable DISH to efficiently and accurately respond to evolving security threats using automated tools, extended analytics, integrated collaboration processes and an optimized user experience.

Marc Rouanne, Chief Network Officer, DISH, said: “Secure network slicing is a key differentiator of DISH’s 5G network, and as we deliver these capabilities to our customers, we will provide a new level of security for their services. Nokia delivers a suite of security tools needed to help our customers unleash the power of network slicing, giving them the security, speed and control they require for their businesses.”

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DISH picks Allot to protect its OpenRAN-based 5G network

DISH Network has selected Allot Ltd. to provide end-to-end User Plane Protection (UPP) against DDoS and botnet attacks for its forthcoming cloud-native, OpenRAN-based 5G network. 

In addition, DISH will partner with Allot to provide cybersecurity threat protection services for its consumer, MVNO and SMB customers. This protection will cover DISH’s 5G network and off-network activities against cyberattacks such as malware, viruses, ransomware and phishing attacks.

“We are thrilled that DISH chose to partner with Allot to help secure its innovative 5G network,” said Erez Antebi, CEO, Allot. “With a distributed core architecture, DISH’s 5G network will be able to rapidly respond and adapt to ever-evolving cybersecurity threats. We look forward to supporting DISH’s deployment of the most secure, open 5G network.”

“DISH is deploying a first-of-its-kind, standalone 5G network that is free from the security limitations of traditional 2G, 3G and 4G technologies,” said Marc Rouanne, Chief Network Officer, DISH. “As we develop our 5G network from the ground up, we need security partners to become ingrained in our network and secure us against attack well before a threat occurs. Allot brings the capabilities we need with solutions designed to protect our network and its customers from a wide range of cyberattacks.”

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SpaceX completes 24th Starlink launch

SpaceX successfully launched its next batch of 60 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 booster from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The booster successfully landed on the drone ship in the Atlantic.

It was the 24th Starlink launch mission and the 10th mission of 2021 all of which used reflown boosters.

https://www.spacex.com/launches/

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TELUS picks Ekinops to deliver virtualized access network functions

TELUS has selected EKINOPS to deploy network function virtualization (NFV) and  SDN capabilities.

TELUS chose the OneAccess-branded ONE2501, which delivers a "one-box-fits-all" approach. The ONE2501 is based on OneOS6, the modular software solution enabling a full range of built-in software services that can be activated remotely and on-demand, equipping TELUS with a SD-WAN-ready, carrier-grade and multi-service business data router. The compact and power-efficient design of the ONE2501 also reduces TELUS' environmental footprint in the delivery of its enterprise services.

"Our work with TELUS illustrates Ekinops' value to service providers in giving them both freedom and control, together with a host of cost savings and operational efficiency gains," commented Kevin Antill, Ekinops' group vice president of sales for North America. "We are extremely pleased to be working alongside this major tier one operator in North America."

"Delivering the connectivity and quality network experience our customers have come to expect requires a SDN strategy that implements access and optical products that are both interoperable and open," said Walter Miron, Director, Technology Strategy, SDN and Business Solutions DevOps at TELUS. "Ekinops' collaboration and versatility allows us to enhance our networks in an innovative and scalable way that reduces our environmental footprint and scales our total cost of ownership."

https://www.ekinops.com/

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GSMA arranges international travel entry to Spain for MWC21 BARCELONA

Current COVID 19 travel restrictions prohibit entry to Spain for non EU citizens, with the exception of "highly qualified workers."

GSMA has now arranged with the Spanish government to allow all MWC21 Barcelona registrants – including exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, and partners – to enter Spain to attend the in-person event based on this classification.

MWC Barcelona is slated for 28 JUNE – 01 JULY 2021.

John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd, said: “The health and safety of everyone involved in MWC Barcelona, both in Spain and beyond, continues to be our utmost priority as we navigate rapidly shifting circumstances. This decision is a resounding vote of confidence in the careful planning undertaken to date, and our strong partnership with the Host City Parties. We will continue to work closely with our partners to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience.”

The GSMA will share details of MWC21 Barcelona registrants with Spanish authorities to facilitate entry into the country. This shift allows entry to those registrants who are currently denied entry, including those from China and the USA, to enter Spain for the purposes of attending and doing business at MWC21.

https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/gsma-announces-international-travel-authorisation-for-mwc21-barcelona/

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Quantum start-up accelerator gets backing from Argonne National Lab

 The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Chicago Quantum Exchange have launched a start-up accelerator program focused on quantum science and technology companies. The program, known as Duality, is also backed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and private-sector-led non-profit P33 as founding partners.

The Chicago area is home to three of eight federally funded quantum information science research centers and institutes.

With a $20 million investment, Duality will help up to 10 quantum startups per year grow their businesses in the Chicago area. The program will be based within the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Chicago Booth is widely known for its thought leadership – with nine Nobel laureates – and its impact on the global business community.

“Argonne is excited to partner with our academic and industrial collaborators as we make the Chicago region a focal point of quantum innovation,” Argonne Laboratory Director Paul Kearns said. “Duality will provide inventors and entrepreneurs from across the U.S. the powerful facilities, tools, and talent that are needed to move transformative discoveries into applications. This will inspire an even more robust environment for future innovations, which will help maintain American scientific leadership in quantum science and technology.”

https://www.dualityaccelerator.com/

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Redis Labs raises $110 million for its fast database

 Redis Labs, the home of Redis and provider of Redis Enterprise, closed $110 million in financing led by a new investor, Tiger Global, which brings the company’s valuation to more than $2 billion. The company’s Series G round also includes participation from another new investor, SoftBank Vision Fund 2*, and existing Redis Labs investor TCV. Additionally, Tiger, SoftBank, and TCV acquired additional ownership as part of a $200 million secondary transaction.

Founded in 2011 by Ofer Bengal (CEO) and Yiftach Shoolman (CTO), Redis Labs has now raised a net amount of $347 million and will continue to invest in expanding the company’s global footprint, advancing its market-leading real-time data platform, and delivering world-class customer support. The company’s existing investors include Bain Capital Ventures, Francisco Partners, Goldman Sachs Growth, Viola Ventures, TCV, and Dell Technologies Capital.

"We founded Redis Labs with the idea that the future of the database market would be defined by performance, where Redis excels. Through the dedication of our team, Redis has become an enterprise-grade data platform to tackle nearly any real-time use case across every industry," said Ofer Bengal, Co-Founder and CEO at Redis Labs. "Partnering with exceptional new investors such as Tiger Global and SoftBank, in addition to the continued belief of our existing investors like TCV, validates our mission to make Redis the de facto real-time data platform companies choose to meet their customers’ expectations.”

Database for the Instant Experience -- a profile of Redis Labs

Thursday, August 30, 2018  Databases, Profile, Redis, Start-Ups  

The user experience is the ultimate test of network performance. For many applications, this often comes down to the lag after clicking and before the screen refreshes. We can trace the packets back from the user's handset, through the RAN, mobile core, metro transport, and perhaps long-haul optical backbone to a cloud data center. However, even if this path traverses the very latest generation infrastructure, if it ends up triggering a search in...

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