Dell'Oro: Total telecom equipment market up 15% in Q1

 The overall telecom equipment market grew 15% year-over-year (Y/Y) in the first quarter, reflecting positive activity in multiple segments and regions, lighter comparisons, and a weaker US Dollar, according to analysis from Dell’Oro Group.  This includes sales in the following categories:  Broadband Access, Microwave & Optical Transport, Mobile Core & Radio Access Network, and Service Provider Router & Switch revenue.

Some highlights from Dell'Oro:

• The collective global share of the leading suppliers remained relatively stable between 2020 and 1Q21, with the top seven vendors comprising around ~80% of the total market.
• Huawei maintained its leading position, however, the gap between Nokia and Ericsson, which was around 5 percentage points back in 2015, continued to shrink and was essentially eliminated in the quarter. 
• Samsung passed Ciena in the quarter to become the #6 supplier.
• Excluding North America, Dell'Oro estimates Huawei’s revenue share was about 36% in the quarter, nearly the same as the combined share of Nokia, Ericsson, and ZTE.
• Following three consecutive years of growth between 2018 and 2020, preliminary readings suggest the positive momentum that characterized the overall telco market in much of 2020 extended into the first quarter, underpinned by double-digit growth on a Y/Y basis in both wireless and wireline technologies including Broadband Access, Microwave Transport, Mobile Core Network, RAN, and SP Router & Switch.
• In addition to easier comparisons due to poor market conditions in 1Q20 as a result of supply chain disruptions impacting some segments, positive developments in the North America and Asia Pacific regions, both of which recorded growth in excess of 15% Y/Y during the first quarter, helped to explain the output acceleration in the first quarter.
• Aggregate gains in the North America region was driven by double-digit expansion in Broadband Access, RAN, and SP Routers & Switch.

Further highlights here:

https://www.delloro.com/key-takeaway-1q-2021-total-telecom-equipment-market/

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VMware and Cohere Technologies collaborate on O-RAN

Cohere Technologies and VMware are developing an O-RAN solution to help CSPs improve network and spectrum efficiencies and deliver new and differentiated services and experiences for their customers.

The solution will bring together:

• VMware’s RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) Platform
• Cohere’s Spectrum Multiplier and Cloud Scheduler xApps
• The RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) is a new function introduced by the O-RAN Alliance that enables CSPs to deploy cloud-native control and management apps in the RAN. Essentially, it virtualizes the RAN Centralized Units (CUs) and Distributed Units (DUs), where complex RAN intelligence was previously embedded. VMware has designed its RIC platform keeping developer experience at the center and offers a RIC Software Developer Kit (SDK) to any third-party developer to build apps that can be deployed in the RAN. Today most of these apps are geared toward making the network faster, including Cohere’s Spectrum Multiplier xApp.

Cohere says its Spectrum Multiplier and Cloud Scheduler xApps improve spectral efficiency for CSPs by as much as 2x by enabling existing mobile networks to communicate with multiple users simultaneously on the same time and frequency resources. This is achieved by using dynamic and smart pairing as well as precoding techniques. 

“CSPs are spending tens of billions of dollars on 5G spectrum and being able to get the most out of that investment is critical,” said Ray Dolan, Chairman and CEO of Cohere Technologies. “Cohere is the first company to overcome the latency challenges of moving critical intelligence from the RAN to the cloud using VMware’s RIC Platform. Our software, when running on VMware’s RIC platform, provides CSPs with a powerful solution to extend spectral efficiency and deliver a great user experience to customers accessing 5G services.”

https://www.cohere-technologies.com/

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AT&T delivers managed SASE from Palo Alto Networks

AT&T announced a new, global managed Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) offering in collaboration with Palo Alto Networks.

AT&T SASE with Palo Alto Networks brings together software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) technology, security capabilities and fiber-based network connectivity. AT&T also brings expertise in design configuration, deployment, and 24/7 management from a single provider.

AT&T SASE with Palo Alto Networks is immediately available through AT&T Business.

"To drive innovation throughout the hyper-connected enterprise, customers are looking for a simplified solution for network and security. As one of the largest MSSPs, AT&T is collaborating with Palo Alto Networks to offer a comprehensive, managed SASE solution that helps enable new user experiences at the edge," states Rupesh Chokshi, VP, AT&T Cybersecurity.

"More and more organizations are moving to Zero Trust architectures to deliver a continuous and consistent security experience that covers data, devices, and end-users who are in the office, at home, or on the go. By bringing Palo Alto Networks' SASE solution together with AT&T Cybersecurity's managed security services, we are delivering an integrated solution to help organizations achieve optimal access with the highest levels of security," says Kumar Ramachandran, SVP Products, Palo Alto Networks.

https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2021/06/att-launch-managed-sase/

AT&T Cybersecurity launches Managed SASE with Fortinet

Tuesday, March 09, 2021  AT&T, Fortinet, SASE, SD-WAN  

AT&T launched managed Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) powered by Fortinet.AT&T SASE with Fortinet is a global managed SASE solution at scale that unifies software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) with essential network security functions of the SASE framework and 24x7 management. As the largest SD-WAN Managed Service Provider in North America, and one of the world’s largest Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs), AT&T said...

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Nokia: Most DDoS attacks originate from under 50 hosting companies

In-depth analysis provided by Nokia Deepfiled across large sample of networks globally finds that majority of DDoS attacks originate from fewer than 50 hosting companies and regional providers.

Nokia said its study examined service provider network traffic encompassing thousands of routers on the internet between January 2020 and May 2021. Among the findings, which were presented by Dr. Craig Labovitz, Nokia Deepfield CTO, at NANOG82: more than 100% increase in daily DDoS peak traffic in this time period; newly identified DDoS threat potential over 10 Tbps – four to five times higher than the largest current attacks reported – due to rapidly growing number of open and insecure internet services and IoT devices.

Dr. Craig Labovitz, CTO, Nokia Deepfield, said: “It is equally important for every participant in the network security ecosystem – end users, vendors, service providers, cloud builders, regulators and governments – to understand the dangers DDoS poses to the availability of internet content, applications and critical connectivity services. With this knowledge and a community commitment to solving the DDoS problem, we can go a long way towards making our networks, services and subscribers more secure.”

• In an environment where attackers constantly leverage opportunistic resources to source their attacks, Nokia Deepfield found in the past 15 months accessibility of DDoS for hire services has increased the threat potential of the existing botnet, IoT and cloud-based attack models. 
• The results trace the origins of most of the high-bandwidth, high-intensity (volumetric) attacks to a limited number of internet domains, finding that most global DDoS attacks (by frequency and traffic volume) originate in less than 50 hosting companies and regional providers.
• As COVID lockdown measures were implemented in 2020, Nokia Deepfield noticed a 40-50% increase in DDoS traffic. The continued increases in intensity, frequency and sophistication of DDoS attacks have resulted in a 100% increase in the “high watermark levels” of DDoS daily peaks – from 1.5 Tbps (January 2020) to over 3 Tbps (May 2021).

The report is posted here:

https://www.nokia.com/networks/solutions/deepfield/network-intelligence-report/

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Senko introduces highest density fiber connector

 Senko introduced the industry’s highest density fiber connector - the SN - CONNECTOR.

The connector carries a maximum of 16-fiber in a row with the same footprint and features as the company's SN duplex connector. The design improves connector density by 2.7X over MPO-16F and 1.3X over MPO-32F. It’s suitable for many applications that require high-density fiber solutions such as patch panels, cassettes, a faceplates to next gen co-packaged optics (CPO) data center switches.

https://www.senko.com/

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NTT Communications expands Flexible InterConnect globally

NTT Communications will expand the footprint of Flexible InterConnect service to overseas markets beginning this month.

Flexible InterConnect leverages the global data centers and network facilities operated by NTT Ltd. The service delivers private and secure connections to various cloud service providers as well as interconnection between NTT Group's global data centers.

NTT Communications said its new network infrastructure overseas will enable clients worldwide to connect to data centers and use Flexible InterConnect's 1G+ high bandwidth to share large data globally. 

Flexible InterConnect also provides an interconnect for the company's Smart Data Platform, a one-stop platform that provides all the functions necessary for data utilization, including information collection, storage, management, and analysis.

ntt.com/en/about-us/press-releases/news/article/2021/0603.html

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NTT Ltd. launches a Global Data Center Interconnect service

NTT Ltd. announced the launch of Global Data Center Interconnect (GDCI), an integrated global network fabric service that delivers private and secure connections between NTT’s global data centers and major cloud service providers with a single physical port supporting multiple virtual network services. 

The SDN-based service lets clients connect to an ecosystem of cloud service providers in different geographic regions, addressing hybrid and multi-cloud interconnection challenges. 

Executive Vice President of NTT Ltd.’s Global Data Centers division, Matsuo Ryuichi said, “NTT is the only global service and infrastructure provider delivering a one-stop shop by bringing both our network and data center investments and expertise together. Using our Tier-1 global IP network we will connect between all regions, while providing carrier-neutral solutions to our clients to deliver a truly connected global data center platform. Business leaders around the world can get to flexible infrastructure services that can adapt to any change. We are proud to introduce GDCI as an integration of the strengths of NTT Ltd.”

GDCI will be available first at NTT’s Serangoon Data Center in Singapore, Financial Data Centers 1 and 2 in Hong Kong, Bangkok Data Centers 1 and 2 in Bangkok, followed by EMEA, US and Japan soon.

https://datacenter.hello.global.ntt/en/global-data-center-interconnect

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DARPA: Filtering out interference for next-gen wideband arrays

DARPA is pursuing a COmpact Front-end Filters at the ElEment-level (COFFEE) program that aims to develop a new class of integrable, high-frequency RF filters for next-generation wideband arrays. The idea is to build filters that operate over a wide range of frequencies that are also small enough to fit behind each element of a phased array.

“Wideband, digital-at-every-element AESAs are particularly compelling for applications like advanced radar, electronic warfare (EW), and communications,” said Dr. Benjamin Griffin, a program manager in the Microsystems Technology Office (MTO). “However, high bandwidth receivers often have a limited dynamic range, leaving them vulnerable to electronic jamming. Further, digital-at-every-element exposes each element to interferers and requires filtering at the element level, leaving very little room to integrate conventional filter technologies.”

COFFEE is a part of DARPA’s Electronics Resurgence Initiative (ERI) – a five-year, upwards of $1.5 billion investment in the advancement of the U.S. semiconductor industry. 

https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2021-06-10

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American Tower acquires Telxius' 7,000 towers in Latin America

Last week, Telefónica completed the sale of Telxius' tower business in Latin America to American Tower Corporation (ATC) for approximately EUR 900 million. The deal includes over 7,000 communications sites in Brazil, Peru, Chile and Argentina.

Tom Bartlett, American Tower’s Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are pleased to add more than 7,000 sites to our extensive portfolio of communications infrastructure across Latin America. With Telefónica as our anchor tenant partner and attractive opportunities for colocation as 4G and 5G deployments accelerate, we expect to drive strong, sustainable long-term growth and attractive returns in the region while helping to enhance mobile broadband connectivity for hundreds of millions of people.”

American Tower expects these assets to generate approximately $70 million in property revenue and approximately $40 million in gross margin for the balance of 2021, at current foreign currency exchange rates, and to be immediately accretive to Consolidated AFFO per Share.

American Tower completes first tranche of Telxius Towers acquisition

Tuesday, June 01, 2021  American Tower, Telefonica, Telxius  

American Tower Corporation closed the first tranche of its Telxius Towers acquisition, comprised of nearly 20,000 communications sites in Germany and Spain, for total consideration of approximately €6.2 billion (approximately $7.6 billion at current foreign currency exchange rates). 

The closing was funded by a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facilities and term loans. Approximately 4,000 additional rooftop communications sites in Germany are expected to close in the third quarter of 2021.

Tom Bartlett, American Tower’s Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are excited to close on these high-quality, well-located assets and are ready to quickly and efficiently integrate them into our existing European portfolio. We expect to utilize our newly augmented leadership position in Germany and Spain to drive strong, sustainable, long-term growth while delivering best-in-class service to existing and new tenants as they enhance mobile broadband connectivity for their customers. As one of the largest independent communications infrastructure providers in Europe, we believe we are now optimally positioned to benefit from accelerating 5G deployments across the region through a combination of organic growth, new builds and the potential for selective future acquisitions.”

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Dell’Oro: Ethernet controller and adapter sales up 6%

Ethernet controller and adapter revenue grew 6 percent quarter-over-quarter in 1Q 2021 as inventory correction from the prior quarter eases, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group. The market research firm projects the server refresh and cloud expansion to drive higher demand later this year.

“In light of the tightening global semiconductor supply chain, we believe server vendors are proactively increasing inventory levels of Ethernet controllers and adapters in anticipation of higher demand later this year,” said Baron Fung, Research Director at Dell’Oro Group. “As a result, shipments of 10 and 25 Gbps ports grew moderately. Meanwhile, we observed strong momentum for 100 Gbps ports, as the Tier 1 Cloud service providers adopt higher speed ports following data center networking upgrades, and to support the growing demands of accelerated computing and all-flash array storage across the industry,” added Fung. 

Additional highlights:

• Total Ethernet controller and adapter revenue forecast to grow 4 percent in 2021. 
• Next-generation adapters with 200 Gbps connectivity are starting to ramp. 
• Amazon and Microsoft accounted for 90 percent of the Smart NIC port shipments in 1Q 2021. 
• Other leading Smart NIC vendors reported include Broadcom, Marvell, Napatech, and Nvidia.

https://www.delloro.com/news/ethernet-controller-and-adapter-revenue-grew-6-percent-as-inventory-correction-eases-in-1q2021/

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Nokia to upgrade core network for Beeline Georgia

Beeline Georgia, a division of VEON, has selected Nokia to upgrade its core network throughout Georgia and to strengthen customer services, network performance and security. The operator also chose Nokia’s Home Location Register (HLR), making Nokia the sole network vendor for VEON in Georgia. HLR is a critical core component, given its role as the repository for storing subscriber data such as phone numbers and user location information.

In addition to HLR, Nokia will provide Cloud Packet Core (CPC) and Standalone Core. Nokia’s cloud-native Cloud Mobile Gateway and Cloud Mobility Manager appliance solutions, from the CPC portfolio, will deliver a highly scalable and flexible Control/User Plane Separation architecture to enable Beeline to rapidly launch 5G services without making significant changes to the network. Deployment is expected to start in the third quarter of 2021.

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