AMD targets the accelerated data center

At a virtual event ahead of this week's Open Compute Project Summit, Dr. Lisa Su, president and CEO of AMD, introduced the company's Instinct MI200 series accelerators for high performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, and provided a preview of the 3rd Gen AMD EPYC processors. 

The 3rd Gen AMD EPYC processors with AMD 3D V-Cache, codenamed “Milan-X,” will leverage 3D chiplet packaging technology from TSMC.

AMD also confirmed that Meta will adopt its EPYC processors in its hyperscale data centers supporting Facebook, Instagram and other applications. AMD and Meta worked together to define an open, cloud-scale, single-socket server designed for performance and power efficiency, based on the 3rd Gen EPYC processor.

“We are in a high-performance computing megacycle that is driving demand for more compute to power the services and devices that impact every aspect of our daily lives,” said Dr. Su. “We are building significant momentum in the data center with our leadership product portfolio, including Meta’s adoption of AMD EPYC and the buildout of Frontier, the first U.S. exascale supercomputer which will be powered by EPYC and AMD Instinct processors."

Next up on the AMD roadmap are EPYC processors codenamed “Genoa” and “Bergamo.”

“Genoa” will have up to 96 high-performance “Zen 4” cores produced on optimized 5nm technology, and will support the next generation of memory and I/O technologies with DDR5 and PCIe 5. “Genoa” will also include support for CXL, enabling significant memory expansion capabilities for data center applications. “Genoa” is on track for production and launch in 2022.

“Bergamo” is a high-core count CPU, tailor made for cloud native applications, featuring 128 high performance “Zen 4c” cores. AMD optimized the new “Zen 4c” core for cloud-native computing, tuning the core design for density and increased power efficiency to enable higher core count processors with breakthrough performance per-socket. “Bergamo” comes with all the same software and security features and is socket compatible with “Genoa.” “Bergamo” is on track to ship in the first half of 2023.

https://ir.amd.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1031/amd-unveils-workload-tailored-innovations-and-products-at

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FBA perspective: America's $65 billion broadband investment

https://youtu.be/oevn0oE_e3s

America's new infrastructure package is the single, largest investment in broadband deployment in history and represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get fiber out to every American, says Gary Bolton, president and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. Here is a one-minute perspective.

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DZS perspective: America's $65 billion broadband investment

https://youtu.be/Mh6bXzXjKSQ

America's $65 billion investment in broadband will be a game changer for the entire industry, says Charlie Vogt, president and CEO of DZS. It represents an opportunity to move forward to 10G and 25G architecture. Here is his 1-minute perspective.

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Verizon and Lockheed Martin collaborate on 5G.MIL

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and Lockheed Martin are collaborating on 5G.MIL technologies that will provide ultra-secure, reliable connections for U.S. Department of Defense systems , bringing together high-tech platforms into a cohesive network spanning air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. 

The companies highlighted a joint demonstration that used a Verizon private 5G network installed at Lockheed Martin Space’s 5G Test Range in Colorado, connected to a Lockheed Martin open mission system processor running mission applications at the Skunk Works Integration Facility and Test Center in Texas. Initial tests demonstrated interoperability between Lockheed Martin open tactical gateway solutions and Verizon’s On Site 5G network technology. Specifically, situational awareness applications receiving Link-16 standard messages were linked to 5G user devices. 

"Verizon is at the cutting edge when it comes to building out reliable, high performance 5G Ultra Wideband networks with mobile edge computing capabilities," said Kyle Malady, Chief Technology Officer at Verizon. "Our work with Lockheed Martin will help enable the creation of new and innovative products and technologies, helping DOD leaders achieve the goals laid out in their 5G strategy."

"Lockheed Martin’s deep understanding of DOD mission requirements coupled with Verizon’s wireless expertise will truly enable the Joint All-Domain Operations battlespace our customers envision," said Rod Makoske, chief engineer and senior vice president of Engineering and Technology at Lockheed Martin. 

"Leveraging commercial 5G technologies with military-grade enhancements will let customers field, scale and deploy this technology faster and in more operational environments."

Lockheed Martin’s 5G.MIL program is a robust, 5G-enabled, heterogeneous "network of networks" that integrates military tactical, strategic and enterprise networks, and leverages existing telecommunication infrastructure technology. 5G.MIL will enable interoperability between 5G networks, NextG networks and operational DOD networks to enable effective and resilient communication across all domains.

https://www.verizon.com/about/news/lockheed-martin-verizon-5g-innovation-department-of-defense

www.lockheedmartin.com/5G

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Brazil's G8 deploys Infinera for long-haul DWDM

G8 Telecommunications (G8), which operates long-haul and regional networks in Brazil, has deployed Infinera’s GX Series Compact Modular Platform on its long-haul DWDM network to increase network capacity to meet the growing needs of enterprises, network operators, and government companies. 

G8 has more than 3,000 km of fiber across statess including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Bahia.

Infinera’s GX G30 platform can be deployed with a 1.2 terabit transponder with individual channels up to 600 Gbps per lambda and the ability to scale to 2.4 terabits in a single rack unit. Infinera says its compact modular solution enables G8 to rapidly modernize its network infrastructure to quickly deliver high optical performance on demand.

“Infinera’s GX solutions provide us with robust solutions that deliver the high capacity we’re looking for on long-distance spans with ease and reliability and seamless operations in existing optical line systems,” said Rogério Fernandes, CTO at G8 Telecommunications. “Deploying Infinera’s solutions on our network doubles the capacity we’re able to offer today across all distances, setting us up for success against our competitors.”

“We are pleased to work closely with G8 and our partner Arsitec to modernize G8’s networks to provide its customers with reliable, high-capacity services to meet the growing bandwidth needs in the region,” said Alexandre Salomão, Infinera Country Manager for Brazil. “By deploying Infinera’s innovative solutions, G8 is well-positioned to deliver fast service activation to its customers and remain competitive in the market.”

https://www.infinera.com/press-release/broadband-internet-service-provider-in-brazil-increases-network-capacity-with-infinera

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FCC adds $421 million in Emergency Connectivity Funding

The Federal Communications Commission announced over $421 million in the latest round of Emergency Connectivity Fund announcements, bringing total program commitments to over $3.05 billion.  

The funding is supporting schools and libraries in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.  The program to date has committed to supporting 6,954 schools, 613 libraries, and 80 consortia, which are approved to receive over 6.8 million connected devices and over 3.5 million broadband connections.  With these additional commitments, the Commission has met its goal of responding to 70 percent of all applications within 100 days of the closing of the first filing window.

http://www.fcc.gov

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Viasat + Inmarsat merger aims for hybrid space and terrestrial

Viasat agreed to acquire Inmarsat in a deal valued at $7.3 billion, comprised of $850.0 million in cash, approximately 46.36 million shares of Viasat common stock valued at $3.1 billion based on the closing price on Friday November 5, 2021, and the assumption of $3.4 billion of net debt.

The combined company aims to integrate the spectrum, satellite and terrestrial assets of both companies into a global high-capacity hybrid space and terrestrial network. 

Viasat has advanced North American residential and aviation connectivity and defense communications with technology and business models embraced by customers.

Inmarsat has an exceptional presence in the growing global mobility segment and is at the forefront of network design with its recently announced multi-dimensional mesh network. It is preparing to expand its global network later this year with its most powerful and advanced software-defined commercial communications satellites ever, offering both Ka- and L-band capabilities. 

• The combined company will be able to offer:
• A broad portfolio of spectrum licenses across the Ka-, L- and S-bands and a fleet of 19 satellites in service with an additional 10 spacecraft under construction and planned for launch within the next three years.
• A global Ka-band footprint, including planned polar coverage, to support bandwidth-intensive applications, augmented by L-band assets that support all-weather resilience and highly reliable, narrowband and IoT connectivity.
• The ability to unlock greater value from Inmarsat's L-band spectrum and existing space assets by incorporating Viasat's state-of-the-art beamforming, end-user terminal and payload technologies and its hybrid multi-orbit space-terrestrial networking capabilities.
• Viasat's highly vertically-integrated technology and service offerings, along with Inmarsat's extensive eco-system of technology, manufacturing and service distribution.

"This is a transformative combination that advances our common ambitions to connect the world. The unique fusion of teams, technologies and resources provides the ingredients and scale needed for profitable growth through the creation and delivery of innovative broadband and IoT services in new and existing fast-growing segments and geographies," said Viasat's Executive Chairman Mark Dankberg. "Inmarsat's dual-band global mobile network, unique L-band resources, skills and capabilities in the U.K. and excellent technical and operational talent worldwide, are powerful complements to Viasat's business. Together, we can advance broadband communications and create new hybrid space and terrestrial networks that drive greater performance, coverage, speed, reliability and value for customers. We look forward to welcoming the Inmarsat team into the Viasat family."

"Joining with Viasat is the right combination for Inmarsat at the right time," said Rajeev Suri, CEO of Inmarsat. "Viasat is a terrific innovator and Inmarsat brings some powerful additions: global reach, a broad distribution channel, robust business momentum and a presence in highly attractive global mobility segments. Together, the two companies will create a new global player with the scale and scope to help shape the future of a dynamic and growing industry. The combination will create a strong future for Inmarsat and be well-positioned to offer greater choice for customers around the world, enhanced scope for partners and new opportunities for employees. The industrial logic is compelling and ensures that the U.K. has a strong and sustainable presence in the critical space sector for the long term."

https://investors.viasat.com/news-releases/news-release-details/viasat-and-inmarsat-combine-creating-new-leading-global

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Vodafone New Zealand installs Ciena for data center interconnect

Vodafone Infrastructure Partners has launched a data center interconnect service that uses Ciena’s WaveLogic Ai and WaveLogic 5 Extreme programmable coherent optics to deliver point-to-point connectivity between data centres in New Zealand and public clouds.

Based on new Colourless-Directionless-Contentionless (CDC) and flexible grid optical multiplexers, the network platforms provide the highest degree of agility and flexibility with the ability to send any service anywhere in the network, dynamically. 

Vodafone Infrastructure Partners (VIP) will offer its wholesale customers super high data transfer capabilities, including 100G, 200G and 400G Wavelength Services, underpinned by robust technical architecture and technology from the industry-leading optical vendor Ciena.

Murray Osborne, Head of Vodafone Infrastructure Partners, says: “Having secure, reliable and high-performing connectivity services is critical for large data centres, and Vodafone Data Centre Connect is a game-changer in New Zealand. We’ve designed this solution with built-in redundancy to secure network availability and result in a decreased failure risk along critical data paths.

http://www.vodafone.co.nz/infrastucturepartners

http://www.ciena.com

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