AWS touts in-house developed silicon for Elastic Compute Cloud

At the AWS re:Invent event in Las Vegas, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced three new Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) instances powered by three new AWS-designed chips.

AWS said its decade long pursuit to develop specialized chip designs have made it possible for customers to run even more demanding workloads with varying characteristics that require faster processing, higher memory capacity, faster storage input/output (I/O) and increased networking bandwidth. Since the introduction of the AWS Nitro System in 2013, AWS has developed multiple AWS-designed silicon innovations, including five generations of the Nitro System, three generations of Graviton chips optimized for performance and cost for a wide range of workloads, two generations of Inferentia chips for ML inference, and Trainium chips for ML training. 

AWS uses cloud-based electronic design automation as part of an agile development cycle for the design and verification of AWS-designed silicon. 

“Each generation of AWS-designed silicon—from Graviton to Trainium and Inferentia chips to Nitro Cards—offers increasing levels of performance, lower cost, and power efficiency for a diverse range of customer workloads,” said David Brown, vice president of Amazon EC2 at AWS. “That consistent delivery, combined with our customers’ abilities to achieve superior price performance using AWS silicon, drives our continued innovation. The Amazon EC2 instances we’re introducing today offer significant improvements for HPC, network-intensive, and ML inference workloads, giving customers even more instances to choose from to meet their specific needs.”

The new services include:

• Hpc7g instances, powered by new AWS Graviton3E chips, offer up to 2x better floating-point performance compared to current generation C6gn instances and up to 20% higher performance compared to current generation Hpc6a instances, delivering the best price performance for high performance computing (HPC) workloads on AWS. 
• C7gn instances, featuring new AWS Nitro Cards, offer up to 2x the network bandwidth and up to 50% higher packet-processing-per-second performance compared to current generation networking-optimized instances, delivering the highest network bandwidth, the highest packet rate performance, and the best price performance for network-intensive workloads. 
• Inf2 instances, powered by new AWS Inferentia2 chips, are purpose built to run the largest deep learning models with up to 175 billion parameters and offer up to 4x the throughput and up to 10x lower latency compared to current-generation Inf1 instances, delivering the lowest latency at the lowest cost for machine learning (ML) inference on Amazon EC2.

https://www.aws.amazon.com/

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5G SA network slicing for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Ericsson, Deutsche Telekom, BMW, Valeo and Qualcomm are collaborating on a proof-of-concept (PoC) with 5G Standalone (SA) network slicing supporting Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). 

The trial successfully used Ericsson's User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP) network slicing feature, which dynamically selects and connects to multiple slices simultaneously, together with a Quality of Demand (QoD) Network API. The QoD was used to request a defined QoS level from the network. When combined, these features meet the demands of mission-critical applications under various load conditions. 

Nicolai Martin, SVP BMW Group Driving Experience says: “The BMW Group sees the activities in the telecommunications industry with 5G as a central enabler for many innovative automotive features and also for Automated Valet Parking. It is crucial for such a new solution that several industries work closely together to offer the customer a valuable benefit. The aim is to build a standardized and interoperable AVP ecosystem. The BMW Group welcomes activities in the telecommunications industry especially the CAMARA project. This is an important enabler for future services.”

Claudia Nemat, Board member Technology and Innovation, Deutsche Telekom says: “Deutsche Telekom is excited to be part of this activity to demonstrate the capabilities of advanced network features like 5G network slicing with integrated APIs to meet the Quality of Service demands of automotive use cases. The close cross industry collaboration is essential to co-innovate and develop new solutions that bring customer benefits. This is an enabler for future services.”

https://www.ericsson.com/en/news/3/2022/breakthrough-proof-of-concept-for-automated-driving-applications

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Nokia and Orange France test 20 Gbps microwave carrier aggregation

Nokia and Orange France demonstrated the use of microwave carrier aggregation techniques, achieving a throughput of 20 Gbps over a distance of 3.6 km. This was enabled by combining the carriers from two microwave radios operating in the 18 GHz band with two E-Band microwave radios operating at 80 GHz, using a single dual-band (18+80 GHz) antenna.

In addition to new products from its Wavence microwave portfolio, Nokia will provide Orange France with a range of products and services from its comprehensive AirScale 5G radio access portfolio, as well as a state-of-the-art network management solution and associated professional services.

The Nokia Wavence portfolio includes innovative, high-capacity ultra-broadband microwave transceivers, designed to support operators as they build out their 5G networks. Wavence products support the evolution of both backhaul and fronthaul with multi-gigabit capacity, low-latency characteristics, and industry-leading RF power output for deployment flexibility.

Christian Gacon, CTO Fixed/IP/Optical/Microwave Networks at Orange France, said: “Nokia’s innovative Wavence portfolio and microwave technology will ensure that we can deliver high-capacity services and experiences to our customers over long distances, which is critical as the usage of 5G increases. This technology will support Orange’s ambition to remain the indisputable best network in France. I look forward to continuing our partnership with Nokia moving forward.”

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2022/11/29/nokia-and-orange-france-complete-worlds-first-20-gbps-microwave-carrier-aggregation-link-trial-using-e-band-and-traditional-frequencies/

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Lightwave Logic acquires polymer tech of Chromosol (UK)

Lightwave Logic has acquired the polymer technology and intellectual property assets of Chromosol Ltd (UK).

Lightwave Logic said the acquisition significantly strengthens its design capabilities with foundry PDKs with extremely low temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes that effectively hermetically seal polymer devices that have been prepared for high volume manufacturing. The advanced fabrication processes of ALD with temperatures below 100C will solidify the company's market position with both the company's manufacturing foundry partners as well as end-users as it prepares to enter the 800 Gbps integrated photonics marketplace.

The acquisition also advances Lightwave Logic's patent portfolio of electro-optic polymer technology with an innovative polymer chemistry device patent1 that has potential to increase the performance of integrated modulators through optical amplification in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) and enhance the functionality of the PIC by integrating laser light sources made using the polymer-based gain and a laser optical cavity defined on the Silicon photonic platform, with Lightwave Logic's high speed, high efficiency modulators. 

Dr. Michael Lebby, Chief Executive Officer of Lightwave Logic, said: "Chromosol's' polymer technology and intellectual property patent dovetails well with Lightwave Logic's development of a polymer platform that not only enables 'green photonics' – but is foundry compatible with manufacturing PDKs.  Having access to extremely low temperature ALD allows the company's polymer modulators to be protected from the environment without the need of expensive and large footprint gold box packaging, propelling the company forward with chip-scale packaging as required by major hyper-scaler end-users. The patent opens a new class of PICs which expands our variety of devices.

"What is more interesting is that every foundry we have visited has ALD systems and equipment in place for semiconductor processing.  This acquisition for low temperature ALD processes provides a key piece of the PDK that we need when working with foundries for our polymers, and allows us to achieve our goals more effectively," concluded Lebby.

https://www.lightwavelogic.com

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Lockheed Martin integrates Intel's FlexRAN in 5G.MIL Base Station

Lockheed Martin and Intel have integrated a 5G Core and Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) into Lockheed Martin's 5G.MIL Hybrid Base Station (HBS).

The implementation brings Intel's FlexRAN reference architecture and Intel Xeon Scalable processors into a rugged, 3U tactical chassis with open system communications gateway capabilities.

Lockheed Martin has now demonstrated over-the-air 5G and tactical network connectivity in a laboratory environment that is capable of transitioning to military air vehicles. While most applications of 5G base station technology are data center centric, this demonstration hosted 5G O-RAN technology on ruggedized computers suitable for fighter and other aircraft, paving the way for the team to fly on any number of military platforms during upcoming crewed-uncrewed distributed teaming flight tests.

"The integration of 5G and military tactical radios into our Hybrid Base Station enables resilient, link-diverse data routing throughout the battlespace to make future crewed-uncrewed distributed teaming missions possible," said John G. Clark, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "The Lockheed Martin 5G.MIL HBS was designed using open mission systems standards so that the technology can onramp to multiple and varied platforms quickly in support of our customers' transformation vision."

"Lockheed Martin's latest innovation for HBS (Hybrid Base Station) highlights the type of highly flexible and portable data capabilities made possible by a virtualized and software-programmable architecture powered by Intel FlexRAN reference architecture and Intel Xeon processors," said Dan Rodriguez, corporate vice president and general manager of Intel's Network and Edge Solutions Group. "Our continuing collaboration on 5G.MIL showcases new abilities to strengthen DoD critical digital communications across Lockheed Martin's platforms."

https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2022-11-28-Lockheed-Martin-Successfully-Hosts-Advanced-5G-MIL-R-Capabilities-on-Flight-Ready-Hardware

Lockheed Martin and Microsoft expand classified cloud work

Thursday, November 17, 2022  Cloud, Lockheed-Martin, Microsoft  

Lockheed Martin and Microsoft have expanded their strategic relationship to help power the next generation of technology for the Department of Defense (DOD) in four critical areas:Classified Cloud Innovations: Microsoft’s latest secure framework will make Lockheed Martin the first non-government entity to independently operate inside the Microsoft Azure Government Secret cloud ushering in a new era of cloud opportunities for industry.Artificial Intelligence/Machine...

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Lockheed Martin and Verizon demo 5G.MIL drones

Monday, October 03, 2022  Lockheed-Martin, Verizon  

Lockheed Martin and Verizon demonstrated 5G-enabled drones for capturing and securely transfering real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data from aircraft in flight. The demonstration, which occurred at Lockheed Martin’s 5G test range in Waterton, Colorado, used mmWave 5G to move data from aircraft in flight over Lockheed Martin’s multi-site, multi-vendor 5G.MIL pilot network.Lockheed Martin flew four rotary wing drones...

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Verizon and Lockheed Martin collaborate on 5G.MIL

Monday, November 08, 2021  Lockheed-Martin, Military, Verizon  

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...

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Dell'Oro: Mobile core market declines in 3Q 2022

The Mobile Core Networks (MCN) and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) market revenue growth declined year-over-year (Y/Y) once more in 3Q 2022, according to a recent report from Dell'Oro Group -- the second quarter in a row with negative Y/Y growth. Since last quarter, nine new Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have launched 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks, but it was not enough to offset the decline in 4G MCN and IMS Core markets.

“The China region had a positive Y/Y growth rate for the quarter, but it was not enough to offset the decline in the rest of the market, with the global market declining Y/Y,” stated Dave Bolan, Research Director at Dell’Oro Group. “Even with nine new MNOs launching 5G SA eMBB networks since last quarter, it was not enough to propel the MCN market into positive Y/Y growth. Many of these new 5G SA networks recently launched were not country-wide, limiting the growth. In addition, the fall-off in 4G MCN and IMS Core market was more than anticipated.

“To date, we count 36 5G SA eMBB networks that have been commercially deployed. The nine new 5G SA eMBB networks that MNOs launched since last quarter include Bell (Canada), AT&T and Verizon (USA), stc Bahrain, Telekom (Germany), Optus (Australia), Claro, TIM, and Vivo (Brazil),” continued Bolan.

• Additional highlights:
• The top five global MCN vendors for the quarter were Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE, Nokia, and Cisco.
• The top five global 5G MCN vendors for the quarter were Huawei, ZTE, Ericsson, Nokia, and Mavenir.

https://www.delloro.com

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Indonet deploys Juniper Apstra for network automation

PT IndoInternetTbk (Indonet), an Indonesian digital infrastructure provider, has selected Juniper Apstra to help automate, modernize and facilitate an experience-first expansion of its network infrastructure. Through managed automated network provisioning and monitoring, Apstra has already delivered Indonet an estimated 20% in cost-savings efficiency.

Indonet utilized Apstra to validate the design, deployment and operation of the EVPN/VXLAN overlay and IP fabric underlay of its latest data center, both built on Juniper QFX Series Switches. The use of validated templates and zero-touch provisioning has resulted in reduced deployment times and reliable data center operations, allowing Indonet to significantly streamline the day-to-day management of its data center networks and unify them in a virtual environment seamlessly.

“Juniper Networks is excited to partner with and grow Indonet’s network as they build out a simplified, reliable and efficient infrastructure across Indonesia. Apstra has greatly facilitated the automation and expansion across their data center networks and we look forward to continuing our journey together as they transform into a modern digital infrastructure provider, further fueling Indonesia’s growth momentum," said Perry Sui, Senior Director, ASEAN & Taiwan, Juniper Networks.

https://newsroom.juniper.net/news/news-details/2022/Indonet-Partners-with-Juniper-Networks-for-Intent-Based-Networking-Software-to-Automate-and-Modernize-Network-Deployment/default.aspx

Juniper extends Apstra software to the edge

Tuesday, March 15, 2022  Apstra, Juniper  

Juniper Networks is extending its Apstra software platform to edge data centers with collapsed fabric topologies. The latest release of Apstra software also enables tighter Zero Trust security with new policy assurance and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) capabilities, as well as simplified migration from legacy data centers with new Apstra professional services.Specifically, the latest version of Apstra provides policy assurance to enable granular...

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Vodafone New Zealand extends Nokia’s Voice Core

Building on a 30-year partnership, Vodafone New Zealand has agreed to extend Nokia’s Voice Core services to an additional one million subscribers across the country. 

Vodafone New Zealand is already using Nokia’s high-performance Voice Core services for one million subscribers. Nokia will also supply its NetAct application for network management and seamless daily network operations as well as its Voice Core network solution to help Vodafone New Zealand extend superior voice services to more subscribers and tourists. 

The initiative is the next phase of the existing program, where Vodafone New Zealand and Nokia transformed the end customer voice experience by providing Voice Core services on a fully virtualized core network. 

This extended program will further improve the resiliency and redundancy of Vodafone New Zealand's Voice Core network and ensure that the network is always using the latest software. It will also introduce VoLTE roaming which has become crucial as several operators are shutting down legacy 2G and 3G networks to improve cost economics and to use the spectrum for 5G. 

Sharina Nisha, Head of Networks at Vodafone New Zealand, said: “At Vodafone we’re helping customers unlock the magic of technology, better connecting them through our award winning Smart Network. We’re delighted to build on Nokia’s solution to provide Voice Core services to our subscribers by extending high-definition voice services to an additional million users. This crucial project is another great step forward in our 30-year partnership with Nokia, delivering a more awesome Aotearoa through innovation for both local customers and our very welcome visitors to New Zealand.”

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2022/11/29/nokia-and-vodafone-new-zealand-bring-5g-voice-core-services-to-more-subscribers/

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