01/24/23 ~ Converge! Network Digest

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Adtran debuts 10Gbit/s Combo PON fiber access platform

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Adtran introduced its SDX 6330 10Gbit/s Combo PON fiber access platform, the industry’s highest port density and is the first optical line terminal (OLT) with integrated 400Gbit/s uplinks.

The new open and disaggregated solution will empower operators to accelerate fiber rollout and scale their networks to support dense urban, suburban and rural deployments.

The SDX 6330 is Adtran’s third generation of open and disaggregated OLT devices. With 48 ports of Combo PON in a compact and power-efficient design supporting 10Gbit/s services.

“Service providers face a tough environment as they strive to keep up with growing subscriber needs, expand coverage and meet green targets. With households and businesses accessing more and more data-hungry applications, operators need strategies in place to handle the surge in a cost-effective and sustainable way. This challenge is precisely what our third-generation fiber access platform aims to address,” said Robert Conger, SVP of technology and strategy at Adtran. “Our SDX 6330 offers the network simplicity, sustainability and scalability needed to power the Gigabit Society. That’s what makes it a compelling alternative to chassis-based architectures. It’s the solution many operators are searching for as they look to expand their market share while improving customer experience.”

“Our SDX 6330 is the most advanced fiber access platform in the industry, and the impact it’s about to have will be significant. By empowering service providers to reduce both the time and cost of getting people connected, we’re going to see broadband coverage increase like never before,” commented Ronan Kelly, CTO for EMEA and APAC at Adtran. “As pioneers in open and disaggregated fiber access innovation, we’ve consistently pushed boundaries, beginning with our industry-first deployments dating back to 2017. Now with our third-generation device, we’re taking density and scalability to new heights. Our SDX 6330 will transform networks into flexible, multigigabit service delivery platforms, empowering operators to stay ahead of the bandwidth consumption curve.”

https://investors.adtran.com/news-and-events/press-release-details/2023/Adtran-accelerates-broadband-rollouts-with-markets-most-scalable-fiber-access-platform/default.aspx

Ekinops offers 400G CFP2 pluggable module

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Ekinops introduced its first pluggable coherent module for its Ekinops360 WDM optical transport system.

The PM_400FR05-C2A provides multiple client options capable of supporting either 100GbE or OTU4 as well as 400GbE connectivity. The line interface is programmable from 100G to 400G. As a standards-based solution, the PM_400FR05-C2A is fully interoperable with other third-party compliant interfaces making it easy and inexpensive for service providers to interconnect switch/router ports. While most pluggable 400G optics are limited to point-to-point connectivity, the PM_400FR05-C2A is also deployable on meshed optical networks with multi-point connectivity, a key differentiator that significantly expands the scope of potential applications.

Another differentiator is the availability of an optional Ekinops proprietary enhanced performance mode that extends the reach of the line output more than 20% compared to standardized modes of performance. Advanced transmission technology developed by Ekinops provides a cleaner transmission signal that can eliminate the need for additional amplifiers and regeneration points to further lower overall network cost.

"As a line card-based solution, the PM_400 FR05-C2A provides a strict demarcation point between not only service provider and customer networks but also the packet and optical networks so that it fits seamlessly into the service providers' operational model," said Guillaume Crenn, Product Line and Marketing Director at Ekinops. "Because most switches and routers out there today cannot support a 400G transceiver directly, Ekinops' approach saves customers from having to upgrade their packet infrastructure." Compatible with all existing Ekinops chassis, Ekinops customers can not only avoid the cost of upgrading routers but also avoid adding new transport infrastructure while still taking advantage of the small size, low power and low cost of pluggable solutions without sacrificing performance.

https://www.ekinops.com/products-services/products

Dell'Oro: Optical transport gear sales to grow at 3% CAGR through '27

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Optical Transport equipment demand is forecast to increase at a 3 percent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next five years, reaching $17 billion by 2027, according to a recent from Dell'Oro Group. The cumulative revenue during that five year period is expected to be $81 billion.

"We expect annual growth rates to fluctuate in the near term before stabilizing to a more typical 3 percent growth rate," said Jimmy Yu, Vice President at Dell'Oro Group. "There is still a large amount of market uncertainty this year due to the economic backdrop—economists are predicting a high chance of a recession in North America and Europe. However, at the same time, most optical systems equipment manufacturers are reporting record levels of order backlog entering the year, and we expect that most of this backlog could convert to revenue when component supply improves this year," added Yu.

Additional highlights from the Optical Transport 5-Year January 2023 Forecast Report:

Optical Transport market expected to increase in 2023 due to improving component supply.
WDM Metro market growth rates in next five years are projected to be lower than historic averages due to the growing use of IP-over-DWDM.
DWDM Long Haul market is forecast to grow at a five-year CAGR of 5 percent.
Coherent wavelength shipments on WDM systems forecast to grow at 11 percent CAGR, reaching 1.2 million annual shipments by 2027.
Installation of 400 Gbps wavelengths expected to dominate for most of forecast period.

https://www.delloro.com/news/optical-transport-equipment-market-to-grow-at-3-percent-cagr-through-2027/

Microsoft's Nadella: the next major wave of computing is being born

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Microsoft reported revenue of $52.7 billion for its fiscal quarter ended 31-Dec-2022, up 2% yoy. Diluted earnings per share was $2.20 GAAP and $2.32 non-GAAP, and decreased 11% and 6%, respectively

“The next major wave of computing is being born, as the Microsoft Cloud turns the world’s most advanced AI models into a new computing platform,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft. “We are committed to helping our customers use our platforms and tools to do more with less today and innovate for the future in the new era of AI.”

“We are focused on operational excellence as we continue to invest to drive growth. Microsoft Cloud revenue was $27.1 billion, up 22% (up 29% in constant currency) year-over-year as our commercial offerings continue to drive value for our customers,” said Amy Hood, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Microsoft.

Highlights

Revenue in Productivity and Business Processes was $17.0 billion and increased 7% (up 13% in constant currency), with the following business highlights:

Office Commercial products and cloud services revenue increased 7% (up 14%in constant currency) driven by Office 365 Commercial revenue growth of 11% (up 18% in constant currency)
Office Consumer products and cloud services revenue decreased 2% (up 3% in constant currency) and Microsoft 365 Consumer subscribers grew to 63.2 million
LinkedIn revenue increased 10% (up 14% in constant currency)
Dynamics products and cloud services revenue increased 13% (up 20% in constant currency) driven by Dynamics 365 revenue growth of 21% (up 29% in constant currency)

Revenue in Intelligent Cloud was $21.5 billion and increased 18% (up 24% in constant currency), with the following business highlights:

Server products and cloud services revenue increased 20% (up 26% in constant currency) driven by Azure and other cloud services revenue growth of 31% (up 38% in constant currency)

Revenue in More Personal Computing was $14.2 billion and decreased 19% (down 16% in constant currency), with the following business highlights:

Windows OEM revenue decreased 39%
Windows Commercial products and cloud services revenue decreased 3% (up 3% in constant currency)
Xbox content and services revenue decreased 12% (down 8% in constant currency)
Search and news advertising revenue excluding traffic acquisition costs increased 10% (up 15% in constant currency)
Devices revenue decreased 39% (down 34% in constant currency)

Forward Networks raises $50M for digital twin software

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Forward Networks, a start-up based in Santa Clara, California, secured $50 million in Series D funding for its digital twin network modeling software for large enterprise networks.

The company says that by creating a mathematically accurate digital twin of the network, it can deliver actionable insights that enable network operators to make data-driven decisions, prevent errors and improve overall network security, compliance, and health. The platform supports all major networking vendors, hybrid-cloud, and multi-cloud environments, including AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.

Since its last round of funding in 2019, Forward Networks has quadrupled its customer base, opened new headquarters in Santa Clara, California and extended its development team with an office in Bangalore, India. The company achieved 139% ARR growth from FY2021 to FY2022 while experiencing exceptional customer loyalty demonstrated by a 96% retention rate.

The funding round, led by MSD Partners, L.P., includes new investors Section 32 and Omega Venture Partners as well as existing investors Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs), Threshold Ventures, A. Capital and Andreessen Horowitz. Additionally, Victor Hwang, managing director and co-head of MSD Growth, joins the Forward Networks board of directors.

David Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Forward Networks, said, "We're creating a new technology category with a product that our customers deem indispensable as soon as it's implemented. We're excited to put this capital to work to grow sales and deliver a product that unlocks the power of the data inside everyone's digital infrastructure."

https://www.forwardnetworks.com

Brandywine leverages ADVA for defense-grade M-Code advanced timing

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Brandywine Communications, which offers ultra-precise time & frequency products and solutions, is using ADVA's OSA 5422 grandmaster clock to deliver a robust and feature-rich M-Code timing solution for use cases such as US Department of Defense applications.

M-Code is an encrypted GPS signal used exclusively by the US military in defense applications that require precise and reliable synchronization. Resistant to jamming and spoofing, M-Code is an invaluable asset for defense organizations operating in challenging conditions. ADVA’s OSA 5422 grandmaster clock is now integrated with a highly reliable M-Code receiver that meets stringent frequency and phase synchronization needs and offers the best holdover performance of any edge device on the market.

ADVA says its new edge synchronization offering addresses the key requirements of military networks by providing enhanced positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities and improved resilience. It supports 1Gbit/s and 10Gbit/s interfaces, provides innovative GNSS assurance capabilities as well as backup through Oscilloquartz’s assured PNT (aPNT+™) technology, and meets the most stringent timing demands.

“As military applications demand increasingly precise and reliable PNT capabilities, the need for secure, jamming- and spoofing-resistant M-Code technology becomes ever more pressing. With its long holdover, multi-source backup capabilities, sync assurance capabilities, and other advanced features, our OSA 5422 is perfectly positioned to meet this demand,” commented Gil Biran, GM of Oscilloquartz, ADVA. “We’re excited to be working with Brandywine Communications as our strategic partner and to be bringing our innovation to defense applications that rely on precise and reliable PNT in the US and elsewhere. The market for military GPS receivers with M-Code capabilities is growing, as defense organizations seek to enhance their PNT capabilities and improve resilience. Together, we’re helping empower a whole new section of customers to benefit from the industry’s most agile synchronization toolkit.”

https://www.adva.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/20230124-brandywine-communications-partners-with-adva-to-provide-a-defense-grade-m-code-solution

Ciena appoints David Rothenstein as Chief Strategy Officer

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Ciena appointed David M. Rothenstein as senior vice president, chief strategy officer and corporate secretary. In his new role, Rothenstein will lead Ciena’s strategic planning and implementation processes, and guide differentiated growth through corporate development activities, including mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances and partnerships, and venture capital investments. He will also drive the future incubation of emerging solutions designed to optimize existing businesses or enter new markets.

Rothenstein has served as Ciena’s senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary since November 2008, and as acting chief strategy officer since March 2022. He will continue to report to President and CEO Gary Smith.

In addition, Ciena promoted Sheela Kosaraju to senior vice president, general counsel and assistant secretary. Kosaraju joined Ciena in 2010 and has served as vice president, deputy general counsel and head of international legal since August 2020, and previously as vice president and associate general counsel. Prior to joining Ciena, Kosaraju was general counsel for two early-stage companies, HomeCom Communications and Closedloop Solutions.

What's next for Chief Information Security Officers in 2023?

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

What is top-of-mind for CISOs in 2023?

Here are 3 predictions from Juniper Networks' Drew Simonis.

https://youtu.be/mRuDv733xVY

— Check out other 2023 Predictions —

See what other experts have to say on NextGenInfra

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Nokia and Samsung sign 5G patent license agreement

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 Nokia

Nokia signed a new cross-license patent agreement with Samsung following the expiry of the previous agreement at the end of 2022.

Under the agreement, Samsung will make payments to Nokia for a multi-year period beginning 1 January 2023. The terms of the agreement remain confidential between the parties.

Jenni Lukander, President of Nokia Technologies, said: “Samsung is a leader in the smartphone industry, and we are delighted to have reached an amicable agreement with them. The agreement gives both companies the freedom to innovate, and reflects the strength of Nokia’s patent portfolio, decades-long investments in R&D and contributions to cellular standards and other technologies.”

https://www.nokia.com/licensing/