Meta releases Llama 2 LLM

Meta released Llama 2, its large language model with an open source license for research and commercial use. 

Microsoft is the preferred partner for Llama 2, however Meta announced support across a broad set of companies, including AWS, HuggingFace, Intel, AMD, Nvidia, IBM Qualcomm, data cricks, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, YCombinator, Palo Alto Networks, Andreessen Horowitz, MIT, etc.

Llama 2 pretrained models are trained on 2 trillion tokens, and have double the context length than Llama 1. Its fine-tuned models have been trained on over 1 million human annotations. It is available in available in 7B, 13B and 70B parameters.

https://about.fb.com/news/2023/07/llama-2/

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Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Mastering Hybrid Workloads for AI

Wondering how to optimize your workloads in a hybrid world?

Holland Barry, Field CTO from Cyxtera, explains:

* The importance of running workloads in the right venue: With workloads being run in a variety of spaces including public Cloud, private Cloud, SAS Services, and the edge, it's crucial to align application requirements with the best attributes of each venue.

* The rise of artificial intelligence in data center Colo space: Driven largely by large language models and generative AI, these high-performance compute workloads require power density and cooling solutions that traditional venues may not offer.

* The need for advanced cooling solutions for high-performance workloads: With power densities north of 50 kilowatts per rack, customers are increasingly interested in solutions like liquid cooling and immersion cooling, where the compute infrastructure is submerged in an electrostatic tank of fluid to dissipate heat.

Full showcase on #SASE, #SSE, #SDWAN, #ZTNA, #MCN, #NaaS at: https://ngi.fyi/sdwansaseztna23yt

Want to be involved in our video series? Contact info@nextgeninfra.io

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Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Navigating from SD-WAN to SASE

Wondering how to navigate the shift to hybrid working and cloud adoption while maintaining robust security?

https://youtu.be/ey4gb74180U

Laurent Perrin, Director of Product Management, Application Driven Networks from Orange Business Services explains:

- The increasing demand for integrated security solutions in the infrastructure, with a strong move towards SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) which combines SD-WAN and security in a consistent manner.- The complexity of the technology and the need to select the right mix according to your requirements. This includes SD-WAN for site connectivity, cloud-based security, on-premises security, and the Zero Trust model for device and user security.- The importance of understanding the technology, making the right choices in terms of technology partnerships, and managing the transformation process. This includes considering the connectivity of sites, end users, and applications in the cloud, and ensuring seamless security and performance for users and applications.

Full showcase on #SASE, #SSE, #SDWAN, #ZTNA, #MCN, #NaaS at: https://ngi.fyi/sdwansaseztna23yt

Want to be involved in our video series? Contact info@nextgeninfra.io

https://ngi.fyi/sdwansaseztna23-obs-laurent

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Dell’Oro: Optical transport equipment forecast increased

Optical Transport equipment demand is forecast to be $83 billion over the next five years. This cumulative revenue is up 10 percent compared to the previous five-year period and will largely be from sales of coherent DWDM systems, according to a newly published forecast report by Dell’Oro Group.

 “We slightly raised our outlook for Optical Transport equipment,” said Jimmy Yu, Vice President at Dell’Oro Group. “We believe the demand for long haul equipment is better than we had originally thought and while working on the report identified more items that could further improve future market revenues than lower them. At the end of the day, although year-to-year spending on optical equipment is lumpy, the direction for bandwidth consumption remains steady, pointing up and to the right,” added Yu.

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

• Optical Transport market expected to approach $18 billion by 2027.
• DWDM Long Haul forecast raised due to the growing need for network capacity and increasing use of integrated C+L band optical line systems.
• Demand for WDM equipment for metro and long-haul data center interconnect (DCI) expected to grow through forecast period with the majority of growth in long-haul systems.
• New generation of coherent DSPs to begin shipping in late-2023. By 2027, nearly one-third of shipments will be comprised of DSPs capable of transmitting 1.2 Tbps and 1.6 Tbps signals over a single wavelength.

https://www.delloro.com/news/83-billion-of-optical-transport-equipment-revenue-in-next-five-years/

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Keysight intros 800GE test platform

Keysight Technologies introduced its AresONE-M 800GE Layer 1-3 Ethernet performance test platform, supporting data center interconnect speeds from 10GE to 800GE. 

The new Keysight AresONE-M 800GE enables design engineers and data center operators to validate networking equipment interoperability and bandwidth performance while supporting the transition to 400GE and 800GE networks with the capability to also test slower, legacy Ethernet speeds.

Highlights of the AresONE-M 800GE:

• Ethernet speeds – 1x800GE, 2x400GE, 4x200GE, and 8x100GE.
• PAM4 and NRZ signaling support – Features 106.25 Gb/s host electrical lane signaling with the ability to downshift to the lower electrical lane speeds of 53Gb/s and 25Gb/s for 400GE and 100GE speeds.
• Single test platform – Supports all required forward error correction (FEC) types and a full array of in-depth link tuning, stability, reliability, and performance measurement statistics.
• Complete 800GE high-scale protocol emulation and performance testing – Provides the protocol support required to test enterprise, metro, and cloud-capable Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and routing network equipment through the IxNetwork software application.
• Highest port density available today for 800GE test systems – Supports 8 ports in a single, 2-rackmount unit chassis with additional configurations for 2 and 4 ports.

The AresONE-M 800GE uses an integrated physical layer Digital Signal Processor (DSP) from Credo Technology Group for fast and efficient data transfer with low latency that enables data transit requirements of hyperscalers, enterprises, 5G carriers, and service providers. The Credo chip also optimizes power consumption to reduce operational costs, minimize heat dissipation, and meet energy-efficient standards for advanced networks.

Bill Brennan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Credo Technology Group, said: "Keysight has once again delivered a milestone product with the AresONE-M 800GE, a comprehensive Ethernet Layer 1-3 test platform designed to meet the challenges faced with scaling and supporting next generation artificial intelligence / machine learning network applications. Credo is proud to collaborate with Keysight on its AresONE-M 800GE platform, by providing high-quality merchant silicon solutions supporting data center interconnect speeds from 10GE to 800GE, across a wide variety of physical connections."

Ram Periakaruppan, Vice President and General Manager, Network Test & Security Solutions, Keysight, said: "At Keysight, we believe industry standard Ethernet test solutions are an essential and integral part of solving the most complex problems our customers face today. We are extremely proud to introduce the AresONE-M 800GE, the world's highest density, most feature rich Layer 1-3 800GE test platform that boasts high scale, power efficiency, and performance."

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Cradlepoint outlines 5G SASE Strategy

Cradlepoint has announced a phased strategy for 5G-optimized Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). 

The solution features zero trust, cellular intelligence along with cloud and SIM-based security to address the challenges and threats faced by today’s extended enterprise. 

As enterprises evolve beyond fixed sites to include mobile and IoT, Cradlepoint believes that SASE must encompass Wireless WAN and 5G. 

With its recent acquisition of Ericom, Cradlepoint says it is uniquely positioned to help organizations to seamlessly match the security challenges of extended networks.

Cradlepoint 5G SASE will be delivered in phases over the next 12 months:

• Cradlepoint Cellular Intelligence: Available today, cellular telemetries, such as signal strength and data plan usage, can be leveraged for SD-WAN traffic steering. As 5G Standalone (SA) networks become mainstream, Cradlepoint’s network slicing capabilities will work with carriers’ services to offer prioritization and slice-based isolation.
• SIM-based Security: Cradlepoint offers SIM management and GPS tracking to secure the physical devices and to detect rogue movement. Cradlepoint’s vision for the future is to work with carriers for tighter SIM-based security using SIMs as the basis for authentication, regardless of the connecting hardware.
• Connect-and-Go Zero Trust Security: Creating WANs in just a few clicks, 5G SASE replaces complex VPNs. Zero trust shrinks the lateral attack surface — devices connected to a Cradlepoint router are immediately dark to the outside world and other sites. Soon, this capability will be delivered from the cloud, offering an easier deployment option.
• Cloud-Delivered Security: Ericom’s full suite of SSE solutions, including SWG, CASB, RBI and DLP, protects users browsing in fixed and mobile environments from threats such as phishing and ransomware. Cradlepoint will integrate these capabilities with existing zero trust and SD-WAN solutions into Cradlepoint NetCloud for a single pane of glass user experience for IT teams.

“As enterprises evolve and become more diverse in terms of their connectivity to branch, mobile and IoT, they need a more 5G centric approach to security and management. An updated approach to SASE is essential for today’s modern organization to defend against elevated attack surfaces,” said Todd Krautkremer, CMO, Cradlepoint. “Current SASE solutions are not optimized for 5G. Cradlepoint’s strategy is to provide lean IT organizations with a security solution that is aligned with the realities of a changing business and network profile. “


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Microsoft adds service Provider partners to Teams Phone Mobile

Microsoft is expanding Teams Phone Mobile, its mobile-first, enterprise-grade calling solution that offers a single, business-provided mobile number to each employee as their Teams Phone number. 

Teams Phone Mobile is currently available in US, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, and will be available later this year in Denmark and Norway with Telia and in Liechtenstein with Swisscom.

Microsoft also added numerous AI-driven features, such as automated note taking and collaborative functions.

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams-blog/what-s-new-in-microsoft-teams-microsoft-inspire-2023/ba-p/3855657

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Vodafone deploys Ericsson's single antenna technology

Vodafone has begun deploying Ericsson’s compact active-passive antenna in the UK to bring greater 5G capacity, coverage and performance without adding to antenna footprint.

Ericsson’s Interleaved AIR 3218 combines an antenna-integrated radio and multiband passive antenna technology in one single enclosure, meaning additional high-performing 5G capacity can be added with no additional antenna footprint.

Ericsson says the combination of radio and antenna in one single unit brings optimised modular form factor and easy rooftop, tower, wall and pole mounting – meaning that site upgrades and acquisitions will be simplified and 5G deployment accelerated in areas previously constrained by building regulations or planning law. 

AIR 3218 is forecast to be deployed across 50 sites within the Vodafone UK network in 2023, with a 30 per cent saving in site acquisition and build time expected.

Evangelia Tzifa, Chief Technology Officer, Networks & Managed Services, for Ericsson UK and Ireland said: “This is a game changer for Vodafone and the UK deployment of 5G Massive MIMO. Together, we are increasing 5G capacity without growing visual antenna footprint on site. By being able to do more with less we are bringing the benefits of next-generation connectivity to more people in the UK, but also reducing any impact on the environment and continuing our journey to break the energy curve.”

https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/3/2023/vodafone-accelerates-5g-deployment-in-the-uk-thanks-to-ericssons-single-antenna-technology

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Malta’s GO plc deploys Nokia’s AVA Charging SaaS

Nokia’s AVA Charging Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution has been chosen by GO plc, Malta’s leading communications provider, to help it accelerate the time to value of new offerings for 5G and IoT use cases, expanding the commercial relationship between the two companies.

GO plc, a Nokia 5G RAN partner, will move from Nokia’s SurePay solution to AVA Charging SaaS, using software consumed on demand through a subscription that facilitates rapid customer adoption and usage by reducing the time spent on software installation and configuration. Deployment is now underway.

In addition to reducing costs, the Nokia SaaS delivery model enables quicker time to market for 5G and IoT services through capabilities that include no code configuration, TM Forum open APIs, and field-proven network integrations.

Nokia AVA Charging SaaS incorporates business intelligence derived from hundreds of customer engagements, speeding up commercialization of new CSP services through automation and no-code charging configurability. It can be used by CSP’s to monetize consumer services like cloud gaming, as well as enterprise services for vertical markets, including utilities, logistics and healthcare.

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2023/07/18/nokia-saas-service-ava-charging-selected-by-go-plc-to-support-5g-and-iot-monetization/

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Spark picks Ericsson as 5G Core supplier in New Zealand

Spark, one of New Zealand’s largest telecommunications and digital services providers, selected Ericsson to supply its 5G Core solution to power Spark’s 5G Standalone (SA) network in New Zealand.

The contract follows a three-month 5G SA trial in 2022, demonstrating the ease with which cloud-native core network solutions - to support 5G SA - can be deployed. The 5G SA trial was underpinned by Ericsson’s cloud-native 5G Core, and integrated with Spark’s 5G Fixed Wireless Access Network (FWA) to test enhanced wireless broadband. The trial’s success confirmed and validated the technical capabilities of Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core solution on Spark’s network.

Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson, Australia and New Zealand, says: “We’re excited to partner with Spark and support their vision of providing world-class 5G services to New Zealand by delivering a smoother 5G migration through the capabilities enabled by Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core technology. As the technology is rolled out across Spark’s 5G network, Spark is set to offer even more performance for its 5G network while opening the door to enhanced 5G capabilities for both its consumers and enterprises."

5G Core (5GC) is the heart of a 5G mobile network, handling a wide variety of essential functions in the mobile network, such as connectivity and mobility 

Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core combines Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and the new 5GC network functions into a common, cloud-native platform that supports the introduction of 5G while enabling an efficient co-existence with deployed 4G Core networks.

https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/7/2023/spark-appoints-ericsson-as-5g-core-supplier-for-its-5g-standalone-network

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Claro Perú to Bring 10G FTTH Offering to Market with Harmonic

Claro Perú, a unit of the América Móvil group, is extending Harmonic’s CableOS® Broadband Platform for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) to deliver next-gen broadband and 10G speeds. 

Claro Perú previously deployed Harmonic’s CableOS Platform in a distributed access architecture (DAA) with virtualized CMTS software, Reef Remote PHY (R-PHY) shelves and Ripple R-PHY nodes. 

By adding the CableOS Fin 10G SFP+ OLT to Ripple, Claro Peru can offer both 10G fiber and DOCSIS from the same node to rapidly deploy fiber service into new markets and strategically selected competitive areas. 

“We’re excited to introduce a new FTTH offering that fuels faster, more reliable broadband experiences for customers while significantly reducing our space, power and cooling costs as we expand our service areas,” said Nelson Moscoso, deputy director of fixed services network at Claro Perú. “We have successfully trialed the FTTH offering utilizing Harmonic’s CableOS Platform in our Lima Hub, and we’re ready to go live by early next year.” 

www.harmonicinc.com

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