VMware introduces Edge Cloud Orchestrator

VMware introduced new and enhanced orchestration capabilities for the edge. 

VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator (formerly VMware SASE Orchestrator) will provide unified management for VMware SASE and the VMware Edge Compute Stack—to bridge the gap between edge networking and edge compute. Enhancements to the orchestrator will help customers plan, deploy, run, visualize, and manage their edge environments in a friction-free manner—allowing them to run edge-native applications focused on business outcomes. The VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator (VECO) will deliver holistic edge management by providing a single console to manage edge compute infrastructure, networking, and security.

VMware defines the software-defined edge as a distributed digital Infrastructure that runs workloads across a number of locations, close to endpoints that are producing and consuming data. It extends to where the users and devices are—whether they are in the office, on the road or on the factory floor. Enterprises need solutions to connect these elements more securely and reliably to the larger enterprise network in a scalable manner. VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator is key to enabling a software-defined edge approach. VMware’s approach to the software-defined edge features right-sized infrastructure (shrinking the stack to the smallest possible footprint); pull-based orchestration (security and administrative updates are “pulled” by the workload); and network programmability (defined by APIs and code).

VMware also unveiled new orchestration capabilities for VMware Edge Compute Stack based on Project Keswick. 

Keswick allows edge administrators to work with VMware to develop use cases. Customers will benefit from simplified lifecycle management of virtual machine (VM)- and containers-based applications and infrastructure. The technology offers pull-based configuration with zero touch provisioning and supports GitOps principles for desired state management.

https://ir.vmware.com/websites/vmware/English/2120/us-press-release.html?airportNewsID=f87067e0-3801-4de3-a91b-10368ceee6fb

Read More

CoreSite Boston data center hosts Aqua Comms' Amitié cable

Earlier this summer, Aqua Comms  activated its Amitié (AEC-3) transatlantic subsea cable system.  CoreSite confirmed that Amitié is leveraging native colocation and connectivity services at the CoreSite Boston data center campus (BO1). 

The Amitié cable, which was built by Alcatel Submarine Networks, spans 6,783 km (4,215 miles) and has landings in Lynn, Massachusetts; Widemouth Bay, England; and Le Porge, France. 

It is the third high-capacity system added to Aqua Comms’ transatlantic footprint and offers enhanced diversity in both the United States and Europe. 

As one of the most interconnected buildings in New England, CoreSite’s BO1 data center provides Aqua Comms access to leading network, cloud and IT providers. Aqua Comm’s deployment in BO1 includes a secure colocation environment as well as diverse connectivity options through the  CoreSite ecosystem. The CoreSite Boston facility offers Aqua Comms 100% SLA uptime, options to grow its data center footprint and the power capabilities needed for the effective operation of the trans-Atlantic system.

“CoreSite values our partnership with Aqua Comms and the critical role our IT infrastructure plays in helping their organization deliver global subsea connectivity services as well as improving transmission capacity in North America and Europe,” said Juan Font, President and CEO of CoreSite and SVP of U.S. Tower. “As demand for reliable, diverse and secure connectivity continues to rise, purpose-built data centers like CoreSite’s Boston facility will serve as the central digital platform where cloud and network providers along with enterprises meet to conduct business and provide optimal customer solutions.”

https://www.coresite.com/newsroom/aqua-comms-announces-its-aec-3-trans-atlantic-subsea-cable-system-is-now-live-leveraging-coresite-it-infrastructure

Read More

Nokia packs 25G PON starter kit

Nokia introduced a 25G PON starter kit solution that can help operators harness 10Gbs+ opportunities. 

The 25G PON starter kit bundles in one solution all of the fiber broadband technology needed to deliver 1, 10 and 25G PON services to end-users including line cards, optics and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs).

Nokia said each 25G PON kit has the capability to connect up to 10 businesses and is available for immediate shipment.

Geert Heyninck, General Manager Broadband Networks at Nokia, said: “With the 25G PON starter program, we help operators seize the lucrative opportunities presented by 10G+ connectivity. The 25G PON kits are available immediately and provide operators with the tools needed to quickly deploy and capitalize on the growing number of multi-gig broadband services consumers and enterprises seek – all on their existing fiber network.”

Read More

NTT opens IP PoP in Denver

NTT activated a new Point-of-Presence (PoP) in Denver, Colorado, at CoreSite’s DE1 data center facility.

NTT said the new PoP helps it to scale their portfolio of global IP solutions to Internet, cloud, hosting, CDN and IT service providers and content-oriented companies in this strategic market. The PoP will also support the growing demand for high-quality IP services from global companies and organizations that have established headquarters and/or operational centers in the Denver area. Additionally, the energy, transportation, media, financial services and industrial sectors, all key drivers of Denver’s vibrant economy, will benefit from more global connectivity and networking options.

“The new PoP in Denver takes our global backbone into one of North America’s largest technology and communications hubs,” said Michael Wheeler, Executive Vice President of the Global IP Network division at NTT. “Internet-centric businesses and organizations operating in the area will have direct access to our tier-1 network and the high-performance IP solutions they need for their content, data, hosting, cloud and other bandwidth-intensive applications.”

Read More

Nokia on track to be first Buy America compliant vendor

Nokia confirmed that its fiber-optic broadband network electronics and optical modules manufactured in the U.S. will meet the current Buy America guidelines announced by the Department of Commerce. 

Nokia expects to become the first Buy America compliant technology vendor eligible for use in the Department of Commerce Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. By becoming Buy America compliant, Nokia will be eligible to supply its products and services to these critical projects focused on closing the digital divide.

Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia, said: “We fully support the guidelines issued by the NTIA and Department of Commerce which provide a realistic and reasonable approach to manufacturing broadband technology in compliance with the Build America, Buy America (BABA) mandates. Working alongside the Department of Commerce, we will continue to take the necessary steps required and plan to become the first broadband technology vendor to be listed as Buy America compliant – eliminating the guess work for any states or infrastructure builders participating in the BEAD program.”

Read More

Render Networks launches real-time data and analytics platform

Render Networks introduced its new real-time data and analytics platform offering geospatial data and interactive visualizations for network operators.

Render Insights integrates data from construction to operations and all connected business-critical systems to deliver a real-time, multi-project view of performance to all stakeholders, across all levels of the organization. Identify contractor or crew performance trends, completion timelines or labor and material utilization to assess project risk and proactively keep teams moving.

“Render has redefined the role of geospatial data to drive more efficient, higher quality network deployments. With the confidence of accurate, real-time data and in-platform analytics enabled by Render Insights, network operators and builders can now harness the power of that data to inform all stakeholders, make better decisions faster and ultimately improve deployment outcomes,” said Sam Pratt, CEO at Render Networks.

“Render Insights delivers a new level of intelligence that is at the fingertips of everyone from field teams to C-level executives from day 1. The product of significant investment in real-time data infrastructure and a proprietary analytics engine, Render customers now have access to world-class analytics that showcases the unique depth and quality of Render’s data and enables communities to get connected faster. We could not be more excited to launch this next-generation capability for the benefit of our customers and the industry here at Fiber Connect 2023.”

https://www.rendernetworks.com/?_ga=2.226455386.1523424236.1692677296-869370363.1692677296

Read More

Northrop Grumman to supply 36 satellites for Space Development Agency

Northrop Grumman will design and build 36 LEO data transport satellites for the Space Development Agency (SDA) supporting Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). 

The satellites will integrate with, and expand the PWSA mesh network, utilizing high-data-capacity optical crosslinks to deliver accessible, near-real time communications to U.S. warfighters and defensive platforms operating around the globe. The design for this latest iteration, known as Tranche 2 Transport Layer Beta (T2TL Beta), builds on the 42 Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) and 14 Tranche 1 Tracking Layer (T1TRK) satellites that SDA previously announced it had awarded Northrop Grumman. The T2TL Beta space vehicles add new broadcast and tactical waveforms improving the capabilities of the overall PWSA.

“Creating a low-Earth orbit communications architecture that meets the needs of the warfighter is complex,” said Blake Bullock, vice president, communication systems, Northrop Grumman. “With Northrop Grumman's extensive military satellite communication experience and deep mission understanding, we are helping SDA make its vision a reality. Northrop Grumman said it is on track to launch its first plane of 21 space vehicles in Q4 2024. ”

https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/northrop-grumman-selected-to-build-tranche-2-transport-layer-beta-data-transport-satellites

Read More

Dell'Oro: RAN Declines at the Fastest Pace in Seven Years

Preliminary findings show that the expansion phase of the Radio Access Network (RAN) has now faded, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group. Following the intense ramp-up from 2017 through 2021, RAN revenues stabilized in 2022 and 1Q23. Market conditions worsened in the second quarter, resulting in RAN declining at the fastest pace in nearly seven years. The decline was not unexpected, yet the magnitude of the reversal was much steeper than anticipated.

"It is tempting to point the finger at data traffic patterns, 5G monetization challenges, and the odds stacked against an economy struggling with persistent levels of elevated inflation," said Stefan Pongratz, Vice President at Dell'Oro Group. "Although these are, of course, important factors, we attribute the poor performance in the quarter to the clouds forming in North America. Alongside challenging 5G comparisons, the decline was amplified by the extra inventory accumulated over the past couple of years to mitigate supply chain risks," Pongratz continued

Additional highlights from the 2Q 2023 RAN report:

• Top 5 RAN suppliers for 1H23 include Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, ZTE, and Samsung.
• Nokia recorded the largest RAN revenue share gains between 2022 and 1H23.
• Huawei's quarterly RAN share reached the highest level in three years. Huawei's 2Q23 RAN revenue share outside of North America was as large as Ericsson and Nokia combined.
• Ericsson and Samsung's RAN revenue shares declined between 2022 and 1H23.  
• Regional projections are mostly unchanged; however, the short-term outlook has been revised upward in    APAC excluding China and downward in the North American region.
• Global RAN revenues are expected to decline in 2023.

https://www.delloro.com/news/ran-declines-at-the-fastest-pace-in-seven-years/

Read More

MACOM to acquire the RF business of Wolfspeed

MACOM agreed to acquire the radio frequency business (the RF business) of Wolfspeed for $125 million, including $75 million cash paid at closing and $50 million of MACOM common stock issued with certain restrictions.

The RF Business includes a portfolio of Gallium Nitride (GaN) on Silicon Carbide (“SiC”) products used in high performance RF and microwave applications. The business services a broad customer base of leading aerospace, defense, industrial and telecommunications customers and most recently generated annualized revenues of approximately $150 million. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to MACOM’s non-GAAP earnings.

The acquisition includes a 100mm GaN wafer fabrication facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (the “RTP Fab”) with operations conveying to MACOM approximately two years following the closing and Wolfspeed’s relocation of certain production equipment. The acquisition also includes design teams and associated product development assets in Arizona, California and North Carolina, as well as back-end production capabilities in California and Malaysia. In addition, MACOM will be assigned or licensed a robust intellectual property portfolio including over 1,400 patents associated with the RF Business. A workforce of approximately 280 employees is expected to join MACOM at closing, with additional employees joining when the RTP Fab conveys.

“We are excited to acquire Wolfspeed’s RF Business and look forward to welcoming its employees to MACOM,” stated Stephen G. Daly, President and Chief Executive Officer, MACOM. “The RF team’s engineering capabilities, technology and products are a perfect fit with MACOM and our strategy.”

https://ir.macom.com/news-releases/news-release-details/macom-announces-definitive-agreement-acquire-rf-business

Read More