NTT demos real-time optical and wireless cooperative control

NTT demonstrated for the first time an interface for cooperatively controlling mobile systems and optical systems based on its IOWN APN (All-Photonics Network) architecture.

The extended Cooperative Transport Interface (eCTI) could be used, for example, by mobile robots in factories, to access applications and data connected over a cooperative transport link from the wireless access point and over a fiber connection.

Two demonstration experiments were conducted by connecting a Wi-Fi access point (AP) and an IOWN APN line in a factory wireless environment, establishing an environment for communication between a wireless terminal under the Wi-Fi AP and a cloud server, and linking a wireless controller that implements the Radio function to understand wireless usage status with an optical controller that switches the IOWN APN line via eCTI in real time.

Demonstration according to application based on user instruction

1. At a factory, assuming a switch from big data collection work to remote robot operation work for each process, we conducted experiments to simultaneously switch the Wi-Fi AP to be used and the optical path to the connected cloud server in accordance with the performance requirements of each work and demonstrated that the cooperation operation was completed.

Demonstration according to the number of connected user terminals

1. An experiment was conducted at a factory to detect the number of user terminals to be connected and automatically switch the optical path to the connected cloud server on the basis of the information. Results demonstrated that the cooperation operation was completed in about 100 ms.

https://group.ntt/en/newsrelease/2024/05/15/240515a.html

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IBM and Palo Alto Networks enter cybersecurity partnership

Palo Alto Networks and IBM announced a broad-reaching partnership to deliver AI-powered security solutions.

Under the deal, Palo Alto Networks has agreed to acquire IBM's QRadar SaaS assets, including QRadar intellectual property rights, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon closing, Palo Alto Networks and IBM will facilitate the migration of QRadar SaaS clients to Cortex XSIAM, the leading next-generation security operations (SOC) platform, with advanced AI-powered threat protection supported by 3,000 out-of-the-box detectors. On-premise (on-prem) QRadar clients who wish to remain on QRadar on-prem will continue to receive IBM features and support including security, usability and critical bug fixes, as well as updates to existing connectors and the ability to expand consumption. 

IBM will receive incremental payments from Palo Alto Networks for QRadar on-prem clients who choose to migrate to the Cortex XSIAM platform. Palo Alto Networks intends to integrate watsonx LLMs into Cortex XSIAM to drive additional automation capabilities, as well as leverage IBM's watsonx to accelerate its roadmap to improve customer support outcomes.

Palo Alto Networks will be IBM preferred cybersecurity partner across network, cloud and SOC.

Nikesh Arora, Chairman and CEO, Palo Alto Networks: "The security industry is at an inflection point where AI will transform businesses and deliver outcomes not seen before. It's a moment to accelerate growth and innovation. Together with IBM, we will capitalize on this trend, combining our leading security solutions with IBM's pioneering watsonx AI platform and premier services to drive the future of security platformization with complete, AI-powered, secure-by-design offerings."

Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM: "Strategic partnerships like the one we're announcing today with Palo Alto Networks bring with them significant benefits across the industry. Advanced threat protection and automation, underpinned by Cortex XSIAM and watsonx, and coupled with IBM Consulting, will speed client and partner adoption of next-generation security operations. We'll deliver these capabilities with Palo Alto Networks, and accelerate our security investments and innovation in areas like data security and identity and access management. These are critical offerings that our clients need when protecting their data, hybrid cloud environments, AI models and applications. We are delighted to be partnering with the Palo Alto Networks team and we are excited about the future of AI-powered cybersecurity innovation."

https://newsroom.ibm.com/2024-05-15-Palo-Alto-Networks-and-IBM-to-Jointly-Provide-AI-powered-Security-Offerings-IBM-to-Deliver-Security-Consulting-Services-Across-Palo-Alto-Networks-Security-Platforms

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BT accelerates FTTP build

BT reported full year revenues of £20.8bn, up 1%; adjusted revenue £20.8bn, up 2% on a pro forma basis due to price increases and fibre-enabled product sales in Openreach, increased service revenue in Consumer with annual contractual price rises being aided by higher roaming and increased FTTP connections, partly offset by legacy product declines and a one-off revenue adjustment in Business. Reported profit before tax amounted to £1.2bn, down 31% primarily due to impairment of goodwill, increased depreciation, amortisation and pension interest expense, partially offset by adjusted EBITDA growth.

Some operational highlights

• FTTP build rate accelerated to 1.0m premises passed in the quarter, a record 78k per week. FTTP footprint now over 14m premises with a further 6m where initial build is underway; on track to reach 25m by December 2026. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has notified Openreach of its preferred bidder status for Project Gigabit cross-regional supplier contract 
• Strong Openreach customer demand for FTTP with net adds of 397k in Q4; total premises connected now over 4.8m with increased take-up rate of 34%
• Openreach broadband ARPU in FY24 grew year-on-year by 10% to £15.1 due to price rises and increased volumes and mix of FTTP; Openreach broadband line losses of 491k, a 2% decline in the broadband base, as weaker than expected growth in the broadband market in FY24 did not offset competitor losses which were at comparable levels to FY23; we expect that the broadband market will recover over the medium term but if it remains weak over the next 12 months then we can expect Openreach’s broadband base to be impacted by moderately higher competitor losses
• Consumer broadband ARPU in FY24 increased 5% year-on-year to £41.2; Consumer postpaid mobile ARPU increased 9% year-on-year to £19.4; monthly churn for the year remained stable in a competitive market with broadband and postpaid mobile both at 1.1%
• Business financial performance continues to be impacted by higher input costs, legacy declines, a one off revenue adjustment and prior year one-offs, partly offset by cost transformation and growth in Small & Medium Business (SMB) and Security
• Retail FTTP base grew year-on-year by 40% to 2.6m of which Consumer 2.4m and Business 0.2m; 5G base 11.1m, up 29% year-on-year
• Cost transformation target of £3bn gross annualised cost savings since May 2020 achieved 12 months early, at a cost to achieve of £1.5bn, £0.1bn lower than target. Announced further £3bn gross annualised cost savings by end FY29 at a cost to achieve of £1.0bn
• Capital expenditure amounted to £4.9bn, down 3% primarily driven by lower networks spend despite higher FTTP build in the year due to reduced unit costs and efficiencies; cash capex of £5.0bn also down 6%

https://newsroom.bt.com/results-for-the-full-year-to-31-march-2024/

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Infinera delivers 83.6 Tbps on simulated Telstra InfraCo intercity fiber

A desktop simulated network evaluation conducted by Infinera demonstrated a maximum single fiber capacity of 83.6 Tbps using its ICE7 and Super C+L technology.

The desktop evaluations were conducted on two simulated links − the 1,240-km link between Melbourne and Sydney and the 3,937-km link between Perth and Sydney − achieving a fiber capacity of 83.6 Tbps and 57.6 Tbps, respectively. 

The simulated evaluation was performed using Infinera’s GX Series Compact Modular Platform equipped with ICE7, Infinera’s latest generation of coherent optical technology, and Infinera’s Super C- + Super L-enabled next generation optical line system coupled with Corning’s SMF-28 ULL fibre characteristics. This enhancement substantially increases data transmission rates and overall network capacity by using fibre assets more efficiently. Specifically, integrating these technologies into the simulated Melbourne to Sydney route demonstrates a capacity increase of approximately 53% compared to the current fibre and line system performance.

Telstra InfraCo’s intercity network will boost its national fibre network with new fibre paths across the country. The new fibre paths are designed to boost capacity and speed between cities, regions, and remote communities, serving hyper scalers, service providers, and government entities.

“The simulated network modelling using Infinera’s ICE7 on Corning’s SMF-28 ULL fibre shows that this major fibre digital infrastructure deployment positions Telstra InfraCo at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, equipped to provide cutting-edge, market-leading services to our customers now and into the future,” said Kathryn Jones, National Infrastructure Projects Executive at Telstra InfraCo.

“This new simulated benchmark on Telstra InfraCo’s intercity network marks a significant technology milestone for Infinera, underscoring the power of ICE7 and Super C+L technology in a real-world networking environment,” said Ron Johnson, SVP and General Manager of Optical Systems and Global Engineering at Infinera. “The simulated results demonstrated unmatched fibre capacity and long-haul efficiency.”

https://www.infinera.com/press-release/infinera-achieves-new-benchmark-on-simulated-telstra-infraco-intercity-links/

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Indonesia’s Super Sistem Selects Infinera for SSBS Cable System

Super Sistem has selected Infinera’s GX Series and ICE6 800G coherent solution to power the Super Sistem Batam Singapore (SSBS) Cable System connecting Batam to Singapore. 

The SSBS is a subsea fiber optic cable system and is part of a broader initiative to bring broadband to underserved communities. 

Super Sistem’s broader national initiative will connect Batam, Jakarta, and Manado, and include seven landing stations spanning more than 4,700 kilometers. 

Infinera says it’s ICE6 800G solution will enable Super Sistem to get the most out of its subsea cable by minimizing cost per bit while maximizing spectral efficiency and fiber capacity, resulting in increased capacity, reliability, and reach on its cable system. 

“We are committed to Indonesia’s economic development and offering a digital infrastructure that can reliably and affordably deliver connectivity, including to remote regions, which is a high priority for Super Sistem,” said Kelvan Firman, Super Sistem CEO. “Infinera’s industry-leading technology helps us push the boundaries of what is possible with undersea communications, helping to improve communications services within Indonesia.”

“Infinera’s GX solution will enable Super Sistem to leverage the industry’s highest-capacity solution and equip its service provider customers with high-performance services in one of the world’s fastest growing telecom markets,” said Ryan Perera, Senior Vice President, APAC Sales, Infinera. “Infinera is excited to be part of Super Sistem’s initiative to connect Indonesian islands and the rest of the world.”

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TruVista uses Adtran’s ALM to monitor fiber access network

TruVista is using Adtran's ALM fiber monitoring solution to ensure the reliability of its high-speed broadband services for residential and business subscribers across South Carolina and Georgia.

Adtran’s ALM gives TruVista’s maintenance teams comprehensive and immediate insight into their optical infrastructure, including third-party links. By continuously probing the fiber network for breaks, bends, damage and more, the technology empowers field forces to take swift, targeted action to resolve any issues. 

https://www.adtran.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/20240515-truvista-deploys-adtran-alm-to-pinpoint-fiber-faults-and-drive-down-operating-costs

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Conterra activates 400G wave services using Ciena

Conterra Networks, which operates over 14,000 route miles of fiber connecting more than 8,000 on-net locations across the United States, is now offering 400G wavelength services to carrier clients in Texas, North Carolina, and Louisiana. Conterra is leveraging Ciena's WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e) platform.

Conterra says it can activate new wave services in hours rather than weeks. In addition, Conterra has achieved a 30% increase in fiber capacity without the need for extensive infrastructure builds. 

Mike Padula Jr., Vice President of Carrier, Education, and Partner Sales, at Conterra Networks, said: "I am proud to emphasize our collaboration with Ciena in delivering advanced connectivity solutions to our carrier clients. Ciena's industry leading WaveLogic 5 Extreme technology underpins our 400Gb/s service, reflecting our dedication to innovation in the telecommunications sector. Together, we are committed to providing businesses with the high-performance network infrastructure necessary for success in today's digital landscape, with Ciena serving as a cornerstone in powering Conterra's optical network."

http://www.conterra.com

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