Monday, June 3, 2024

HPE integrates its Aruba Wi-Fi with Private 5G

Hewlett Packard Enterprise introduced Private 5G capabilities for its HPE Aruba Networking Enterprise for high levels of reliable wireless coverage across large campus and industrial environments. The integration follows the 2023 acquisition of private cellular technology provider Athonet, which brought successful customer deployments in various industries, including leading mobile operators, hospitals, airports, transportation ports, utilities, government and public safety organizations.

The new HPE Aruba Networking Enterprise Private 5G enables communications service providers (CSPs) to quickly deploy private 5G networks for their customers. This integrated private 5G solution complements existing Wi-Fi-based managed services and will help telco customers service the growing private cellular market and generate new revenue from their existing enterprise customers.

Key features HPE Aruba Networking Enterprise Private 5G:

  • An end-to-end offering that includes a 4G/5G core, HPE ProLiant Gen11 servers, SIM/eSIM cards, 4G/5G small cells, and dashboard.
  • New 4G/5G small cell radios from HPE that provide indoor/outdoor coverage, eliminating the need to integrate and use a separate management tool from a 3rd party vendor.
  • Simplified cloud-native management and automation for subscriber management, deployment management, core monitoring and radio monitoring, with future plans for integration with HPE Aruba Networking Central.
  • Expanded AI data capture and delivery for building AI data lakes and activating inference solutions.
  • Interoperability with shared spectrum for private enterprise use: Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum in the US, and globally, where regulatory frameworks allow, beginning in 2025.
  • Simplified configuration with pre-integrated, tested solution including everything needed to deploy an enterprise private 4G/5G network.
  • Ability to deploy solutions in under 30 minutes with zero touch provisioning and configuration wizards that mask the 3GPP cellular complexity.

"Enterprise and industrial customers are increasingly seeking to deliver wireless coverage in demanding environments, including large outdoor areas, serving fast-moving clients, and providing deterministic access in dedicated spectrum," said Stuart Strickland, wireless chief technology officer, HPE Aruba Networking. "The complexity of conventional approaches to private cellular networks has held them back. Building on HPE Aruba Networking's history of wireless innovation and leadership, we have uniquely positioned ourselves to enable new applications for private cellular by integrating Athonet core cellular solutions with our traditional strengths in enterprise networking.”

Intel debuts Lunar Lake with Foveros packaging

Intel outlined the architecture behind its upcoming Lunar Lake processors expected later this year. The design promises new benchmarks for performance and power management thanks to an integrated controller, enhanced Thread Director, memory-side cache and improved E-core cluster.

Lunar Lake’s microarchitecture consists of two unique tiles connected through Intel’s Foveros packaging technology, as well as memory on package:

Compute Tile – A new compute tile contains the latest-generation Efficient-cores (E-cores) and Performance-cores (P-cores), both of which introduce new microarchitecture enhancements and together bring unprecedented x86 efficiency. Also housed on the compute tile are the new Xe2 graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU 4) and image processing unit (IPU).

o Xe2 GPU – Brings more than 80% more gaming performance and more than five times the AI throughput over the previous generation, delivering more than 60 tera-operations per second (TOPS) New microarchitecture for the display and media engines delivers a best-in-class visual experience.

o NPU 4 – Delivers three times more TOPS over the most recent generation, up to 48 TOPs, to accelerate AI computations with impressively low power.

o IPU – Provides a great camera experience with reduced power.

Platform Controller Tile (PCT)– The PCT is where security and connectivity are integrated. Security components deliver a robust integrated security solution with built-in security engines designed to establish a solid foundation for system protection. The upgraded connectivity suite integrates Wi-Fi 7.0, Bluetooth 5.4, PCIe Gen5 and PCIe Gen4 ports, and Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Memory on Package – Enables fast access to data and reduces latency, decreasing the overall power consumption of the system.

https://download.intel.com/newsroom/2024/client-computing/Lunar-Lake-Architecture-Fact-Sheet.pdf

About Intel Foveros

Intel’s Foveros packaging technology enables the stacking of multiple logic chips on top of each other, creating a more compact and efficient package. Foveros allows different types of processor cores to be integrated within a single package, improving performance, power efficiency, and form factor flexibility.


The implementation of Foveros technology involves the use of through-silicon vias (TSVs) to connect multiple active layers vertically. This method differs from traditional 2D chip designs, where components are laid out side by side. Foveros also integrates hybrid bonding techniques, enabling the combination of different process nodes and IP blocks within a single package. This approach allows for greater customization and optimization, matching specific workload requirements with tailored configurations. The ability to mix and match different chiplets enables a modular approach to chip design, which can accelerate time-to-market and reduce development costs.


Intel first announced its Foveros technology in December 2018. Since then, it has been used in various products, with the Lakefield processors being among the first to showcase its capabilities. Lakefield processors, introduced in 2020, featured a hybrid architecture with a mix of high-performance and low-power cores, demonstrating the versatility of Foveros. 


  • In January 2024, Intel celebrated the opening of Fab 9 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Fab 9 is set to play a pivotal role in driving Intel’s ongoing advancements in advanced packaging technologies. With the semiconductor industry transitioning into the heterogeneous era that embraces multiple “chiplets” within a single package, cutting-edge packaging technologies like Foveros and EMIB (embedded multi-die interconnect bridge) offer a swifter and more cost-effective path toward achieving the milestone of 1 trillion transistors on a single chip, extending Moore’s Law beyond 2030.


Intel unveils Xeon 6 processors for HPC, AI, and Cloud Applications

Intel introduced its Xeon 6 processor family featuring new P-core and E-core SKUs for workloads spanning from compute-intensive high-performance computing (HPC) and AI to scalable cloud-native applications.

The new Intel Xeon 6 processors bring generation-on-generation improvements for double data rate (DDR5), peripheral component interconnect express 5.0 (PCIe 5.0), ultra path interconnect (UPI), and compute express link (CXL):

The 6700 series offers up to 1.4x higher memory bandwidth—with multiplexer combined ranks (MCR) dual in-line memory module (DIMM) memory in P-core—to handle larger amounts of data at once and up to 1.1x increase in input/output (I/O) bandwidth versus 5th Gen Intel Xeon processors, delivering a faster, more efficient delivery system for data input and output.

The 6900 series offers up to 1.8x increased inter-socket bandwidth versus 5th Gen Xeon processors. This allows faster, more efficient communication between different parts of the system, significantly boosting performance, especially for the most demanding tasks.

Both the 6700 and 6900 series support CXL 2.0 – Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. This new standard makes it easier for computers to connect and communicate with additional components like accelerators, memory expanders, and other devices.

Xeon 6 processors with E-cores are optimized for network and edge workloads and enable users to achieve up to 2.7x higher 5G user plane function performance per watt and up to 3.5x higher next-generation firewall performance per watt—as tested with Intel Ethernet 800 Series—compared to 2nd Gen Xeon processors. This helps to increase overall compute efficiency while supporting confidential computing capabilities for 5G networks and edge-to-cloud infrastructures.

AT&T teams with Cisco on 5G Fixed Wireless for Businesses

AT&T is working with Cisco to now offer 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) for businesses nationwide.

Cisco’s newest line of cellular gateways, the Meraki MG52 and MG52E, are 5G Standalone (SA) capable, discreet FWA devices that offer cloud-managed eSIM technology powered by Cisco IoT Control Center. The new devices are paired exclusively with an integrated wireless WAN service experience and zero-touch, instant-on provisioning from AT&T.

"Together with Cisco, we are making it faster and easier than ever for companies to reimagine their networks and conduct business with next-level connectivity,” said Mike Troiano, Senior Vice President, Product and Pricing, AT&T Business. “This offer is yet another way we are demonstrating our commitment to simplifying business challenges and enhancing the end user experience.”

“As businesses continue to digitize their operations and connect more people, places, and things to the network, digital resiliency will continue to rise in importance,” said Jonathan Davidson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Cisco Networking. “AT&T and Cisco share a vision to help businesses simplify operations so they can spend less time worrying about connectivity and security and focus on delivering unified experiences their customers can rely on.”



Netskope $500 million in annual recurring revenue

Netskope has surpassed $500 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) for its Secure Access Service Edge (SAS) solution. The company says global demand for Netskope One, its SASE platform, is growing at a faster pace than the broader cybersecurity market.

Netskope raises $300 million for SASE

Some updates from the company:

  • Grew customer base to over 3,400 customers worldwide, including 4 of the 5 largest Fortune 500 financial services companies, 4 of the 6 largest Fortune 500 healthcare companies, 4 of the 5 largest Fortune 500 telecommunications companies, and 2 of the 4 largest Fortune 500 retail companies that have adopted Netskope One capabilities
  • Delivered critical AI capabilities in data and threat protection, safe enablement of generative AI applications, and numerous other areas, with more than 30% of Netskope customers having already fully implemented tools from SkopeAI, the suite of AI and machine learning solutions applied throughout the Netskope One platform
  • Earned key authorizations and certifications to do business with federal governments and public sector entities around the world, including securing the stringent FedRAMP® High Authorization in the United States, Protected B Certification in Canada, and the Information Security Registered Assessor Program (IRAP) assessment in Australia
  • With its proprietary NewEdge infrastructure, became the first technology vendor in the world to deliver a localized SSE experience to 220 different countries and territories, including every non-embargoed United Nations member state
  • Developed and has continued to grow numerous successful go-to-market partnerships, including with major global systems integrators and managed services providers such as BT, Deloitte, Orange, Telefónica, Telstra, Wipro, and more, and critical alliance partners such as Amazon Web Services, CrowdStrike, Google, Microsoft, Mimecast, Okta, ServiceNow, and more
  • Honored with countless industry awards, including a steady climb up the influential Forbes Cloud 100 list over seven years and counting, and ranked highest (#12) among security and networking companies in the most recent list (2023)
  • Demonstrated ongoing commitment to critical environment, social, and governance initiatives, including a Silver Medal in recognition of its sustainability achievement from EcoVadis, the world's largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings
  • Launched Netskope for Good, a companywide program dedicated to supporting humanitarian and environmental sustainability work around the globe
  • Recruited top executives from Amazon Web Services, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, Verizon, etc

"Netskope was founded on the idea that the entire enterprise strategy for protecting critical data from threats depends on how well security and networking adapt to a cloud-first, AI-ready world. Sure enough, as cloud and SaaS app adoption soared, businesses began changing their unreliable legacy technology stacks to reduce risks, lower costs, and implement modern architecture," said Sanjay Beri, co-founder and CEO, Netskope. "We correctly anticipated that a converged, optimized platform approach would be needed to accomplish this, an opportunity now known as SASE. We have inspired confidence in companies all over the world that are adopting Netskope."

Coherent appoints Jim Anderson as CEO

Coherent Corp. appointed Jim Andersonas its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, replacing Dr. Vincent D. (“Chuck”) Mattera, Jr., who is retiring as Chair and CEO of Coherent. Mr. Anderson also joins the company’s Board of Directors.

Anderson most recently served as president and CEO of Lattice Semiconductors. Prior to joining Lattice in 2018, Mr. Anderson was senior vice president and general manager of Advanced Micro Devices’ Computing and Graphics business group. He previously held leadership positions in general management, engineering, sales, marketing, and strategy at companies including Intel, Broadcom (formerly Avago Technologies), and LSI Corporation. He holds an MBA and Master of Science in electrical engineering and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Purdue University, and a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota.

“Jim’s business acumen and technical capability, coupled with his extensive experience transforming complex global businesses to deliver above-market growth and profitability, make him the ideal leader to steer Coherent through its next chapter amidst a rapidly changing market,” said Enrico DiGirolamo, Board Chair. “I am confident that Coherent will benefit from Jim’s operational expertise, innovation-first approach, and in-depth knowledge of our market and platform, as we capitalize on the strong market demand we see across our AI-related datacom portfolio and improving industrial market, while leveraging our diversification strategy that continues to serve us well.”

“Chuck Mattera has been in and around this industry for almost half a century, conceptualizing and directing the acquisition and business development strategy that made Coherent the multi-billion dollar global entity it is today,” said Mr. DiGirolamo. “Chuck thoughtfully forged meaningful relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, government officials, key partners, and shareholders that established a values-based foundation.” DiGirolamo added, “On behalf of the Board, I have the privilege of thanking Chuck for his many years of visionary leadership, tireless execution, and energetic commitment to redefining the possibilities of our industry. We all look forward to learning about the next chapters of Chuck’s already accomplished story.” 


Equinix appoints Adaire Fox-Martin as CEO

Equinix announced the appointment of Adaire Fox-Martin as its CEO & President, replacing Charles Myers who moves into the role of Executive Chairman. 

Prior to joining Equinix as CEO, Adaire was president of Google Cloud Go to Market and Head of Google Ireland, representing Google’s largest technology hub outside of Silicon Valley. Adaire became a member of Equinix Board of Directors in January 2020. She is  a graduate of Trinity College in Dublin and maintains citizenship in Ireland, the European Union, and Australia.



Lenovo and Cisco enter strategic partnership

Lenovo and Cisco announced a global strategic partnership to deliver fully integrated infrastructure and networking solutions for AI deployments from edge to cloud.

The collaboration includes integration of the Cisco Nexus networking ecosystem into Lenovo's edge-to-cloud portfolio to deliver network performance, fortified security, and unparalleled scalability. This offers customers a fully integrated turnkey networking solution that is optimized for interoperability within Lenovo infrastructure solutions, providing the strongest foundation of performance, reliability and security in the industry. 

"The integrated solutions from Lenovo and Cisco will streamline operational deployment and significantly enhance business outcomes for our shared customers, as well as provide tremendous opportunities for our joint partners," said Jonathan Davidson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Cisco Networking. 


Constl picks Ciena for pan-India backbone

Constl, a subsidiary of Space World Group, is deploying Ciena’s optical technology to offer high speed Metro Area Network (MAN) and National Long Distance (NLD) connectivity services across its state-of-the-art pan-India network. The deploytment includes Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e), which will allow Constl to support up to 800G services today, and scale to 1.6T services with WaveLogic 6 (WL6) in the near future.

Constl’s network will utilize Ciena’s 6500 Reconfigurable Line System (RLS). With the programmability, scale and resiliency provided by Ciena’s RLS photonic layer solution, Constl can respond to unpredictable traffic requirements and adapt its network to the pace of its customers’ business. Constl will also leverage Ciena’s Navigator Network Control Suite (NCS) to get a centralized, accurate view of the state of its multi-layer network infrastructure, accelerating operational efficiencies when it comes to planning, provisioning, and assurance workflows.

“We have big ambitions to capitalize on upcoming technology innovations and provide our customers with an alternative choice of a new-age digital infrastructure provider. Ciena will be a key part of our growth story, bringing our customers resilient connectivity and scalable networks. We are building a digital platform to deliver the best-in-class customer experience over a robust fiber infrastructure with self-service capabilities giving customers greater control and visibility of the network. We are rolling out new fiber infrastructure in and between major metro cities connecting data centres, cable landing stations, telco PoPs and other major CSP POPs to further strengthen India’s digital connectivity landscape,” said Sunil Kumar, CEO, Constl.