Marvell ships 51.2 Tbps Ethernet switch for AI Data Centers

 Marvell Technology announced the production and customer deployment of its flagship 51.2 Tbps programmable Teralynx 10 Ethernet switch chip for cloud data centers. The Teralynx 10 is engineered to support training, inference, general-purpose computing, and other workloads, driving the scale of accelerated infrastructure in the rapidly growing AI sector.

Marvell said its Teralynx 10 is designed with a clean-sheet switch architecture, delivering high bandwidth, ultra-low latency, low power consumption, high radix, and zero-latency-loss programmability. This unified platform can be deployed across various network points without sacrificing functionality or performance. The switching silicon could be used in top-of-rack (ToR), leaf, spine, AI clusters, and network edge applications. Marvell’s Teralynx 10 also supports the industry’s transition to open networking, offering a robust solution that ensures a broad ecosystem of switch manufacturers and enhances silicon diversity and supply chain stability for cloud network operators.

Marvell also announced that its Teralynx 10 is available within the Linux Foundation’s SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud) network operating system. Teralynx 10-based switches can be used to power open-network environments, enabling cloud data center operators to tailor their systems, accelerate development, and diversify silicon vendors. 

Key Specifications:

• Capacity: 51.2 terabit-per-second Ethernet throughput with large buffers. Integrates Marvell’s proven, robust 112G LR SerDes, supporting up to 64 ports of 800GbE or 128 ports of 400GbE.
• Latency: As low as 500 nanoseconds, with sub-600 nanoseconds latency across all packet sizes with cut-through & store-and-forward modes
• Radix: 512 switching radix, reducing the number of switch tiers in large clusters. OEM & ODM switches can provide high port count 100G, 200G, 400G and
  800G connectivity using 50G/100G PAM4 with support for 25/50/100/
  200/400 and 800 GbE connectivity
• Power Consumption: 1 watt per 100 gigabits-per-second of bandwidth.
• Programmability: Fully programmable architecture with no impact on packet processing capacity or latency. 
• Traffic Management: Advanced QoS/traffic management feature set including DCB and RoCE. Highly scalable/flexible layer 2 and 3 tables for IPv4, IPv6 and hybrid networks. Tunneling protocols including IP-in-IP, GRE, MPLS, VXLAN and Geneve.
• Advanced Teralynx Flashlight telemetry & analytics: A ground-up telemetry architecture that delivers extensive real-time visibility and actionable granular network analytics to troubleshoot and resolve network issues quickly
• Ecosystem: Supported by major OEMs, ODMs, and ISVs to facilitate adoption and optimization.

Marvell notes that its cloud-optimized Teralynx 10 and Nova networking platform ensures interoperability between switch and optics, thereby reducing the burden of validation and interoperability testing for customers and accelerating the deployment of these next-generation technologies. 

The introduction of the Teralynx 10 comes at a pivotal time as the demand for high-bandwidth connectivity in AI data centers surges. This switch device supports the shift from proprietary network operating systems (NOS) to open network platforms such as the Linux Foundation’s SONiC and SAI, facilitating faster deployment and optimization across multiple manufacturers. According to 650 Group, shipments of 51.2 Tbps switches are projected to rise dramatically from 77,000 units in 2024 to 1.8 million by 2028, reflecting a 120% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This significant growth underscores the switch’s critical role in the next generation of data center infrastructure.

Industry partners cited in the announcement include Celestica, Wistron Neweb, Keysight, MultiLane, and Teledyne LeCroy Xena.

“AI deployments require a switch solution which is simultaneously high bandwidth, low power, low latency, and future proofed for evolving requirements. Marvell has delivered the most complete AI Ethernet switch solution available to the industry today, and we are pleased to deliver a production-ready solution for customers' expanding 51.2 Tbps deployments,” said Nick Kucharewski, senior vice president and GM, Network Switching Business Unit, at Marvell.  “SONiC has emerged as the clear solution to enable open switch platform interoperability as well as silicon vendor diversity for the world’s largest cloud hyperscalers.” 

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Linux Foundation Launches LF Broadband

 The Linux Foundation has announced the formation of LF Broadband, an open and collaborative initiative aimed at driving innovation in open source broadband access. LF Broadband will support a range of projects transforming broadband networks and the Passive Optical Network (PON) industry, including the SEBA reference design for building open broadband networks and the VOLTHA open source project for virtualizing multi-vendor PON systems. These projects were previously hosted by the Open Networking Foundation and have now transitioned to the Linux Foundation.

LF Broadband's open source broadband projects will be based on multi-vendor solutions already in production at Türk Telekom and Deutsche Telekom. The idea is to leverage multi-protocol, centralized network management and SDN control plane supporting existing and new OLTs and ONUs.

Initial projects under LF Broadband include VOLTHA and SEBA. 

• VOLTHA provides common control and management for PON networks (OLTs and ONUs), supporting both open-hardware and traditional chassis-based OLTs with various adapters. With a highly scalable microservice architecture, VOLTHA stacks have been tested for tens of thousands of ONUs. It has been deployed in production environments by Deutsche Telekom and Türk Telekom, while multiple other operators have VOLTHA-based solutions in various stages of lab and field trials. The recently released VOLTHA v.2.12 offers robustness, device management enhancements, and support for additional subscriber profiles, driven by operator requirements. This version includes support for voice service profiles, improved error handling and recovery, enhanced management interfaces for logging, alarms, and attributes from OLTs, better observability infrastructure for OLT metrics, and stabilized test infrastructure.
• SEBA (SDN-Enabled Broadband Access) is a reference design intended to support broadband access with minimal prescription of technology choices, accommodating the network and feature needs of multiple operators with a common architecture. Supporting both residential access and wireless backhaul, SEBA serves as the foundational architecture for VOLTHA. SEBA is deployed in production by Türk Telekom.

The LF Broadband Directed Fund has been established as an independent fund under the Linux Foundation, dedicated to supporting broadband-related open source projects. These projects are already in deployment with major telecom operators such as Deutsche Telekom and Türk Telekom. LF Broadband was created from the Open Networking Foundation (ONF), which merged with the Linux Foundation in late 2023. The merger split former ONF projects into three directed funds: LF Broadband, Aether, and P4. Supported by leading telecom, networking, and broadband providers, LF Broadband projects feature open source code, open interfaces, and future-proof designs based on cloud-native architecture. Initial members include Adtran, Deutsche Telekom, Digital Platforms, Excelacom, Iowa State University, Netsia, Radisys, Türk Telekom, Universidad de Burgos, and ZTE.

Arpit Joshipura has been appointed as the Executive Director of LF Broadband. Joshipura, who also serves as the General Manager of Networking and Orchestration at the Linux Foundation, oversees other subfoundations such as LF Networking and LF Edge, bringing extensive experience and leadership to the newly formed initiative. Ahmet Fethi Ayhan of Türk Telekom and Manuel Paul of Deutsche Telekom have been elected as co-chairs of the LF Broadband Governing Board. Other governing board members are Bora Eliacik of Netsia and Robert Soukup of Radisys. 

“Deutsche Telekom is leveraging the VOLTHA framework as a key building block of our Access 4.0 network transformation program. As we continue our journey towards disaggregated and radically automated networks, we are pleased to serve and contribute to this community-led work in collaboration with peer industry & standards organizations, most importantly the Broadband Forum, under the Linux Foundation umbrella.” - Manuel Paul, Squad Lead Network Convergence, Deutsche Telekom.

"Türk Telekom has been a trailblazer in advocating for open-source technologies VOLTHA and SEBA, which enable the virtualization of access networks. Pioneering efforts in standardization, reference design leadership, and product development, Türk Telekom has elevated these technologies beyond mere trials, establishing the world’s first and largest live open-source-based (SEBA based) access network. Continuing to lead globally with an executive-level role at LF Broadband, Türk Telekom promises stronger progress through LF collaboration, aiding more operators in recognizing the true potential of these technologies. We take pride in being part of this community." - Ahmet Fethi Ayhan, Network Director, Türk Telekom

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AT&T Eyes Fiber Reach Expansion via Capital-light Partnerships

 AT&T is benefitting from a growing convergence between its fiber and wireless services, according commentary during the company’s Q2 2024 earnings call with CEO John Stankey.

In the second quarter, AT&T added 239,000 new fiber subscribers, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of positive broadband net gains. This growth is part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity across the United States, with nearly 28 million consumer and business locations now passed by AT&T’s fiber network. The company remains on track to exceed 30 million fiber locations by the end of 2025. Stankey emphasized that the returns on fiber investments have been better than expected, leading AT&T to consider expanding its fiber footprint beyond initial targets by an additional 10 to 15 million locations.

Nearly 40% of AT&T Fiber households also use AT&T wireless services, demonstrating the appeal of bundled offerings. This synergy is not only driving customer acquisition but also improving customer satisfaction and reducing churn. Stankey noted that the ability to sell fiber services to mobile customers and leverage mobile distribution channels has been a key factor in AT&T’s strong performance. The company is also exploring capital-light arrangements with other providers of commercial open access fiber networks to further expand its reach.

• Fiber Subscriber Growth: 239,000 new AT&T Fiber subscribers in Q2.
• Broadband Expansion: Nearly 28 million locations passed, aiming for 30 million+ by 2025.
• Investment Returns: Better than expected, considering expansion by 10-15 million additional locations.
• Convergence Strategy: 40% of AT&T Fiber households also use AT&T wireless services.
• Sales Synergy: Strong performance from selling fiber to mobile customers and leveraging mobile distribution channels.
• Capital-light Expansion: Exploring partnerships with other commercial open access fiber network providers.

A transcript of the call is posted on the AT&T Investor Relations page.

In December 2022, AT&T and BlackRock Alternatives announced a joint venture to deliver fiber access outside of AT&T’s traditional 21-state wireline service footprint. 
The newly formed joint venture — Gigapower — launched in May 2023 with plans to deliver fiber connectivity in select metro areas throughout the country using a commercial wholesale open access platform. AT&T,  which will be the first tenant on Gigapower, said the new JV will greatly expand the number of customers and communities with access its AT&T Fiber internet service. AT&T is already the nation’s largest fiber internet provider in the U.S. and has previously announced plans to pass 30 million-plus consumer and business locations in its traditional service areas by the end of 2025. Gigapower will enable AT&T to expand its fiber service reach beyond its traditional service areas. In addition to Las Vegas, Gigapower now expects to expand beyond its previously announced fiber deployment in Mesa, to the Chandler and Gilbert areas of Arizona. Gigapower also plans to build fiber in parts of Northeastern Pennsylvania (including Wilkes-Barre and Scranton) as well as parts of Alabama and Florida that are outside AT&T’s current service areas.

This week, T-Mobile and KKR announced a joint venture partnership to acquire Metronet, enhancing T-Mobile’s digital transformation and expanding its network capacity. As part of the deal, the joint venture will also acquire Oak Hill Capital’s existing stake in Metronet, with Oak Hill and Metronet founder John Cinelli retaining minority positions. T-Mobile is expected to invest approximately $4.9 billion for a 50% equity stake in the JV and 100% of Metronet’s residential fiber operations, with the transaction slated to close in 2025.

The renewed interest in fiber broadband expansion across the U.S. comes as NTIA seeks to accelerate the $42 billion BEAD initiative.

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Dell'Oro: Optical Transport Equipment Market to Grow at 2 Percent CAGR

Due to customers pausing purchases as they digest excess inventory, the Optical Transport market is forecasted to grow 2 percent on average for the next five years due to a decline in 2024, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group.

“2024 is turning out to be a tough year for the Optical Transport equipment market because of inventory digestion,” said Jimmy Yu, Vice President at Dell’Oro Group. “But looking past this year, when the market gets through this inventory cycle, inflation moderates, and economies strengthen, we see good amounts of growth for the Optical Transport equipment market. We track four customer groups—communication service providers, cable companies, internet content providers, and others—and project all four to grow after 2024, especially content providers, to reach new revenue highs by 2028,” added Yu.

Additional highlights from the Optical Transport 5-Year July 2024 Forecast Report:

• Demand for data center interconnect (DCI) is forecast to increase each year for the next five years with nearly all of the growth from long haul deployments. Metro demand will be lower due to the increased use of routers and ethernet switches for coherent transport (IPoDWDM).
• Internet content providers (ICP) are predicted to purchase nearly 50 percent more WDM systems directly from systems manufacturers in the next five years.
• DWDM channel widths are projected to steadily increase from the standard 50 GHz. By 2028, more than 80 percent of wavelength shipments will need a channel width greater than 50 GHz.

https://www.delloro.com/news/optical-transport-equipment-market-to-grow-at-2-percent-cagr-for-next-five-years/

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AST SpaceMobile readies its first 5 commercial "Bluebird" satellites

 AST SpaceMobile has completed its first five commercial satellites, known as Bluebirds. Each satellite is equipped with communications arrays measuring 693 square feet (64.4 square meters) and is set for shipment to Cape Canaveral in early August, with a launch window scheduled for September. These satellites are designed to provide U.S. nationwide non-continuous service, leveraging over 5,600 cells in premium low-band spectrum and offering a 10-fold increase in processing bandwidth.

The Bluebird satellites have undergone extensive testing to ensure their readiness for space operations. Final preparations are underway for their shipment to Cape Canaveral, and continuous monitoring and testing will proceed until they are integrated with the launch vehicle. The launch is planned within a 7-day window in September, with the exact date to be confirmed closer to the launch. This deployment marks a significant milestone in AST SpaceMobile’s mission to enhance global connectivity and bridge the digital divide.

• Satellite Specifications: Bluebird satellites with 693 square feet (64.4 square meters) communications arrays.
• Launch Plans: Shipment to Cape Canaveral in early August; 7-day launch window in September.
• Service Capability: U.S. nationwide non-continuous service with over 5,600 cells in low-band spectrum.
• Testing and Preparations: Rigorous testing completed; final testing continues until launch integration.
• Strategic Investments: Additional investments from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone in 2024.
• Government Contract: New contract awarded by the United States Government through a prime contractor.
• Global Partnerships: Agreements with over 45 mobile network operators, including Vodafone, AT&T, Verizon, and more, covering 2.8 billion subscribers.
• Current Investors: AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada.

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Juniper posts Q2 sales, merger with HPE expected to close end of year

Juniper Networks reported a decline in net revenues to $1,189.6 million, down 17% year-over-year, but up 4% sequentially. The GAAP operating margin fell to 3.8% from 9.9% in the same quarter last year, yet improved from (1.2)% in the previous quarter. Non-GAAP operating margin also decreased to 10.9% from 16.9% year-over-year but saw a slight increase from 10.6% sequentially. GAAP net income increased by 40% year-over-year to $34.1 million, translating to $0.10 per diluted share, while non-GAAP net income dropped 46% year-over-year to $101.6 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, though it rose 5% sequentially.

Juniper experienced stronger-than-expected demand, particularly from cloud customers investing in AI initiatives and robust enterprise demand, driven by its Mist-led Campus & Branch business and Enterprise data center offerings. This performance was in line with expectations and reflects the company’s optimistic outlook for long-term financial prospects.

• Net Revenues: $1,189.6 million, down 17% YoY, up 4% sequentially.

• GAAP Operating Margin: 3.8%, down from 9.9% YoY, up from (1.2)% sequentially.

• Non-GAAP Operating Margin: 10.9%, down from 16.9% YoY, up from 10.6% sequentially.

• GAAP Net Income: $34.1 million, up 40% YoY.

• Non-GAAP Net Income: $101.6 million, down 46% YoY, up 5% sequentially.

• Total Cash and Investments: $1,430.3 million as of June 30, 2024.

• Net Cash Flows Used by Operations: $8.9 million in Q2 2024.

• Days Sales Outstanding: 66 days in Q2 2024.

• Capital Expenditures: $23.4 million.

• Declared Dividend: $0.22 per share, payable on September 23, 2024.

“We experienced better than expected demand during the June quarter, with orders growing double-digits sequentially and year-over-year,” said Juniper’s CEO, Rami Rahim. “We saw particularly robust orders from our cloud customers, many of which have digested prior purchases and are investing to support AI initiatives. We also experienced better than expected enterprise demand due to continued momentum in our Mist-led Campus & Branch business and strong demand for our Enterprise data center offerings.”

“Our Q2 financial results were largely in-line with our expectations at the beginning of the quarter,” said Juniper’s CFO, Ken Miller. “Our teams continue to execute well and we remain optimistic regarding our long-term financial prospects.”

https://investor.juniper.net/investor-relations/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/Juniper-Networks-Reports-Preliminary-Second-Quarter-2024-Financial-Results/default.aspx

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Chandrasekaran to head Intel Foundry Manufacturing

Intel appointed Dr. Naga Chandrasekaran as chief global operations officer, executive vice president and general manager of Intel Foundry Manufacturing and Supply Chain organization, replacing Keyvan Esfarjani, who has decided to retire from Intel after nearly 30 years of dedicated service.

Chandrasekaran joins Intel from Micron, where he served as senior vice president for Technology Development. He will be a member of Intel’s executive leadership team and report to CEO Pat Gelsinger. Most recently, Naga led Micron’s global technology development and engineering efforts related to the scaling of current memory technologies, advanced packaging technology and emerging technology solutions. Previously, he served as Micron’s senior vice president of Process R&D and Operations.

Chandrasekaran earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Madras; both a master’s and a doctorate degree in mechanical engineering from Oklahoma State University; a master’s degree in information and data science from the University of California, Berkeley; and dual executive MBAs from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA-Anderson School of Management) and the National University of Singapore.

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NETSCOUT's Q2 sees sharp drop in sales, workforce reduction

NETSCOUT SYSTEMS reported a significant drop in sales for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. The company recorded total revenue of $174.6 million, down from $211.1 million year-over-year. Product revenue fell to $61.2 million from $94.7 million, while service revenue slightly decreased to $113.4 million from $116.5 million. The company also recently initiated a major restructuring effort, including a voluntary separation program (VSP) expected to reduce its workforce by 6.5%, or approximately 150 employees.

NETSCOUT’s GAAP operating margin plummeted to negative 265.4%, primarily due to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $427 million and a restructuring charge of $16.6 million. This resulted in a GAAP net loss of $443.4 million, or $6.20 per share, compared to a net loss of $4.2 million, or $(0.06) per share, in the same period last year. The company remains focused on enhancing its cybersecurity offerings and managing costs prudently. Despite the challenges, NETSCOUT extended a multi-year enterprise license agreement with a leading North American Tier-1 service provider during the quarter.

Key Financial Highlights:

• Total Revenue: $174.6 million, down from $211.1 million YoY

• Product Revenue: $61.2 million, down from $94.7 million YoY

• Service Revenue: $113.4 million, down from $116.5 million YoY

• GAAP Operating Margin: Negative 265.4% due to goodwill impairment and restructuring charges

• GAAP Net Loss: $443.4 million, or $6.20 per share, compared to $4.2 million, or $(0.06) per share YoY

• Non-GAAP Net Income: $20.6 million, or $0.28 per share, compared to $22.7 million, or $0.31 per share YoY

• Cash and Investments: $407.2 million as of June 30, 2024

• Restructuring Charges: $16.6 million in Q2, with an additional $3 million to $5 million expected in Q3

• Layoffs: Approximately 150 employees, representing 6.5% of the workforce, expected to save $25 million to $27 million annually

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