Friday, August 2, 2024

Supermicro's Latest SuperClusters for NVIDIA AI Workflows

Supermicro has unveiled a significant addition to its SuperCluster portfolio, specifically designed for the NVIDIA Omniverse platform, to support high-performance generative AI-enhanced 3D workflows at an enterprise scale. This latest SuperCluster incorporates the newest Supermicro NVIDIA OVX systems, enabling enterprises to seamlessly scale their infrastructure as workloads grow. By broadening its application-optimized AI rack solutions, Supermicro aims to simplify the deployment of scale-out infrastructure for the diverse needs of 3D and AI workloads, catering to professionals across various industries, from product design to industrial digital twins.


The Supermicro NVIDIA OVX systems form the backbone of this new SuperCluster, offering exceptional 3D and generative AI performance. Each system node houses up to 8 of the latest NVIDIA PCIe GPUs, supported by 4x 2700W Titanium Level PSUs in a high-airflow chassis for stability. These systems are fully NVIDIA-certified for Omniverse, ensuring reliability, scalability, and security. With up to four BlueField-3 SuperNICs or four NVIDIA ConnectX-7 NICs per system, enterprises can achieve 400Gb/s network speeds. This robust infrastructure supports the demanding needs of AI and 3D workflows, providing seamless access to virtual GPUs or bare-metal system nodes.


Key Features of the New Supermicro SuperCluster:


High Performance: Features Supermicro NVIDIA OVX systems with up to 8 NVIDIA PCIe GPUs per node for top-tier 3D and AI performance.

Scalability: Configurable from a single rack with 4 systems to an enterprise-scale unit with 32 systems in 5 racks.

Certification: Fully NVIDIA-certified for the Omniverse platform, ensuring high performance, reliability, and security.

Networking: Equipped with 400Gb/s network speeds through BlueField®-3 SuperNICs or NVIDIA ConnectX®-7 NICs.

Power: Powered by 4x 2700W Titanium Level PSUs within a high-airflow chassis to maintain stability under high utilization.

Flexible Deployment: Available in configurations as small as a single rack to scalable units that can be incremented to fit enterprises of any size.


DOCOMO Launches 6.6Gbps 5G Service using NR-Dual Connectivity

NTT DOCOMO announced the commercial deployment of New Radio-Dual Connectivity (NR-DC) technology, utilizing three frequency bands—Sub-6 (3.7GHz and 4.5GHz bands) and millimeter-wave (28GHz band)—for high-speed transmissions. This advancement allows the simultaneous transmission and reception across multiple frequencies supported by two 5G base stations. Starting August 1, 2024, this technology will offer Japan’s fastest download speeds of up to 6.6Gbps using 5G Standalone (SA) architecture, initially available in select zones within the 5G SA coverage areas in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture, with plans for gradual expansion.

Standalone (SA) mode is an optional 5G service available for certain smartphones and mobile devices under a 5G service contract. The utilization of this service requires a 5G SA subscription, a compatible device, and a SIM card. DOCOMO first launched 5G SA services in December 2021, and since August 2022, has combined Sub-6 frequencies with the millimeter-wave band to achieve download speeds of 4.9Gbps and upload speeds of 1.1Gbps. This new deployment aims to combine both Sub-6 frequencies with the millimeter-wave band for even higher transmission speeds.

Supported Devices and Download Speeds:

  • Xperia 1 VI SO-51E: Max. Download Speed - 6.6Gbps, Available from August 1, 2024
  • Galaxy S24 Ultra SC-52E: Max. Download Speed - 6.6Gbps, Available from November 2024
  • Galaxy Z Fold6 SC-55E: Max. Download Speed - 6.6Gbps, Available from November 2024

Going forward, DOCOMO plans to expand its range of millimeter-wave band-compatible devices and extend service coverage to enhance customer convenience and quality of life.

Canada's TELUS Sees 6.9% YoY Increase in Subscribers in Q2

TELUS reported consolidated operating revenues and other income of $5.0 billion for Q2 2024, marking a 0.6% increase over the same period last year. This growth was driven by higher service revenue in the TELUS technology solutions (TTech) segment, while the TELUS digital experience segment (TELUS Digital) saw a decline. The TTech segment saw increases in mobile network, residential internet, and security services due to subscriber growth, though these were partially offset by declines in TV and fixed legacy voice services.

President and CEO Darren Entwistle highlighted the company’s robust network infrastructure and its role in driving customer growth. TELUS achieved total customer net additions of 332,000, up 13% year-over-year, with significant gains in mobile phones, connected devices, internet, TV, and security services. The TELUS Digital segment, despite facing macroeconomic challenges, continues to leverage AI solutions to support future growth. TELUS Health also showed solid performance, contributing to the company’s overall growth.

CFO Doug French emphasized TELUS’ strong financial position and strategic focus on efficiency and cost management. The company reported a 5.6% increase in consolidated EBITDA and expanded its margin to 36.1%. TELUS expects continued EBITDA growth and free cash flow expansion, supported by ongoing investments in network infrastructure.

Key Network Infrastructure Metrics:

Total Telecom Subscriber Connections: 19.5 million, up 6.9% year-over-year

Mobile Phone Subscribers: Over 9.9 million, up 4.5% year-over-year

Connected Device Subscribers: Approximately 3.4 million, up 24% year-over-year

Internet Subscribers: Approximately 2.7 million, up 5.3% year-over-year

TV Subscribers: Over 1.3 million, with 25,000 net additions in Q2

Security Subscribers: Approximately 1.1 million, up 8.2% year-over-year

Residential Voice Subscribers: More than 1.0 million, down 2.9% year-over-year

Mobile Phone Net Additions: 101,000 in Q2

Connected Device Net Additions: 161,000 in Q2

Internet Net Additions: 33,000 in Q2

TV Net Additions: 25,000 in Q2

Security Net Additions: 20,000 in Q2

Residential Voice Net Losses: 8,000 in Q2

Virtual Care Members: 6.3 million, up 19% year-over-year

Healthcare Lives Covered: 75.1 million, up 10% year-over-year

Digital Health Transactions: 163.3 million in Q2, up 6.8% year-over-year

AMD Reports Strong Q2 with 30% Growth in Data Center Segment

On July 30th, AMD reported a revenue of $5.8 billion, marking a 9% year-over-year increase. The company’s gross margin was 49%, with an operating income of $269 million and a net income of $265 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.16. On a non-GAAP basis, AMD’s gross margin stood at 53%, with an operating income of $1.3 billion and a net income of $1.1 billion, translating to a diluted earnings per share of $0.69.

The company attributed its robust performance to record Data Center segment revenue, driven by strong demand for Instinct, EPYC, and Ryzen processors. AMD’s AI business also showed significant acceleration, positioning the company for strong revenue growth in the second half of the year. The Data Center segment saw revenue of $2.8 billion, up 115% year-over-year, primarily due to a steep increase in AMD Instinct™ GPU shipments and 4th Gen AMD EPYC™ CPU sales.

Jean Hu, AMD EVP, CFO, and Treasurer, highlighted that the company exceeded the midpoint of its revenue guidance for Q2, driven by strong growth in both the Data Center and Client segments. Additionally, AMD expanded its gross margin and delivered solid earnings growth, while increasing strategic AI investments to build the foundation for future growth.


Key Metrics:

Revenue: $5.8 billion, up 9% year-over-year and 7% sequentially.

Gross Profit: $2.9 billion, with a gross margin of 49%, up 17% year-over-year.

Operating Income: $269 million, a significant increase from $(20) million in Q2 2023.

Net Income: $265 million, up 881% year-over-year.

Non-GAAP Financial Results:


Gross Margin: 53%

Operating Income: $1.3 billion, up 18% year-over-year.

Net Income: $1.1 billion, up 19% year-over-year.

Diluted Earnings Per Share: $0.69, up 19% year-over-year.

AMD also provided an optimistic outlook for the third quarter of 2024, expecting revenue to be approximately $6.7 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of about 16% and a sequential growth of around 15%.

AMD President Victor Peng steps down

AMD President Victor Peng has announced his retirement effective August 30, 2024. He will remain on the AMD executive team in an advisory role to support the transition until his retirement date. Peng played a crucial role in integrating and scaling AMD’s embedded business and leading the company’s AI strategy following the acquisition of Xilinx.

  • Victor Peng re-joined AMD in 2022 after the acquisition of Xilinx, where he served as president and CEO.
  • Under Peng’s leadership, AMD became the top provider of FPGA and adaptive computing solutions.
  • Senior Vice President Vamsi Boppana will expand his responsibilities to include the AMD Instinct data center AI accelerator business.
  • Senior Vice President and General Manager Salil Raje will continue to lead the AMD embedded business, with both Boppana and Raje reporting to CEO Dr. Lisa Su.

ATIS and O-RAN ALLIANCE Unite on Open RAN in North America

The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) and the O-RAN ALLIANCE have announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will enable the transposition of O-RAN ALLIANCE specifications into ATIS standards. This partnership is a significant move towards the broader adoption of Open Radio Access Network (RAN) technology in North America, giving O-RAN specifications the recognition and endorsement of ATIS, an accredited standards body with extensive North American industry representation. This collaboration aims to foster the development of more intelligent, open, virtualized, and globally compliant mobile networks.

Building on a previous MoU that focused on Open RAN security and stakeholder requirements, this agreement highlights ATIS’s dedication to advancing mobile network standards. ATIS President and CEO Susan Miller emphasized the alignment between industry and government sectors on the importance of Open RAN for creating a trusted supplier ecosystem. Similarly, O-RAN ALLIANCE Chair Abdurazak Mudesir welcomed the transposition, noting it ensures technical alignment and supports efforts for a truly open RAN ecosystem.

  • MoU Signing: ATIS and O-RAN ALLIANCE agree to transpose O-RAN specifications to ATIS standards.
  • Objective: Enhance the adoption of Open RAN in North America.
  • ATIS Role: Accredited standards body with a broad membership from the North American industry.
  • O-RAN Specifications: Provide a foundation for open, intelligent, virtualized, and interoperable RANs.
  • Mutual Goals: Advance the industry towards intelligent, open, and globally compliant mobile networks.
  • Previous Collaboration: Builds on prior agreements addressing Open RAN security and requirements.


#FiberConnect24: Accelerating Fiber Rollouts - Tak Communications' Heather Gold

How can we accelerate the fiber future?

Heather B. Gold, VP, External Affairs from Tak Communications offers three key observations:

- Simplify regulations to make them more understandable for ISPs

- Address match and letter of credit requirements to encourage smaller players to enter the market

- Urge ISPs to carefully choose experienced partners with proven track records in building networks

https://youtu.be/pHZ6AIcoupo

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

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MACOM posts 28.3% Revenue Growth, Driven by Portfolio Expansion

MACOM announced its financial results for the fiscal third quarter ending June 28, 2024. The company reported strong growth, driven by its portfolio expansion strategy, which continues to create new business opportunities across Industrial, Defense, Telecom, and Data Center sectors.

Revenue for the third quarter reached $190.5 million, a significant increase of 28.3% compared to the previous year’s third quarter and a 5.1% rise from the prior fiscal quarter. Despite a slight decrease in gross margin to 53.2%, income from operations improved to $19.7 million. Net income also saw a notable rise to $19.9 million, or $0.27 per diluted share.


Revenue: $190.5 million, up 28.3% year-over-year

Gross Margin: 53.2%, down from 58.0% year-over-year

Income from Operations: $19.7 million, or 10.4% of revenue

Net Income: $19.9 million, or $0.27 per diluted share

Adjusted Gross Margin: 57.5%

Adjusted Income from Operations: $45.6 million, or 24.0% of revenue

Adjusted Net Income: $48.9 million, or $0.66 per diluted share


Looking ahead, MACOM expects fourth-quarter revenue to be between $197 million and $203 million, with an adjusted gross margin of 57% to 59%. Adjusted earnings per diluted share are anticipated to be between $0.70 and $0.76, reflecting the company’s continued focus on financial performance and execution.