Edgecore builds a server/switch with Intel's Tofino and Xeon silicon

Edgecore Networks introduced a Server Switch with 32x 100G QSFP28 ports in 2U form factor and powered by dual Intel scalable Xeon processors and a P4 programmable Intel Tofino switch chip.

The CSP-7550 is a server-switch offers 4 open PCIe slots that can be used for various FPGA, Smart NIC, AI/ML etc PCIe cards for adding new types of functions and capabilities. 

The CSP-7550 includes eight DDR4 DIMM slots per CPU, with local storage options including two SATA III or PCIe. In addition, the CSP-7550 supports an optional FPGA card, which has a high-speed connection to the Tofino chipset. With the FPGA card, the CSP-7550 is able to support extra-large tables for hundreds of millions of session entries or provide tens of GBs of high-speed buffering for Hierarchical Quality of Service (HQoS).

Potential applications include high-performance network visibility monitoring, hardware-enhanced virtualized security, and mobile LTE/5G gateway applications. The CSP-7550 could also function as a Server Load balancer (SLB), Network Packet Broker (NPB), Broadband Network Gateway (BNG), or 5G User Plane Function (UPF). The new server-switch solution delivers high-performance and flexibility in cloud data centers and at the edge, enhancing computing, switching, and storage applications to meet the demands of modern network deployments.

Nanda Ravindran, Vice President of Product Management of Edgecore, said, “Network operators are starting to embrace open network solutions and requiring more powerful platforms for high-performance computing. CSP-7550 Server-switch with enhanced CPU capacity and performance enables value-added application development to address continuously expanding network requirements. Edgecore offers greater choice and flexibility for network operators to build modern networking infrastructures for the multi-cloud and mobile-centric world."

“As the industry is gearing towards programmable infrastructure, we are pleased to offer multi-terabit performance with Intel Tofino Expandable Architecture optimized for customers evolving edge-to-cloud requirements, such as load balancing, security, telco user plane functions and broadband gateways,” said Barry Davis, General Manager of Marketing and Software Planning at Intel. 

https://www.edge-core.com/productsList.php?cls=1&cls2=679

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Orange selects Edgecore for access disaggregation via SONiC

Edgecore Networks and Orange delivered the first disaggregated switch composed of Edgecore hardware and Orange network operating system based on SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud) open source community.

Orange selected Edgecore switches to deliver connectivity for its hundreds of access Points of Presence (PoP). These locations provide 1G, 10G, and 100G access services to enterprise customers.

The disaggregated Edgecore hardware platform comes pre-loaded with the ONIE (Open Network Install Environment) software installer for the automated loading of compatible open source or commercial network operating system offerings. 

Orange is installing its own SONiC distribution to run on the switches. Orange relies on its developers’ expertise working in conjunction with Edgecore and the SONiC community, to which Orange actively contributes, to develop their own networking software solutions.

Heimdall Siao, President of Edgecore said, “As the leader in disaggregated open networking solutions, Edgecore is excited to be involved in this disaggregated and community SONiC networking project with Orange in a telecom use case. Edgecore’s switches running SONiC software provide the high-capacity throughput required for access networks. And, by utilizing Edgecore’s carrier grade and proven robust designs, Orange is able to deploy solutions in the most demanding of carrier networks. This successful experience in Orange’s network proves that disaggregated open networking solutions are robust and capable of handling the most demanding of network environments.”

Jean Luc Vuillemin, Executive Vice President of Orange International Networks, said, “We are pleased to team up with Edgecore to launch our network disaggregation transformation. This joint work enables us to drastically transform the way we build and upgrade our networks. It allows us to move away from off the shelf and locked-in solutions to in-house developed solutions relying on our network developers’ expertise. Upskilling our teams to master our software allows us to regain full control of our networks and therefore manage upgrades in a fast, cost-effective and sovereign way, while providing an improved and reliable service to our customers.”

https://www.edge-core.com/sonic.php

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Telkom Indonesia hosts open networking demo with Edgecore, TIP, OCP

Edgecore Networks, in collaboration with Telkom Indonesia, Telecom Infra Project, Open Compute Project, and IP Infusion, are hosting a demonstration in Indonesia of open disaggregated solutions. 

The demonstration event was launched on July 11 and 12 at Telkom University, Bandung, Indonesia, showcasing Edgecore hardware platforms and IP Infusion networking software platforms for various solutions, including broadband access, 5G access, OpenWiFi access, and data center. After the launch event, the demonstration lab will remain open through the whole of Q3, giving all interested parties plenty of time to visit.

The demo showcased:

• 5G Access – Edgecore’s Cassini AS7716-24SC optical packet transponder and AS7316-28XB Disaggregated Cell Site Gateway will be the open hardware platforms demonstrated running IP Infusion’s OcNOS. Edgecore’s Cassini is the industry’s first modular open-source packet transponder, offering a high-capacity combination of 100GbE packet switching ports and 100/200 Gbps coherent optical interfaces. The AS7316-28XB is an OCP Accepted switch.
• Broadband Access – Featuring Edgecore’s ASXvOLT16 virtual Optical Line Terminal (vOLT) and the AS5916-54XKS aggregation router. The ASXvOLT16 is a 16-port 10G XGS-PON vOLT with 4 x 100G/40G QSFP28 fixed ports. The AS5916-54XKS is an aggregation router with 48 x SFP+ switch ports and 6 x 100G QSFP28 ports capable of line-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching.
• OpenWiFi Access – The demonstration includes a range of Edgecore Wi-Fi 6 access points – EAP101, EAP102, and EAP104 – that all come preinstalled with TIP’s OpenWiFi software, and the wireless LAN controller EWS101. OpenWiFi is a community-developed, disaggregated Wi-Fi software system, which includes both a controller SDK and AP firmware, both designed and validated to work seamlessly together.
• Data Center – The Edgecore AS5812-54X switch, which provides full line-rate switching across its 48 x 10GbE ports and 6 x 40GbE uplinks. The switch can be deployed either as a Top-of-Rack switch, or as part of a 10GbE or 40GbE distributed spine, forming a non-blocking folded-Clos data center fabric. The AS5812-54X is an OCP Accepted switch.

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Edgecore launches hospitality solution based on TIP OpenWiFi

Edgecore Networks introduced a full-stack OpenWiFi hospitality solution for ISP and MSP customers based on TIP OpenWiFi software.

Edgecore’s ecCLOUD and Wi-Fi AP both use the latest version of TIP OpenWiFi 2.0, released for commercial use. TIP OpenWiFi 2.0 utilizes uCentral, a lightweight agile communications framework that can dramatically cut cloud hosting costs. In addition, TIP OpenWiFi’s open architecture enables Edgecore to work with application service providers to develop services including Smart Indoor Location Solution, network quality of experience (QoE), network security and other services. The Smart Indoor Location Solution is now available for trial use, and the world's first hospitality- and MDU-dedicated TIP OpenWiFi AP, EAP104, will be available for test appointments from now on, being officially launched in Q3 2022.

Edgecore’s ecCLOUD enterprise controller that can manage hundreds of thousands of Wi-Fi Access points (APs) from both Edgecore as well as any other hardware vendor with compatible OpenWiFi software. In addition, Edgecore’s EAP104, the world's first open hospitality and multi-dwelling 

Edgecore said it has actively led the way adopting the Telecom Infra Project’s (TIP) OpenWiFi to unlock limitations and create an OpenWiFi compatible infrastructure with commercial expansion value, rewriting the nature of hospitality Wi-Fi networks. ISPs and MSPs are now no longer bound by a single vendor but can flexibly choose mixing and matching from different cloud controllers, Wi-Fi APs, and switches.

“Edgecore’s full-stack OpenWiFi hospitality solution unbinds ISPs and MSPs from closed network infrastructures and introduces unlimited innovation possibilities and business potential. As one of the earliest and active TIP OpenWiFi partners, Edgecore Networks will keep working with TIP to grow the OpenWiFi ecosystem together globally.” said Tengtai Hsu, Vice President of Edgecore Networks.

http://www.wifi.edge-core.com 

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Edgecore intros 400G disaggregated cell site gateway (DCSG)

Edgecore Networks announced a new flagship 400G disaggregated cell site gateway (DCSG).  

The Edgecore CSR440 offers an open and disaggregated platform that hosts software components from different NOS vendors, such as RtBrick, ADVA, IP Infusion, and Capgemini, which enable the device to act as an access or aggregation router in the network, or also fit a role in Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) applications.

The CSR440 provides a combination of 1/10/25Gbps, 50/100Gbps, and 100/400Gbps interfaces, utilizing a  server-grade, 8-core, hyper-threading Intel Xeon processor and a Broadcom Qumran2a chipset to deliver 800Gbps switching capacity and advanced features with powerful processing power. 

The CSR440 supports IEEE 1588v2 full timing features with Class C accuracy and is capable of providing an 802.1CM Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) interface, supporting SRv6 technology and eCPRI encapsulation for upcoming xHaul applications and deployments. In addition, the CSR440 400G ports support high-powered optics, allowing operators to extend their service range and expand their market size.

“Edgecore's flagship 400G Cell Site Router CSR440 brings high-bandwidth connectivity to the access edge of our customer networks. Customers who are upgrading their network infrastructure using the temperature-hardened CSR440 can meet 5G backhaul and xHaul requirements at remote cell sites. Together with Edgecore’s software partners supporting the CSR440, we are accelerating the adoption of open networking for 5G and BNG applications,” said Nanda Ravindran, VP of Product Management, Edgecore Networks.

“The introduction of Edgecore's 400G Cell Site Router offers higher bandwidth to wireless and wireline Service Providers,” said Atsushi Ogata, President and CEO, IP Infusion. “Edgecore and IP Infusion together provide cost-effective, higher performance solutions that enable new applications for innovative services.”

“Edgecore’s new 400G DCSG is a key milestone in disaggregated 5G networking. With our feature-rich Ensemble Activator NOS running on the Edgecore CSR440, carriers can deploy an agile, scalable multi-vendor mobile architecture built on best-in-class components and capable of unprecedented capacity,” said Mike Heffner, SVP and GM of Edge Cloud, ADVA. “Edgecore is a company that shares our commitment to openness and collaboration. Now it’s offering a way to escape the constraints of closed proprietary systems while also addressing soaring data demand.”

http://www.edge-core.com

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Edgecore debuts TIP OpenWiFi 2.x cloud controller

Edgecore Networks introduced the first Telecom Infra Project (TIP) OpenWiFi 2.x cloud controller – ecCLOUD, enabling support for the full range of TIP OpenWiFi hardware devices and software applications.

As one of the early adopters and devoted partners of the Open WiFi ecosystem and tech stack, Edgecore Networks has brought a series of TIP-ready devices to the market. With years of practical experience in commercial cloud controllers, Edgecore Networks contributed the know-how and participated in the CloudSDK 2.0 API function planning. Through CloudSDK 2.0, ISP/Telco/MSPs will be able to unlock the limitations of existing closed network infrastructures, and quickly introduce innovative applications and services through disaggregated networks.

David Hutton, TIP Chief Engineer said: ”TIP’s active collaboration with Wi-Fi industry leaders enables the TIP OpenWiFi ecosystem to meet high end Wi-Fi network requirements. Edgecore’s expertise in cloud controllers has made the OpenWiFi 2.x stack accessible and practical for a wide variety of deployment scenarios.

“Edgecore’s OpenWiFi Solution can provide more flexible network infrastructures and application services for ISP/MSP/Telco’s, and offer the OpenWiFi API interface for software developers, App and SaaS providers, accelerating the development of the OpenWiFi application ecosystem. As one of the TIP partners, Edgecore Networks will keep working with TIP to grow the OpenWiFi ecosystem together.” said Tengtai Hsu, Vice President of Edgecore Networks.

https://www.edge-core.com/news-inquiry.php?cls=1&id=650

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Edgecore unveils a core router for Cloud and Service Providers

Edgecore Networks announced a new open router product family for next-gen cloud and Service Provider infrastructures.

The AS7926-40XKFB is a high-performance 100G deep packet buffer core router that can operate as a standalone device or be stacked with another unit to build a small core system. The AS7926-40XKFB can also be connected to Edgecore’s AS9926-24D Fabric switches to create a 96Tbps Distributed Disaggregated Chassis (DDC) router. 

The AS7926-40XKFB is powered by Broadcom’s StrataDNX Jericho2 ASIC and delivers non-blocking line-rate performance across forty 100G Ethernet interfaces and thirteen fabric interfaces. 

Edgecore says its NEBS3 compliant AS7926-40XKFB is a thermally efficient design with redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fans and supports telecom grade timing and synchronization. 

“Edgecore’s new core router family delivers the industry’s best-in-class solution for the next generation of cloud router and service provider infrastructure. This solution helps carriers upgrade their network infrastructure to address the network challenges of 5G deployment. Together with software partners, Edgecore Networks delivers leading open disaggregated network solutions, as well as enabling value-added application development,” states Matt Roman, VP of Marketing and Product Management, Edgecore Networks.

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Vodafone tests Edgecore’s DCSG with ADVA software

Vodafone Romania successfully completed a live network trial of open IP routing with Edgecore’s Disaggregated Cell Site Gateway (DCSG) and ADVA's Ensemble Activator software. The DCSG was deployed in seven of Vodafone Romania’s live network sites in a variety of topologies.

Edgecore said its DCSG was developed as a joint operator community effort within TIP’s Open Optical & Packet Transport (OOPT) Project Group and is one of the first projects to introduce open, standard-based disaggregated hardware and software for use in telecom transport networks. As an early and leading contributor to OOPT, Edgecore has developed a series of TIP accepted DCSG products that address numerous use cases for mobile operators in both greenfield and brownfield deployments.

The trial in Romania validates the feasibility of open IP routers able to serve 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile traffic and the ability to interoperate with Vodafone’s current transport network providers. The combination of Edgecore’s DCSG coupled with ADVA’s Ensemble Activator software demonstrates the key capabilities of the solution, delivering transport services with IP routing, and with frequency and time synchronization.

George Tchaparian, CEO and President of Edgecore Networks, said, “As the leading provider of open network solutions to tier-one operators worldwide, and the leading contributor to OCP, ONF, and TIP open communities, Edgecore understands the requirement to accelerate the innovation of disaggregated open network deployments while moving toward a more consistent and open infrastructure across mobile broadband and transport networks. This successful live trial in Romania is yet another proof point that open networking is robust and deployable in the most demanding network environments.

“Edgecore has a comprehensive DCSG portfolio with multiple performance classes, CPU, thermal, and timing/synchronization options based on Broadcom DNX Qumran packet processors. Open Network solutions are ideal for high-volume cell site and aggregation routing applications. Disaggregated, open hardware and software reduces operator costs, increases choice, and quickens the pace of innovation.”

“Built on our Ensemble Activator carrier-grade NOS and Edgecore’s innovative DCSG open hardware design, Vodafone Romania trial proves that service providers and can easily harness the power of this open and best-of-breed solution,” commented James Buchanan, GM, Edge Cloud, ADVA.

“This is a major milestone in the path to developing a healthy and sustainable open ecosystem of cell site gateways to increase flexibility and efficiency. We validated the Edgecore and ADVA solution in our networks and look forward to our continued partnership in the future,” commented Nikos Plevris, Vodafone Head of Transmission and Transport Engineering.

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Edgecore releases TIP-compliant Disaggregated Cell Site Gateway

Edgecore Networks announced the general availability of its AS5915-18X Disaggregated Cell Site Gateway (DCSG), an entry-level compact, temperature hardened router optimized for communication service providers and mobile network operators upgrading capacity in brownfield transport networks.

The AS5915-18X supports a flexible mix of 1G and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) ports for existing base stations for mobile backhaul in the transport network. The AS5915-18X provides support for Sync-E and IEEE1588v2 PTP, and the flexible design allows for the support of multiple vendor’s PTP stack.

The new platform is based on the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) DCSG requirements document and is the result of Edgecore’s active participation in the TIP Open Optical & Packet Transport group. Edgecore’s other DCSG platforms have been contributed and accepted by TIP and the Open Compute Project (OCP).

“As a provider of open network solutions to tier one operator worldwide, and the leading contributor to OCP, ONF, and TIP open communities, Edgecore Networks fully understands operator’s requirement to reduce the cost of network deployments while moving toward a more consistent and open infrastructure across mobile broadband and transport networks. The availability of the new entry-level cell site gateway will speed up brownfield deployments quickly increasing network capacity,” said Matt Roman, VP of Product Management and Marketing, Edgecore Networks.

https://www.edge-core.com/productsList.php?cls=291&cls2=342

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Edgecore switches add support for SONic

Edgecore switch platforms are now offering an enterprise SONiC distribution.

SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud) is the open-source network operating system, led by Microsoft and many key players, including Edgecore, which delivers a robust proven software infrastructure enabling customers to deploy highly scalable data center networks. 

Edgecore SONiC is now supported on a full range of Edgecore platforms, from 1G to 400G data center switches.

“As a provider of open networking solutions to tier-one data centers and a leading contributor to open communities, like OCP, ONF, TIP, and SONiC, Edgecore understands the unprecedented value of disaggregated infrastructure in giving open choices to customers in designing their networks. Edgecore has been an active contributor for years to the SONiC community to further accelerate and expand the use of open networking. We are pleased to announce the availability of Enterprise SONiC Distribution by Edgecore and Edgecore hardware platforms with one-stop-shop service options to customers,” said George Tchaparian, CEO and President of Edgecore Networks.

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Edgecore builds a cloud controller for wired and wireless devices

Taiwan-based Edgecore Networks introduced ecCLOUD, a cloud controller for unified visibility and control over Edgecore wired and wireless devices. Cloud controllers are lower cost and simpler than on-site management system installations.

TT Hsu, Vice President of Edgecore Networks said, “Edgecore’s ecCLOUD is a feature-rich, reliable, and scalable network management solution suited for networks of any size. With ecCLOUD, deployment, management, and monitoring of single-site or multi-site networks can be greatly simplified. ecCLOUD also supports management of a comprehensive product portfolio for service providers and organizations to enjoy the benefit of being able to choose from a wide array of Edgecore products for their deployments.”

ecCLOUD features

• Multi-level Management: ecCLOUD is composed of three levels – Cloud, Site, and Device. This multi-level architecture facilitates tiered administrative privileges as well as bulk device management from the site level. With ecCLOUD, multi-site networks can be easily managed, and each site can have its own set of configuration settings that can be applied to devices registered under the site.
• Quick Device Onboarding: Placing a device online is easy – simply register the device on ecCLOUD and connect the registered device to the Internet for auto-provisioning.
• Auto-generated Network Topology Diagrams: Network topology diagrams are automatically generated at the site-level to help network administrators better assess and manage deployment architectures.
• Network Security & Access Control: ecCLOUD ensures overall network security through encryption of device-to-cloud communication. Enhanced switch port security and AAA services for wireless users are also available.
• Customizable Captive Portal: Network administrators can quickly create unique Wi-Fi login pages per SSID for brand promotion, marketing activities, or advertisements. The built-in captive portal editor provides drag-and-drop modules for adding text, links, and multimedia, allowing anyone to easily craft their own login pages even without extensive knowledge in web development.

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Edgecore contributes Cell Site Gateways work to OCP and TIP

Edgecore Networks announced a series of cross-contributions of Cell Site Gateways across the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) and the Open Compute Project (OCP) communities.

The AS7316-26XB cell site gateway design and specification, that was contributed to OCP in October 2018, has now been contributed to TIP’s Open Optical & Packet Transport project group. The AS7315-27X-DCSG cell site gateway specification, which was developed as part of TIP’s Disaggregated Cell Site Gateways (DCSG) initiative and contributed to TIP, is now also being contributed to the OCP community. This family of contributed designs will accelerate service provider adoption of open networking options to meet the increasing bandwidth and service demand in the upcoming 5G rollouts.

The AS7316-26XB and AS7315-27X-DCSG are temperature hardened and optimized for deployment in outside plant enclosures and support base stations with full IEEE 1588 timing and GPS functions, provide backhaul uplinks at 25G or 100G Ethernet, and airflow and stacking port options. The gateways incorporate Broadcom® StrataDNX™ switch silicon, deep packet buffer memory, and offer Intel® Xeon® and Atom® Processor options. Both models support both commercial and open source network operating system options.

Edgecore said the contributed products enable service providers to deploy 4G and 5G services with the economics of disaggregated open network technology.

“With the latest cell site gateway contributions, Edgecore continues to expand our leadership position in both the OCP and TIP communities, building upon previous contributions of open network leaf/spine switches, disaggregated OLTs, and optical transport systems. We fully support the recent announcement of further collaboration between TIP and OCP and the path for solutions within their communities to be made readily available across both organizations. This collaboration will ultimately provide operators with more choice and flexibility,” said George Tchaparian, President and CEO of Edgecore.

“TIP is creating a new approach to building and deploying telecom network infrastructure, and we thank Edgecore Networks’ for their continuous contributions to TIP, including the Cassini open packet transponder, and now the family of disaggregated cell site gateways. These open innovative new designs will provide flexibility and choice to network operators," said Attilio Zani, Executive Director, TIP Foundation.

ONF partners with Edgecore on SEBA,ODTN and Trellis projects

Monday, September 09, 2019  Edgecore, ONF, SEBA, Trellis  

ONF reached an agreement with Edgecore Networks to dedicate significant engineering resources to accelerate and ensure the success of the ONF projects SEBA, ODTN and Trellis.

Specifically, ONF and Edgecore have jointly created the new Onsite Immersion Engineering program (ONF-OIE) to embed engineers within the ONF lab team. Edgecore engineers will work closely with the ONF and its community of developers to help mature the functionality, robustness, scalability, and reliability of these platforms so they are ready for production deployments. Edgecore is the first ONF Partner Member to be making use of the new ONF-OIE program, building a dedicated team of engineers to work at ONF’s facilities under ONF’s direction.

“Edgecore Networks and the ONF are now harnessing a significant opportunity with operators that have fully embraced open source to power their edge networks,” said George Tchaparian, president and CEO for Edgecore. “Edgecore Networks is committed to the vision of open platforms, and is ensuring that a SEBA, VOLTHA and Trellis run seamlessly on our Edgecore hardware.”

“We are very pleased to strengthen our collaboration with Edgecore Networks with the launch of the ONF-OIE program, especially as our exemplar platforms based on open source and white box hardware are gaining significant traction worldwide,” said Guru Parulkar, executive director for the ONF.  “This group of developers will play an important role maturing SEBA, VOLTHA and Trellisand readying these platforms for production; first on Edgecore Networks hardware, followed by others, and with deployment by operators around the globe.

https://www.opennetworking.org/news-and-events/press-releases/onf-and-edgecore-networks-enter-key-agreement-to-invest-in-success-of-open-source-deployments/

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ONF partners with Edgecore on SEBA,ODTN and Trellis projects

ONF reached an agreement with Edgecore Networks to dedicate significant engineering resources to accelerate and ensure the success of the ONF projects SEBA, ODTN and Trellis. 

Specifically, ONF and Edgecore have jointly created the new Onsite Immersion Engineering program (ONF-OIE) to embed engineers within the ONF lab team. Edgecore engineers will work closely with the ONF and its community of developers to help mature the functionality, robustness, scalability, and reliability of these platforms so they are ready for production deployments. Edgecore is the first ONF Partner Member to be making use of the new ONF-OIE program, building a dedicated team of engineers to work at ONF’s facilities under ONF’s direction.

“Edgecore Networks and the ONF are now harnessing a significant opportunity with operators that have fully embraced open source to power their edge networks,” said George Tchaparian, president and CEO for Edgecore. “Edgecore Networks is committed to the vision of open platforms, and is ensuring that a SEBA, VOLTHA and Trellis run seamlessly on our Edgecore hardware.”

“We are very pleased to strengthen our collaboration with Edgecore Networks with the launch of the ONF-OIE program, especially as our exemplar platforms based on open source and white box hardware are gaining significant traction worldwide,” said Guru Parulkar, executive director for the ONF.  “This group of developers will play an important role maturing SEBA, VOLTHA and Trellisand readying these platforms for production; first on Edgecore Networks hardware, followed by others, and with deployment by operators around the globe.

https://www.opennetworking.org/news-and-events/press-releases/onf-and-edgecore-networks-enter-key-agreement-to-invest-in-success-of-open-source-deployments/

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OCP 2019: Edgecore debuts "Minipack" Switch for 100G and 400G

At OCP Summit 2019, Edgecore Networks introduced an open modular switch for 100G and 400G networking that conforms to the Minipack Fabric Switch design contributed by Facebook to the Open Compute Project (OCP).

Minipack is a disaggregated whitebox system providing a flexible mix of 100GbE and 400GbE ports up to a system capacity of 12.8Tbps.

The Minipack switch can support a mix of 100G and 400G Ethernet interfaces up to a maximum of 128x100G or 32x400G ports. Minipack is based on Broadcom StrataXGS Tomahawk 3 Switch Series silicon capable of line rate 12.8Tbps Layer2 and Layer3 switching.

The Minipack front panel has eight slots for port interface modules (PIM). The first PIM options available for the Edgecore Minipack switch are the PIM-16Q with 16x100G QSFP28 ports, and the PIM-4DD with 4x400G QSFP-DD ports. The Minipack modular switch is a 4U form factor, power optimized for data center deployments, and includes hot-swappable redundant power supplies and fans for high availability.

Edgecore said its Minipack AS8000 Switch enables network operators to select disaggregated NOS and SDN software options from commercial partners and open source communities to address different use cases and operational requirements. Edgecore has ported and validated Software for Open Networking in the Cloud (SONiC), the OCP open source software platform, on the Minipack AS8000 Switch as an open source option for high capacity data center fabrics. In addition, Cumulus Networks announced the availability of its Cumulus Linux operating system for the Edgecore Minipack switch.

“Network operators are demanding open network solutions to increase their network capacities with 400G and higher density 100G switches based on open technology. The Edgecore Minipack switch broadens our full set of OCP Accepted open network switches, and enables data center operators to deploy higher capacity fabrics with flexible combinations of 100G and 400G interfaces and pay-as-you-grow expansion,” said George Tchaparian, CEO, Edgecore Networks. “The open and modular design of Minipack will enable Edgecore and partners to address more data center and service provider use cases in the future by developing innovative enhancements such as additional interface modules supporting encryption, multiple 400G port types, coherent optical ports and integrated optics, plus additional Minipack Switch family members utilizing deep-buffer or highly programmable or next-generation switching silicon in the same flexible modular form factor.”

“Facebook designed Minipack as a fabric switch with innovative performance, power optimization and modularity to enable our deployment of the next generation data center fabrics,” said Hans-Juergen Schmidtke, Director of Engineering, Facebook. “We have contributed the Minipack design to OCP in order to stimulate additional design innovation and to facilitate availability of the platform to network operators. We welcome Edgecore’s introduction of Minipack as a commercial whitebox product.”

The Minipack AS8000 Switch with PIM-16Q 100G QSFP28 interface modules will be available from Edgecore resellers and integrators worldwide in Q2. PIM-4DD 400G QSFP-DD interface modules will be available in Q3. SONiC open source software, including platform drivers for the Edgecore Minipack AS8000 Switch, are available from the SONiC GitHub.

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TIP Summit: Edgecore developing Odyssey-DCSG, the Cell Site Gateway

Edgecore Networks announced plans for Odyssey-DCSG, an open networking cell site gateway that conforms to the Disaggregated Cell Site Gateway (DCSG) specification developed by Vodafone, Telefonica, Orange, and TIM Brazil within the Telecom Infra Project (TIP).

Edgecore said it will contribute the complete hardware design of the cell site gateway to TIP, and will make the Odyssey-DCSG product generally available in Q3 2019.

The Edgecore Odyssey-DCSG gateway will enable service providers to deploy 4G and 5G wireless services with the economies of disaggregated open network technology.

“The next generation of mobile networks need disaggregated open infrastructures that offer choice, innovation, and cost efficiencies,” said Luis MartinGarcia, Co-Lead, Disaggregated Cell Site Gateways project group, TIP, and Network Technologies Manager, Facebook. “Leading network operators have worked with the DCSG group to define the specific requirements for cell site gateways to enable this infrastructure. We are pleased with Edgecore’s contributions to that work, and their commitment to develop and deliver the DCSG gateway to the market as a fully open network product.”

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Edgecore debuts disaggregated PON OLTs for 10G

At SDN NFV World Congress in The Hague, Edgecore Networks introduced disaggregated open OLT products to enable service providers to deploy 10G PON services and GPON services with the lower costs and greater software control of SDN-managed open network infrastructures.

The Edgecore ASGvOLT32 and ASGvOLT64 GPON OLTs will provide 32-ports and 64-ports respectively of GPON, with uplink ports of 2 x 100GbE and 8 x 25GbE. The ASXvOLT16 10G OLT provides 16 XFP ports supporting 10G XGS-PON or NG-PON2, plus 4 x 100GbE uplinks.

The Edgecore open OLTs include the open source software components ONIE, Open Network Linux, Open Optical Monitoring (OOM) API, the Redfish hardware management API, and the OpenOLT Adapter (vOLTHA driver) for operation in SDN Enabled Broadband Access (SEBA) or R-CORD open infrastructures defined through the Open Network Foundation (ONF). The Edgecore open OLTs will also be compatible with commercial OLT software from Aricent. The Edgecore XGS-PON OLT is commercially available as part of an end-to-end full turnkey solution from DASAN Zhone Solutions.

Edgecore will contribute the complete hardware designs and introduce GPON OLT products in conformance with the “Deutsche Telekom Open GPON-OLT Specification” that has been approved through the OCP Telco Project.

Edgecore also announced that its ASXvOLT16 10G PON OLT has been fully approved by the Open Compute Project as an OCP-Accepted™ product, which is immediately available and conforms to the “AT&T Open XGS-PON 1RU OLT” specification in OCP.

“Deutsche Telekom is collaborating with open communities like OCP and ONF, and directly with leading open network vendors like Edgecore, to specify and accelerate the availability of open whitebox hardware manageable from open software platforms to reduce costs and improve performance for broadband access and other services,” said Armin Sumesgutner, SVP Fixed Mobile Engineering Deutschland, Deutsche Telekom. “We are pleased that Edgecore will provide commercial GPON OLT products as fully open hardware designs that conforms to the specification we contributed to OCP.”

“Edgecore has been working closely with leading service providers worldwide, and with the OCP, ONF and TIP communities to offer disaggregated hardware products that enable open network deployments for broadband access, edge computing, mobile backhaul, and edge switching use cases,” said George Tchaparian, CEO, Edgecore Networks. “The addition of open GPON OLTs to our OCP-Accepted 10G OLT will allow service providers to offer a mix of PON services from an SDN-enabled open hardware and software infrastructure, thereby lowering costs and increasing service flexibility.”

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Edgecore announces first 400G Open Network Switch

Edgecore Networks announced a 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400G) data center switch for public or private data center operators.

Edgecore's 400G, AS9716-32X open design switch, which will be contributed to the Open Compute Project (OCP), provides 32 x QSFP-DD ports each capable of 400G operation, in a 1U form factor. The AS9716-32X switch is based on the Broadcom StrataXGS Tomahawk III Switch Series and incorporates an Intel Xeon Processor D control plane processor.

As with all Edgecore open network switches, the 400G switch supports OCP software standards, including ONIE, Open Network Linux, the Open Optical Monitoring (OOM) API, and the Redfish hardware management API. Edgecore will work with commercial software partners and open software communities to enable commercial and open source Network Operating System (NOS) options for the 400G switch.

“Four years ago, Edgecore contributed the industry’s first OCP-ACCEPTED™ network product, a 10G top-of-rack switch,” said George Tchaparian, CEO, Edgecore Networks. “Since then, we have contributed over 15 network product designs as open networking technology and deployments grew to include 25G/100G data center fabrics, deep-buffer data center interconnect switches, service provider access infrastructures, open modular chassis, and campus/branch/wireless networks. Now, Edgecore is introducing the industry’s first 400G open network switch, enabling network operators to respond to growing demands for network capacity, and increasing the bandwidth of open network switches by a factor of 40 over the past four years.”

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Edgecore contributes its whitebox “Cassini” Packet Transponder to TIP

Edgecore Networks is contributing the hardware design for the “Cassini” packet transponder to the Telecom Infra Project (TIP). 

Cassini is a modular open-source whitebox packet transponder offering a flexible mix of 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) packet switching ports and 100/200 Gbps coherent optical interfaces for data center interconnect and service provider backhaul use cases. The design will support disaggregated software options including IP Infusion OcNOS™ and open source alternatives.

Edgecore said it developed Cassini with leading optical companies— NTT Electronics, Acacia Communications, and Finisar.

“The Open Optical Packet Transport project group in TIP pioneered the whitebox packet transponder concept with its introduction last year of the Voyager design which has gained significant interest in the community and from network operators,” said George Tchaparian, CEO, Edgecore Networks. “We have long supported open whitebox hardware with our many switch, PON OLT, and WiFi design contributions to the Open Compute Project®, and are now pleased to contribute the Cassini design to TIP as an open platform to provide more flexible whitebox choices to operators and encourage further collaboration between the packet switching and optical technology worlds.”

Highlights of the Cassini packet transponder

• a 1.5RU form factor 
• system throughput of 3.2Tbps 
• based on Broadcom StrataXGS Tomahawk Plus switch silicon
• 16 fixed 100 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP28 ports, plus eight line card slots 
• supports a flexible mix of additional 100GbE ports or ACO/DCO optical ports based on coherent DSP and optical transceivers
• supports Ethernet and optical line cards with MACsec security to enable secure encrypted connections on both client-side links and metro or wide area connections.

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Edgecore Showcases 25/100 GBE switches, virtual OLT based on AT&T XGS-PON specification

Edgecore Networks, a provider of open networking solutions and a subsidiary of Accton Technology, has announced design contributions to the Open Compute Project (OCP) of a 25 Gigabit Ethernet top-of-rack switch and high-density 100 Gigabit Ethernet spine switch designed to lower the cost of high capacity data centre networks, as well as 802.1ac WiFi access point designs.

At the OCP Summit Edgecore is showcasing new open hardware platforms that extend open networking into telecom applications, including a modular packet optical switch integrating Ethernet networking at up to 100 Gigabit Ethernet and featuring analogue coherent optics (ACO) and digital coherent optics (DCO) technology from multiple partners.

The company is also displaying a disaggregated virtual OLT for PON deployment at up to 10 Gbit/ that is based on the AT&T Open XGS-PON 1RU OLT specification contributed to the OCP Telco working group.

Edgecore is contributing the specification and design package for the AS7800-64X, the first open network switch design to be based on the Broadcom StrataXGS Tomahawk II switch series, which provides 64 x QSFP28 ports in a 2U form factor and is designed to deliver a cost effective 100 Gigabit Ethernet networking alternative.

In addition, to meet demand for optimised 25 Gigabit Ethernet top-of-rack switching, Edgecore is contributing the specification and design for the AS7300-54X open network switch, based on Broadcom's StrataXGS Tomahawk switch series, providing 48 x SFP28 ports, each supporting 10 or 25 Gigabit Ethernet and 6 x QSFP28 100 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports.

The AS7300-54X and AS7800-64X designs feature options for CPU modules incorporating Intel Atom, Xeon Processor D or NXP QorIQ T2080 processors. The switches also initially offer support for OCP-ACCEPTED networking software, including Open Network Install Environment (ONIE), Open Network Linux, Open Optical Monitoring (OOM) API and SnapRoute's FlexSwitch NOS.

At the OCP Summit, Edgecore is showcasing new open networking demonstrations and products including:

1. Its ASFvOLT16 disaggregated virtual OLT, an OCP-INSPIRED product conformant with AT&T Open XGS-PON 1RU OLT specification based on Broadcom StrataDNX switch and PON MAC SOC silicon and offering 16 ports of XGS-PON or NG-PON2 with 4 x QSFP28 ports for next generation PON deployments and R-CORD telecom infrastructure.

2. The AS7812-24S open packet optical switch, a 1.5U modular platform based on Broadcom StrataXGS Tomahawk switch silicon that provides 3.2 Tbit/s bandwidth over a mix of 10 to 100 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 100/200 Gbit/s CFP2 coherent optical ports, integrating optics and coherent DSP technology from partners Acacia Communications, Finisar and NTT Electronics.

3. The OCP-ACCEPTED AS7512-32X 100 Gigabit Ethernet open network switch based on Cavium XPliant switch silicon with Software for Open Networking in the Cloud (SONiC), the open source networking software contributed to OCP by Microsoft and co-contributors.

4. An Open Optical Monitoring (OOM) API demonstration based on Edgecore open switch hardware, Cumulus Linux NOS, and 25 and 100 Gbit/s optical transceivers from Finisar that shows the OCP-ACCEPTED OOM integrating asset management and health monitoring of optical transceivers and switches.

5 Its Wedge100BF-65X open network switch, offering 65 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet ports and based on Barefoot Networks programmable Tofino switch silicon, which is being contributed to OCP.

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PLUMgrid Partners with Edgecore on OpenStack Cloud

Taiwan-based Edgecore Networks will resell PLUMgrid’s full SDN portfolio of solutions including its Open Networking Suite (ONS) for OpenStack, CloudApex SDN visualization and monitoring platform.

“Partnering with Edgecore brings their extensive networking and integrated solutions experience to our joint clients in Asia,” said PLUMgrid CEO Larry Lang. “Combining their expertise and knowledge of regional markets with our integrated ONS platform and SDN solutions dramatically advances OpenStack networking and delivers significant value to our enterprise and service provider clients.”

http://www.plumgrid.com/press-releases/2016/03/plumgrid-and-edgecore-networks-partner-to-deliver-openstack-cloud-solutions/

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