Thursday, July 7, 2022

FCC begins Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative for mobile operators

The FCC launched a Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative (MDRI) aimed at ensuring that the nation’s communications networks are more available in the midst of disasters and other emergencies. 

MDRI will leverage the industry-developed Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework, which is a voluntary agreement among a limited group of facilities-based mobile wireless service providers.   This agreement, which the Commission endorsed in lieu of a mandatory regulatory regime at the time,  commits its participants to a five-pronged approach to enhance coordination during an emergency by 

  1. providing for reasonable roaming under disaster arrangements (RuDs) when technically feasible; 
  2. fostering mutual aid among wireless providers during emergencies; 
  3. enhancing municipal preparedness and restoration by convening with local government public safety representatives to develop best practices, and establishing a provider/PSAP contact database; 
  4. increasing consumer readiness and preparation through development and dissemination with consumer groups of a Consumer Readiness Checklist; and 
  5. improving public awareness and stakeholder communications on service and restoration status, through Commission posting of data on cell site outages on an aggregated, county-by-county basis in the relevant area through its Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS).   

Beyond the terms of the Framework itself, the FCC sought input on whether wireless providers should be required to perform testing of their roaming capabilities and related coordination processes, submit reports to the Commission regarding how the Framework had been implemented during a disaster and on whether despite the merits of its history during disasters now, the Framework would be more effective if some or all of its obligations were codified as mandatory. 

The FCC has now issued a Report and Order requiring that all facilities-based mobile wireless providers, including each such signatory to the Framework, comply with the MDRI. 

The FCC believes the incremental costs imposed on facilities-based mobile wireless providers by these new requirements will be minimal in many cases and, even when significant, will be far outweighed by the nationwide benefits.

Jessica Rosenrorcel, Chairwoman of the FCC, states: "Today’s action takes several important first steps to improve the resiliency of our wireless networks.  First, it expands the times and places where carriers will be able to roam on each other’s networks during an emergency, improving the likelihood that people will be able to stay connected when the unthinkable happens.  Second, it takes what has to this point has been a voluntary Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework, which promotes service continuity through coordination, assistance, and information sharing during and after emergencies and disasters, and makes it mandatory for all mobile network operators.  We’ve seen that the mutual aid and other provisions of this Framework can be effective at speeding recovery and ensuring responders have all the information they need, and it’s time that these practices be implemented on an industry-wide basis.  Third, it changes the circumstances that can trigger the initiation of the Framework, meaning that the Framework’s activation will be more predictable, consistent, and responsive to needs on the ground."

https://www.fcc.gov


Brightspeed outlines initial FTTP builds

Brightspeed has outlined plans to rollout fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) in a number of locations across its 20-state footprint. 

Brightspeed will initially be comprised of the incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) assets and associated operations of Lumen Technologies, which are the subject of a pending acquisition by Apollo-managed funds. The company recently announced that it had secured all necessary state-required regulatory approvals in the 20 states in its operating footprint. The parties expect to obtain final FCC approval in the third quarter, and to close the transaction in early fourth quarter.

Brightspeed said it intends to invest at least $2 billion in its fiber optics transformation, which is expected to reach up to 3 million homes and businesses over the next five years, including in many rural and suburban locations where fiber and advanced technology have not historically been deployed. The company has been ramping its network design and construction planning as it prepares for day one operations across its multistate operating territory.

Brightspeed's FTTP architecture leverages XGS-PON, capable of symmetrical internet speeds exceeding 1Gbps, and Wi-Fi 6 for optimal performance and coverage to support the multitude of connected devices within homes and businesses.



First phase rollouts announced so far:

  • Alabama - by the end of 2023, Brightspeed will finish the first phase of construction and deliver over 60,000 new fiber passings across several counties in the state. This includes locations over the next 18 months in markets within Baldwin, Covington, Dale, Elmore, Fayette, Geneva, Henry, Pickens, and Tallapoosa counties.
  • Louisiana -  by the end of 2023, Brightspeed will deliver up to 14,000 new fiber passings in the first phase of its fiber optics network build in the state of Louisiana. The 2022-23 fiber build plan for Louisiana targets locations in portions of Acadia, Calcasieu, Evangeline, Franklin, Jefferson Davis, and Webster parishes. The company aims to achieve an additional 14,000 fiber passings in Louisiana in subsequent years of its build plan, for a total of up to 28,000 fiber-enabled locations in Louisiana.
  • North Carolinaby end of 2023, Brightspeed will deliver over 300,000 new fiber passings in portions of more than 30 counties in the first phase of construction in the state. This includes locations within the Greenville/New Bern, Raleigh/Durham, and Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem areas, among others. Brightspeed further plans an additional 500,000 fiber passings in subsequent years of its network transformation initiative, for a total of up to 800,000 fiber-enabled locations across its North Carolina footprint.
  • Ohio - by end of 2023, Brightspeed aims to deliver over 170,000 new fiber passings in portions of a dozen counties in the first phase of construction in the state. This includes locations in Allen, Crawford, Darke, Defiance, Henry, Logan, Lorain, Richland, Trumbull, Union, Van Wert, and Wayne counties. Brightspeed plans an additional 210,000 fiber passings in the state in subsequent years of its build plan, for a total of over 380,000 fiber-enabled locations across its Ohio operating territory.
  • Texas - by the end of 2023, the company will deliver over 120,000 new fiber passings in the first phase of deployment in the state. This includes locations in portions of the Atascocita, Killeen, Kings Crossing, and Port Aransas communities. Brightspeed plans to add 160,000 more passings in its Texas operating territory – for a total of up to 280,000 – in subsequent years of the network build.
  • Virginiaby the end of 2023, Brightspeed plans to deliver over 60,000 new fiber passings in the first phase of its fiber network build in the state of Virginia. This includes locations in portions of the city of Charlottesville, as well as parts of Albemarle, Campbell, Henry, Page, Rockbridge, and Smyth counties. Brightspeed further plans an additional 70,000 fiber passings in subsequent years of its network transformation program, for a total of up to 130,000 fiber-enabled locations in Virginia.

"We are pleased to share our initial fiber build locations for Louisiana," said Sherry Hessenthaler, Operations Strategy Lead for Brightspeed. "Brightspeed's mission is to expand and accelerate the availability of high-quality broadband that will enable our communities to grow and thrive. We are looking forward to offering a new choice in internet and to extending the full capabilities of our advanced fiber technology to residents and businesses in our Louisiana footprint."

"In addition to our initial network build scope, we welcome the opportunity to work with key stakeholders at state and local levels to further expand fiber-based internet availability through participation in Louisiana's Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) program and other initiatives as they arise," added Hessenthaler.

http://www.brightspeed.com

Lumen to sell ILEC operations in 20 states for $7.5 billion

Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink) agreed to sell its ILEC (incumbent local exchange carrier) business, including its consumer, small business, wholesale and mostly copper-served enterprise customers and assets, in 20 states to funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management for $7.5 billion, including debt assumption of approximately $1.4 billion. Lumen will retain its ILEC assets in 16 states, as well as its national fiber routes...

CenturyLink is now Lumen

CenturyLink changed its name to Lumen Technologies.The company's mission statement is "to help lead enterprises through the challenges and opportunities of the 4th Industrial Revolution – a time when smart, connective devices are everywhere.""Our people are dedicated to furthering human progress through technology. Lumen is all about enabling the amazing potential of our customers, by utilizing our technology platform, our people, and our relationships...


QuiX raises €5.5 million for photonic quantum processor

QuiX Quantum, a start-up developing a photonic quantum processor, announced a €5.5 million Seed Round investment from PhotonDelta, FORWARD.one and Oost NL.

QuiX, which is based in Enschede, Netherlands, has developed a low-loss, multimode, reconfigurable interferometer that functions as quantum photonic processor, allowing the user to perform arbitrary, controlled interference between a number of optical channels, in the classical or quantum domain. The processor consists of an optical chip on which the interference occurs, which is packaged in a plug-and-play control box. QuiX says its quantum photonic processor is fully calibrated and temperature stable. The company includes dedicated control software. 

Ewit Roos, CEO of PhotonDelta, said: “QuiX Quantum is one of the Netherland’s most exciting startups. In only three years it has become an industry leader and now, with this initial investment, it will be able to make a serious breakthrough in quantum computing. Photonics is an incredibly powerful new technology that has scores of applications. QuiX Quantum is showcasing how it can be applied to overcome some major hurdles in quantum computing and underscoring why it is so important that we build our own European photonics industry.”

https://www.quixquantum.com/news/quix-quantum-lands-eu5-5-million-for-development-of-worlds-most-powerful-photonic-quantum-computer

The Netherlands aims for photonic integrated circuit leadership with €1.1B fund

PhotonDelta, a cross-border ecosystem of photonic chip technology organizations,secured €1.1 billion in public and private investment. This includes €470 million from the National Growth Fund of the Netherlands, while the rest is co-invested by various partners and stakeholders. The aim is to transform the Netherlands into the leader of the next generation of semiconductors and photonic integrated circuits (PICs).The programme will run for six...


Taiwan's NEXCOM ships single-port 200GbE SmartNIC

NEXCOM, a leading supplier of network appliances based in Taiwan, has released a compact single-port 200GbE network interface card (NIC) powered by the NVIDIA ConnectX-6 Dx SmartNIC silicon and a PCIe Gen4 interface. The network connection is enabled through one QSFP56 port to utilize double-bit PAM4 data transmission. This allows 200 Gbps in each direction using a single 4-lane copper or fiber cable. The NVIDIA ConnectX-6 Dx SmartNIC provides more value-added features, including advanced networking and security to accelerate mission-critical applications. Thus, NL 110FM-OS is perfectly fit for security, virtualization, SDN, NFV, big data, machine learning, storage, and network performance testing and emulation.

The new product is compatible with NEXCOM's latest rackmount network appliances.

 "By adopting the latest 200GbE NIC card powered by ConnectX-6, our customers can significantly increase the throughput of their servers and pivot to massive data processing without much effort," said Matthew Liu, CTO of Network & Communication Solutions at NEXCOM. "We have a long history of working with NVIDIA on the adaptation of previous generation LAN controllers and are looking forward to our next successful joint projects."

"Data centers are being transformed by the growing demands of next-generation architectures required for massive hyperscale clouds and AI workloads," said Eunice Chiu, VP, Sales and GM Taiwan at NVIDIA. "NVIDIA's networking platform equips innovators such as NEXCOM to supercharge networking performance for the next wave of breakthrough data center applications."

https://www.nexcom.com

Microsoft's data center UPS batteries to provide backup for Irish grid

Microsoft believes the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries used in its hyperscale data centers could provide backup power to the public electrical grid. 

The UPS in Microsoft’s Dublin data center in Ireland will be the first to enable real-time interaction with the electric power grid. This will help grid operators provide uninterrupted service when demand exceeds the supply generated elsewhere on the grid by wind, solar and other sources.

"We have this battery asset in the datacenter that is just sitting there,” said Christian Belady, distinguished engineer and vice president of Microsoft’s datacenter advanced development group. "Why don’t we offer it to the grid and come up with a dynamic way of managing it as a dual-purpose asset and thus drive more efficiency and asset utilization? That’s what drove this win-win situation."

https://news.microsoft.com/innovation-stories/ireland-wind-farm-datacenter-ups/

SpaceX launches 53 more Starlink satellites

SpaceX launched 53 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The booster was successfully recovered.

This was the 13th flight for the Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew Demo-2, ANASIS-II, CRS-21, Transporter-1, Transporter-3, and now eight Starlink missions. 

The mission was the 28th this year for SpaceX. It was also the 100th time that SpaceX has reflown a first stage.


https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl4-21/

Orange France installs Passive Optical LAN from Nokia

Orange is deploying a passive optical LAN (POL) solution from Nokia at over 20 sites in France including the new Orange Headquarters, Bridge, in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris.

The POL solution replaces the existing copper-based LAN, connecting more than 5,000 end points including Wi-Fi and hard-wired terminals.

Philippe Gacougnolle, Orange France Director of the Internal Network Domain said: “Moving to POL for our intra office connectivity can save significant energy costs and reduce emissions which is essential to help Orange meet its ambitious environmental goals”

Stephane Azoulay, Nokia Head of Orange France Account said: “Switching from traditional LAN to POL technology means a more compact solution, with less energy consumption and much better performance proving the best possible user experience. We’re proud to have been selected by Orange for this important project.”

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2022/07/07/nokia-and-orange-france-deploy-passive-optical-lan-solution-over-20-sites/



Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Southern Cross NEXT cable enters service

The Southern Cross NEXT system, which boasts 72 Tbps of capacity between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, is now live. 

The Southern Cross NEXT system includes 12 cable stations and eight major datacenter hubs in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The Southern Cross network spans six countries and eight time zones, connected by over 45,000 km (28,000 mile) of cable – greater than the Earth’s circumference.

The installation of the submarine cable system was performed by Alcatel Submarine Networks, who additionally designed and manufactured the cable, repeaters, and branching units. 


Pioneer Consulting oversaw and handled the dynamic elements of the project, including market and business case analysis, procurement and contracting, project implementation, quality assurance, and shipboard representation, ensuring the successful commissioning of the subsea system between each cable station.



Ciena to supply its GeoMesh Extreme for Southern Cross NEXT

Southern Cross Cable Limited selected Ciena’s GeoMesh Extreme submarine solution for its upcoming NEXT submarine cable across the Pacific.The NEXT system will leverage Ciena’s WaveLogic 5 Extreme to seamlessly mesh the new system into the current Southern Cross network fabric while supporting higher connectivity services and a fully integrated eco-system. “Today’s work from home mandates and the sudden dramatic influx of remote digital requirements...


ONF releases VOLTHA v2.10 for fiber-to-the-building

ONF released VOLTHA v2.10 along with an updated ONOS release (v2.5.6). 

VOLTHA and ONOS are already deployed in production networks at Deutsche Telekom, Türk Telekom, and several other operators, as well as in trials at additional operators such as Telecom Italia. 

VOLTHA v2.10 focused on supporting Fiber to the Building (FTTB) workflow with management, ANCP and subscriber rules installation. Emphasis was also placed on scale, software upgrade, and COMBO PON. The collaboration with the Broadband Forum (BBF) yielded contributions to the BBF models to properly integrate VOLTHA with the BAA framework along with a first implementation of a combined solution. 

Additionally, a new white box OLT was certified for v2.10, the Zyxel SDA3016SS Combo OLT. A complete list of hardware certified under ONF's Continuous Certification Program is as follows: 

  • Edgecore ASGVolt64 GPON OLT
  • Edgecore ASXVolt16 XGSPON OLT
  • Radisys 3200G GPON OLT
  • Radisys 1600G GPON OLT
  • Radisys 1600X GPON OLT
  • ADTRAN 6320 Combo OLT
  • Zyxel SDA3016SS Combo OLT
  • Sercomm FG1000 GPON ONU
  • Sercomm Glasfaser GPON ONU (based on FG1000)
  • Edgecore 6712-32X Switch
  • Edgecore 7712-32X Switch

https://opennetworking.org

Intel acquires the Open Networking Foundation's team

The Open Networking Foundation (ONF), which was established in 2011 with a mission of transforming networking by championing software-defined networking (SDN), disaggregation and open source, has released all of its projects to open source with permissive software licenses as it transitions away from code development by an internal team. To this end, ONF has open sourced the entirety of its portfolio of production-ready platforms, including solutions...

POET samples 200G FR4 optical engines

POET Technologies has begun sampling its 200G FR4 Transmit (TX) and Receive (RX) Optical Engines through Super Photonics, its joint venture with Sanan IC. Commercial production is expected by the end of the year.

The Optical Engines are based on the POET Optical Interposer packaging platform. The 200G FR4 Transmit Optical Engine integrates four high-speed directly modulated lasers (DMLs) each operating at 50 Gbps with a low-loss AWG (Arrayed Waveguide Grating)-based multiplexer that is monolithically integrated on the Optical Interposer. Monitor photodiodes are built into the Optical Engine for active power monitoring.

The 200G FR4 Receive Optical Engine integrates four high-speed photodetectors each operating at 50 Gbps with a low-loss AWG (Arrayed Waveguide Grating)-based demultiplexer that is monolithically integrated on the Optical Interposer. A single mode optical fiber with LC connector is attached to the TX and RX Optical Engines for seamless integration in a 200GBASE-FR4 transceiver module.

Key features:

  • Supports 200GBASE-FR4 (4x50Gbps) PAM-4 transmission
  • Uncooled DFB lasers (CWDM wavelengths) and PIN photodetectors
  • A low-loss AWG (Arrayed Waveguide Grating)-based quad-wavelength multiplexer and demultiplexer that are temperature independent and monolithically integrated into the optical waveguide layer of the Optical Interposer
  • A small size form factor, which enables an 200GBASE-FR4 and 2x200GBASE-FR4 in a QSFP56 optical transceiver module
  • LC connectorized single mode fiber attached to the engines

“We see significant customer interest in 200GBASE-FR4 transceivers and are excited to start sampling our Optical Engines for this application,” said Raju Kankipati, VP of Product Line Management (PLM) at POET Technologies. “Our highly integrated Optical Engines will enable customers to offer cost effective and scalable 200GBASE-FR4 and 2x200GBASE-FR4 transceivers to cloud data center end customers. We, through our joint venture, Super Photonics, have started sampling multiple lead customers, who we expect to work closely with through their transceiver design completion phase.”

http://www.poet-technologies.com

AT&T expands FirstNet in Navajo Nation

AT&T announced an expansion of the FirstNet network in the Navajo Nation and a collaboration with Commnet Broadband, NTUA, NTUA Wireless, and the Navajo Nation Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. The rollout includes additional Band 14 spectrum and AT&T commercial LTE spectrum bands across more than 100 sites across Navajo Nation’s 27,000 square miles.

“The expansion of FirstNet coverage equips Tribal first responders serving the Navajo Nation with secure and dedicated connectivity when they need it – both in their daily operations and when emergencies arise. Navajo Nation emergency personnel have harnessed FirstNet during their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as supporting their communication during planned events ranging from the Navajo Nation Fair to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s visit last spring. The collaboration with small and rural telecom providers, including Commnet Wireless, has helped us further extend the reach of FirstNet in rural and tribal communities," states Angel Benally, Tribal Affairs Specialist, FirstNet Program at AT&T.

https://about.att.com/story/2022/firstnet-navajo-nation.html


Portugal's REN upgrades optical backbone with Nokia

Redes Energeticas Nacionais (REN), the Portuguese Transmission System Operator (TSO), renewed its optical transport network using  Nokia packet DWDM/OTN technology. The contract covers DWDM/OTN switches, coherent line cards, operational software, and professional services.

REN’s optical transport layer connects more than 25 gas and electrical substations with 1,600 km of optical fiber around the entire country. Nokia’s DWDM/OTN solution supports network slicing to guarantee capacity and latency for operational communications services up to 100 Gigabit Ethernet speeds. The deal follows the successful 2018 implementation of the Nokia DWDM/OTN technology for datacentre interconnection.

Luis Bueno, Nokia head of Enterprise for Spain and Portugal, said: “Following the success of the 2018 project to connect REN’s datacentres, we are proud to build on their relationship and rollout this country-wide deployment with the support of our local partner Axians Portugal.”

Inês Lucas, IT Director, REN, said: “We have partened with Nokia and Axians to upgrade REN´s optical transmission network and provide maintenance support during its full lifecycle. It was a two year project and we were able to meet successfully our requirements and initial plan throughout a very constrained period with all the pandemic logostic and human restrictions.”

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2022/07/06/nokia-supports-ren-in-building-a-state-of-the-art-mission-critical-transmission-network-with-dwdmotn-technology/

ADVA announces changes to its management board

ADVA Optical Networking announced that Brian Protiva is to step down as CEO. After a transition period of several weeks, Protiva will assume the role of vice chairman of Acorn HoldCo, Inc. (the holding company of Adtran and ADVA). During Protiva’s 25-year tenure as chief executive officer, he successfully steered the company from a small start-up to an industry leader in metro WDM and Ethernet access devices. 

Christoph Glingener will be appointed ADVA’s new CEO and will also continue as the company’s CTO. ADVA said Glingener will continue to support ADVA’s business combination with Adtran while maintaining his current work as CTO. 

“Working side-by-side with Brian for eight years, I was privileged to see one of the industry‘s true leaders develop a world-class company. During his 25 years as ADVA’s CEO, Brian helped define a whole new landscape of innovation and possibilities,” said Nikos Theodosopoulos, chairman of ADVA’s supervisory board. “From broadband connectivity to mobile communications to data security, Brian played an integral role in building the infrastructure that forms many of today’s foundational building blocks. And this commitment to the industry isn’t going to end here. As a board member of Adtran, he will continue to help steer the industry and drive a new wave of opportunities.”

https://www.adva.com/en/newsroom

ADTRAN + ADVA merger targets fiber broadband opportunities

ADTRAN and ADVA announced a merger focused on end-to-end fiber networking solutions for communications service provider, enterprise and government customers. The deal combines ADTRAN’s market presence in fiber access, fiber extension and subscriber connectivity solutions with ADVA’s position in metro wavelength division multiplexing, data center interconnect, business ethernet and network synchronization solutions. The new company, which will...


Swimlane raises $70 million for security automation

Swimlane, a start-up based near Boulder, Colorado, announced $70 million in new funding for its low-code security automation solutions.

Swimlane unifies security operations in-and-beyond the SOC into a single system of record that helps overcome process and data fatigue, chronic staffing shortages, and quantifying business value. The Swimlane Turbine platform combines human and machine data into actionable intelligence for security leaders.

The recent funding round led by Activate Capital and joined by existing investors Energy Impact Partners (EIP) and 3Lines Venture Capital .

“We are very proud of the global traction and results we have achieved,” said James Brear, CEO of Swimlane. “Besides our hyper revenue growth, we have achieved over 120% of net retention and product expansion. Our cloud product has seen a 5X increase in adoption over 2021 and our growth over the last four years is over 700%. This is a testament to our customer-first mindset and meeting all the use case requirements our customers demand.”

http://www.swimlane.com

Reinventing networking for multi-cloud, multi-region connectivity

https://youtu.be/kX3L9hQ-ceUAlkira's Amir Khan and Ahmed Datoo discuss the need for better enterprise networking solutions in the era of distributed applications residing in multiple clouds and regions.Four areas of challenge: (1) Geographic expansion of the network footprint (2) Connecting applications to the cloud (3) for customers already in the cloud, there is the challenge of expanding into multiple regions in the same cloud (4) for customer...

Hyper Automation of Enterprise Networks

https://youtu.be/VtN0YiGuIcoEnterprises really must ask themselves whether they are up for the challenge of automating workloads across their hybrid cloud environments, or whether a purpose-built automation framework could more easily optimize their operations. Jeff Gray, Co-founder and CEO of Gluware, says that for most companies it makes more sense to bring in a vendor capable of abstracting all of the disparate platforms into a cohesive layer...

Video: Simplifying Connectivity at Cloud Scale - Prosimo

https://youtu.be/oT6fNlB1Kj4Enterprises, including major financial institutions, have been struggling to provide connectivity at cloud scale for all of their application workloads, says Faraz Siddiqui, Head of Solutions Architecture, Prosimo.Filmed at ONUG Spring 2022.https://prosimo.ioWho is Prosimo? CTO presentationTuesday, April 06, 2021  Prosimo, SD-WAN, Start-Ups  https://youtu.be/58YMebmBJwMProsimo, a start-up...


Tuesday, July 5, 2022

LF Networking releases ONAP Jakarta

LF Networking released ONAP Jakarta -- the tenth version of its open-source, orchestration and automation framework for network operators, cloud providers, and enterprises. 

Release Highlights 

  • Security enhancements in the A&AI, DCAE, CCSDK, MSB, and MultiCloud projects, reducing log4j vulnerability and removing most GPLv3 dependencies.
  • Deepened O-RAN integration in the OOF Self Optimizing Network (SON) and CCSDK projects with O-RAN O1 models and the O-RAN AI Policy interface (consumed downstream by the O-RAN Software community).
  • Enablement of a richer set of day-2 configuration for Cloud-Native Network Functions (CNF) through CDS API extensions.
  • Intent-based networking (IBN) for closed loop for E2E Network Slicing
  • New functionality in the Configuration Persistence Service (CPS) that allows more granular control of configuration-heavy network services like RAN.
  • DCAE Transformation initiative was completed enabling huge resource savings and simplified deployment of collectors/event-processors/analytics microservices.
  • Simplification of control loop automation architecture, enabling easy deployment of new control modules. New Network Function lifecycle management features based on real-life use cases.
  • Modeling: Solidified the data model for CNFs using the novel ASD approach, while continuing alignment with data models produced by SDOs such as ETSI.
  • An overhaul of the policy framework allowing easy composition of control loop policies and better observability.

In addition, ONAP Jakarta brings a number of security enhancements as well as integration with the O-ORAN Software Community (O-RAN SC). 

"We are pleased to announce that the ONAP community has issued its tenth release, ! We’ve maintained our cadence of two major releases per year and the community has really hit its stride as we continue into our fifth year as a project! It’s the ongoing, collaborative spirit of the developers and contributors across our growing ecosystem that’s established ONAP as an open source, comprehensive platform for orchestration, management, and automation of network and edge computing services," states Catherine Lefèvre, ONAP TSC Chair. 

https://lfnetworking.org/onap-issues-jakarta-release-with-expanded-security-o-ran-alignment-5g-enhancements-and-more/

Ekinops' SixSq joins 5G-EMERGE

Ekinops has joined SixSq in the 5G-EMERGE project, which aims to develop solutions that leverage 5G technology and satellite broadcasting for media delivery. The project is part of the European Space Agency (ESA) programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) led by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The 5G-EMERGE project aims at developing an integrated satellite and terrestrial system based on open standards to enable high-quality content distribution services over multi-layer IP infrastructures. Telecommunications satellites will efficiently deliver high-demand content, including streaming of live events, as close as possible to the end user – to the 'edge'. The project includes demonstrations in 5G base stations, users' homes and vehicles.

A consortium of 20 companies from six European countries will collaborate on developing the distributed edge technology and service-delivery features. SixSq's contribution includes leading the demonstration work package and providing the edge-to-cloud software infrastructure based on its Nuvla.io B2B SaaS platform and marketplace of containerised applications, as well as its open source NuvlaEdge software.

SixSq CEO Marc-Elian Bégin said, "leveraging satellite broadcast and 5G is a great opportunity to deliver the right high-density content at the right location with the right customization. However, this requires fine-tuned orchestration of the entire value chain and this is what SixSq edge-to-cloud software provides. We are no stranger to big challenges posed by ESA and EBU and are looking forward to pushing the boundaries of edge-to-cloud, bringing together the space sector, 5G and multi-media content delivery."

"The 5G-Emerge project is yet another example of Ekinops' long commitment towards software innovation as a mean to add value to the telecommunications sector," commented Vincent Munière, Group Chief Technology Officer & VP R&D at Ekinops. "We are looking forward to helping set the bar in 5G services and content delivery."

http://www.ekinops.com/ 

https://sixsq.com


CoreSite improves power utilization effectiveness to 1.39

CoreSite achieved a company-wide power utilization effectiveness of 1.39 in 2021, compared to 1.42 in 2020, according to its newly published its 2021 Sustainability Report.

CoreSite’s 2021 accomplishments include:

  • Entering into a 100% total renewable generation program at its Reston Colocation Data Center (VA3), located at 12369 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191
  • Completing a highly energy-efficient cooling system at its Boston Data Center (BO1), located at 70 Inner Belt Rd, Somerville, MA 02143, that will save an estimated eight million kilowatt-hours each year
  • Decreasing its carbon intensity per million dollars of revenue and per net rentable square foot compared to 2020, while expanding its operational footprint

CoreSite also recently joined the Infrastructure Masons Climate Accord (ICA), a historic cooperative of more than 150 companies established in 2022 and committed to reducing carbon in digital infrastructure materials, products and power.

“CoreSite remains committed to being a reliable partner, people-centered and efficiency-focused company,” said Juan Font, President of CoreSite and SVP of U.S. Tower. “I am proud of what our team has been able to accomplish over the last year to further our sustainability journey. As members of the Infrastructure Masons Climate Accord, we look forward to collaborating with our industry peers to find ways to enhance our sustainability initiatives as well as improve the tracking and reporting of key sustainability markers.”

https://investors.coresite.com/news-releases/news-release-details/coresite-publishes-annual-sustainability-report-joins

Phoenix Tower to acquire 3,800 towers from WOM Chile

Phoenix Tower International has agreed to acquire up to 3,800 telecommunications sites in Chile from WOM SpA. The deal includes approximately 2,334 tower sites at the initial closing and 1,466 additional sites by 2024 for a total consideration of approximately $930 million, a portion of which will be paid upon transfer of the additional sites.

After accounting for this transaction, PTI will become the largest communications tower owner in Chile, expanding its global presence to over 22,000 towers in 19 countries.

“PTI is excited to enter the wireless infrastructure market in Chile. We have strong relationships with all four Mobile Network Operators in the country, each of which will be deploying 5G networks in the near term. We are proud of our partnership with WOM and the continued expansion of the relationship that this transaction represents,” said Dagan Kasavana, CEO of PTI.

“This transaction further solidifies PTI’s global footprint and is a fantastic next step for our customers, employees and investors at Blackstone,” said Tim Culver, Executive Chairman of PTI.

“This deal enables WOM to strengthen our focus to provide affordable, easy–to-access, world-class connectivity to all Chileans and will allow us to fulfill our promise to deliver the best service at fair prices. It also enables us to strengthen our investment in Chile, particularly expanding 5G coverage from Arica to Punta Arenas over the next several months, as well as expanding coverage into rural areas of the country by delivering upgraded connectivity and contributing to a reduction of the digital gap,” said WOM CEO, Sebastian Precht.

https://www.phoenixintnl.com/news/phoenix-tower-international-to-acquire-up-to-3800-towers-from-wom-in-chile

Altice to sell its towers in the Dominican Republic 

Altice Europe will sell off its communications tower business in the Dominican Republic to Phoenix Tower International, a portfolio company of Blackstone, for US$170 million. The deal covers 1,049 sites currently operated by Altice Dominicana. In addition, Altice Dominicana will enter into a 20-year master agreement to lease back the facilities. Altice forms tower infrastructure companies in France and Portugal Thursday, June 21, 2018  Altice   Altice...

Bouygues and Phoenix to operate 4,000 mobile towers in France

Blackstone-backed Phoenix Tower International and Bouygues Telecom will form a joint venture to develop approximately 4,000 newly constructed wireless towers over 12 years across France outside the Very Dense Area. The companies said some of the sites will be deployed as part of Bouygues Telecom’s “New Deal Mobile” regulatory obligations of targeted mobile radio coverage improvements, accelerated mobile radio rollouts alongside transportation routes....


AT&T to bring fiber to City of Amarillo, TX

The city of Amarillo in Texas has selected AT&T for a $24 million project to bring its fiber network to more than 22,000 customer locations throughout the city. The project proposes providing access to AT&T Fiber for homes, businesses and government agencies in the city center. The project is contingent upon funding approval by the city of Amarillo and a final contract between AT&T and the city.

In 2021, AT&T made fiber available in more than 300,000 new locations in Texas.  

"We appreciate the leadership and foresight of the city in planning to choose AT&T Fiber, which will provide a fast and reliable internet solution for today and tomorrow. This is an important milestone for the city of Amarillo and the state of Texas to show how public-private partnerships can help close the digital divide," said Fred Maldonado, Regional Vice President, AT&T Texas. "We have a long history of connecting businesses and residents in Amarillo, and we look forward to working with the city of Amarillo on making plans to bring high-speed internet to those who need it most."