Gold Data plans subsea cable across Gulf of Mexico

Gold Data announced plans for a major subsea cable connecting Miami with multiple landing stations in Mexico.

The 10-fiber pair cable system will offer more than 250 Tbps of capacity.

Gold Data is working with Orange for the technical design; Orange Marine cable ship and Alcatel Submarine Networks for deployment; and Ciena for providing the GeoMesh Extreme SLTE and transport technology. Additionally, both Orange have signed agreements to acquire fiber pairs in Gold Data 1's system.

Gold Data said the US$150 million investment represents the third and final phase of its Mexico network expansion. Gold Data's network already reaches major data centers across the country.

"Our state-of-the-art topology network is revolutionizing Mexico's connectivity by reducing latency by up to 35%, something that is key for enterprises and content providers which are hungry for reliable, low latency, high quality connectivity. In addition, the expansion of this network to the US will be a game changer for Mexico's fast-growing innovators looking for a fresh alternative to Silicon Valley," says Renato Tradardi, CEO of Gold Data.

https://golddata.net/

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Cloudbrink introduces Hybrid-Access-as-a-Service

Cloudbrink, a start-up based in Sunnyvale, California, emerged from stealth to unveil its hybrid access as a service (HAaaS), promising enterprise-grade network performance, reliability and security for the hybrid workforce.

Cloudbrink's software-only solution transforms any home Internet or cellular connection. The 100% software-only solution operates without any gateway, hardware or appliance management. The company claims its software can reduce the effects of packet loss on latency from 300 msec on a video conference to less than 10 msec.

Cloudbrink has three components:

• The Brink App installed on end-user devices leverages the power of AI to overcome any network challenges and guarantees an excellent quality of experience for the end-user, regardless of the network.
• Enterprise access edges called Fast Edges automatically created close to the end user enable Cloudbrink to react rapidly to changes in demand, guaranteeing the highest possible performance.
• Cloudbrink software deployed in the customer’s cloud environment or data center provides a secure end-to-end connection built on dark network and zero trust principles from the end user to their applications.

Cloudbrink also announced $25 million in venture funding led by Highland Capital Partners and The Fabric.

Prakash Mana, co-founder and chief executive officer of Cloudbrink, said: “We’ve spoken to hundreds of CIOs and CISOs who are struggling to resolve the twin problems of performance and security for the hybrid workforce. They have found no existing solution that adequately addresses the performance issues."

“Cloudbrink’s HAaaS replaces legacy VPN and SD-WAN architectures and enables employees to work from anywhere in the world. We’re seeing an order-of-magnitude reduction in file transfer times and a terrific audio/video quality improvement. The business cares about that because when you transform the quality of experience for the user you don’t just increase productivity, you transform morale.”

https://www.cloudbrink.com

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T-Mobile activates mid-band spectrum on its 5G SA network

T-Mobile US activated mid-band spectrum on its nationwide 5G standalone (5G SA) network.

T-Mobile said this upgrade opens new possibilities for 5G carrier aggregation (NR CA) – which means combining different layers of 5G spectrum together for greater speed and capacity. T-Mobile will begin combining three channels of Ultra Capacity 5G, which in tests produced peak speeds topping 3 Gbps. 

“5G is making a meaningful impact today – changing the way people use their smartphones, bringing choice and competition to home broadband, improving disaster response and so much more … but we’re only scratching the surface on what 5G can do,” said Neville Ray, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “Transformative 5G networks are here, and T-Mobile is leading the charge with not just the largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network, but the most advanced as well. We’re driving the industry forward with 5G standalone and delivering a level of performance for customers that can’t be achieved otherwise.”

https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/4g-lte-5g-networks

T-Mobile US begins lighting up 5G with 2.5 GHz spectrum

Wednesday, September 02, 2020  5G, T-Mobile  

T-Mobile started lighting up its mid-band 5G spectrum (2.5 GHz) in more than 80 new cities and towns across the United States. The service is delivering peak download speeds of up to 1 Gbps and average speeds of around 300 Mbps - about 7.5x faster than today’s average LTE speeds. “T-Mobile has the competition in the rear-view mirror on 5G, and they’re only getting farther behind. While the other guys are playing catch-up, we’ve had nationwide...

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T-Mobile US pleased with its spectrum position

Wednesday, March 10, 2021  Spectrum, T-Mobile  

T-Mobile US confirmed that it invested just over $9.3 billion in the FCC’s C-Band auction, selectively acquiring additional mid-band spectrum, even s its competitors spent record-breaking amounts in the auction. T-Mobile won an average of 40 MHz of C-Band in key areas home to nearly 225 million people, which it will deploy to add additional depth to its already strong Ultra Capacity 5G, bringing even greater speed and performance. In the mid-band...

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POET to use Lumentum’s DMLs for400G, 800G and 1.6T transceivers

POET Technologies confirmed that it will use high-speed directly modulated laser (DML) technology from Lumentum in its own transmit optical engines to enable high volume, low power, and cost-efficient 400G, 800G, and 1.6T pluggable transceivers for hyperscale data centers.

POET expects to start sampling the 400G FR4 transmit optical engines with integrated drivers in the first half of 2023 and production by the second half of 2023. The 400G FR4 optical engines are architected as photonic chiplets and will be the industry’s first implementation of DMLs with flip-chip integration on an optical interposer at these data rates. With the small size and elegant design of POET’s optical engines, customers will have the flexibility to design 400G, 800G, and 1.6T pluggable transceivers using the same 400G FR4 chiplets.

“The majority of the 400G transceivers in the market today use either externally modulated lasers or silicon photonics combined with external lasers. These solutions require multiple components and involve several cumbersome and costly active alignments,” said Suresh Venkatesan, Chairman & CEO of POET. “POET has a significant opportunity to disrupt the market with a highly integrated solution with all passive alignments and monolithically integrated waveguides and multiplexers, which translates to lower cost, power, and size benefits to our customers.”

“With the continued deployment of 400G, plus 800G on the horizon in hyperscale data centers, there is a need for laser technologies that lower power consumption and cost and are easier to scale to high volumes,” said Wupen Yuen, Lumentum’s senior vice president and general manager of the Datacom Business Unit. “Lumentum’s high-performance 100G DML provides customers with an additional laser technology choice to help them optimize their transceiver solutions to best meet the needs of hyperscale data center operators while leveraging Lumentum’s proven high-speed laser manufacturing scale and quality.”

POET samples 200G FR4 optical engines

Wednesday, July 06, 2022  200G, POET  

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...

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DC BLOX deploys OFS fiber for CLS network extension

DC BLOX, a provider of multi-tenant data centers, dark fiber, and connectivity solutions, is using fiber optic cable from OFS for its Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Cable Landing Station (CLS) and terrestrial network extension. The project connects the Myrtle Beach CLS, through Charleston, Augusta, and Atlanta landing in Lithia Springs, Georgia with eight strategically located network aggregation facilities.

Through DC BLOX's acquisition of Light Source Communications' fiber assets in South Carolina and Georgia, the long-standing direct relationship ensures projects are supported from concept through completion, with direct access for technical support on all planning, deployment, and operational matters. 

DC BLOX celebrated the groundbreaking of the new CLS on October 4, 2022. The 15-megawatt CLS is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2023, while the fiber route will be completed in the first quarter of 2024. DC BLOX's nearly 500-mile dark fiber route will be the first, high-capacity East-to-West fiber path from South Carolina through Georgia. "With a relationship that spans more than seven years, we are proud to know that OFS' local facilities are manufacturing our fiber optic cabling. DC BLOX is committed to serving locally and connecting globally and bringing business opportunities to regional communities is important to us," adds Debra Freitas.

https://www.dcblox.com

https://www.ofsoptics.com

DC BLOX breaks ground on Myrtle Beach Cable Landing Station

Tuesday, October 04, 2022  Data Centers  

DC BLOX has commenced construction on its 15 megawatt  international subsea cable landing station (CLS) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, along with a new dark fiber route linking Myrtle Beach with the connectivity hub of the southeast in Atlanta. The CLS is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2023, while the fiber route will be completed in the first quarter 2024.“We are celebrating the groundbreaking of the new Myrtle Beach cable...

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DC BLOX buys dark fiber assets from Light Source and Ascendent

Wednesday, May 18, 2022  Data Centers, Mergers And Acquisitions  

DC BLOX, which operates data centers across the southeastern U.S.,  has acquired the southeastern fiber assets from Light Source Communications and Ascendant Capital Fiber, including a unique dark fiber network connecting South Carolina to Georgia that is currently in development.DC BLOX recently unveiled plans for a new Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The  acquisition positions DC BLOX as a premier vertically...

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Canada's NRC funds photonic chip-based satellite project

Researchers in Spain and Canada have demonstrated large-aperture light emitters directly implemented onto a photonic integrated chip.

The research, which is targets optical links for satellites, is a collaboration between the University of Málaga in Spain and Carleton University in Ottawa, and supported by the National Research Council of Canada.

https://nrc.canada.ca/en/stories/nrc-invents-groundbreaking-technology-photonic-chip-based-satellite-communications

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AMD's 4th gen server CPUs pack up to 96 cores

AMD released the 4th Gen EPYC processors, code-named Genoa, boasting up to 96 cores in a single processor and aimed at mission-critical workloads across cloud, enterprise and high performance computing.

The 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors are built on the “Zen 4” core, the highest performance core ever from AMD, offering up to 2.8X more performance, up to 54 percent less power consumption than the previous generation. The design in implemented at the 5nm node, and offers support for PCIe 5.0, CXL memory expansion, and 12 channels of DDR5.

“Choosing the right data center processor is more important than ever, and 4th Gen EPYC processors deliver leadership in every dimension,” said Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO, AMD. “The data center represents the largest growth opportunity and most strategic priority for AMD, and we are committed to making AMD the partner of choice by offering the industry’s broadest portfolio of high-performance and adaptive computing engines. We have built the best data center CPU roadmap in the industry, and with 4th Gen EPYC we deliver another major step forward in performance and efficiency to make the best server processor roadmap even better. With a significantly expanded set of solutions on-track to launch from our ecosystem of partners, customers selecting 4th Gen EPYC to power their data centers can improve performance, consolidate their infrastructure, and lower energy costs.”

Highlights

• Dell Technologies announced the next generation of Dell PowerEdge servers with 4th Generation AMD EPYC processors. 
• Google Cloud discussed incorporating 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors into Google Cloud Compute Engine and highlighted how AMD EPYC processors in its data centers are helping Google with their efficiency goals. 
• HPE announced new HPE ProLiant Gen11 servers that support 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors that are also available through a pay-as-you-go consumption model with HPE GreenLake. HPE also announced support for 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors across its supercomputing portfolio with the new HPE Cray EX2500 and HPE Cray XD2000 supercomputers.
• Lenovo introduced 21 new ThinkSystem servers and ThinkAgile hyperconverged (HCI) solutions, powered by 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors, including ThinkAgile VX and ThinkAgile HX to enable fast hybrid multi-cloud deployment and simplify infrastructure management.
• Microsoft announced a Preview of new Virtual Machines (VMs) for HPC. HBv4-series VMs and the all new HX-series VMs are both powered by 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors. Each will feature AMD 3D V-Cache Technology when they reach General Availability in 2023. Microsoft also announced additional VMs and containers using 4th Gen AMD EPYC are forthcoming.
• The latest Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) E5 compute instances are powered by 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors to be used by customers such as Oracle Red Bull Racing for development of their next generation of powertrain projects. Oracle will also provide enhanced security with OCI Confidential Computing, based on AMD Secure Encrypted Virtualization (SEV). 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors additionally power MySQL HeatWave, Oracle Autonomous Database and Exadata Database Service on OCI.
• Supermicro announced significant additions to its broad line of servers supporting the new 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors in the A+ series
• VMware announced vSphere 8 support and optimization for 4th Gen EPYC processor powered systems is available now.

https://www.amd.com/en/press-releases/2022-11-10-offering-unmatched-performance-leadership-energy-efficiency-and-next

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GSMA: European mobile operators lead in renewable energy

Global mobile operators are making strong progress in maximising the use of renewable energy in their networks, according to new figures from GSMA.

However, a survey indicates that access to an additional 64 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity – roughly equivalent to Austria’s annual energy usage – will be required by operators globally by 2030, as they seek to decarbonise their energy supplies. These requirements were detailed in the recent GSMA Access to Renewable Energy Policy Paper.

The new analysis released by the GSMA today, using data from 33 operators, covering 86 countries and approximately 50% of global mobile connections, shows tangible results, with renewable electricity use increasing across the mobile sector:

1. European networks are leading globally, purchasing on average 71% renewable energy.
2. Mobile networks in 41 of the 86 countries surveyed use more than 75% renewable energy
3. Mobile networks in 29 of the 86 countries use less than 25% renewable energy
4. 32% of renewable used by operators is procured through power purchase agreements with energy generators
5. 63% is achieved via renewable energy certificates from electricity markets
6. 4% results from self-generation of renewable electricity

The figures show that operators in Europe and North America have been able to both access and scale up the amount of renewable electricity used to power their networks in recent years. In contrast, accessing renewable electricity is still a challenge in many countries, shown by lower market-based regional figures across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America.

John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer at the GSMA, said: “Operators are making meaningful progress in the use of renewables to power communications networks. However, given the scale of demand, the GSMA calls for greater collaboration between the private and public sector to expand the renewable energy infrastructure needed to hit our net zero ambitions. This will require reducing regulatory barriers, supporting market-based mechanisms to access renewable electricity and incentivising investment in new renewable power generation.”

https://www.gsma.com/betterfuture/resources/mobile-industry-position-paper-access-to-renewable-energy

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Cisco to open silicon design center in Barcelona

Cisco  announced plans to launch a center for the design of next generation semiconductor devices in Spain.  The announcement was made by Chuck Robbins, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Cisco, in a meeting with H.E. Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain.

Specifically, Cisco plans to set up an engineering design center to design and prototype next generation semiconductor devices, under the framework of the Spanish strategic project for the Recovery and Economic Transformation of Microelectronics and Semiconductors (PERTE Microchip). The center will be co-located with the Cisco Innovation Center in Barcelona.

“Spain is on the way to become a key player in achieving the EU objective of reaching 20% of the world chip market by 2030. We have approved the program PERTE Microchip and have the roadmap, reforms and incentives in place to attract talent and strengthen the current Spanish ecosystem,” commented Pedro Sánchez. "The dedication of companies like Cisco will help strengthen our innovation ecosystem and be at the forefront of technological, industrial and social progress."

“Technology has the ability to help countries further their social and economic development and move even closer to an inclusive future for all. Today’s announcement reinforces Cisco’s commitment to support the digital ecosystem in Spain and across Europe,” Chuck Robbins said. “Semiconductors are essential to so much innovation, and our advances in this field help overcome the performance, economic, and power consumption limitations of current infrastructure. Cisco is thrilled to take an active role in addressing semiconductor supplies with the development of this design center, and we are also excited to be able to leverage talent across the globe and truly help build the internet of the future.”

https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2022/m11/cisco-to-launch-new-design-center-in-spain-for-next-generation-semiconductor-devices.html

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ITEN introduces a tiny 100µA.h micro-battery

ITEN introduced a micro-battery of only 100µA.h. that can be recharged via an indoor photovoltaic cell. 

Potential applications include sensors powered by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-chip implementations. The company says such a solution powered by its micro-battey could operate 24/7 sending data every 10 seconds during the day and every 4 to 5 minutes during the night (this frequency could be increased if using a 250µA.h micro-battery instead). By comparison, a coin cell of at least 100mA.h would be required to get the same operating conditions but with a limited lifetime.

ITEN, which is based in Lyon, France, recently closed a EUR 80 million financing round.

https://www.iten.com

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Intelsat Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 satellites successfully launched

 On Saturday, November 12th, SpaceX successfully launched Intelsat's Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 geosynchronous communications satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Intelsat's Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32, which were manufactured by Maxar, will ensure service continuity to Intelsat’s North American media customers.

Galaxy 31 will replace Galaxy 23 at 121 degrees west and will begin service in early 2023. The satellite will provide distribution services to cable headends throughout the United States.

Galaxy 32 will replace the C-band payload of Galaxy 17 at 91 degrees west in early 2023. This satellite will provide service continuity for Intelsat’s media customers with high-performance distribution to viewers in North America.

https://www.intelsat.com

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Zain's Q3 revenue rises 15% yoy, EBITDA margin at 39%

In Q3 2022, Zain Group generated consolidated revenue of KD 441 million (USD 1.4 billion), up an impressive 15% Y-o-Y. EBITDA for the quarter reached KD 171 million (USD 555 million), an increase of 2% Y-o-Y, reflecting a 39% EBITDA margin. Net income for the three months amounted to KD 54 million (USD 176 million), a 10% increase Y-o-Y. Earnings per share for Q3’22 amounted to 13 fils (USD 0.04).

The company said its significant increase in 9M consolidated net income is mainly due to the impressive performance of operations, particularly Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. The subsiding of the pandemic and increased economic activity across all markets combined with appealing consumer digital service offerings centered around streaming and gaming, had a positive effect on the results. Furthermore, lucrative ZainTech and B2B monetization initiatives amplified investments made in 4G, 5G and FTTH expansion and upgrades, also drove revenue growth.

Key Operational Notes for 9M 2022

• An interim cash dividend of 10 fils, totaling USD140 million was distributed in September 2022
• The 9M 2022 period was highlighted by the 109% Y-o-Y increase in net income at Zain KSA, a 140% net income increase at Zain Sudan and a 5% net income growth at Zain Kuwait
• Data revenue grew 3% to reach USD 1.66 billion representing 40% of consolidated revenue
• The first nine months saw Zain Group invest USD 316 million in CAPEX reflecting 8% of revenue, mainly in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH); spectrum fees; 4G upgrades and 5G rollouts
• Zain Jordan agreement with government includes extension of the current spectrum licenses for 10 years and a 25-year 5G license
• Zain KSA expects to finalize the sale of its passive Tower infrastructure to the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund led consortium for USD 807 million in Q4, 2022 
• Zain Bahrain receives approval from the Central Bank for a Fintech license
• Combined, Tamam in Saudi Arabia, Zain Cash in Iraq and Jordan, and M-Gurush in South Sudan increase their customer base by 34% with annual revenue growth of over 231%
• Digital services groupwide witness revenue growth of 47% Y-o-Y, inclusive of the Dizlee (API) platform, which continues its trajectory growth, offering 51 live services and resulting in over 175 million API transactions since launch in mid-2018
• Digital operator ‘Yaqoot’ in KSA saw revenue growth of 129% Y-o-Y
• The evolution of Zain Esports continues through the August 2022 launch of PLAYHERA MENA, a JV between Zain Group, Zain KSA and PLAYHERA. To date, Zain Esports has held 25 major tournaments, with 30,000 participants and acquired over 50 million social media impressions
• Zain joins the UN Global Compact initiative, a leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices
• Zain ranked best employer in Kuwait, among top-10 companies to work for in region by Forbes 
• ZainTech enters agreement to acquire BIOS Middle East, a regional cloud provider and receives two innovative awards from SAMENA Council-MEA Business Technology Achievement Awards. 

Chairman of Zain Group, Ahmed Al Tahous said, “These strong financial results underscore the Board and management’s focus on ensuring that investments in new growth opportunities, network upgrades and environmental, social and governance practices enhance shareholder value. We firmly believe that by providing meaningful connectivity that fosters equitable systemic change, we are empowering and improving the socio-economic well-being of the communities, businesses and government bodies we serve.”

Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO, Bader Al-Kharafi commented, “This outstanding 9M operational performance is testament to the successful execution of our ‘4Sight’ growth strategy that has firmly strengthened the company’s financial position to fund future opportunities. Our focus on driving efficiencies, synergies and digital transformation across our operations, in tandem with investing in new business verticals and network upgrades, all rooted in sustainability and inclusivity at the core of everything we do, is paying off.”

https://zain.com/en/press-release/9m2022 

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T-Mobile expands its 5G home service across MidWest

T-Mobile has expanded the footprint of its 5G Home Internet service across Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. With this expansion, more than 6 million homes throughout these states, and more than 40 million homes nationwide, are now eligible for T-Mobile Home Internet.

“Access to high-speed internet should be a given, yet millions of people across the country still have little to no choice when it comes to their home broadband. As reliance on internet access has skyrocketed in recent years, many ISPs have continued to underserve customers – year after year,” said Mike Katz, Chief Marketing Officer at T-Mobile. “Today, T-Mobile is taking another step to close the Digital Divide and increase access, bringing our Home Internet service to millions more homes across the Midwest. We’re leveraging the power of 5G to help customers break free from Big Internet.” 

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is priced at $50 a month.

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-expands-5g-home-internet-to-millions-across-the-midwest

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ADVA intros time-sensitive networking for the 5G edge

ADVA introduced time-sensitive networking (TSN) capabilities to its FSP 150-XG418 high-speed packet edge device. 

The upgraded solution, which actively uses technologies that minimize latency and reduce jitter, targets 5G services at scale, including mobile fronthaul, industrial automation and video/audio bridging.

The ADVA FSP 150-XG418 is a MEF 3.0-certified multi-layer 100Gbit/s demarcation device that now features express forwarding for ultra-low latency transport. The compact and temperature-hardened 100Gbit/s solution empowers network operators to mix both fronthaul and backhaul traffic and removes the need for a dedicated gateway for the transport of Ethernet CPRI or eCPRI services. Supported by ADVA’s Ensemble network management system, the FSP 150-XG418 also incorporates high-performance timing capabilities, such as SyncE and G.8275.1 PTP Telecom Profile, and its standards-compliant implementation assures interoperability for ease of integration with multi-vendor networks.

“Low latency is crucial for many emerging use cases from industrial IoT to metaverse applications to AI-powered autonomous driving systems. Our FSP 150-XG418 enables operators to achieve ultra-low values even in highly congested operations at the network edge. Its TSN forwarding features ensure extremely low latency end-to-end, supporting eCPRI connectivity and delivering the performance needed for 5G fronthaul,” said Mike Heffner, GM of Edge Cloud, ADVA. “What’s more, our FSP 150-XG418 offers a major efficiency boost. Now that operators can use the same device for eCPRI and fronthaul traffic, that’s one fewer box in the system.”

https://www.adva.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/20221110-adva-adds-time-sensitive-networking-to-100g-edge-solution

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Apple details $450M investment in Emergency SOS via satellite for iPhone

Apple confirmed a $450 million investment for critical infrastructure that supports the new Emergency SOS via satellite capability for iPhone 14 models. 

The new service, which will be available to customers in the US and Canada beginning later this month, will allow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models to connect directly to a satellite, enabling messaging with emergency services when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Apple said the majority of the funding goes to Globalstar, a global satellite service headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, with facilities across the US. Apple’s investment provides critical enhancements to Globalstar’s satellite network and ground stations, ensuring iPhone 14 users are able to connect to emergency services when off the grid. At Globalstar, more than 300 employees support the new service.

“Emergency SOS via satellite is a perfect example of how American ingenuity and technology can save lives,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “We are proud this service is enabled by leading US companies, and that our users can explore off-the-grid areas knowing they are still within reach of emergency services if they are in need.”

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/11/emergency-sos-via-satellite-made-possible-by-450m-apple-investment/

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Philippine's Globe Telecom tests Nokia's WDM optical line system

Globe Telecom, a mobile operator in the Phillippines, conducted a field trial of Nokia's WDM optical line system transmitting a 600 Gbps channel in the C-band and a 400 Gbps channel in the L-band. The trial was successfully demonstrated using one of Globe’s backbone networks between the Tarlac and Cabanatuan segment, located in the Northern Luzon part of the Philippines.

Nokia C+L band solution doubles the capacity of Globe’s existing national backbone network using Nokia’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch platform. By operating 600 Gbps over 100GHz channel spacing in C band and 400 Gbps over 75GHz channel spacing in L band, Globe will be able to scale total network capacity to 54.4T over C+L band. In addition, the existing C band system in the Globe network can be seamlessly updated to C+L band system by adding L band components, which was successfully demonstrated in the live trial as well.

Jonathan Wu, Head of Network Infrastructure Reginal Business Group at Nokia, said: “We are pleased to work with Globe as a highly valued strategic partner. We are very excited to achieve this remarkable milestone together. The successful trial showcases our successful partnership and unwavering commitment to maintaining leadership by delivering latest technologies and solutions to the marketplace.”

Joel Agustin, SVP and Head of Planning and Engineering at Global Telecom, said: “We are very pleased with the results of the field trial. By leveraging Nokia’s industry leading C+L and coherent transport solutions, we’ll be able to expand and upgrade our network as we look to provide our customers with lightning-fast connections, higher level of security and greater flexibility. The minimum of three independent connections over separate backbone networks will allow us to accommodate the ever-increasing capacity demand between major cities. This is truly a network built not just for today, but for tomorrow as well, by offering our customers – from small businesses to hyperscalers – end-to-end solutions across the Philippines.”

http://www.nokia.com

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Dell'Oro: Fixed wireless access equipment market continues growth

Total Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) revenues, including both RAN equipment and CPE revenue, remain on track to advance 35 percent in 2022, driven largely by subscriber growth in North America, according to a new Fixed Wireless Access Infrastructure and CPE advanced research report from Dell'Oro Group.

“Fixed Wireless Access has become a key component to bridging the digital divide and connecting rural and underserved markets globally,” said Jeff Heynen, Vice President and analyst with the Dell’Oro Group. “What we are also seeing is that FWA can effectively compete with existing fixed broadband technologies, especially with the advent of 5G and other higher-throughput, non-3GPP technologies,” added Heynen.

Additional highlights from the Fixed Wireless Access Infrastructure and CPE Advanced Research Report:

• Global FWA revenues are projected to surpass $5 B by 2026, reflecting sustained investment and subscriber growth in both 3GPP- and non-3GPP-based network deployments.
• The North American market remains the most dynamic in terms of deployed FWA technology options, with CBRS and other sub-6GHz options growing alongside 5G NR and 60GHz options.
• Long-term subscriber growth is expected to occur in emerging markets in Southeast Asia and MEA, due to upgrades to existing LTE networks and a need to connect subscribers economically.
• The Satellite Broadband market will also be a key enabler of broadband connectivity in emerging markets, thanks to LEOS-based providers including Starlink, OneWeb, and Project Kuiper.

https://www.delloro.com/news/fixed-wireless-access-equipment-spend-to-exceed-25-b-over-the-next-five-years/

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Ayar Labs lands $15m DoD project for Optical I/O

Ayar Labs was awarded a $15 million multi-year prototype Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) in support of Project KANAGAWA (the Co-Packaged Analog-Drive High-Bandwidth Optical Input/Output Project).

This project will promote the next-level development of Ayar Labs’ optical interconnects to lead its transition into the Defense Department’s advanced packaging ecosystem.

During the first phase of Project KANAGAWA (Task A), Ayar Labs will deliver its optical I/O chiplets and lasers at data rate bandwidth levels exceeding 2 Tbps and energy losses below 5pJ/bit. In phase two of the project, running parallel to Task A, Ayar Labs will collaborate with Intel, Lockheed Martin and Qorvo to develop and demonstrate co-packaged optical I/O solutions built on TeraPHY™ optical I/O chiplets and SuperNova™ multi-wavelength lasers, with the goal of advancing the supply chain ecosystem for domestic manufacturing of Ayar Labs’ optical I/O solution.

“We look forward to working closely with Ayar Labs as part of Project KANAGAWA to benchmark its optical I/O chiplets and lasers toward the transition of this technology into large-scale defense applications,” said Dr. Joshua Hawke, Chief Engineer of RF & Optoelectronics, NSWC Crane, Radar Technologies Division and Execution Lead of the OUSD(R&E) Trusted & Assured Microelectronics program.

“Project KANAGAWA comes at an important time for both our nation and Ayar Labs as we look to mature U.S.-based manufacturing for our optical I/O solutions,” said Charles Wuischpard, CEO of Ayar Labs. “We are excited to partner with the DoD, Intel, Lockheed Martin and Qorvo to not only strengthen our nation’s security by establishing domestic production of our optical I/O chiplets but also introduce next-generation defense architectures and systems.”

https://ayarlabs.com

Lockheed Martin integrates Ayar Labs' optical I/O chipsets

Wednesday, October 12, 2022  Ayar Labs  

Lockheed Martin is partnering with Ayar Labs in developing multi-chip package (MCP) solutions which place high-density, high-efficiency optical I/O chiplets in the same microelectronics package as the RF processing devices. The collaboration will integrate the Ayar Labs TeraPHY optical I/O chiplets and SuperNova light source in new sensory platforms that could be used across Department of Defense (DoD) applications to capture, digitize, transport,...

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Ayar Labs adds to its team

Ayar Labs announced the hiring of Lakshmikant (LK) Bhupathi, Vice President of Products, Strategy and Ecosystem, and Scott Clark, Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations.

Bhupathi joins Ayar Labs following twenty years with Marvell Semiconductor (NASDAQ: MRVL) in a variety of design, technical marketing and product roles, including a position as Vice President, Product Management / Marketing at high performance networking company Aquantia (acquired by Marvell), as well as driving CXL and Ethernet NIC product strategy and roadmap for Marvell’s next-generation cloud and enterprise datacenter applications. Bhupathi also served as the President and Marketing Chair for the NBASE-T alliance (since merged with the Ethernet Alliance).

Clark comes to Ayar Labs with extensive manufacturing, supply chain and operations senior leadership experience, most recently as Vice President of Supply Chain at Corsair Gaming (NASDAQ: CRSR). Clark has spent the past two decades leading global supply chain management, procurement, operations and manufacturing transformations for public and private companies, including work in the optical market and an extended period living and working in Asia, through positions at Allied Telesis in Japan, Stratalight Communications, which was acquired by OpNext, Arecont Vision, AOptix Technologies and Tascent, a spinoff of AOptix.

“As Ayar Labs moves aggressively into the production of our core optical I/O technology, we’re turning our attention to scaling commercial efforts and expanding our product line both horizontally and vertically,” said Charles Wuischpard, CEO of Ayar Labs. “LK and Scott play a critical role in helping position us for the next exciting phase of growth as we lead not just the technical development but also the production of optical I/O.”

https://ayarlabs.com

Ayar Labs lands $130m for In-Package Optical I/O

Tuesday, April 26, 2022  Ayar Labs, Silicon, Start-Ups  

Ayar Labs, a start-up based in Santa Clara, California, secured $130 million in additional financing for its optical I/O solution. With the new investment, Ayar Labs said it is ramping production and securing supply chain partners, as signaled by previously announced multi-year strategic collaborations with Lumentum and Macom, both leaders in optical and photonic products, as well as GlobalFoundries on its new GF Fotonix platform. The company...

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SiTime's new precision oscillator sets benchmark in timing performance

SiTime introduced a new oscillator that raises the bar on timing performance in data centers and 5G infrastructure.

Highlights of the SiT5503 Super-TCXO

• 1 to 60 MHz any-frequency output
• ±5 ppb stability over operating temperature
• -40 to 95°C temperature range
• ±0.3 ppb/°C stability over temperature slope
• 2 seconds to final stability over temperature
• 0.5 ppb/day daily aging
• 110 mW power consumption at 2.5V
• 7.0 mm x 5.0 mm package

“Today’s 5G and edge network applications require precision timing solutions designed to operate reliably in demanding environments,” said Piyush Sevalia, EVP marketing, SiTime. “With the SiTime SiT5503 MEMS Super-TCXO, system designers now have a compelling solution. They can replace large, power-hungry quartz OCXOs with the SiT5503, and meet the operators’ holdover requirements, even in the presence of severe environmental stressors.”

https://www.sitime.com/

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