Crehan: Rapid growth ahead for 800GbE

According to the most recent Data Center Switch Long-Range Forecast Report from Crehan Research, 800 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switches will see rapid customer adoption and will surpass 20 million ports in annual shipments within four years – equating to the fastest ever data center Ethernet switch speed ramp (see accompanying chart). 

An expected key driver of the fast adoption is generative AI, which requires much higher networking bandwidth than other workloads.

“Generative AI is potentially the biggest killer application to emerge in decades," said Seamus Crehan, president of Crehan Research. "As the de facto data center networking technology, with an installed base of over 400 million switch ports as well as the proven ability to incorporate additional features to handle the requirements of new applications, we expect Ethernet to be the main enabler of these workloads,” he said. “Already, Ethernet networking is seeing generative AI enabling deployments in five of the top seven hyperscale cloud service providers, as well as the world’s fastest supercomputers including the Frontier exascale system and the Aurora system.”

In conjunction with strong adoption of high-speed Ethernet switches to handle generative AI applications, Crehan’s report also predicts rapid growth in 100-Gbps SerDes shipments. The company expects this technology to surpass 50-Gbps SerDes shipments to become the most-deployed data center Ethernet switch SerDes speed within three years.

https://crehanresearch.com/

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NTT & Nokia demo Dynamic Rerouting in Mobile Fronthaul

NTT and Nokia demonstrated mobile fronthaul between the antenna unit (Radio Unit/RU) and the control unit (Distributed Unit/DU) of a 5G RAN base station using the IOWN All Photonics Network (APN) architecture.

The demonstration showed that latency remains within established mobile backhaul parameters even when the distance between RU and DU is about 25 km. It was confirmed that the RU and DU of 5G operate normally. 

This achievement will contribute to reducing the number of DUs and their power consumption by enabling long-distance transmission between RU and DU and wide-range base station operation.

The IOWN APN enables dynamic re-routing between RUs and DUs. If a failure occurs between an RU and a DU, the IOWN APN can bypass the failure, allowing the service to continue in the

area covered by the RU. There is currently a strict industry standard3 for mobile fronthaul with a delay time of 160 μs or less4, and 5G RUs and DUs are designed to operate under this standard. 

The companies also confirmed that, in theory that, with the delay time of 133 μs, the maximum distance of long-distance transmission is approximately 30 km.

https://group.ntt/en/newsrelease/2024/01/18/pdf/240118aa.pdf 

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EU's Nostradamus targets quantum communications

The European Commission has tasked a group led by Deutsche Telekom, called "Nostradamus," with creating a quantum key distribution (QKD) test infrastructure. This project will assess QKD devices from European manufacturers. The consortium includes Thales, a leader in advanced technologies, and the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, along with other industry and academic experts. Their work supports the development of EuroQCI, a secure, quantum-based, pan-European communication network. This network will enhance the security of critical infrastructures for all EU member states and their citizens.

The initiative aims to build the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), enhancing security for data centers, communication networks, and vital services like hospitals and power grids. It will utilize fiber optics and satellite technology, reinforced by quantum physics for added defense against new cyber threats. This quantum technology application is central to the EU's cyber security strategy for the future.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) uses quantum mechanics principles to secure communication, with keys for decoding information sent using single photons. 

The upcoming EU satellite network, IRIS2 (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), will be encrypted and dependent on EuroQCI. Its primary role is to deliver communication services and support critical network infrastructure for governments. Additionally, IRIS2 will offer rapid satellite internet to businesses and organizations. As the third key component of the EU's space infrastructure, following Galileo (navigation) and Copernicus (earth observation), IRIS2 received EU approval last year. Its initial services are set to start this year, with complete operational capability targeted for 2027.

https://www.telekom.com/en/media/media-information/archive/eu-launches-nostradamus-prepares-europe-for-a-quantum-world-1056746

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EllaLink to connect French Guiana and continental Europe

A new 2,100km cable extension to the existing EllaLink cable will provide a direct fiber connection  between French Guiana, home of the European Space Centre, and continental Europe.

This new submarine branch will land in Cayenne, French Guiana, and include 2 fibre pairs. The system will be built by Alcatel Submarine Networks and use state-of-the-art optical technologies such as a ROADM WSS branching unit, allowing direct connectivity without regeneration from French Guiana to continental Europe with an RTD latency of less than 80ms. The new infrastructure will also enable direct connections from French Guiana to Fortaleza, Brazil.

https://ella.link/2024/01/18/splang-ellalink-branch-to-french-guiana/

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Singtel adds Starlink connectivity to its maritime portfolio

Singtel is adding Starlink service to its portfolion of maritime digital offerings for ship owners and operators so they can innovate and tap into advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, edge computing, as well as access cloud-based solutions to improve safety, operational efficiencies, and crew well-being. 

Starlink is the first low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband service to be added to Singtel’s  portfolio of digital smart solutions for vessels known as iSHIP, which also includes Paragon - the telco’s an all-in-one orchestration platform for 5G edge computing and cloud services. The platform will manage and automate the smart switching between satellite communication services ensuring uninterrupted, high quality network coverage as ships traverse long distances, including the most remote locations and under severe conditions. It will also enable ships to leverage edge computing, host mission critical applications either on-premises or at shore - freeing up valuable bandwidth and improving reliability.

“The maritime industry is a complex, interconnected environment involving large volumes of data being transmitted between thousands of terminals, ships, and ports across the world. We have seen growing demands for faster, more resilient, and low latency connectivity as the industry starts to embrace digital transformation. The addition of Starlink to our existing suite of satellite communications solutions, orchestrated by our patented Paragon platform, is part of our multi-orbit strategy to increase the resilience of satellite connectivity in the industry and to enable the rapid adoption of digital technologies and solutions. As the first telco in Singapore to offer Starlink, we are confident that this offering will further facilitate the development of smart, secure, and sustainable solutions that will positively impact the industry,” said Mr Bill Chang, Chief Executive Officer, Digital InfraCo, Singtel.  

https://www.singtel.com/about-us/media-centre/news-releases/singtel-adds-starlink-connectivity-to-its-maritime-portfolio-of-

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Google announces two central Pacific cables — Honomoana and Tabua

Google unveiled plans for two new central Pacific subsea cables:

• Bulikula will connect Guam with Fiji and is the Fijian word for “golden cowrie,” a rare shell found in the Pacific Ocean often worn by local chieftains as a badge of rank. 
• Halaihai, which will link Guam and French Polynesia, is named after a type of vine that grows on beaches. 

The new cables are part of a central Pacific Connect initiative between Google and a number of partners, including Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), APTelecom, and Telstra.

The central Pacific Connect initiative will create a ring between Guam, French Polynesia and Fiji. This ring will include pre-positioned branching units that will allow other countries and territories of Oceania to take advantage of the reliability and resilience resulting from the initiative. Once operational, Bulikula and Halaihai will join Guam’s existing subsea cable portfolio — which includes Apricot, Echo, and Taiwan-Philippines-U.S. — accelerating the island’s position as a growing gateway for international connectivity.

“Beyond bridging the digital divide in our local community, this is Guam’s contribution — enabling new digital infrastructure such as subsea cables — to create and support connectivity between the northern and southern Pacific islands,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “Our economic futures are all dependent on digital technology, and we welcome the Halaihai and the Bulikula subsea cables to uplift our people together.” - Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero

“The announcement of the central Pacific Connect initiative gives every indication for a well-connected Region aligned to the Pacific Leaders vision for 2050. The Bulikula and Halaihai subsea cables will underpin the Pacific Peoples digital interconnectedness and lead the way for economic transformation through digital connectivity.” - Fiji Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Honourable Manoa Kamikamica

"Looking at a map, my country’s location at the center of the great Pacific Ocean spells 'connectivity.' I am therefore enthusiastic that Google has chosen to add Guam and Chile to the growing hub of submarine cables connected to Tahiti. A world better connected is a better world." - President Moetai Brotherson of French Polynesia

“Telstra International’s partnership with Google on the central Pacific Connect project will significantly improve connectivity in the South Pacific. Over several decades Telstra has established the largest carrier subsea cable network in APAC, and with our operational scale, we are looking forward to partnering with Google and APT to provide much needed redundancy and vital capacity to underserved island countries.” - Roary Stasko, CEO Telstra International

The central Pacific Connect initiative builds on the South Pacific Connect initiative, announced in October 2023, that will create a ring between Australia, Fiji and French Polynesia. This southern ring will also include pre-positioned branching units that will allow other countries and territories of Oceania to take advantage of the reliability and resilience resulting from the initiative. This is one of the first projects of its kind in the Pacific, providing the ability to bring redundant international connectivity to a region that is susceptible to natural disasters.

https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/infrastructure/introducing-bulikula-and-halaihai-subsea-cables-to-connect-the-central-pacific

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Google announces subsea cable connecting Chile-Fiji-Australia

Google announced Humboldt, a subsea cable route linking Chile, French Polynesia, and Australia. This will be the first cable directly connecting South America with Asia-Pacific.

The Humboldt cable is named for Alexander von Humboldt, a German polymath, geographer, naturalist and explorer who traveled extensively to the Americas at the turn of the 19th century. 

Google says the Humboldt project is a reflection of its longstanding commitment to Chile, joining other infrastructure projects, including the Google data center in Quilicura in powering Google services, the Google Cloud region in Santiago supporting customers across Latin America, the cross-Andes terrestrial connectivity between Chile and Argentina, and the Curie subsea cable linking Chile, Panama, and the West Coast of the United States.

"Chile is a country that is at the forefront of technology and is a leader in the implementation of the latest generation networks. As a Government, we are working day by day to consolidate this position and create the conditions for new investments of this kind to continue to arrive. The interest of companies like Google shows that Chile is doing things right. The country is leveraging its potential to generate the growth that will help us improve the well-being and quality of life of the people. These are projects that create employment and later, when they become a reality, improve the working conditions of thousands of people, in addition to placing Chile as a leader in the region and strengthening its position as the gateway from South America to the digital world." - Juan Carlos Muñoz, Transportation and Telecommunications Minister of Chile

“Australia welcomes this new trans-Pacific cable connecting Australia and Latin America for the first time, supporting the growth of digital and economic ties. This new cable route will enhance Australia’s global connectivity and complement our work with Pacific countries to secure better access to the global digital economy.” - Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications of Australia.

https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/infrastructure/announcing-humboldt-the-first-cable-route-between-south-america-and-asia-pacific

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Dell'Oro: Next Gen Coherent DSPs to Drive Optical DWDM Market

Optical DWDM equipment is forecast to reach $18 billion in market revenue by 2028, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group. The entry of coherent DSPs capable of delivering wavelength speeds over one terabit-per-second is expected to drive the market growth for the next five years.

 “We are projecting the new generation of coherent DSPs that are capable of terabit speeds will grow at an accelerated pace over the next five years,” said Jimmy Yu, Vice President at Dell’Oro Group. “By 2028, we expect over half of the DWDM market revenue will be derived from shipments of 1.2 Tbps and 1.6 Tbps-capable line cards. These new line cards will bring 400 Gbps wavelength into ultra-long-haul applications that cross thousands of kilometers, and 800 Gbps wavelengths everywhere else,” added Yu.

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

• Demand for DWDM Long Haul equipment is projected to grow at a faster pace than Metro equipment and contribute a higher share of market revenue going forward.
• Shipment of coherent wavelengths capable of terabit-per-second speeds is forecast to grow at a 200 percent CAGR over the next five years.
• Baud rates over 100 GHz will surpass 40 percent of new installations by 2028. High baud rates will reduce the total number of wavelengths per fiber, but the larger channels will deliver better performance and longer reach while reducing cost.

https://www.delloro.com/news/new-generation-of-coherent-dsps-to-drive-optical-dwdm-market-to-18-billion-by-2028/

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Australia's Vocus to deploy 1.6 Tbps with Ciena’s WaveLogic 6

Vocus will deploy Ciena's WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) 1.6 Tb/s coherent technology across its long haul and metro links. 

Vocus owns and operates a 25,000km fibre network that is purpose-built and managed for business and government. It connects more than 5,000 buildings across Australian capital cities and is located close to an additional 20,000 buildings.

Ciena’s WL6e will support up to 1.6 Tb/s single-carrier wavelengths for metro ROADM deployments and 800 Gb/s-1.2 Tb/s over the longest links. Apart from helping Vocus prepare its network to handle unprecedented bandwidth demands, WL6e will also enable Vocus to drive energy efficiency by reducing the amount of equipment and space needed.

“We are delighted to be the first network operator to announce plans to adopt this exciting technology after partnering with Ciena to power our links across Australia – from Brisbane to Perth, via Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide. We are at a significant stage in the cloud and artificial intelligence era and WL6e will provide the capacity required for Vocus to meet the needs of new and existing customers looking to thrive in this transformative period,” said Steve Haigh, General Manager Network Engineering, Vocus.

“Ciena’s industry-leading pedigree in optical innovation combined with our drive to create adaptive and energy-efficient networks that address surging bandwidth demands is designed to help network providers like Vocus deliver a superior digital experience for customers with even greater economies of scale. With the additional network capacity enabled by WL6e, Vocus will solidify its position as a leading carrier providing reliable and cost-effective connectivity across Australia and New Zealand,” said Matt Vesperman, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Ciena.

https://www.ciena.com/about/newsroom/press-releases/vocus-to-roll-out-1.6-tbs-technology-with-cienas-wavelogic-6

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Zayo carries 800G wavelength over 1866km with Nokia

Zayo transmitted 800Gb/s over a single wavelength from Los Angeles to El Paso (TX), a span of 1,866km, using Nokia’s sixth-generation Photonic Service Engine super-coherent optics (PSE-6s). 

The companies also achieved a 1 Tb/s transmission on Zayo’s LA to Phoenix route over 1004km, also using the Nokia PSE-6s.

The trial used Nokia’s PSE-6s implemented in the 1830 PSI-M compact modular transport platform equipped with production-ready DMAT6 line cards. 

Nokia says the 800Gb/s transmission represents a tripling in reach over current 7nm solutions and sets a new North American distance record over a live network. In addition, the 1Tb/s transmission between LA and Phoenix over 150GHz WDM channels shows the ability to reach even higher capacity per wavelength on high-traffic routes.

Aaron Werley, Vice President of Technology at Zayo, said: “As a communications infrastructure leader, Zayo remains at the forefront of network connectivity. We continuously invest in our cutting-edge infrastructure to ensure a future-ready network. The infrastructure projects we have, and continue to complete to advance connectivity between key cities, involves the deployment of new 800G and higher-speed routes. Nokia's PSE-6s coherent technology allows Zayo to offer ever-increasing commercial Wavelength speeds, including enabling our industry-first Waves on Demand offering, so when customers demand innovative, higher-bandwidth solutions, the capacity is there for them.”

James Watt, Vice President and General Manager, Optical at Nokia, said: “Nokia is very pleased with the performance of the PSE-6s in the trial and its ability to enable 800G everywhere and deliver 1T between key cities over long spans at over 1000km. We are delighted to partner with Zayo on this achievement in preparation for growing network demand. With the PSE-6s, the Nokia optical portfolio pushes the limits of super-coherent performance to deliver massive network scale and service reach while ensuring more sustainable growth.”

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2024/01/18/nokia-and-zayo-achieve-new-north-american-distance-record-for-800gbs-transmission-on-live-network/

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AST SpaceMobile lands strategic investments from AT&T, Google, Vodafone

AST SpaceMobile, which is developing space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, announed a strategic investment from AT&T, Google and Vodafone and aggregate new financing of up to $206.5 million in gross proceeds. In addition to the $155 million strategic investment, the company also plans to draw up to $51.5 million from the company’s existing senior-secured credit facility.

The strategic investment is intended to support the commercial roll-out of AST SpaceMobile’s network and is comprised of a mix of equity-linked capital and non-dilutive commercial payments. The investment includes:

• $110 million of 10-year subordinated convertible notes with 5.50% interest (which may be paid in kind), with a conversion price of $5.75 per share, a 39% premium to the final trading price on January 16, 2024; invested by AT&T, Google and Vodafone
• $20 million revenue commitment from AT&T, predicated on the launch and successful initial operation of the first 5 commercial satellites
• $25 million minimum revenue commitment from Vodafone, subject to a definitive agreement

In addition to the strategic investment, the new investors will increase their collaboration with AST SpaceMobile:

• Vodafone and AT&T have placed purchase orders for network equipment from AST SpaceMobile to support planned commercial service, for an undisclosed amount
• Google and AST SpaceMobile agreed to collaborate on product development, testing and implementation plans for SpaceMobile network connectivity on Android and related devices

In 2023, the AST SpaceMobile and partners AT&T, Vodafone, Rakuten and Nokia achieved multiple historic technical first-evers in space-based cellular communications – including the demonstration of 2G, 4G LTE and 5G calls, and 14 Mbps download speeds per 5 Mhz channels – directly from space to everyday smartphones. 

AST SpaceMobile also notes that its beams from upcoming satellites will =support capacity of up to 40 Mhz, potentially enabling data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps. 

Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, said, “Our vision at AST SpaceMobile has always been to chart a course of collaborative innovation and integration with the world's leading wireless companies, which is why we are so thrilled to be welcoming this new strategic investment from AT&T, Google and Vodafone. With this strategic investment, we are gaining capital, invaluable expertise, and strategic partnership. This investment comes alongside prior investments by other leaders in the wireless ecosystem, including Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada, all of whom are not only part owners of AST SpaceMobile but also serve as our technology partners and customers. Each new partnership signifies that market leaders worldwide have tremendous confidence in our vision and ability to ensure that the future of cellular broadband is borderless."

Chris Sambar, Executive Vice President, Head of Network, AT&T, said “Through our work with AST SpaceMobile, we’ve already proven the possibilities that satellite has to offer in helping connect more people via text, voice and video. We’re excited to deepen our relationship with this investment as we continue to drive a first-of-its-kind innovation forward and work together to achieve this shared vision of space-based connectivity for consumers, businesses and first responders all around the globe.”

• AST SpaceMobile currently operates the largest-ever commercial communications array in low Earth orbit, the AST SpaceMobile currently operates the largest-ever commercial communications array in low Earth orbit, the BlueWalker 3 satellite. 
• On September 10, 2022, BlueWalker 3 was launched  on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.
• 
  
• BlueWalker 3 boasts a 693-square-foot (64 m2) antenna array and a field of view of over 300,000 square miles on Earth. It maintains low Earth orbit at an altitude between approximately 508 and 527 km (316 and 327 mi).

https://ast-science.com/

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Google amps up UK presence with $1 billion data centre investment

Google announced plans to invest $1 billion in a new UK data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. 

The new data center on a 33-acre site will bring crucial compute capacity to businesses across the UK, supporting AI innovation and helping to ensure reliable digital services to Google Cloud customers and Google users in the UK and abroad.

https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-europe/united-kingdom/google-1-billion-investment-in-a-new-uk-data-centre/

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QuSecure awarded U.S. Air Force contract

QuSecure, a start-up based in San Mateo, California, has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by AFWERX to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). 

QuSecure's QuProtect software will be used by DAF to protect encrypted communications and data with quantum-resilience via quantum secure channels.

This contract is part of efforts to streamline the SBIR process, making it more accessible to small businesses, and follows previous SBIR contract wins by QuSecure from the U.S. Army in 2023 (Phase II SBIR) and the U.S. Government in 2022 (Phase III SBIR).

“Following winning our previous two SBIR awards, QuSecure is proud to be a part of the Department of the Air Force’s efforts toward a more cybersecure future,” said Garrison Buss, QuSecure Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer. “This award from the Air Force recognizes QuSecure’s ability to help enhance the combat fighting capabilities necessitated by modern warfare.”

https://www.qusecure.com

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OIF publishes CEI-112G-XSR+-PAM4 Extended Extra Short Reach IA

 OIF published two Implementation Agreements (IA):

Common Electrical I/O (CEI) CEI-112G-XSR+-PAM4 Extended Extra Short Reach - which specifies a 112 Gb/s PAM4 electrical interface for die-to-die (D2D) and die-to-optical-engine (D2OE) interconnect with bump-to-bump insertion loss up to 13 dB at the Nyquist frequency and baud rate in the range 36 Gsym/s to 58 Gsym/s. The intended applications encompass multiple-chip modules (MCM), co-packaged optics (CPO) and near-package optics (NPO) assemblies. It also details the requirements for the CEI-112G-XSR+-PAM4 extended extra short reach high-speed electrical interface with nominal baud rates between 36 Gsym/s and 58 Gsym/s using PAM4 modulation.

“The CEI-112G-XSR+-PAM4 IA represents a significant milestone, extending the reach of previously published XSR class specifications at this speed range,” said David Stauffer, OIF Physical and Link Layer Working Group Chair and Kandou Bus, S.A. “This IA empowers advanced interconnectivity solutions in die-to-die and die-to-optical-engine scenarios, supporting baud rates up to 112 Gb/s (58 Gsym/s). These specifications have the opportunity to revolutionize multiple-chip modules, co-packaged optics, and near-package optics applications, pushing the boundaries of high-speed data transmission.”

Matt Brown, editor of the CEI-112G-XSR+-PAM4 IA and Alphawave Semi, added, “The CEI-112G-XSR+-PAM4 IA addresses a gap in the set of OIF CEI specifications to address new applications identified by the diverse membership of the OIF.”

Coherent Common Management Interface Specification (C-CMIS) IA 1.3 - extends the Common Management Interface Specification [CMIS] to allow the management of digital coherent optics (DCO) modules. Initially covering 400ZR modules, this IA supports the management of modules that have a single data path with an eight-lane host interface for a 400GBASE-R Ethernet signal and a single-lane 400G coherent media interface based on the 400ZR specification. Future extensions to accommodate other DCO modules are anticipated.

OIF released an Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Enhanced Network Operations Technical White Paper that addresses the interoperability requirements for enhanced network functions that interface between transport networks and their management-control systems. It identifies various use cases for applying AI to guide interoperability and provides insights into data requirements, processing needs, output specifications and interfaces relevant to each use case.

OIF released its ECOC 400ZR+ Demo White Paper, which presents the methodology and results of an interoperability study of OpenZR+ MSA QSFP-DD transceivers conducted during the ECOC 2023 plugfest. Ten different transceivers were cross-connected in a matrix of transmitter-to-receiver combinations using a noise-loaded link to characterize the penalties associated with supplier interoperability. Individual transceiver performance was tested using 400GE traffic over a shortened optical line system link with a DWDM 75GHz fixed channel grid and a separate configuration to capture the transmitter error vector magnitude (EVM) performance. The transceiver receiver OSNR performance is compared against the transceiver transmitter EVM performance for each vendor.

In addition, OIF will be hosting a series of free CMIS Technical Webinars. The next webinar, “Data Path State Machine (DPSM) and Application Advertising,” will be held on February 7th. These webinars aim to equip engineers, developers and industry professionals with a comprehensive understanding of CMIS. 

https://www.oiforum.com/oif-unveils-cei-112g-xsr-pam4-extended-extra-short-reach-implementation-agreement-paving-the-way-for-advanced-interconnectivity/

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Cirion teams with Qwilt on CDN for Latin America

Cirion Technologies is working with Qwilt to bring a more efficient and scalable content delivery network in Latin America. This new partnership, based on Qwilt’s Open Caching technology, allows Cirion to scale up rapidly as market demand increases. It substantially increases Cirion’s ability to reliably deliver high-quality live and VoD streaming throughout the region and becomes one of the largest low-latency CDN service providers across Latin America.

Cirion, previously the Latin American operations of Lumen Technologies, counts over 50,000km of terrestrial long-haul and metropolitan fiber optics, 36,000km of submarine cables and 18 landing stations.

“Our infrastructure adapts dynamically and in real-time to market demands, enabling an efficient management of critical applications and their data. This makes it possible for companies to identify market trends in advance and respond quickly, with solutions that stimulate future growth,” says Girardotti.

“Cirion is an exciting addition to our global ecosystem of service providers, and we are delighted to help power a unique content delivery service offering in Latin America,” said Alon Maor, CEO, Qwilt. “Our all-edge architecture provides a new economic model for streaming delivery, in which Cirion’s network infrastructure and CDN services play a central role in the end-to-end value chain. This announcement underscores the momentum we are gathering as we realize our ambition to build the world’s highest performing edge delivery network.”

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Equinix debuts Fabric Cloud Router

Equinix introduced a new virtual routing service to help enterprises easily connect applications and data across multiple clouds and on-premise deployments. 

Equinix Fabric Cloud Router simplifies a complex cloud-to-cloud and hybrid cloud networking challenges by providing an easy-to-configure, enterprise-grade, multicloud routing service that can be deployed in under a minute. By using Equinix's secure private connectivity, customers can connect applications across public clouds in more locations than any other service.

Equinix Fabric Cloud Router is now available in all 58 Equinix Fabric-enabled markets globally with low latency connectivity to all major cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, as well as hundreds of other service providers like Akamai, ServiceNow and Zoom. Delivered as a service on demand and in near real time, Equinix Fabric Cloud Router can remove the costs and complexities of owning and operating a physical router or licensing a virtual router. By removing these limitations, customers can improve application performance, reduce cloud costs and accelerate services to market. Enterprises can also accelerate their multicloud adoption by avoiding vendor lock-in with Equinix's cloud agnostic service, eliminating networking constraints and enabling them to choose the right cloud environment and provider for specific workloads.

"Multicloud networking is hard, but now with the launch of Equinix Fabric Cloud Router we are simplifying it for businesses everywhere by helping users connect different clouds in as little as 45 seconds. This is what you'd expect from Equinix, the leader in multicloud networking," said Arun Dev, Vice President of Digital Interconnection at Equinix. "By combining Equinix's steadfast commitment to cloud and network neutrality that has spanned more than 25 years, our leading access to cloud on-ramps, and the largest selection of cloud providers and services partners, Equinix is uniquely positioned to provide the on-demand digital infrastructure today's enterprises need." 

Highlights:

• Multicloud Performance – Customers achieve the low latency between all major cloud providers with Equinix's cloud-adjacent locations around the world, eliminating the need to backhaul traffic through a remote location. This superior cloud-to-cloud networking performance enables customers to quickly and easily support evolving infrastructure demands, like cloud migrations.
• Private Connectivity – By easily deploying private network connections, customers can avoid exposing sensitive data and network infrastructure to the risks of the public internet and support data sovereignty requirements.
• Enterprise-Grade – Customers can act with confidence knowing they are supported by a 99.999% uptime SLA and can scale bandwidth and connectivity across clouds without constraint using speeds up to 50Gbps, with hundreds of gigabits of aggregate throughput supported per router.
• Lowering Costs – Enterprises can reduce cloud egress costs by up to 75% using private cloud connections rather than egress over the internet. Built-in Equinix Fabric Cloud Router resilience can save IT teams even more by eliminating the need for expensive redundant routers. Delivered as a service, customers can pay only for what they need without being locked into long-term contracts and have the flexibility to scale up and down as needed.

https://www.equinix.com/newsroom/press-releases/2024/01/equinix-enhances-multicloud-networking-portfolio-enabling-enterprises-to-easily-and-efficiently-connect-applications-across-multiple-clouds

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Nokia invests in German R&D

Nokia announced a substantial €360 million investment in software, hardware, and chip design at its Ulm and Nuremberg sites as part of a four-year European IPCEI project. 

The initiative, which is a collaborative effort funded by Nokia, the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK), and the German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, is focused on the integrated development of software, hardware, and high-performance systems-on-chips based on a digital twin, with applications in radio and optical products for future mobile communications systems.

Nokia says the investment will have a profound impact on the telecommunications industry in Germany and Europe. It will boost Europe's competitiveness and innovation capacity, particularly in microelectronics for emerging technologies like 6G and artificial intelligence. 

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “This important funding will support our efforts to advance the telecommunications industry in Germany and in Europe, helping to drive innovation and strengthen competitiveness. In particular, it will help our research into microelectronics that will power future technologies such as 6G, artificial intelligence and the metaverse as well as develop networks that are more energy-efficient and powerful. Germany is an important market for Nokia, and we look forward to working with the government to produce cutting-edge technology that is ‘Made in Germany’.”

Highlights

• Nokia is investing €360 million in software, hardware, and chip design in Ulm and Nuremberg, as part of a four-year European IPCEI project.
• The project aims to develop integrated software, hardware, and high-performance chips for 5G-Advanced and 6G standards, with a focus on energy efficiency to support European climate targets.
• This investment is expected to strengthen Europe's competitiveness in microelectronics, boost innovation for 6G and AI, enable metaverse applications, and enhance network energy efficiency.

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2024/01/17/nokia-plans-eu360-million-investment-in-microelectronics-and-communications-technology-in-germany/

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Arelion opens 2nd PoP in Tokyo

Arelion today announced a new Point-of-Presence (PoP) at AT TOKYO's carrier-neutral data center, Chuo Center #1 (CC1). The new PoP is Arelion's second Tokyo PoP and third Japan PoP after its Osaka PoP. 

Chuo Center #1 is one of the largest data centers in Japan with 31 MW capability, gaining popularity as a global connectivity hub for multinational businesses that require high-speed access to Japan's thriving enterprise markets. Japan's financial sector is booming amid national economic growth policies, with Japanese banks holding $17.7 trillion in total financial assets as of 2022. Chuo Center #1 has developed a substantial ecosystem of global Internet carriers, Internet service providers, cloud providers and enterprises, enabling Arelion to support its customers' business expansions through scalable connectivity to cloud, communications, Internet Exchanges and content services.

Chuo Center #1 is designed to mitigate natural disasters, enabling Arelion to provide redundant, resilient connectivity services to wholesale and enterprise customers seeking direct access to APAC markets. Due to its strategic location, Arelion's second Tokyo PoP will provide accessibility to subsea landing stations in the future, with plans to connect Arelion's backbone directly into Chuo Center #1. This will provide fully diverse connectivity out of Japan in addition to Arelion's Osaka PoP, building on Arelion's networking strategy in the APAC region.

Arelion's AS1299 is directly connected to over 70 percent of global Internet routes and has been ranked by Kentik as the #1 backbone in Asia. It is an excellent choice for Japanese businesses requiring world-class customer service and high-capacity, low-latency connectivity to international markets.

"By bringing our #1 ranked Internet backbone to AT TOKYO, we will enhance our presence in Tokyo, extending our reach to Japan's financial center in Tokyo for our enterprise customers," said Wee Kwan, Head of APAC, Arelion. "Chuo Center #1 offers low cross-connect costs, providing our customers with cost-savings as they rely on our high-quality connectivity services to power their global businesses and meet their technological needs."

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Seagate ships 30TB drives based on HAMR tech

Seagate introduced its Mozaic 3+ hard drive platform based on its Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technology for achieving 3TB+ per platter—and a roadmap that will achieve 4TB+ and 5TB+ per platter in the coming years.

The Mozaic 3+ platform powers Seagate’s flagship Exos product family, with newly announced, industry-leading capacity points of 30TB and up. Exos 30TB+ drives are shipping in volume this quarter to hyperscale cloud customers.

Seagate says that upgrading from a 16TB conventional perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) drive (the average capacity in large-scale data centers) to an Exos 30TB Mozaic 3+ technology drive effectively doubles capacity in the same footprint.

“Seagate is the world’s only hard drive manufacturer with the areal density capability to get to 3TB per platter and with 5TB on the horizon,” said Dave Mosley, Seagate’s CEO. “As AI use cases put a premium on raw data sets, more companies are going to need to store all the data they can. To accommodate the resulting masses of data, areal density matters more than ever.”

Additional highlights:

• Superlattice Platinum-Alloy Media. Fundamental physics of higher-density recording requires smaller media grain size at nanoscale. The challenge here is that smaller grains are more unstable. Legacy alloys do not provide sufficient magnetic stability for effective and reliable storage. In Mozaic 3+ hard drives, the media alloy uses a pioneering iron-platinum superlattice structure, which significantly increases the magnetic coercivity of disk media. This allows for precise data writing and unprecedented bit stability.
• Plasmonic Writer. Since the media are made magnetically “harder” to prevent instability, the design requires a revolutionary writer—a marvel of miniaturization and precision engineering that is Seagate’s unique implementation of HAMR. Anchoring this technology is a nanophotonic laser, which produces an infinitesimal heat spot on the media surface to reliably write the data. Seagate plans to vertically integrate the nanophotonic laser into the plasmonic writer sub-system. “Developing this unique laser technology in-house for Mozaic 3+ will ensure even greater efficiency and yield to support rapid scaling of volume production,” Mosley said.
• Gen 7 Spintronic Reader. Smaller grains of written data are only useful if they can be read. Integrated along with the sub-components of the plasmonic writer, the reader also needed to evolve. Incorporating quantum technology, Mozaic 3+ includes one of the world's smallest and most sensitive magnetic field reading sensors.
• 12nm Integrated Controller. Efficiently orchestrating all this technology called for an integrated controller, a system-on-a-chip, developed entirely in house. This sophisticated application-specific integrated circuit delivers up to 3 times the performance compared to prior solutions.

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IDC: Telco cloud infrastructure software market forecast

International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts worldwide revenue for telco cloud infrastructure software, including virtual network functions (VNFs), cloud-native network functions (CNFs), and network functions virtualization infrastructure (NFVI), across four market subsegments (core transport, mobile infrastructure, mobile backhaul, access networks and virtual CPE), will grow from $12.9 billion in 2022 to $27.3 billion in 2027. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1% over the 2022-2027 forecast period.

IDC expects the CNF to grow rapidly in part due to the recent emergence and growing initiative to deploy cloud-native, container-based telco workloads across the telco cloud. Accordingly, the forecast breaks out cloud-native network functions as a separate line item.

In addition, with the inclusion and discrete breakout of cloud-native network functions, IDC recognizes the impact on NFVI and underlying shifts toward container-as-a-service (CaaS) offerings that include container-based infrastructure management such as Kubernetes, or even hybrid deployment models in which containers are deployed on bare metal or virtual machines (VMs). In addition, in a cloud-native world, the impetus is on comms service providers to deploy network functions across edge sites while continuing to manage a mix of core and edge sites on horizontal telco cloud platforms based on a common software foundation.

"Adoption of cloud-native network functions is gaining momentum, with CNFs being deployed alongside virtual network functions across comms service providers' cloud-based digital infrastructure for service agility, lower cost of ownership, and elastic scaling of the network," said Ajeet Das, research director, Telecom Network Infrastructure at IDC. "However, these operators face a range of daunting challenges, including lack of in-house expertise in cloud-native orchestration and infrastructure, difficulty defining and implementing comprehensive security, and operational complexity of managing on-premises, cloud, and multi-cloud networks."

https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS51778424

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