Wednesday, July 31, 2024

#FiberConnect24: 10-Second ONT Installation for Fiber Rollouts - Genexis

How can we ensure smooth fiber broadband installation in every home?

Kajsa Arvidsson, Chief Marketing Officer from Genexis explains:

- Smart installation of fiber in the home using ONTs that can be installed in less than 10 seconds

- Interoperable ONTs that work with any OLT in the market, making installation easy to learn and even suitable for DIY

- All-in-one solution with connectors for cable TV, voice, and multiple ports to distribute fiber throughout the home


https://youtu.be/_1qGIRpYw1M

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

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#FiberConnect24: 4 Ingredients for Faster Fiber Deployment - Render

 Render Networks has expanded its mobile application suite and device compatibility, reinforcing its leadership in construction management and enabling network and construction teams to complete projects at least 15% faster. This update promotes a mobile-first strategy, allowing field crews to document, finalize builds, and perform maintenance using their preferred smartphones or tablets, enhancing adoption and productivity by over 20% through real-time data capture and task clarity.

Key Points:

Flexible Device Choice: Supports both Apple and Android devices, enhancing field crew adoption.

Improved Productivity: Increases daily production by more than 20% through real-time data capture and task management.

User-Friendly Interface: Simplified interface for managing workloads, editing tasks, and tracking progress.

Accurate As-Builts: Industry-leading digital redline capability ensures precise documentation of completed work.

Addressing Industry Challenges: Supports NTIA’s BEAD funding goals by enhancing workforce efficiency amid a skilled technician shortage, helping to connect more communities to reliable broadband.


https://youtu.be/m15V95R99PM

Check out the rest of Fiber Connect 2024 showcase here: https://ngi.fyi/fiberconnect24yt

How can we accelerate our fiber future?

Sam Pratt, CEO from Render Networks explains:

- Frictionless field adoption enables construction teams to access essential information effortlessly
- Clear construction scope ensures tasks are completed in the correct sequence
- Real-time visibility and insights allow for better resource allocation in a supply-constrained environment

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

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#FiberConnect24: DC Blox on Lessons from Hyperscalers

 Check out the rest of Fiber Connect 2024 showcase here: https://ngi.fyi/fiberconnect24yt

How are hyperscalers reshaping internet infrastructure and what impact do they have on fiber deployments?

Bill Thomson, Marketing and Product Management from DC Blox shares these insights:

- Hyperscalers are building large data centers to move infrastructure and services closer to end users in specific regions

- They are also developing dark fiber capacity to connect these data centers, effectively rebuilding the internet in their own image

- Traditional telecom-based networks are insufficient in capacity and reach for hyperscalers' needs, driving the demand for new dark fiber infrastructure


https://youtu.be/7lwXCCclN2g

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

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Dell'Oro: Network Security Market to Hit $40B by 2028

The worldwide network security market, including firewall, SSE, traditional SWG appliance, WAF, and ADC segments, is expected to grow to nearly $40 B by 2028, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group. This growth is driven by a significant shift in enterprise security spending towards cloud-based Secure Service Edge (SSE) and Web Application Firewall (WAF) solutions, which are forecasted to achieve mid-teen double-digit CAGRs, in contrast to the single-digit CAGR projected for traditional firewall solutions.

“We’re seeing a major pivot in how enterprises approach security, with SSE and SaaS-based WAF solutions taking center stage due to their superior flexibility and scalability as cloud-delivered solutions,” said Mauricio Sanchez, Sr. Director, Enterprise Security and Networking at Dell’Oro Group. “As organizations increasingly embrace cloud-first strategies and digital transformation, these advanced security models are becoming indispensable, driving rapid market growth,” added Sanchez.

Additional highlights from the Network Security 5-Year July 2024 Forecast Report:

SSE Market: The SSE market is anticipated to surpass $10 B by 2028, with a double-digit CAGR. This robust growth is driven by the increasing transition of security perimeters to cloud-based services, catering to the needs of distributed applications and hybrid work models.

WAF Market: Driven by the increased emphasis on digital transformation initiatives and the necessity of securely deploying enterprise applications on the Internet, the WAF market is projected to grow robustly. It is expected to reach nearly $6 B by 2028, reflecting a double-digit CAGR.

Firewall Market: The Firewall market is projected to grow at a single-digit CAGR, reaching over $19 B by 2028. While near-term softness is expected as the market corrects from the pandemic-induced surge, a new refresh cycle is anticipated to alleviate this, though it won’t be as strong as the post-pandemic boom.

Form Factor Shift: SaaS and virtual-based solutions are expected to grow at a 16 percent CAGR, compared to 6 percent for physical appliances. By 2026, SaaS and virtual-based solutions are projected to account for over half of the Network Security market.

https://www.delloro.com/news/network-security-market-to-hit-40-b-by-2028-with-cloud-based-solutions-driving-the-growth/

Dell'Oro: Broadband Equipment Spending Expected to Grow

Broadband Access Equipment market is forecasted to grow 2 percent on average for the next five years (2024-2028) due in part to lower spending in 2024 as operators continue to absorb excess inventory and, in the case of Tier 1 cable operators, dramatically slow their purchases of new DOCSIS CPE, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group.

“Most service providers are taking a conservative approach to 2024, choosing to rely on existing inventory as they receive mixed signals on inflation, consumer spending, and new home construction,” said Jeff Heynen, Vice President at Dell’Oro Group. “2025 is shaping up to be a rebound year for spending, driven by ongoing fiber network expansions as well as cable DAA upgrades,” added Heynen.

Additional highlights from the Broadband Access & Home Networking 5-Year July 2024 Forecast Report:

  • PON equipment revenue is expected to grow from $11.1 B in 2023 to $12.9 B in 2028, driven largely by XGS-PON deployments in North America, EMEA, and CALA, as well as FTTR (Fiber to the Room) and 50 Gbps deployments in China.
  • Revenue for Cable Distributed Access Equipment (Virtual CCAP, Remote PHY Devices, Remote MACPHY Devices, and Remote OLTs) is expected to peak at $1.2 B in 2027, as operators continue their DOCSIS 4.0 and early fiber deployments.
  • Revenue for Fixed Wireless CPE is expected to reach $2.6 B by 2028, led by shipments of 5G sub-6 GHz and a growing number of 5G millimeter wave units.
  • Revenue for Wi-Fi 7 residential routers and broadband CPE with WLAN will reach $8.4 B by 2028, as the technology is rapidly adopted by consumers and service providers alike.

STL Unveils High-Density 864F Micro Cables for US Fiber Networks

STL introduced its high-density 864F Micro Cables, designed to enhance connectivity in dense fiber networks across the US. These innovative cables offer superior fiber density, efficient installation, and sustainability benefits.

Key Points:

  • Ultra-high fiber density: 1.5X more fibers in the same diameter; easy installation up to 1500m in 14mm ducts.
  • Longer network life: Bend-insensitive 200-micron fiber increases power budget, reduces maintenance, and speeds up installation.
  • Sustainable and cost-saving: Uses 40% less plastic, cutting civil costs by up to 70%.
  • Easy to install: Slim outer jacket and reduced form factor enable tighter coiling and easier fiber bundle access.
  • Additional product: Intelligently Bonded Ribbon (IBR) Armored cable ensures easy installation and excellent splicing outcomes.
  • Local production: STL’s South Carolina facility supports federal and private broadband projects, including the BEAD Program.




Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Marvell intros Structera CXL for Enhanced Memory Performance

 Marvell introduced its new Structera product line of Compute Express Link (CXL) devices, aimed at resolving memory performance and scaling challenges in cloud data centers. These devices are designed to enable cloud operators to efficiently add memory to general-purpose servers, addressing the inefficiencies and high costs associated with memory-intensive applications. By leveraging the CXL industry standard, Marvell's Structera line allows for the creation of new architectures that enhance memory bandwidth and capacity without the need for additional servers.

The Structera product line includes two families of CXL devices tailored to specific use cases. The Structera A CXL near-memory accelerators integrate server-class processor cores and multiple memory channels to cater to high-bandwidth applications such as deep learning recommendation models (DLRM) and machine learning. The Structera X CXL memory-expansion controllers, on the other hand, are designed to add terabytes of memory to general-purpose servers, supporting high-capacity applications like in-memory databases. These products, which are the first in the industry to support four memory channels and utilize 5nm manufacturing processes, also incorporate inline compression for enhanced performance.

Marvell Structera A 2504

  • PCIe 5.0/CXL2.0 x16
  • Four channels of DRAM DDR5 6400 MT/sec  
  • Two memory DIMMs per channel (2DPC) support
  • 16 Arm Neoverse V2 cores at 3.2 GHz 
  • Inline LZ4 compression and decompression 
  • Inline AES-XTS 256-bit encryption and decryption 
  • Embedded hardware security module and secure boot

Marvell Structera X 2404

  • PCIe 5.0/CXL2.0 1 x16 or 2 x8
  • Four channels of DRAM DDR4 3200 MT/sec 
  • Three memory DIMMs per channel (3DPC) support
  • Inline LZ4 compression and decompression
  • Inline AES-XTS 256-bit encryption and decryption
  • Embedded hardware security module and secure boot

Marvell Structera X 2504

  • PCIe 5.0/CXL2.0 1 x16 or 2 x8
  • Four channels of DRAM DDR5 6400 MT/sec 
  • Two memory DIMMs per channel (2DPC) support
  • Inline LZ4 compression and decompression
  • Inline AES-XTS 256-bit encryption and decryption
  • Embedded hardware security module and secure boot

“Our new Structera CXL product line will be a game-changer in enabling optimal resource utilization and lowering energy consumption for scaling memory-intensive workloads in the cloud,” said Raghib Hussain, president of products and technologies at Marvell. “Marvell is delivering on the promise of CXL and our commitment to customers to help them solve their most challenging issues. CXL will continue to be a critical technology enabler for accelerated infrastructure across our compute, connectivity and storage portfolios.” 

Sampling is expected in Q4.




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Lumen reserves 10% of Corning’s global fiber capacity to connect AI data centers

As part of its Q2 financial report, Corning announced that Lumen Technologies has reserved 10% of Corning’s global fiber capacity for each of the next two years to interconnect AI-enabled data centers.  This will be the first outside-plant deployment of Corning’s new generative-AI fiber and cable system, which enables Lumen to fit two to four times the amount of fiber into their existing conduit.

The news led to a huge jump in Lumen's stock price on Tuesday.

Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and chief executive officer, said, “Our strong second-quarter results exceeded the guidance we provided in April and marked a return to year-over-year core sales and EPS growth. The outperformance was driven primarily by the strong adoption of our new optical connectivity products for generative AI, which drove record sales in the Enterprise portion of our Optical Communications business. The opportunity is only growing; in fact, in the third quarter, we reached an agreement with Lumen Technologies that uses our new gen-AI fiber and cable system to facilitate Lumen’s build of a new network to interconnect AI-enabled data centers.”

Second-Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

  • GAAP sales were $3.25 billion. Core sales were $3.60 billion.
  • GAAP EPS was $0.12, and core EPS was $0.47. The difference between GAAP and core EPS primarily reflected constant currency adjustments, translated earnings contract gains, and translation gains on Japanese-yen-denominated debt, as well as restructuring and non-cash asset write-off charges.
  • GAAP gross margin was 29.2%. Core gross margin improved sequentially and year over year by 110 and 170 basis points, respectively, to 37.9%.
  • GAAP operating cash flow was $521 million, and adjusted free cash flow was $353 million.

In Optical Communications, second-quarter sales were $1.1 billion, up 20% sequentially, marking a return to growth. Year over year, sales increased 4%, reflecting record sales in the Enterprise portion of the business, which was up 42%, driven by AI-related connectivity solutions. Second-quarter net income was $143 million, up 43% sequentially, driven by strong incremental profit on the higher volume.

https://investor.corning.com/news-and-events/news/news-details/2024/Corning-Reports-Strong-Second-Quarter-2024-Financial-Results-Exceeding-April-Guidance-and-Marking-Return-to-Year-over-Year-Sales-Growth/default.aspx

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#FiberConnect24: Key Priorities for Accelerating the Fiber Future

Check out the rest of Fiber Connect 2024 showcase here: https://ngi.fyi/fiberconnect24yt

How is fiber broadband accelerating our future?

Gary Bolton, President from Fiber Broadband Association explains:

- Fiber is critical infrastructure for building our future, beyond just meeting minimum speeds
- Accelerating deployment is crucial, as speed reduces costs and inefficiencies
- Protecting the network through trusted fiber initiatives and collaboration with security agencies is essential.


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

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#FiberConnect24: Fiber's Role in Connecting Rural America

Check out the rest of Fiber Connect 2024 showcase here: https://ngi.fyi/fiberconnect24yt

How can fiber infrastructure bridge the digital divide in rural America?

Jimmy Todd, CEO from Nex-Tech explains:

- Fiber is crucial for connecting unserved and underserved rural communities, preventing disparities between urban and rural areas
- Funding programs like BEAD, ARPA, and USDA grants need to consider population density and high-cost thresholds when allocating resources for rural fiber deployment
- Streamlining permitting processes and addressing challenges like terrain and distance is essential to accelerate rural fiber connectivity



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

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#FiberConnect24: Innovative Tools for Faster Fiber Rollouts

Check out the rest of Fiber Connect 2024 showcase here: https://ngi.fyi/fiberconnect24yt

How is Clearfield helping the broadband providers to overcome the barriers and Accelerate our Fiber Future?

Cheri Beranek, President and CEO from Clearfield explains:

- Introducing "BILT," a mobile app providing 3D images for on-site education and support
- Focusing on reducing operational expenses (Opex) in network construction through innovative product designs
- Developing solutions like the "Deploy Reel TAP" box to minimize labor requirements and skill levels needed for technicians


https://youtu.be/x-JsFO3wsbo
Want to be involved our video series? Contact info@nextgeninfra.io
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Arista reports Q2 sales of $1.69 billion, up 15.9% yoy

Arista Networks reported the following Q2 2024 numbers:

  • Revenue of $1.690 billion, an increase of 7.6% compared to the first quarter of 2024, and an increase of 15.9% from the second quarter of 2023.
  • GAAP gross margin of 64.9%, compared to GAAP gross margin of 63.7% in the first quarter of 2024 and 60.6% in the second quarter of 2023.
  • Non-GAAP gross margin of 65.4%, compared to non-GAAP gross margin of 64.2% in the first quarter of 2024 and 61.3% in the second quarter of 2023.
  • GAAP net income of $665.4 million, or $2.08 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income of $491.9 million, or $1.55 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2023.
  • Non-GAAP net income of $672.6 million, or $2.10 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net income of $501.2 million, or $1.58 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2023.

“On the heels of our June celebration of 10 years as a public company, I would again like to thank our customers, employees and partners for contributing to our success as we arrived at this important milestone,” said Jayshree Ullal, Chairperson and CEO of Arista Networks. “Our Q2 2024 financial results demonstrate Arista's powerful combination of growth, profitability and best of breed platforms.”



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Dell'Oro: Campus Switch Revenues to Plunge in 2024

Campus Switch sales hit a stratospheric high in 2023 but are expected to come sharply back down to earth in 2024, contracting by 16 percent, according to a new report fro Dell’Oro Group. The report predictsa 6 percent rebound in Campus Switch revenues in 2025, and then steady growth until 2028.

“Vendors backlogs are now normalized,” said Siân Morgan, Research Director at Dell’Oro Group. “Manufacturers are back to generating new demand instead of relying on backlogged orders for revenues.

“The Campus Switch market is in a lull, following on from the record levels of revenues experienced in 2023.  However, we expect that digital transformation projects and WLAN upgrades will return the Campus Switch market to growth in 2025.  While we see a risk of IT spending shift to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the enterprise, the AI revolution will also drive some network upgrades,” added Morgan.

Additional highlights from the Ethernet Switch – Campus 5-Year July 2024 Forecast Report:

  • AIOps features remain pivotal for vendors striving to enhance their competitive positioning in the Campus Switch market. These features will help boost prices between 2024 and 2028.
  • The adoption of 2.5/5.0 Gbps ports, and ports supporting PoE (Power over Ethernet), will be driven by sales of the next generation of WLAN and IoT devices.
  • Hybrid work models being adopted by enterprises will put both downward and upward pressures on Campus Switch spending.
  • The share of Campus Switch revenues from sales to enterprises in China is expected to increase in the period between 2023 and 2028.

https://www.delloro.com/news/campus-switch-revenues-will-plunge-in-2024/

Monday, July 29, 2024

Fiber Connect 2024: A Vision for America's Fiber-Connected Future

Nashville, TN - Gary Bolt, President of the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA), kicked off the Fiber Connect 2024 conference with a speech that underscored the significant progress and future potential of fiber broadband in the United States. Held in Nashville, this year's conference attracted a record 5,000 attendees, marking an annual growth of approximately 1,000 attendees over the past four years. Bolt emphasized the conference's goal to elevate the event to the world's premier fiber broadband gathering, reflecting on recent successes and setting ambitious targets for the future.

Bolt shared his recent experience hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, using the ancient city as a metaphor for the engineering marvels and legacy that today's fiber broadband initiatives aim to create. He highlighted the incredible engineering achievements of the Incas, drawing parallels to the ambitious goal of connecting every American with fiber broadband by the end of the decade. This vision, he argued, is within reach, given the advancements and opportunities presented since the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure bill by President Biden in November 2021.

The speech detailed the Fiber Broadband Association's (FBA) efforts to address workforce development, an essential component of the fiber broadband expansion. Bolt announced the success of the FBA's fiber optic technician training program, which has grown from an initial cohort of eight students in 2022 to nearly 485 graduates today, with a goal of 1,085 graduates by the end of the year. The program, which has a significant focus on veterans, aims to train 75,000 fiber optic technicians nationwide, addressing a critical industry need.

Bolt also discussed the challenges and solutions related to fiber deployment, including permitting, cost benchmarking, and supply chain issues. The FBA's initiatives, such as the permitting summit held in collaboration with Brightsky and the annual fiber deployment cost study conducted with Cartesian, are pivotal in streamlining processes and reducing costs. Additionally, Bolt highlighted the importance of securing the nation's broadband infrastructure and the association's efforts to promote fiber as critical infrastructure through advocacy, education, and collaboration with government entities.

Key Points:

Record Attendance: Fiber Connect 2024 saw a record 5,000 attendees, reflecting significant growth and interest in fiber broadband.

Workforce Development: The FBA's fiber optic technician training program has expanded rapidly, with a goal of 75,000 trained technicians to support the fiber broadband rollout.

Deployment Challenges: The FBA is addressing permitting, cost benchmarking, and supply chain issues to streamline fiber deployment and reduce costs.

Critical Infrastructure: The FBA emphasizes fiber as essential infrastructure and works with government entities to secure and promote broadband development.


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Fiber Connect 2024: NTIA's Alan Davidson Affirms Commitment to Fiber

Fiber Connect 2024 - Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), took the stage at Fiber Connect 2024 in a highly anticipated fireside chat. Davidson reassured the audience of fiber advocates that NTIA remains firmly committed to fiber broadband as the backbone of America's internet infrastructure, dispelling any rumors to the contrary.

Davidson highlighted the historic bipartisan infrastructure law, which has finally provided the resources to address the digital divide, a problem that has persisted for over two decades. He emphasized that NTIA's mission is to connect every American with reliable, affordable high-speed internet, with fiber being the preferred technology due to its future-proof capabilities. While acknowledging the challenges in reaching certain areas, he affirmed that alternative technologies would be considered only when fiber deployment is not feasible.

The Assistant Secretary also announced that NTIA would soon release a guidelines document for the use of alternative technologies, which will be open for public comment. He encouraged stakeholders to participate in this process to ensure a robust and effective framework. Davidson expressed confidence in the bipartisan support for NTIA's programs, noting that the digital equity grants and state plans are crucial steps in achieving digital equity and closing the connectivity gap.

Addressing the critical issue of workforce development, Davidson acknowledged the industry's need for a significant increase in fiber optic technicians. He highlighted the efforts of various states and organizations in workforce training and urged industry stakeholders to continue engaging in these initiatives. Davidson concluded by calling on the Fiber Broadband Association and its members to support NTIA's mission through active participation in state processes, workforce development, and ensuring affordability and accessibility for all Americans.

Key Points:

Commitment to Fiber: NTIA remains dedicated to fiber broadband as the primary technology for high-speed internet infrastructure.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Emphasizes the historic opportunity to close the digital divide with substantial federal funding.

Guidelines for Alternative Technologies: Upcoming document open for public comment to outline the use of alternative technologies in specific cases.

Digital Equity Grants: Nearly a billion dollars in funding to support digital equity initiatives and ensure access for all communities.

Workforce Development: Calls for increased training and support to meet the growing demand for fiber optic technicians.

Fireside Chat Hosted by Marissa Mitrovich, Vice President of Public Policy for the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA). 

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Fiber Connect 2024: Verizon's Eric Lia Advocates for Expanded Fiber Broadband

At the Fiber Connect 2024 conference in Nashville, Eric J. Lia, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Verizon, underscored the transformative power of broadband for rural America. Lia emphasized that broadband access is not merely about faster internet speeds but about leveling the playing field and unlocking growth potential in education, healthcare, economic prosperity, and community development. He highlighted the significant disparities in broadband access, pointing out that 8.8 million households remain unserved or underserved, with 50% of households and school-aged children lacking reliable internet. To bridge this digital divide, Verizon has committed over $3 billion from 2020 through 2025 to expand internet access, particularly focusing on rural areas, schools, libraries, and small businesses.

Lia also addressed the challenges and solutions in expanding fiber broadband. He urged for regulatory flexibility to avoid burdensome restrictions and redundant costs, which can hinder progress. Lia emphasized the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure and upskilling the workforce to meet the growing demand for fiber deployments. Innovations in fiber technology, such as smaller, more efficient cables and hubs, are crucial for reducing costs and accelerating installations. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate and innovate, stressing that every decision should aim to expedite the deployment of fiber broadband to enhance the quality of life for residents in underserved areas.

Key Points:

  • Broadband access is essential for education, healthcare, economic prosperity, and community growth.
  • 8.8 million households remain unserved or underserved; 50% of households and school-aged children lack reliable internet.
  • Verizon is investing over $3 billion from 2020-2025 to expand broadband access, particularly in rural areas.
  • Regulatory flexibility and leveraging existing infrastructure are crucial for efficient fiber deployments.
  • Innovations in fiber technology are needed to reduce costs and speed up installations.
  • Collaboration and innovation among stakeholders are essential to accelerate broadband deployment.

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FBA: Gigabit Fiber Can Add $326B to US GDP

The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) published a new study by RVA LLC Market Research & Consulting, emphasizing the substantial financial benefits for users subscribing to gigabit+ broadband services. The study reveals that by adopting fiber broadband services offering gigabit speeds or higher, U.S. productivity could receive a significant boost, potentially adding $326 billion to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This increase in productivity translates to considerable financial gains for gigabit+ subscribers, making it a valuable investment for both individuals and the economy.

John George, FBA Technology Committee Chair and OFS Senior Director of Solutions Engineering and Fusion Splicers, underscores the critical role of fiber broadband in economic growth. He emphasizes that the consistent improvement of broadband speeds is essential to meet the increasing demand for bandwidth. Fiber broadband, known for its reliability, longevity, and sustainability, offers the best value for broadband infrastructure. 

The study further indicates that upgrading work-from-home subscribers from 100/20 Mbps to gigabit fiber could contribute an impressive 1.2% or $326 billion to GDP, highlighting the transformative potential of fiber broadband on the economy.

Key Points:

  • Economic Impact: Gigabit+ broadband could add $326 billion to U.S. GDP.
  • Productivity Boost: Higher broadband speeds enhance productivity and financial gains for subscribers.
  • Reliability and Performance: Fiber broadband offers unmatched reliability, low latency, and high uptime.
  • Future-Ready: Fiber broadband supports the growing demand for higher bandwidth and technological advancements.
  • Government Priority: Encourages governments to prioritize fiber broadband for economic and community benefits.

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Nokia has introduced Broadband Easy Connect, a subscription-based service designed to help operators streamline, simplify, and accelerate the fiber connection process for homes. 

As global fiber deployments rise, operators face challenges in cost-effectively connecting subscribers, with over 30% of home connections failing to meet plan due to manual procedures, inaccurate data, and tight schedules. This service aims to address these issues by providing operators, subcontractors, and retailers access to a cloud-based platform that automates the fiber connection process from initial request to service activation, significantly reducing costs and connection times.

Key Points:

  • Service Offering: Broadband Easy Connect is a subscription-based service to streamline home fiber connections.
  • Automation: The cloud-based platform automates scheduling, dispatching engineers, and verifying field operations.
  • Productivity Tools: Includes tools like ONT Easy Start and Optical Link Certifier for automated service activation and testing.
  • AI Integration: Uses AI computer vision models to validate port assignments and ensure proper installation of components.
  • Nokia’s Experience: Builds on Nokia’s experience connecting over 300 million homes globally, ensuring efficiency and consistency.

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STL expands optical portfolio for US access market

STL  announced a significant expansion of its Optical Connectivity portfolio in the US market. This move aims to enhance fiber connectivity at the premise level with scalable, easy-to-install solutions designed to accelerate deployment and streamline operations for service providers. Among the key products in this portfolio are:

OptoBlaze, Multiport Service Terminal, and OptoBolt Pre-Connectorized Drop Cables: These solutions, already deployed by US providers such as Lumos Networks and Archtop Fiber, enhance network modularity, reduce installation time, and lower connection costs.

OptoPull: A pullable, field-installed pre-connectorized drop cable designed for efficient and quick deployment.

OptoPod: A flexible multiport service terminal offering a pre-connectorized, plug-and-play solution ideal for fast and easy network connections in space-constrained environments.

OptoPed: A high-performance distribution system featuring optical pedestals that are designed and tested to withstand the harshest environmental conditions.



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Keysight validates first 5G NR 1024-QAM demodulation

Keysight Technologies has validated the industry's first 5G NR FR1 1024-QAM demodulation test cases, based on the 3GPP TS 38.521-4 test specification. These test cases, validated at the Conformance Agreement Group (CAG) #79 meeting of the Global Certification Forum (GCF) in July, are designed for use with Keysight's 5G network emulation conformance test platform (TP168). This milestone enables users to ensure their devices fully comply with 5G standards before market launch.

Key Points:

  • Validation Achievement: First 5G NR FR1 1024-QAM demodulation test cases validated.
  • Technology: Supports enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) with higher data rates, increased bandwidth, improved reliability, and lower latency.
  • Test Platform: 1024-QAM support added to the E7515B UXM 5G Test platform, available as a software upgrade.
  • Release 16 Enhancements: Validated WI-528 Release 16 NR Demodulation Performance Enhancements, now open for certification.
  • Industry Support: Supported by multiple operators, ensuring rigorous compliance and performance checks.

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