It’s always interesting (and dangerous) to lay out some predictions for the future of technology, so here are a few visions:
The exponential growth of broadband data is driving wireless (and wired) communications systems to more effectively use existing bandwidth. Mobile data traffic continues to grow, driven both by increased smartphone subscriptions and a continued increase in average data volume per subscription, fueled primarily by more viewing of video content. Ericsson forecasts mobile video traffic to grow by around 50% annually through 2022, to account for nearly 75% of all mobile data traffic. Social networking is the second biggest data traffic type. To make effective use of the wireless channel, system operators are moving toward massive-MIMO, multi-antenna systems that transmit multiple wide-bandwidth data streams—geometrically adding to system complexity and power consumption. Total mobile data traffic is expected to grow at 45% CAGR to 2020.
5G cellular technology is still in development, and is far from ready in 2017. As international groups set 2020 deadline to agree on frequencies and standards for the new equipment, anything before that is pre-standard. Expect to see many 5G announcements that might not be what 5G will actually be when standard is ready. The boldest statement is that Nokia & KT plan 2017 launch of world’s first mobile 5G network in South Korea in 2017: commercial trial system to operate in the 28GHz band. Wireless spectrum above 5 GHz will generate solutions for a massive increase in bandwidth and also for a latency of less than 1 ms.
CableLabs is working toward standardization of an AP Coordination protocol to improve In-Home WiFi as one access point (AP) for WiFi often is not enough to allow for reliable connection and ubiquitous speed to multiple devices throughout a large home. The hope is that something will be seen mid-2017. A mesh AP network is a self-healing, self-forming, self-optimizing network of mesh access points (MAPs).
There will be more and more Gigabit Internet connections in 2017. Gigabit Internet is Accelerating on All Fronts. Until recently, FTTH has been the dominant technology for gigabit. Some of the common options available now include fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 over cable’s HFC plant, G.Fast over telco DSL networks, 5G cellular, and fiber-to-the-building coupled with point-to-point wireless. AT&T recently launched its AT&T Fiber gigabit service. Cable’s DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 are cheaper and less disruptive than FTTH in that they do not require a rip-and-replace of the existing outside plant. DOCSIS 3.1, which has just begun to be deployed at scale, is designed to deliver up to 10 Gbps downstream Internet speeds over existing HFC networks (most deployments to date have featured 1 Gbps speeds). G.Fast is just beginning to come online with a few deployments (typically 500 meters or less distance at MDU). 5G cellular technology is still in development, and standards for it do not yet exist. Another promising wireless technology for delivering gigabit speeds is point-to-point millimeter wave, which uses spectrum between 30 GHz and 300 GHz.
There are also some trials for 10 Gbit/s: For example Altice USA (Euronext:ATC) announced plans to build a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network capable of delivering broadband speeds of up to 10 Gbps across its U.S. footprint. The five-year deployment plan is scheduled to begin in 2017.
Interest to use TV white space increases in 2017 in USA. The major factors driving the growth of the market include providing low-cost broadband to remote and non-line-of-sight regions. Rural Internet access market is expected to grow at a significant rate between 2016 and 2022. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global TV white space market was valued at $1.2 million in 2015 and is expected to reach approximately $53.1 million by 2022, at a CAGR of 74.30% during the forecast period.
The rapid growth of the internet and cloud computing has resulted in bandwidth requirements for data center network. This is in turn expected to increase the demand for optical interconnects in the next-generation data center networks.
Open Ethernet networking platforms will make a noticeable impact in 2017. The availability of full featured, high performance and cost effective open switching platforms combined with open network operating systems such as Cumulus Networks, Microsoft SoNIC, and OpenSwitch will finally see significant volume uptake in 2017.
Network becomes more and more software controlled in 2017.NFV and SDN Will Mature as Automated Networks will become Production systems. Over the next five years, nearly 60 percent of hyperscale facilities are expected to deploy SDN and/or NFV solutions. IoT will force SDN adoption into Campus Networks.
SDN implementations are increasingly taking a platform approach with plug and play support for any VNF, topology, and analytics that are instrumented and automated. Some companies are discovering the security benefits of SDN – virtual segmentation and automation. The importance of specific SDN protocols (OpenFlow, OVSDB, NetConf, etc.) will diminish as many universes of SDN/NFV will solidify into standard models. More vendors are opening up their SDN platforms to third-party VNFs. In Linux based systems eBPF and XDP are delivering flexibility, scale, security, and performance for a broad set of functions beyond networking without bypassing the kernel.
For year 2016 it was predicted that gigabit ethernet sales start to decline as the needle moving away from 1 Gigabit Ethernet towards faster standards (2.5 or 5.0 or 10Gbps; Nbase-T is basically underclocked 10Gbase-T running at 2.5 or 5.0Gbps instead of 10Gbps). I have not yet seen the result from this prediction, but that does not stop from making new ones. So I expect that 10GbE sales will peak in 2017 and start a steady decline after 2017 as it is starts being pushed aside by 25, 50, and 100GbE in data center applications. 25Gbit/s Ethernet is available now from all of the major server vendors. 25 can start to become the new 10 as it offers 2.5x the throughput and only a modest price premium over 10Gbit/s.
100G and 400G Ethernet will still have some implementation challenges in 2017. Data-center customers are demanding a steep downward trajectory in the cost of 100G pluggable transceivers, but existing 100G module multi-source agreements (MSAs) such as PSM4 and CWDM4 have limited capacity for cost reduction due to the cost of the fiber (PSM4) and the large number of components (both PSM4 and CWDM4). It seems that dual-lambda PAM4 and existing 100G Ethernet (100GE) solutions such as PSM4 and CWDM4 will not be able to achieve the overall cost reductions demanded by data-center customers. At OFC 2016, AppliedMicro showcased the world’s first 100G PAM4 single-wavelength solution for 100G and 400G Ethernet. We might be able to see see 400GE in the second half of 2017 or the early part of 2018.
As the shift to the cloud is accelerating in 2017, the traffic routed through cloud-based data centers is expected to quadruple in the next four years according to the results of the sixth annual Global Cloud Index published by Cisco. Public cloud is growing faster than private cloud. An estimated 68 percent of cloud workloads will be deployed in public cloud data centers by 2020, up from 49 percent in 2015. According to Cisco, hyperscale data centers will account for 47 percent of global server fleet and support 53 percent of all data center traffic by 2020.
The modular data center market has experienced a high growth and adoption rate in the last few years, and is anticipated to experience more of this trend in years to come. Those data centers are typically built using standard 20 ft. container module or standard 40 ft. container module. Modular data center market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 24.1% during period 2016 – 2025, to account for US$ 22.41 billion in 2025. Also in 2017 the first cracks will start to appear in Intel’s vaunted CPU dominance.
The future of network neutrality is unsure in 2017 as the Senate failed to reconfirm Democratic pro-net neutrality FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, portending new Trump era leadership and agenda Net neutrality faces extinction under Trump. Also one of Trump’s advisers on FCC, Mark Jamison, argued last month that the agency should only regulate radio spectrum licenses, scale back all other functions. When Chairman Tom Wheeler, the current head of the FCC, steps down, Republicans will hold a majority.
1,115 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Welcome to EuCNC 2017 | Oulu, Finland | June 12-15
Welcome to the future with 5G
http://www.eucnc.eu/
Europe has to be active on 5G trials and pilot deployment and enable the new ecosystems and 5G business cases to arise in the area, such as the Internet of Things (IoT). To this end, on-going cooperation and partnerships with verticals industries are required, such as those initiated with the automotive industry.
Initiatives are on-going worldwide, and the programme assembled for this conference will provide valuable views also on the global actions. All this is valid regarding the policy objectives set by the Commission through the 5G Action Plan, targeting 5G deployment as early as 2020.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Erillisverkot operating the Virve network in Finland, Telia and Nokia have successfully tested the prioritization of government traffic in the mobile loads of the mobile network. The technical features of the prioritization have been tested in various simulations since last year. Prioritization is needed to ensure public authorities can be guaranteed in all situations regardless of network load.
The Finnish authorities network Virve is moving to new generation technical solutions where the authorities’ traffic is handled in co-operation with commercial operators.
Tests have been made in addition to the tests simulated real-world network load situations on a regular basis during the last half of the year. The tests have been made momentarily in a congested commercial network under realistic conditions, including in the context of a large audience such as hockey match with the authorities.
Prioritizing the authority connection overrides the privilege of other traffic and service access in the current situation of current LTE / 4G and incoming 5G mobile networks as a prerequisite for implementing critical government communication services on commercial network operators.
- Even though the current Tetra-based Virve network will work for a long time, co-operation with commercial operators to find a new generation of Virve network technology has been launched
- Our test results show that the characteristics of LTE networks allow for public transport prioritization even in congestion situations.
- the tests carried out together with TeliaSonera and Telia are an excellent demonstration
Source: http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/6326-viranomaisliikennetta-testattu-onnistuneesti-lte-verkossa
Tomi Engdahl says:
Anya George Tharakan / Reuters:
Cisco reports Q3 revenue of $11.9B, down 1% YoY, profits of $2.52B, forecasts disappointing Q4, and says it will cut 1100 more jobs; shares open down 7%+
Cisco revenue forecast disappoints; says to cut 1,100 more jobs
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cisco-results-idUSKCN18D2LT
Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO.O) forecast current-quarter revenue that widely missed analysts’ estimates and said it would cut 1,100 more jobs, as the world’s largest networking gear maker steps up efforts to transform into a software-focused company.
Cisco, which announced in August that it would slash 5,500 jobs, said the new cuts would result in $150 million in additional pretax charges.
The company said on Wednesday it expected revenue for its fourth quarter to fall between 4-6 percent from a year earlier, implying a range of $11.88 billion-$12.13 billion.
Cisco, like other legacy technology players, is shifting its focus to high-growth areas such as security, the Internet of Things and cloud computing, amid intense competition from companies such as Huawei and Juniper Networks Inc (JNPR.N).
Tomi Engdahl says:
What’s now and what’s next for 5G
http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/5g-waves/4458411/What-s-now-and-what-s-next-for-5G
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wirewerks launches NextSTEP high-density fiber-management product line
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/2017/040/wirewerks-nextstep-high-density-fiber-management.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cimdatacenternewsletter_2017-05-18
Wirewerks recently introduced the NextSTEP Technology product line, a high-density fiber-management system that includes patch panels, slide-in modules, and cable-management accessories. In its maximum density configuration, the NextSTEP system manages up to 6000 fibers (3000 ports) in a standard 19-inch rack
Six NextSTEP modules are currently available: a customizable patch module, an MPO adapter strip module, a distribution module, a splice tray module, a WDM module, and a blank adapter module.
Wirewerks explained that NextSTEP’s functionality is based on three enabling technologies: “stepped” shelf design, the common form-factor modules, and the trademarked CableTree cable-management components.
The common form-factor modules (pictured below) “allow for mixed deployment in the same panel,” Wirewerks continued. “NextSTEP 1U and 4U patch panels accept up to 12 or 48 modules respectively, in any combination.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why non-standard length UTP offers a hidden opportunity for cabling contractors
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/2017/040/wesco-utp-blog.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cimdatacenternewsletter_2017-05-18
For contractors and integrators, today’s marketplace is hypercompetitive. Every day brings a challenge to get more out of less. Increasing job profitability is the way to stay truly competitive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
What options exist to increase job profitability?
In the world of contracting, there aren’t many areas to cut costs that don’t negatively impact your quality of work. It’s possible to pay your people less while keeping your pricing unchanged to enhance job profits.
As labor costs are fairly constant, another option contractors have to increase profits is to pay less for datacom solutions or products while keeping pricing unchanged.
When it comes down to it, decreasing labor costs and choosing low cost products both have inherent risks for contractors, integrators and their customers.
Buying non-standard length UTP cable is one way to significantly increase profits while still working with the same U.S.-based world-class manufacturers you currently buy from today.
As most contractors know, the industry has established a standard length for UTP (1,000’). During the cable manufacturing process, production lines are set up to manufacture UTP cable in 1,000’ standard lengths.
However, U.S. cable manufacturers are often left with a variety of “short” or non-standard lengths of cable.
When a non-standard network cable length ranges between 500’ to 999’, it represents a unique opportunity for contractors and integrators. While the manufacturer cannot sell this in the same manner as standard length UTP, the product is virtually identical to standard length UTP in every way, except its length and price.
If cable lengths aren’t standard, can they still be used on your jobs? The answer is a resounding “yes.” Think about it — most contractors use non-standard length cable almost every day. If you start a job on day one with standard length (1,000’) boxes, at the end of the day you are left with a bunch of non-standard length cabling. You wouldn’t just throw it out, would you?
The standard length box, which was purchased at full market price, has now become a non-standard length product.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Designing and installing fiber-optic cabling to support distributed antenna systems
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/print/volume-25/issue-5/features/design/designing-and-installing-fiber-optic-cabling-to-support-distributed-antenna-systems.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cimdatacenternewsletter_2017-05-18
A distributed antenna system (DAS) is a wireless communication system that replaces the single, high-output-power, cell-phone antenna with multiple, reduced-power antennas. It is, in effect, a mirror of the cell phone network, but with a reduced coverage area.
Distributed antenna systems are implemented in confined areas, such as campuses, sports stadium, and areas with small concentrations that require high capacity and may have dead zones or zones of low signal strength.
There are four basic reasons for DAS use: 1) Insufficient signal strength; 2) Insufficient bandwidth; 3) Adding value; 4) Legal requirement.
Because an estimated 80 percent of all cell phone traffic begins or ends inside buildings, in-building cell phone access is important. Some wireless carriers install DAS inside certain buildings to enhance their service offering. In addition, some building owners add value to their real estate assets by installing a DAS. A side benefit is increased cell phone battery life, as the phone can use reduced power to maintain a connection.
Distributed antenna systems are variously known as small cells, microcells and femtocells. The designation depends on the coverage radius.
All DAS start with one of two inputs: a connection to a carrier via fiber-optic cable; or an antenna, called a donor antenna, that receives from and transmits to the cell phone system.
This antenna is located such that there is no communication interference or blockage. Typically, this location is outdoors and above the tree line. Typically, this antenna receives multiple frequencies to increase capacity and enable emergency communications.
Small systems use coaxial cable to create a “passive” DAS. The coaxial is “leaky” so that the cable functions as the antenna. However, modern building materials can block such relatively weak signals.
Large systems use fiber cable to create “active” systems. The optoelectronics convert the incoming radio frequency (RF) signal to a digital optical signal, with return to RF at the distributed antennas. Such transmission can be analog or digital.
However, the preference is for digital transmission. This preference is driven by cost; digital transmission is less expensive to implement and operate than analog. In addition, digital transmission can be repeated without limit. In comparison, analog signals have limited repetitions, since the signals gain noise and distortion with each repetition or amplification.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Viavi: Gigabit Available to 219 Million People
http://www.btreport.net/articles/2017/05/viavi-gigabit-available-to-219-million-people.html?cmpid=enl_btr_weekly_2017-05-18
Viavi Solutions (NASDAQ:VIAV) has updated its Gigabit Monitor, the company’s visual database of current and planned gigabit Internet deployments around the world. Analysis of deployments indicates that 219 million people globally now have gigabit Internet available to them, equating to roughly 3% of the global population. There are currently 603 gigabit Internet implementations, up 72% from last June.
The Gigabit Monitor is a web-based tool intended to showcase the state-of-play of gigabit Internet provision across the world, based on publicly available data. The database is updated regularly, based on deployment announcements and feedback from users. The site has been overhauled since its launch in 2016 to include population coverage estimates, giving a clearer picture of gigabit progress across the world. The following information is based on Viavi’s analysis of that data.
The United States has the highest number of people with access to gigabit Internet (56.4 million) with a population coverage of 17%. Singapore currently has the highest proportion of citizens with gigabit Internet availability at 95%. South Korea has the second highest number of citizens with gigabit Internet availability (46.7 million), representing 93% of its population.
Of the current gigabit installations tracked by Gigabit Monitor, 91% are based on fiber, with cellular connections accounting for 3.65%, HFC accounting for 5.26%, and WiFi making up less than 1%. However, with many launches of gigabit LTE and 5G expected in the near future, the scale of cellular gigabit connectivity is expected to change significantly.
http://gigabitmonitor.com/
Tomi Engdahl says:
David McCabe / Axios:
FCC votes to begin rolling back Obama-era rules governing net neutrality for ISPs — The long-anticipated rollback of net neutrality rules has officially begun. The FCC voted along party lines on Thursday to formally consider Chairman Ajit Pai’s plan to scrap the legal foundation for the rules …
FCC moves ahead with plan to scrap net neutrality rules
https://www.axios.com/fcc-moves-forward-with-plan-to-scrap-net-neutrality-rules-2412899099.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wonky whitelist update blamed for AT&T’s nationwide 911 blackout
FCC report finds lessons, mentions no fines as yet
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/05/18/whitelist_caused_att_911_outage/
A wrongly updated whitelist was behind the five-hour nationwide outage of AT&T’s emergency 911 service in March, a report by America’s phone regulator, the FCC, has revealed.
The whitelist of IP numbers plays a critical role in AT&T’s backend systems, but was listed as containing only “customer” rather than “infrastructure” data and so did not go through vigorous checking before it was sent to the live network.
The wrong updated list removed IP addresses used by one of the two providers that AT&T contracts to run its emergency system: Comtech. That meant that phone calls made over its LTE network were prevented from reaching the company.
The result was that 12,600 people across the country heard fast busy signals, endless ringing or silence when trying to make an emergency call and were unable to receive an operator.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How 5G is changing data centers
http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/power-forward/4458412/How-5G-is-changing-data-centers
While there is perhaps a general perception to the contrary, 5G systems are no longer just the subject of research within major telecoms companies or the topic of conference presentations at industry forums. The reality is that major OEMs will be deploying 5G systems within the next few years, which means that developments are already advancing rapidly.
For this to be effective, network latency needs to be less than 1ms. This not only requires 5G infrastructure installed in the data centers but also requires data centers to be located closer to the users and the cellular radio towers that serve them–having a data center 250 miles away isn’t going to cut it! While data will still need to reside upstream, it will also need to be readily available in more remote locations, at the edge of the network. This change potentially negates the trend for siting data centers close to power plants that can supply their massive energy demands, or in climates where the cooling requirement and consequent additional energy demand is reduced.
Part of the solution lies in the recent growth in micro-datacenters, whose lower capacity but higher numbers will be sufficient to support this more distributed cloud infrastructure.
The first, in tier 3 or tier 4 data centers, is the need to provide 100% redundancy for mission-critical tasks. This means that every element in the power supply path, from external utility supply and back-up generator, through the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and power distribution unit (PDU), to the server racks and individual servers is duplicated. This is typically the case even if not all servers are dual-corded because they don’t need to run mission-critical tasks.
power provision is scaled to cope with peak loads.
For example, the actual power usage of a server rack might typically be 8-10 kW but if demand could peak to 16 kW
SDP provides a solution for the power management of all data centers whether for traditional cloud computing and storage requirements or the nimbler micro-datacenters that are needed to serve low-latency 5G applications. SDP supports everything from optimizing the voltages found in the distributed power architecture of server racks, through to dynamically managing power sources and implementing peak-shaving. Peak-shaving addresses the problem of dynamic load variations
Tomi Engdahl says:
Is Net Neutrality Good or Bad for Innovation?
http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/telecom/internet/does-net-neutrality-help-or-harm-innovation
Major tech companies have also lined up on opposing sides of the debate. Google, Apple, Amazon, and Netflix support net neutrality, while Internet service providers (ISPs) including Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T have long railed against it. Everyone argues that their position will spur innovation and economic growth. So who’s right?
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer.
Right now, there are still a lot of unknowns about how a post–net neutrality world would actually operate. It’s not clear how much faster or slower content might be delivered, or what fees an ISP would charge for each service. Given those gaps in knowledge, it’s hard to know how these expenses might impact small or large businesses, and affect ISPs or content producers.
And if net neutrality disappears, what might that mean for consumers?
Tomi Engdahl says:
These are the arguments against net neutrality — and why they’re wrong
https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/19/these-are-the-arguments-against-net-neutrality-and-why-theyre-wrong/?ncid=rss&utm_source=tcfbpage&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29&utm_content=FaceBook&sr_share=facebook
Several primary arguments against the rules as they stand have appeared as talking points or recurring themes; they are worth considering seriously and, if possible, refuting definitively. That’s what I’m aiming to compile here.
One quick note: the full text of the proposal isn’t available yet
Tomi Engdahl says:
Julie Bort / Business Insider:
Inside Facebook’s Telecom Infra Project, which wants to do for the telecom equipment market what Open Compute Project did for data center hardware
http://www.businessinsider.com/inside-facebooks-telecom-infrastructure-project-2017-5?op=1
Tomi Engdahl says:
PAM-4 PCB best practices
http://www.edn.com/design/pc-board/4458413/PAM4-PCB-best-practices
400 gigabit Ethernet (400GbE) is a new generation wired communication standard supporting the projected explosion in data traffic volume with the booming applications of Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G mobile broadband [1]. In the implementation of 400GbE communication, electrical interface with 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) signaling over 8 lanes is adopted. The combination of 8 lanes at 50Gbps per lane enables the total bandwidth of 400Gbps over the Ethernet [2]. The electrical specifications of 400GbE with 50Gbps (i.e., 25GBaud) PAM-4 signaling are defined by IEEE 802.3bs [2] [3].
Tomi Engdahl says:
Panduit joins Software-Defined Video over Ethernet Alliance
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/2017/040/panduit-sdvoe-alliance.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cimdatacenternewsletter_2017-05-22
The Software-Defined Video over Ethernet Alliance (SDVoE Alliance) recently announced that Panduit joined as a contributing member to the group. “Panduit will work toward the organization’s goals of standardizing the adoption of Ethernet to transport AV signals in professional AV environments, and creating an ecosystem around SDVoE technology that allows software to define AV applications,” the alliance said.
Panduit’s vice president of enterprise business, Dennis Renaud, commented that the company “is excited to be the first cabling and connectivity manufacturer to join the SDVoE Alliance as a contributing member. The alliance and Panduit have similar goals of promoting the expansion and standardization of an AV-over-IP solution. This gives Panduit an opportunity to introduce our high-quality, industry-leading network products and solutions to the pro AV market.”
Software Defined Video Over Ethernet
http://sdvoe.org/
It is universally acknowledged that the transition of the AV industry to IP-based solutions is inevitable. Moving AV distribution to IP offers the possibility to create dramatically new architectures and entirely new user experiences. However, too many different approaches exist and are confusing the market and customers. Furthermore, many technologies simply fail to meet the performance needs of pro AV. For these reasons, adoption of AV over IP has been slow.
The SDVoE Alliance is bringing leading companies in the space together around a standardized hardware and software platform. The SDVoE platform will disrupt the pro AV industry by enabling applications that were previously unrealizable.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Protocol and hardware testing for 2.5GBase-T and 5GBase-T
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/print/volume-25/issue-5/features/standards/protocol-and-hardware-testing-for-2-5gbase-t-and-5gbase-t.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cimdatacenternewsletter_2017-05-22
The University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL) has been testing Base-T Ethernet since 1988. Ethernet speed increases have traditionally been a factor of 10, starting at 10Base-T and going to 10GBase-T (10-Mbit, 100-Mbit, 1-Gbit, 10-Gbit), but technologies based on the IEEE 802.11ac standard for wireless access are creating the need for a much more tailored approach to Ethernet standards development. A perfect example of this is the IEEE 802.3bz specification for 2.5GBase-T and 5GBase-T Ethernet. Modern access points created a need for greater than 1-Gbit/sec Ethernet connectivity over structured twisted-pair wiring, while maintaining a lower power and cost profile than was available using 10GBase-T. This new technology enables the existing and growing interconnect solutions for enterprise wireless access points to serve over structured Category 5e or better twisted pair. The ability to use existing cable combined with the lower power consumption makes it an attractive technology for access communications. This next generation of Base-T also shows a clear upgrade path as future access points (AP) and servers will need higher-speed access like 10, 25, or 40GBase-T, which all require an upgrade to the cabling infrastructure.
The 2.5/5GBase-T technology preserves the IEEE 802.3/Ethernet frame format utilizing IEEE 802.3 MAC (media access control), keeping the minimum and maximum frame size of the current IEEE 802.3 standard, supporting Clause 28 autonegotiation, optionally supporting Clause 78 Energy Efficient Ethernet, and PoE (covered in Clause 33). This also includes amendments made by IEEE 802.3bt DTE Power via MDI over 4-Pair Task Force. To ensure that a product is conformant to all of these requirements and testing basic interoperability, it must be tested over all layers, from the PMD (physical medium dependent) up to the MAC and even higher.
An area of particular interest to the cabling community is how the technology reaches speeds greater than 1 Gbit/sec, while continuing to use existing Category 5e installations. The usable bandwidth over these installations is 350 MHz. The clock rate of 2.5GBase-T is 200 MHz, translating to 625 Mbits/sec on each pair after the 64B/65B encoding and PAM 16 modulation. Similarly, the clock rate of 5GBase-T is 400 MHz, resulting in 1250 Mbits/sec per lane with the same encoding and modulation. Because of the limitation in bandwidth for Category 5e for 5GBase-T operation, the PSD (power spectral density) mask is shaped differently for 2.5GBase-T and 5GBase-T. It allows for more power at lower frequencies for 5GBase-T to overcompensate for the lack of bandwidth.
The 2.5GBase-T mask is lower to reduce the possible effects of crosstalk on a 5GBase-T signal on the same installation.
The protocols and signaling that a device needs to adhere to for the best chance of interoperability are broad and encompass many layers of the Ethernet stack. However the 2.5/5GBase-T technology is built on the robust foundation of prior Ethernet generations and even at its infancy showed robust interoperability.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Extreme Networks expands enterprise switching hardware
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/pt/2017/05/extreme-networks-expands-enterprise-switching-hardware.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cimdatacenternewsletter_2017-05-22
Extreme Networks is growing its switching portfolio with the introduction of its ExtremeSwitching hardware. The new X870 series is a high-density 100GB fixed form switch family, while the ExtremeSwitching X620-16p and X460-G2 are Ethernet multi-rate switches. The X870 chassis is a single 1RU box that can support multiple Ethernet interface speeds including 10Gb, 25Gb, 40Gb, 50Gb and 100Gb.
Extreme Networks Expands Switching Platform
http://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/nethub/extreme-networks-expands-switching-platform.html
he ExtremeSwitching X870-96x-8c box in contrast is being positioned as a high-density leaf switch, supporting up to 96 ports of 10 GbE.
The X460-G2 is an aggregation switch and provides Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capabilities with support fro the IEEE 802.2at standard. There are two model of the X460-G2 including a 48 port and a 28 port model. Up to eight X460-G2 switches can be stacked together for even more capacity.
Finally the new X620-16p is an edge switch focussed on 10 GbE applications. The new switch can support 12 x 100Mb/1Gb/2/5Gb/5Gb/10GBASE-T PoE.
The support for 2.5 and 5 GbE is part of the IEEE 802.3bz standard effort that the NBASE-T alliance has help to promotein recent years.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Prysmian touts FOSA founding membership, emphasizes fiber-optic sensing technology’s upside for secure infrastructure
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/2017/040/prysmian-fosa-member.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cimdatacenternewsletter_2017-05-22
“Fiber-optic sensing is the solution to many of today’s biggest infrastructure problems,” says Stephen Szymanski, vice president of telecom for Prysmian Group, North America. “We are honored to be a founding member of the Fiber Optic Sensing Association and to join forces with some of the most powerful players in the industry to bring awareness to the vital role this technology has on the future of our nation’s businesses, environment and infrastructure.”
As described by Prsymian, “Fiber-optic sensing uses deviations of light in fiber-optic cables to remotely measure acoustics, temperature and strain. Through fiber-optic sensing, an individual can detect pipeline leaks, vehicle traffic, foot traffic, digging, tunneling, seismic activity, unsafe temperatures, crumbling infrastructure and other conditions from miles away.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wurth Electronics – Transformers approved for infotainment systems in airports and metro stations
http://www.electropages.com/2017/05/wurth-electronics-transformers-approved-infotainment-systems-airports-metro-stations/?utm_campaign=2017-05-22-Electropages&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=article&utm_content=Wurth+Electronics+-+Transformers+approved+for+infotainment+systems+in+…
Wurth Electronics Midcom announces new data isolation transformers for use in SHDSL applications. These MID-DSLITL transformers are built on a self-shielding EP package, offer excellent longitudinal balance and very good THD performance. They are designed to meet UL & IEC standards and a dielectric of 1500VAC.
“SHDSL is the best technology available in the Telecom market when it comes to transmitting small to medium data rates on long copper lines. One of the key components for data transmission applications is the data isolation transformer.” explained Swaroop Vaidyanath, product marketing engineer for Telecom Products.
Tomi Engdahl says:
PAM-4 PCB best practices
http://www.edn.com/design/pc-board/4458413/PAM4-PCB-best-practices
400 gigabit Ethernet (400GbE) is a new generation wired communication standard supporting the projected explosion in data traffic volume with the booming applications of Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G mobile broadband [1]. In the implementation of 400GbE communication, electrical interface with 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) signaling over 8 lanes is adopted. The combination of 8 lanes at 50Gbps per lane enables the total bandwidth of 400Gbps over the Ethernet [2]. The electrical specifications of 400GbE with 50Gbps (i.e., 25GBaud) PAM-4 signaling are defined by IEEE 802.3bs [2] [3].
PAM-4 has 4 digital amplitude levels, as shown in Figure 1. Its advantage over NRZ is that each level or symbol in PAM-4 contains two information bits, providing twice as much throughput for the same baud rate [4] [5].
Tomi Engdahl says:
The confidence interval: How it relates to serial data links
http://www.edn.com/design/test-and-measurement/4458395/The-confidence-interval–How-it-relates-to-serial-data-links
I’ve become alarmed recently at the number of young engineers (i.e. those with less than 5 years of work experience), who seem to have missed the college course on applied probability and don’t know how to quantify their certainty in an estimation. In high speed serial communications, this takes the form of estimating the bit-error ratio (BER) of a communication link and quantifying one’s confidence in that estimate. I’m hearing more and more young engineers say things such as:
“Well, I’m pretty sure it’s running below 1E-12 BER,” or worse, “I’m about 99% certain in that BER estimate I gave you.”
Often, that second statement is made without any basis for the 99% claim.
Tomi Engdahl says:
RF mixer for 5G:
LTC5553 – 3GHz to 20GHz Microwave Mixer
http://www.linear.com/product/LTC5553
The LTC®5553 is a high performance, microwave double balanced passive mixer that can be used for frequency upconversion or downconversion.
The LTC5553’s mixer and integrated RF balun are optimized to cover the 3GHz to 20GHz RF frequency range. The device includes an integrated LO amplifier optimized for the 1GHz to 20GHz frequency range, requiring only 0dBm drive. The integrated IF balun is optimized to cover a very wide, 500MHz to 9GHz, frequency range while providing a single-ended 50Ω interface.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Measure Test Highlights While Riding Honolulu’s Wave
http://www.mwrf.com/test-measurement/measure-test-highlights-while-riding-honolulu-s-wave?NL=MWRF-001&Issue=MWRF-001_20170523_MWRF-001_849&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_1_b&utm_rid=CPG05000002750211&utm_campaign=11229&utm_medium=email&elq2=ee3f2c01f6d54f819e3312713453609a
Hawaii will be playing host to the 2017 edition of the RF/microwave industry’s premiere event, the IEEE International Microwave Symposium (IMS).
Honolulu will be the glorious site for the 2017 IEEE International Microwave Symposium (IMS), the RF/microwave industry’s largest annual gathering. It is an industry facing several changes: an aging workforce; a need for new business models for high-volume, lower-priced markets like IoT and 5G; and a need to evolve some existing technologies, such as circuits and components at millimeter-wave frequencies, to compete in many growing markets being fueled by higher frequencies.
Much recent attention given to the promise of 5G wireless communications networks has focused on the higher-frequency portions of those networks, at millimeter-wave frequencies. The 2017 IMS exhibition floor will have its share of test gear that can generate and analyzer signals above 30 GHz. For example, Anritsu Co. (Booth 1116) will show its VectorStar ME7838A system for swept-frequency VNA measurements from 70 kHz to 110 GHz and its Spectrum Master MS2760A portable spectrum analyzer, with a high end of 110 GHz.
In keeping with the “ride the 5G wave” of the main 2017 IMS conference, the 89th ARFTG will include several presentations on the technologies related to 5G and IoT markets
Tomi Engdahl says:
Optical Industry Needs Automation
http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1331739&
For many years, the optical communications industry has been getting by with artisan techniques, but we are approaching a time when vendors must automate.
Amazon, Facebook, Google, and other Web giants are significant drivers of the technology agenda in networking. If you’re a product supplier to these companies, you are probably racing to keep up with their increasing demands. This means continuously producing a new class of optical technologies that will meet the enhanced requirements of a next-generation data center.
This reality was highlighted at the recent Optical Fiber Communications conference in Los Angeles. As the world’s largest global fiber optics and optical communications conference, OFC draws many of the top technical optical scientists, companies and experts from around the world.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Making the Autonomous Network a Reality
http://www.btreport.net/articles/2017/05/making-the-autonomous-network-a-reality.html?cmpid=enl_btr_weekly_2017-05-23
It is well known that we have become a more connected and on-demand world. Gartner forecasts that 8.4 billion connected things will be in use worldwide in 2017, up 31% from 2016, and will reach 20.4 billion by 2020. To keep pace with user demands for applications like video streaming, Internet of Things (IoT), mobile broadband and cloud-based services, network operators know that using a static, one-size-fits-all model is no longer sustainable. Much like the future of cars, communication networks must become more autonomous and self-driving to meet fast growing customer demand.
Why the status quo no longer works
Before we jump into what needs to change, it’s important to understand why continuing with the present mode of operation (PMO) won’t meet the networking challenges of the next decade. Today, optical networks are engineered to operate in a static mode, using best-guess predictions of worst-case capacity demands and system conditions. If capacity is overestimated, network providers are left with an inefficient network, paying for equipment that is sitting idle. On the flip side, if new demands arise unexpectedly, they need to go through new lengthy and costly planning and deployment cycles.
While the PMO works when capacity demand is relatively predictable, it is simply impossible to plan for future demand in today’s environment – especially as maximum demand requirements are growing exponentially. Networks of tomorrow must not only scale to meet massive capacity growth, but also need to be more agile and programmable to handle the increasingly unpredictable nature of traffic requirements.
Transform margin into capacity
Critical for modern networks is having the necessary features to make it possible for operators to tune, control and dynamically adjust optical capacity. Today, the only way capacity can be turned up and down is to pre-deploy hardware and reserve network bandwidth in advance. Moving forward, network operators need the right technology in place so they know the amount of available margin in the network, and then can automatically upshift coherent optical capacity where there is enough margin to do so.
To make this concept of an autonomous network a reality, operators need to take tangible steps today as the shift won’t happen overnight. There are a series of next-generation optical and software technologies that need to be in place before operators can extract more value out of existing network resources.
Soon, working to create an autonomous network through real-time monitoring and analytics will not be a luxury, but rather a requirement as it will directly impact operators’ ability to achieve their business goals.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™)
http://www.gl.com/signaling-and-traffic-simulator.html
GL’s Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) is a protocol simulation and conformance test tool that supports a variety of protocols such as SIP, MEGACO, MGCP, SS7, ISDN, GSM, MAP, CAS, LTE, UMTS, SS7 SIGTRAN, ISDN SIGTRAN, SIP I, GSM AoIP, Diameter and others. This message automation tool covers solutions for both protocol simulation and protocol analysis. The application includes various test plans and test cases to support the testing of real-time entities. Along with automation capability, the application gives users the unlimited ability to edit messages and control scenarios (message sequences). “Message sequences” are generated through scripts.
GL’s MAPS™ is designed to work on TDM interfaces as well as on the IP/Ethernet interfaces. TDM signaling protocols such as SS7, ISDN, MLPPP, CAS, MAP, CAP, GSM, INAP, and BICC operate over TDM networks, whereas VoIP protocols SIP, SIP-I, MEGACO, MGCP, SIGTRAN, Diameter, INAP, MAP, CAP, and BICC operate over IP transport layer.
Tomi Engdahl says:
C Spire and Phazr Complete 5G Trial with Millimeter Waves in Mississippi
http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/telecom/wireless/c-spire-and-phazr-complete-5g-trial-with-millimeter-waves-in-mississippi
C Spire, a privately-held wireless provider that serves the American South, completed a technical trial with Phazr last week at C Spire’s headquarters in Ridgeland, Miss. The goal was to test the startup’s millimeter wave base station technology, which could become a key component of future 5G networks.
Though several national carriers have announced 5G trials in major cities across the U.S., C Spire is a rare example of a regional provider investing in new 5G technology primarily for rural areas.
Tomi Engdahl says:
A unique aspect of Phazr’s approach is that the company uses only millimeter waves for the downlink carrying data from a base station to its customers. For the uplink, or data sent from customers to a base station, Phazr relies on the traditional cellular frequencies used today.
This strategy has proven popular with wireless providers eager to roll out improved services while 5G standards are still in the works.
Source: http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/telecom/wireless/c-spire-and-phazr-complete-5g-trial-with-millimeter-waves-in-mississippi
Tomi Engdahl says:
The FCC’s case against net neutrality rests on a deliberate misrepresentation of how the internet works
https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/23/the-fccs-case-against-net-neutrality-rests-on-a-fundamental-deliberate-misunderstanding-of-how-the-internet-works/?ncid=rss&utm_source=tcfbpage&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29&utm_content=FaceBook&sr_share=facebook
The FCC has just published the notice of proposed rulemaking that would roll back the 2015 Open Internet Order establishing net neutrality. Its first and primary justification for doing this is a way of defining broadband access that’s so backwards it’s ridiculous. It would be funny, if the future of the internet didn’t depend on this incredibly disingenuous maneuvering.
https://www.fcc.gov/document/restoring-internet-freedom-notice-proposed-rulemaking
Tomi Engdahl says:
These are the arguments against net neutrality — and why they’re wrong
https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/19/these-are-the-arguments-against-net-neutrality-and-why-theyre-wrong/
next few months will be full of bitter dissent regarding the FCC’s net neutrality rules, how they should be enforced, and indeed whether they should exist at all
Tomi Engdahl says:
Long-wavelength optical networking brings singlemode fiber into data centers
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/print/volume-25/issue-5/features/data-center/long-wavelength-optical-networking-brings-singlemode-fiber-into-data-centers.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cimdatacenternewsletter_2017-05-23
A prevailing truth about optical networking within data centers is that deploying long-wavelength optics and singlemode fiber-optic cabling is more costly than deploying short-wavelength optics and multimode fiber-optic cabling. However, over the past few years, the price of long-wave optics has fallen, bringing them close to parity with short-wave optics.
The world’s largest data centers, commonly referred to as hyperscales, have been pioneers in going singlemode. Jim Hayes, president of The Fiber Optic Association, explained that hyperscale facilities “are following the Open Compute Project open-source developments, have mostly upgraded to singlemode fiber, are already experimenting with 200/400-Gigabit and are looking for 1 Terabit.”
On the topic of the Open Computer Project (OCP), Anthony Haupt, data center solutions architect with CommScope, explained, “The Open Computer Project’s stated mission is to design and enable the delivery of the most efficient server, storage, and data center hardware design.”
“Whether or not Open Compute dictates or influences media type is an important question that gets asked frequently,” Haupt continued. “Open Compute does not necessarily dictate media type. But it has lent a voice to large end users [and in doing so] exposed a lot of voids, which brought technologies to market. In part, this has contributed to unprecedented growth in cloud computing over the past five years – and with that, increases in transmission speeds.”
For example, he pointed out, five years ago 40-Gbit/sec was being talked about. Last year, 100-Gbit/sec was implemented in real-life networks. Echoing Hayes of the FOA, Haupt added, “400G can’t come fast enough” for some hyperscale data centers. “Beyond 400G we are seeing a variety of speeds pop up in standards bodies.”
Headwinds and tailwinds
With large data centers eagerly looking at speeds of 200 or 400 Gbits/sec, they look closely at the practicality of implementing those speeds over short-wave/multimode versus long-wave/singlemode constructions. Haupt dissected these options, providing analysis of the headwinds and tailwinds for each media type in these environments.
“If you look at the IEEE standard 802.3bs [400-Gbit/sec], there is one protocol for multimode – 400GBase-SR16,” he began. “This poses two concerns. First is the 100-meter distance limitation, which does not suffice for a lot of end users, in particular hyperscales. The second concern is that it uses a 32-fiber MPO design. The embedded base of structured cabling is Base 8, 12 or 24. This poses serious challenges for the embedded base of products in the market today.”
Those facts notwithstanding, short-wave/multimode 400G does enjoy some tailwinds, as Haupt explained: “We are seeing farther distance than had been anticipated for 100Base-SR4. Originally that standard had a distance limitation of 70 meters over Om3 and 100 meters over Om4. Finisar announced a module that reaches 300 meters on Om3 and 400 meters on Om4. And we’re seeing optical transceiver manufacturers coming up with new technologies that are improving distance limitations. That will continue to evolve because of the large embedded base of multimode fiber today.”
Likewise, long-wave/singlemode implementation of 400G faces tailwinds and headwinds. Tailwinds first: “The standards path offers more options depending on distance, including 200/400GBase-DR, FR, and LR. Also, the transceivers have more flexibility with the transmission method itself. Parallel and serial options exist. And the DR4 eight-fiber solution takes advantage of existing MPO-based 8-, 12-, and 24-fiber cabling that exists today.”
As for headwinds facing long-wave/singlemode 200- and 400-Gbit transmission, Haupt explained, “Although there is no dispute that providers have brought down the price of singlemode optics substantially, they are still nominally to moderately costlier than multimode optics, depending on the end user’s buying power. If you’re a large buyer, you may get close to parity. But if you’re a smaller end user, that’s likely not possible.
“There’s also availability,” he pointed out. “Users need to build data centers more and more quickly. The availability of the latest singlemode transceivers can become a challenge with the latest, highest speeds.” Availability goes hand-in-hand with pricing: “If you’re not a hyperscale, your buying power is pitted against theirs,” Haupt explained.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Finland is about to go ahead at 5g ahead of time: the minister needs the challengers for the current operators
In Finland, the frequency bands that are released for new use have traditionally been auctioned and traditionally the three largest operators – more in the middle, in a less sophisticated manner. Minister of Communications Anne Berner feels like to need for this change.
Berner spoke at a 5g seminar on Wednesday.
“In allocating 5g frequencies, in addition to the spectrum needs of traditional mobile network operators, we also need to look at the needs of new operators and the local solutions they need,” Berner said in a press release.
In her opinion, 5g frequencies could be introduced in Finland as early as 2019.
Particularly in the area of technology development and its implementation, the frequency band 3400-3800 megaherts is essential. Frequency access could be granted during 2018. The frequency range is so-called 5g-pioneer, which would allow data to be transmitted faster than the currently used 4g networks.
The extremely high frequencies to be allocated to 5g will be decided internationally in 2019 at the World Radiocommunication Conference. Standardized 5g networks can therefore be more widely used for commercial use since the early 2020s.
“Even though 5g is mobile technology, its introduction also requires fiber optic networks. There is a lot more to invest in the construction of fiber optic networks, ”
Source: https://www.mikrobitti.fi/2017/05/suomi-menossa-5g-aikaan-etuajassa-ministeri-kaipaa-haastajia-nykyisille-operaattoreille/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Nokia Bell Labs builds the future smart city with a three-year research project, where 5G base stations are placed in lighting pylons. Piloting the new structure will begin in Espoo by the end of this year. The composite structures of the pillars are delivered by Finnish Exel.
The extensive launch of the LuxTurrim5G pilot project, led by Nokia Labs, combines the technical advances of smart poles, mini-base stations and 5G networks, new urban infra design, and new applications and business models that enable the network. They can be associated with positioning, intelligent traffic, security, weather monitoring, data sharing and advertising.
In addition to intelligent LED lighting and a small 5G base station, there are a variety of sensors on the column that enable real intelligent city services. To operate as a base station, the bar is made of composite materials instead of conventional wood and / or steel. For several decades, Exel Composites has been delivering their products as antennas for GSM / 3G / 4G base stations.
Source: http://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2017/05/26/nokia-vie-5g-tukiasemat-valaisinpylvaisiin-rakenteet-suomesta/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Karl Bode / Techdirt:
Chetan Sharma: after 17 straight years of QoQ growth, cellular data revenues dropped in Q1 2017
Wireless Data Revenues Dip For First Time in Seventeen Years — Thanks To A Crazy Little Thing Called Competition
https://www.techdirt.com/blog/wireless/articles/20170517/10271837393/wireless-data-revenues-dip-first-time-seventeen-years-thanks-to-crazy-little-thing-called-competition.shtml
And, just as Wall Street worried, the shift back to unlimited data is having a negative impact on cellular revenues. How negative? According to respected wireless industry analyst Chetan Sharma, cellular data revenues dropped last quarter for the first time in seventeen years. This was part of a number of firsts for an industry not-entirely-familiar with this whole competition thing:
US had a rough start to 2017 with several indicators turning negative for the industry:
The US mobile data services revenue has seen QoQ growth for 17 straight years until Q1 2017 when it saw its first negative growth for the quarter. (Q1 is generally a down quarter but for the first time the revenue growth dipped below zero).
Verizon suffered its first ever decline in service revenues YoY.
For the first time, the net adds for connected (cellular) tablets were negative.
For the first time, the postpaid net-adds were negative (AT&T net-adds were impacted due to sun setting of the 2G network).
And while T-Mobile added 798,000 postpaid (month to month) subscribers, Verizon and AT&T saw a 289,000 and 348,000 postpaid subscriber reduction, respectively. Before you feel too badly for these industry giants, know that very healthy sector net income still managed to improve 13% overall as operators focused their attentions on other profitable markets (like the internet of things, ads and media, and smart cities), tightened their belts and lowered some expenditures.
Tomi Engdahl says:
If Net Neutrality Dies, Comcast Can Just Block A Protest Site Instead Of Sending A Bogus Cease-And-Desist
from the comcastic dept
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20170523/13491237437/if-net-neutrality-dies-comcast-can-just-block-protest-site-instead-sending-bogus-cease-and-desist.shtml
It appears that a vendor working for Comcast sent a totally bullshit cease-and-desist letter regarding a pro-net neutrality site: Comcastroturf.com, created by our friends over at Fight for the Future. The Comcastroturf website was set up as a tool to see if someone filed bogus FCC comments in your name
Of course, without true net neutrality, if Comcast really wanted to silence Comcastroturf, it would just block everyone from accessing the site…
Tomi Engdahl says:
Jon Brodkin / Ars Technica:
14 people who say their names were used as part of 450K anti-net neutrality comments without permission ask FCC for public disclosure, removal of fake comments
People who were impersonated by anti-net neutrality spammers blast FCC
FCC should investigate and throw out fake comments, impersonation victims say.
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/05/identity-theft-victims-ask-fcc-to-clean-up-fake-anti-net-neutrality-comments/
Fourteen people who say their names and addresses were attached to anti-net neutrality comments without their permission have asked the US Federal Communications Commission to notify other victims of the impersonation and remove fraudulent comments from the net neutrality docket.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Active Cooling of Optical Transceivers
http://www.techonline.com/electrical-engineers/education-training/tech-papers/4458399/Active-Cooling-of-Optical-Transceivers
Tier 1 OEM’s in telecom infrastructure market are designing the next standard for 5G telecommunications. It will provide faster data transmission speeds than current LTE (4G) systems, approaching broadband speeds achieved with landlines. Faster data communications will present challenges for critical components such as optical transceivers. The temperature of the device for outdoor environment will increase due to smaller form factors and no access to forced airflow
Tomi Engdahl says:
Finnish operator DNA introduces NB-IoT technology
DNA’s mobile network will be introducing this year’s narrow-band NB-IoT. The new technology is already in pilot use in Kesko’s retail business premises. The implementation of the pilot was carried out by Ericsson, DNA, Enermix and UnSeen Technologies for connecting the devices to the network.
According to DNA, the tests carried out now indicate that the new NB-IoT technology allows for a wider range of devices to be connected to the network. It means, according to DNA, that in the future, more and more different sensors can be connected to the 4G network and devices in the most challenging locations. At the same time, it is possible to facilitate the monitoring of the air quality of the buildings, the condition of the drainage network or the level of the logistics warehouse.
At the moment, Kesko’s retail trade has been testing the indoor air measurement service utilizing NB-IoT technology, which is offered to the customer via the Enermix cloud computing service. In the pilots, air pressure and temperature sensors were connected to the grid. Connecting devices to the network was answered by UnSeen Technologies. Suppliers are also included in the tests.
Advantages of the 4G network technology include, according to DNA, the long battery life and reliability of the devices in challenging network coverage areas. NB-IoT is well suited for objects where relatively small amounts of data are transferred. In addition, its benefits are low energy consumption. This will significantly reduce the need for maintenance.
Source:
http://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2017/05/29/dna-tuo-nb-iot-tekniikan-kayttoon/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Kimberly Kindy / Washington Post:
Tech and advertiser trade groups helped Congress dismantle Obama-era internet privacy rules
How Congress dismantled federal Internet privacy rules
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-congress-dismantled-federal-internet-privacy-rules/2017/05/29/7ad06e14-2f5b-11e7-8674-437ddb6e813e_story.html?utm_term=.3aaab13ae47c
Congressional Republicans knew their plan was potentially explosive. They wanted to kill landmark privacy regulations that would soon ban Internet providers, such as Comcast and AT&T, from storing and selling customers’ browsing histories without their express consent.
On March 23, the measure passed on a straight party-line vote, 50 to 48. Five days later, a majority of House Republicans voted in favor of it, sending it to the White House, where President Trump signed the bill in early April without ceremony or public comment.
“While everyone was focused on the latest headline crisis coming out of the White House, Congress was able to roll back privacy,” said former Federal Communications Commission chairman Tom Wheeler, who worked for nearly two years to pass the rules.
The process to eliminate them took only a matter of weeks. The blowback was immediate.
Constituents heckled several of the lawmakers at town halls. “You sold my privacy up the river!”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Reuters:
EU agrees to set aside €120M to bring WiFi to 6,000-8,000 municipalities, which currently have limited internet access, by 2020
EU agrees to fund free WiFi for European towns with no internet coverage
http://www.reuters.com/article/eu-telecoms-wifi-idUSL8N1IV44J
May 29 European Union institutions agreed on Monday to set aside 120 million euros to provide free wireless internet connections by 2020 to up to 8,000 municipalities in the EU in areas with no internet coverage.
The initiative will be funded from the current 1 trillion-euro EU budget, which runs from 2014 to 2020. Towns will have to apply to get the funds.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Apple to begin testing 5G wireless technology: Report
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/pt/2017/05/apple-to-begin-testing-5g-wireless-technology-report.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cimdatacenternewsletter_2017-05-30
Apple has filed an application with the FCC to begin testing 5G wireless technology, Business Insider reports. The application for an experimental license for the new technology was filed by Apple and made public by the FCC earlier this week
“While it’s not entirely clear what Apple’s goals are for this testing, the technology has the potential to significantly increase the speed and bandwidth of iPhone cellular connections, however the 28GHz band that Apple intends to test has also been allocated for earth-to-space transmissions, suggesting a possible connection to Apple’s rumoured move into satellite communications research.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
In Oulu Finland, the world’s first 5G hackathon
The wireless future is developing at Oulu at 5G. In 5G, Oulu will be in full swing in June, when the world’s first 5G hackathon, two EU-level conferences, the Arctic Economic Council meeting and other international events will be held in Oulu.
Every day, around 2.6 billion people around the world use the wireless technologies developed in Oulu, says BusinessaOulu. The 5G technology that is developing at a fast pace in Oulu will be increasingly used globally and at present the ICT sector employs almost 19,000 people in Oulu. Oulu can say 5G’s hometown.
5G will revolutionize wireless traffic and enable new, sophisticated services. 5G will be 150 times faster than the current 4G connections, and the connection delay will be virtually non-existent. Thanks to a fast and delayed connection, large machines, for example, can operate independently and avoid incidents when all the machines around them are connected to the same network.
The 9th to the 12th of June will be held in Oulu. For the first time in the world, 5GFWD Hackathon, where teams from 13 countries are developing solutions for future problems using 5G.
Source: http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/6403-oulussa-maailman-ensimmainen-5g-hackathon
More: http://5gfwd.org/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ethiopia Turns Off Internet Nationwide as Students Sit Exams
https://tech.slashdot.org/story/17/05/31/1841245/ethiopia-turns-off-internet-nationwide-as-students-sit-exams
Ethiopia shut down the internet yesterday ahead of a scheduled national examination that is underway in the country today. Social media users noted that the internet service was interrupted from around 7 pm on Tuesday — reportedly to prevent exam leaks. About 1.2 million students are taking the grade 10 national exams, with another 288,000 preparing for the grade 12 university entrance exams that will take place next week.
Ethiopia turns off internet nationwide as students sit exams
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/31/ethiopia-turns-off-internet-students-sit-exams
The country has closed its digital borders to prevent leaks during tests after papers were posted online by activists last year
Ethiopia has shut off internet access to its citizens, according to reports from inside the country, apparently due leaked exam papers for the nation’s grade 10 examinations.
Outbound traffic from Ethiopia was shutdown around 4pm UK time on Tuesday, according to Google’s transparency report, which registered Ethiopian visits to the company’s sites plummeting over the evening. By Wednesday afternoon, access still had not been restored.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Netflix CEO says net neutrality is ‘not our primary battle’
‘The Trump FCC is going to unwind the rules no matter what anybody says’
https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/31/15719824/netflix-ceo-reed-hastings-net-neutrality-not-our-battle
Speaking with Recode’s Peter Kafka at the Code Conference today, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings explained his position on the current net neutrality debate that’s happening at the FCC. Or, more to the point, he addressed the fact that he’s been awfully quiet about it compared to how loudly he defended net neutrality in previous fights.
“It’s not narrowly important to us because we’re big enough to get the deals we want,” Hastings said. It was a candid admission: no matter what the FCC decides to do with Title II, Netflix isn’t worried about its ability to survive. Hastings says that Netflix is “weighing in against” changing the current rules, but that “it’s not our primary battle at this point” and “we don’t have a special vulnerability to it.”
He does believe that smaller players are going to be harmed if net neutrality goes away, saying that “where net neutrality is really important is the Netflix of 10 years ago.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Millimeter Waves Will Expand The Wireless Future
An overview of millimeter radio waves, their characteristics, pros and cons, and applications.
http://www.electronicdesign.com/communications/millimeter-waves-will-expand-wireless-future?code=UM_Classics05217&utm_rid=CPG05000002750211&utm_campaign=11349&utm_medium=email&elq2=1c6a33f246be4215babce89ff2dcf381
Millimeter waves occupy the frequency spectrum from 30 GHz to 300 GHz. They’re found in the spectrum between microwaves (1 GHz to 30 GHz) and infrared (IR) waves, which is sometimes known as extremely high frequency (EHF). The wavelength (λ) is in the 1-mm to 10-mm range. At one time this part of the spectrum was essentially unused simply because few if any electronic components could generate or receive millimeter waves.
All that has changed in the past decade or so. Millimeter waves are now practical and affordable, and they’re finding all sorts of new uses. Best of all, they take the pressure off the lower frequencies and truly expand wireless communications into the outer limits of radio technology (see the table). If we go any higher in frequency, we will be using light.
Millimeter waves open up more spectrum. Today, the spectrum from dc through microwave (30 GHz) is just about used up. Government agencies worldwide have allocated all of the “good” spectrum. There are spectrum shortages and conflicts. The expansion of cellular services with 4G technologies like LTE depends on the availability of the right sort of spectrum. The problem is that there isn’t enough of it to go around.
You can take all of the useful spectrum we now use from dc to 30 GHz and drop it into the lower end of the millimeter-wave region and still have 240 GHz left over.
Millimeter waves also permit high digital data rates. Wireless data rates in microwave frequencies and below are now limited to about 1 Gbit/s. In the millimeter-wave range, data rates can reach 10 Gbits/s and more.
The bad news is that while this spectrum gives us some expansion room, it isn’t useful for all types of wireless applications. It has its limitations. Overcoming those shortcomings has been the challenge of making millimeter waves practical and affordable. That time has come.
One of the key limitations of millimeter waves is the limited range. The laws of physics say that the shorter the wavelength, the shorter the transmission range for a given power.
Designers can overcome this loss with good receiver sensitivity, high transmit power, and high antenna gains.
Also, the atmosphere absorbs millimeter waves, restricting their range. Rain, fog, and any moisture in the air makes signal attenuation very high, reducing transmission distances. Oxygen (O2) absorption is especially high at 60 GHz (Fig. 1). Water (H2O) absorption is responsible for the other peaks.
In fact, the short range can be a benefit. For example, it cuts down on interference from other nearby radios. The high-gain antennas, which are highly directional, also mitigate interference.
Small size is another major advantage of millimeter-wave equipment.
Common applications include video transmission from a set-top box (STB) to an HDTV set or transmission between a DVD player and the TV set or from a game player to the TV set. Video also can be sent wirelessly from a PC or laptop to a video monitor or docking station. Transmitting signals from a laptop or tablet directly to the HDTV screen is popular as well. Other applications include wireless HD projectors and wireless video cameras. Millimeter-wave technologies allow the wireless transmission of popular video interfaces such as HDMI 1.3 or DisplayPort 1.2. A wireless version of PCI Express is also available.
There is now considerable interest in implementing a wireless version of USB 3.0.
Other applications for millimeter-wave equipment include backhaul for wireless basestations, short-range radar, and airport body scanners. One interesting potential use is PCB-to-PCB (printed-circuit board) or chip-to-chip wireless links.
The 60-GHz unlicensed industrial-scientific-medical (ISM) band from 57 to 64 GHz is getting lots of attention. It is already being used for wireless backhaul, and greater use is expected. Two short-range wireless technologies are also addressing this band’s potential: IEEE 802.11ad and WirelessHD.
WiGig uses the unlicensed ISM 60-GHz band from 57 to 64 GHz, divided into four 2.16-GHz bands. The primary modulation scheme, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), can support a data rate up to 7 Gbits/s
The single carrier mode can deliver a data rate up to 4.6 Gbits/s.
Because of the small antenna size at 60 GHz, gain antennas are normally used to boost signal power and range. The maximum typical range is 10 meters.
One clever feature of the standard is its use of a protocol adaption layer (PAL). This software structure talks to the MAC layer and allows simplified wireless implementation of other fast standard interfaces like USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, and PCI Express.
Wilocity, which is the primary source of WiGig radios, makes a single-chip 60-GHz transceiver.
Qualcomm Atheros packages its AR9642 802.11n transceiver with the Wilocity 60-GHz chip
Wilocity also has an arrangement to package its device with Marvell’s Wi-Fi transceivers.
WirelessHD
WirelessHD is based on the 60-GHz technology originally developed by SiBEAM, which Silicon Image acquired in 2011. The original specification became WirelessHD.
The latest WirelessHD specification, version 1.1, can stream uncompressed video (and related audio) up to 1080p 24-bit color at a 60-Hz refresh rate. It also can deliver compressed video in all EIA 861 video formats. The maximum general data rate exceeds 3 Gbits/s, but 10 to 28 Gbits/s are possible under special conditions. Operation is in the 57- to 64-GHz unlicensed band that’s available in the United States.
A key part of the specification is smart antenna technology, which includes beamforming and beam tracking that allows non-LOS operation to avoid obstacles while extending range. The beamforming feature uses a phased array to provide very high gain, permitting a maximum of 10 W of effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP).
WirelessHD defines both high and low data-rate modes. Both use OFDM.
WirelessHD radios are available from Silicon Image, which developed the HDMI, MHL, and DVI video interface standards. The company licenses the technology and provides IC products for these interfaces.
WirelessHD dongle. Latency is less than 5 ms, and power consumption is 500 mW.
The WiGig and WirelessHD standards are very close to one another in technology, functionality, and target markets. Video transmission is the primary application.
The primary advantage goes to WiGig for its PAL, which lets it be adapted to a wide range of other interfaces. WiGig is also backward compatible with other 802.11 standards
Radar On A Chip
Semiconductor technology now routinely allows millimeter-wave circuits to be packaged into ICs. Today we have single-chip radar chips just looking for new applications.
Infineon’s BGT24MTR11 24-GHz single-chip radar operates over the 24- to 24.25-GHz ISM band.
The device has a maximum range of 160 meters.
The BGT24MTR11 uses the continuous-wave Doppler radar technique, which is being deployed in a variety of applications, such as liquid-level measurement in tanks (Fig. 4). Other uses include street lighting, motion detection, door openers, intrusion alarms, police speed meters, and collision avoidance on industrial vehicles.
Perhaps the most widespread use of millimeter-wave radar is in automotive safety devices, including adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, collision warning, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and backup object detection. These radars use the 76- to 81-GHz ISM band.
Freescale Semiconductor’s automotive radar solution is a 77-GHz radar chipset comprising the PRDTX11101 transmitter and a customized multichannel receiver
DENSO Corporation’s 77-GHz radar is now deployed in the new Mazda 6.
According to a recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute, with the use of forward collision detection and automatic braking in Acura and Mercedes vehicles, insurance claims dropped by 14%.
Ideal Backhaul
Backhaul is generally defined as any point-to-point (P2P) communications link between remotely connected sites. It can be wired or wireless. In telecommunications, both fiber and microwave backhaul are common.
Millimeter-wave backhaul is particularly attractive for the new small-cell movement.
The typical microwave backhaul bands are 6, 11, 18, 23, and 38 GHz. Unlicensed 60-GHz backhaul equipment is inexpensive but offers limited range due to its high oxygen absorption levels. Some 80-GHz backhaul units are also available. The most popular new millimeter band is the E-band, which covers 71 to 76 GHz, 81 to 86 GHz, and 92 to 95 GHz.
Fiber backhaul installations can run for $25,000 to $100,000 per mile—not to mention the need to hang cable on poles or excavate the ground. Microwave and millimeter-wave backhaul runs less than $20,000 per mile, and installation only takes days compared to months for fiber.
Is Millimeter 5G Next?
LTE and 4G cellular technology rollouts are limited by spectrum availability. LTE uses lots of bandwidth, and carriers only have so much spectrum. The cost of buying new spectrum is high, and the amount of spectrum is limited. Carriers are resorting to all sorts of maneuvers to get the spectrum to build LTE capacity and revenue.
The small-cell movement, also called heterogeneous networks or HetNets, may eventually become the fifth generation (5G) of cellular systems. But that’s not all. The small cells may use the millimeter-wave bands to provide that precious coveted spectrum needed for expansion.
Using the 28-GHz and 38-GHz bands, NYU has demonstrated that even in a difficult urban environment like New York City, operation is possible.
Terahertz And Beyond
While research has produced transistors that function beyond 100 GHz, their usefulness dies around 300 GHz or so
If that’s the case, what devices can be used to generate and detect waves into and above 1 THz? Strangely enough, there are semiconductor devices that do work in the optical spectrum above the terahertz zone.
Infrared extends from roughly 700 nm to 2000 nm or 430 THz to 150 THz. Visible light extends from about 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red) or about 430 THz to 750 THz. Ultraviolet light is beyond 740 THz. Lasers and LEDs can generate these waves and photodiodes can detect them, but they don’t work at the lower terahertz frequencies. There is a dead zone from roughly 300 GHz to 100 THz where few if any practical devices exist.
Schottky diodes have been shown to work as mixers in this range, but we need a good terahertz oscillator or equivalent.
Tomi Engdahl says:
What’s The Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6?
http://www.electronicdesign.com/embedded/whats-difference-between-ipv4-and-ipv6?code=UM_Classics05217&utm_rid=CPG05000002750211&utm_campaign=11349&utm_medium=email&elq2=1c6a33f246be4215babce89ff2dcf381
If you are using Internet or almost any computer network you will likely using IPv4 packets. IPv4 uses 32-bit source and destination address fields. We are actually running out of addresses but have not fear, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is here with IPv6.
The IPv6 packet (Fig. 1) doesn’t look much like its IPv4 (Fig. 2) cousin, except for the leading version field. The IPv6 address fields are 128-bits. The larger address space is one reason to migrate to IPv6 but there are many more differences that give IPv6 an advantage.
The movement to IPv6 on a global scale is inevitable. It has been more of an issue of getting the infrastructure in place to make the move to cause the minimal number of problems. It is possible for IPv4 and IPv6 subnets to exchange traffic but there are issues that vary depending upon the network configuration and the type of network traffic.
Packets for both IPv4 and IPv6 are variable and they can be up to 64 Kbytes. The problem is that the protocols can be used over a number transports that may have other limits. This is normally specified by the maximum transmission unit (MTU). Both protocols have a minimum MTU requirement. This is 576 bytes for IPv4 and 1280 bytes for IPv6.
Larger data payloads can be shipped around the network by breaking the data among multiple packet fragments. This is typically done by the host but in IPv4 this can also be done by routers. IPv6 hosts need to determine the MTU for a path to a destination.
The IPv6 header is always 40 bytes and can be followed by any number of extension headers and then the data.
Advanced IPv4/IPv6
Domain Name System (DNS) servers provide a distributed mechanism for resolving domain names to IPv4 or IPv6 address. A DNS server can handle both types of addresses using different DNS database records. The A record provides domain name to IPv4 resolution information. The AAAA record does the same except for an IPv6 address.
DNS handles IP address to domain name translation as well. This uses the PTR record for both types of IP addresses. These are prefixed by in-addr.arpa for IPv4 addresses and ip6.arpa for IPv6 addresses.
Other than address changes, DNS changes for handling IPv6 are relatively minimal.
Some of the big differences between IPv4 and IPv6 include how extensions like security are implemented. The header extensions mentioned earlier are how these features are incorporated. IPsec is now a standard option rather than a specialized protocol with IPv4.
IPv4/IPv6 Coexistance
IPv4 and IPv6 subnets have and will continue to coexist even as the overall Internet moves from IPv4 to IPv6. There are a number of mechnisms in place that facilitate this. These include Stateless IP/ICMP Translation (SIIT), 6rd, NAT, tunneling and proxy server support. Many of the techniques can be deployed in firewalls and routers between IPv4 and IPv6 subnets.
Dual stack hosts are likely to be common as well. A network can carry IPv4 and IPv6 traffic at the same time. A dual stack host can communicate with either type of device as well as having its traffic routed to the outside world if appropriate. Dual stack routers can be gateways as well.
Unfortunately, mixed IPv4/IPv6 environments are fragile and many of the techniques will not work well together.
One issue that will have to wait for another article is IPv6 security. Because of the differences and features of IPv6, firewalls and security software need to address additional security issues that IPv4 did not. For example, tunneling solutions mentioned earlier can bring the more open IPv6 into an IPv4 network.
So what happened to IPv5? IPv5 is a designation for a variant of the Internet Stream Protocol (ST) that started back in 1979 but abandoned. Many of the features of ST are found in Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) standard. IPv6 was based on IPng (IP next generation) work and IPv6 was initially called IPng version 7.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wireless Solutions in Space Communication
Wireless Module Provides Read-time data in Nanosatellite Communication
http://intelligentsystemssource.com/yes-it-is-rocket-science/
On March 6, 2017, NASA’s Technology Educational Satellite (TechEdSat-5), was deployed from the NanoRacks platform to enter the low-Earth orbit from space. The TechEdSat-5 was equipped with the Exo-Brake.
Additionally, the TechEdSat-5 was equipped with the ‘Cricket’ Wireless Sensor Module (WSM) and included the XBee module made by Digi International as well as other sensors. Figure 1. The WSM provides real-time data for TechEdSat-5. “The Exo-Brake’s current design uses a hybrid system of mechanical struts and flexible cord with a control system that ‘warps’ the Exo-Brake
Tomi Engdahl says:
For Prototyping, New Software-Defined Radio for Millimeter Waves
http://www.mwrf.com/software/prototyping-new-software-defined-radio-millimeter-waves
National Instruments released new radio heads that can be swapped into its millimeter wave transceiver system to measure how these high frequencies are affected by trees, buildings, cars, and people.
National Instruments’ radio heads operate over the 28 gigahertz frequency band, which exists much higher on the wireless spectrum than the scarce and expensive low frequency bands now used in communications. But wireless carriers like AT&T and Verizon are increasingly targeting the band and higher ones for 5G networks.
Starting in 2012, National Instruments partnered with Nokia to build 73 GHz radio heads for testing and prototyping. Tapping into the 28 GHz band takes little more than plugging in the new devices, since the software is compatible between the radio heads. (National Instruments also has 60 GHz heads for the transceiver).
The new radio heads follow a recent announcement that AT&T had used the prototyping system to build a tool for tapping into 28 GHz spectrum. The tool, called Porcupine for its crown of horn antennas, is helping the wireless carrier with tricky tasks like connecting vehicles and planning where to position 5G equipment for best coverage.
The decision to target the new radio heads at 28 GHz spectrum also came from projects around the wireless industry, Yost said. This week, National Instruments showed the radio heads running a 5G specification that Verizon published separately this year from the formal standards process. The company next plans to release 39 GHz radio heads.
Verizon recently won a $3.1 billion bidding war for Straight Path, a major holder of 28 and 39 GHz licenses.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Carrier Ethernet
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrier_Ethernet
Carrier Ethernet is a marketing term for extensions to Ethernet to enable telecommunications network providers to provide Ethernet services to customers and to utilize Ethernet technology in their networks.
Gigabit Ethernet interfaces are widely deployed in PCs and servers, and 10 Gbit/s in local area network (LAN) backbones. Rates up to 100 Gigabit Ethernet were standardized in 2010 and 2011.
Ethernet is a fairly simple protocol which has scaled to hundreds of thousands of times faster speeds and consistently been able to adapt to meet the needs and demands of new markets. For example, time domain capabilities are being added to IEEE 802.3 Ethernet to support IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging (AVB),[4] and these capabilities will be applicable to time sensitive carrier applications likewise IEEE 1588.
Customer LAN networks are increasingly connected to wide-area telecommunications networks over Ethernet interfaces or to devices that bridge digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless to these. Moreover, customers are familiar with the capabilities of Ethernet networks, and would like to extend these capabilities to multi-site networks.
Carrier constraints
Thus wide area network (WAN) and metropolitan area network (MAN) providers find themselves with three needs:
1. To provide their customers with Ethernet services
2. To make use of the volume and cost advantages of Ethernet technologies in their networks
3. To replace non-Ethernet technologies with Ethernet competitors that have sufficient capacity for storage, backup and HD video and guarantee features (transfer certainty, low latency) needed to support these services
The Beginning: Metro Ethernet
The MEF was formed in 2001 in order to develop ubiquitous business services for Enterprise users principally accessed over optical metropolitan networks in order to connect their Enterprise LANs. The principal concept was to bring the simplicity and cost model of Ethernet to the wide area network
Expansion to Carrier Ethernet
The success of Metro Ethernet Services caught the imagination of the world when the concept expanded to include worldwide services traversing national and global networks:[5]
Access networks to provide availability to a much wider class of user over fiber, copper, cable, passive optical network (PON), and wireless
Economy of scale from the resulting converged business, residential and wireless networks sharing the same infrastructure and services
Scalability & rapid deployment of business applications
Adoption of the certification program
All while retaining the cost model and simplicity of Ethernet
Carrier Ethernet services
Ethernet Virtual Private Line or E-Line: a service connecting two customer Ethernet ports over a WAN.
Ethernet Virtual Private LAN or E-LAN: a multipoint service connecting a set of customer endpoints, giving the appearance to the customer of a bridged Ethernet network connecting the sites.
Ethernet Virtual Private Tree or E-Tree: a multipoint service connecting one or more roots and a set of leaves, but preventing inter-leaf communication.
All these services provide standard definitions of such characteristics as bandwidth, resilience and service multiplexing, allowing customers to compare service offerings and facilitating service level agreements (SLAs). Analogous definitions for wireless networks are defined in IEEE 802.21 and IEEE 802.11u, though these are intended for much shorter time commitments and services appropriate for mobile users only.
Transport of Ethernet services
The MEF does not specify how Ethernet services are to be provided in a carrier network. Despite the advantages described above, Ethernet has traditionally had a number of limitations in the WAN application. The “bridge” and “spanning tree” concepts described above do not scale to large international networks.
Ethernet over SDH/SONET
Ethernet over MPLS
Ethernet over Carrier-Ethernet Transport (CET)
Carrier Ethernet demarcation devices are required to support services, such as Ethernet Private Line (EPL), Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL or E-LAN), and Ethernet Virtual Private Tree (E-Tree), as specified by the MEF
CE 2.0 Services Overview
Welcome new MEF members:
https://mef.net/carrier-ethernet-services/ce-2-0-overview
The MEF spearheaded the creation of a $50+ billion market for Carrier Ethernet Services. Ethernet now dominates the WAN and has been one of the fastest growing segments of the data service portfolios over the past decade.