Here are some of my collection of newest trends and predictions for year 2018. I have not invented those ideas what will happen next year completely myself. I have gone through many articles that have given predictions for year 2018. Then I have picked and mixed here the best part from those articles (sources listed on the end of posting) with some of my own additions to make this posting.This article contains very many quotations from those source articles.
Big Data, mobility and the Internet of Things (IoT) are generating an enormous amount of data, and data center operators must find ways to support higher and higher speeds. Recent data center trends predict bandwidth requirements will continue growing 25 percent to 35 percent per year. Many older data centers were designed to support 1-gigabit or 10-gigabit pathways between servers, routers and switches. Today’s Ethernet roadmap extends from 25- and 40-gigabit up through 100-gigabit, and 400-gigabit and even 1-terabit Ethernet loom within a few years. The biggest sales are forecasted for 25G and 100G ports for next few years. Ethernet switch market has now 100 Gbit/s products in the volumes at the moment, and both 200G and 400G Ethernet versions will be taken to use in 2018.
Broadcom dominates the Ethernet switch chip market today with a 73 to 94 percent share, depending on how market watchers slice the sector valued at nearly a billion dollars. Its closest rival, Cisco Systems, takes most of the rest with systems using its own ASICs. Juniper, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Huawei also make Ethernet switch ASICs for their systems. With seven merchant chips in the pipeline and four in-house ASICs in the works, we will see a record number of unique platforms ship in 2018. Wheeler of the Linley Group expects the competition will drive Ethernet switch costs from about $60/port today to about $36/port by 2020.
Data center giants “are driving their own code and programmable capabilities as close to the server as possible.” The dozen largest data center operators — including the likes of Facebook and Google — build their own switch systems or specify systems built by ODMs. They can drive sales of millions of chips a year but demand maximum bandwidth at minimum cost and power consumption. The Tomahawk-3 is geared for the next-generation of their top-of-rack and aggregation switches, delivering up to 128 100GE or 32 400GE ports, the first merchant chip to support 400GE rates.
China will start making more optical components: Several Western component and subsystems vendors have cited reduced demand from Chinese systems houses such as Huawei and ZTE for revenue declines in 2017. One reason for the slowdown is the fact that these systems houses have begun looking for more local optical technology sources. In addition to doing more development work in-house (particularly in the case of Huawei), the two Chinese systems vendors have begun to work more closely with Chinese companies such as Accelink, Hisense, and HiSilicon as well as Japanese vendors. This can mean that Western firms (particularly in the U.S.) may not see their Chinese orders return to previous levels.
Higher power power over Ethernet: 802.3bt – IEEE Draft Standard for Ethernet Amendment: Physical Layer and Management Parameters for DTE Power via MDI over 4-Pair amendment to IEEE Std 802.3-2015 increases the maximum PD power available by utilizing all four pairs in the specified structured wiring plant. This represents a substantial increase to the capabilities of Ethernet with standardized power – allow delivery of up to 90 watts of power via existing Ethernet cabling. The Ethernet Alliance has announced details of its next plugfest: Dedicated to pre-standard testing of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technologies against Draft 3.2 of the IEEE P802.3bt standard, the event will be held in February 2018. The specification’s ratification is expected in September of 2018.
802.11ax hasn’t been signed off yet, but promises to send WiFi towards 10 Gb/s thanks to its use of both multi-user multiple-input and multiple-output (MU-MIMO) and the new Orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA). 802.11ax is good at combining lots of different links so that users get more connections, more often, and end up with more bandwidth. Marvell claims it’ll have the first chipsets for new 10G WiFi ready for products in H2 2018. Marvell said the chipsets will ship some time in early 2018 and will appear in products in the second half of the year. Widespread 802.11ax adoption in devices probably won’t happen until 2019.
5G something in it for everyone. 5G is big. 5G New Radio (NR) wireless technology will ultimately impact everyone in the electronics and telecommunications industries. Most estimates say 2020 is when we will ultimately see some real 5G deployments on a scale. In the meantime, companies are firming up their plans for whatever 5G products and services they will offer. Though test and measurement solutions will be key in the commercialization cycle. 5G is set to disrupt test processes. If 5G takes off, the technology will propel the development of new chips in both the infrastructure and the handset. Data centers require specialty semiconductors from power management to high-speed optical fiber front-ends. 5G systems will drive more complexity in RF front-ends .
Networks will become more and more virtual, especially on 5G. 5G networks will build on LTE network architecture with the introduction of cloud RANs (C-RANs) and virtualized RANs. Network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN) tools and architectures could enable operators to reduce network costs and simplify deployment. For more details read System architecture milestone of 5G Phase 1 is achieved article.
Automotive Ethernet: Automotive Ethernet will replace the Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) bus found on many vehicles today and also compete with systems like Maxim’s Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link (GMSL). The standards include IEEE 802.3bw 100BASE-T1 and IEEE P802.3bp 1000BASE-T1 that adopt the 100-Mb/s and 1-Gb/s Ethernet protocols to run over over a single twisted pair up to 15 meters. Chips, PHYs and switches are now readily available for automotive Ethernet. Automotive switches will support time-sensitive networking (TSN) features like audio video bridging (AVB) ingress policy, rate limiting andalso features 802.1Qav/Qbv queue-shaping support. We will need a Security Blanket for Automotive Ethernet.
Car-to-car communication: The industry and government have defined several versions of vehicular communications. These are vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X). V2V is the direct communications between vehicles within range of one another. V2V link-up is automatic and cars exchange status information messages Basic Safety Message (BSM) 10 times per second (contains data such as GPS location, speed, direction, brake status, and related conditions). There are competing technologies to make this all work. IEEE802.11p ahead of LTE-V2V for safety critical applications. 5G will offer increased capacity and decreased latency for some critical applications such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and self-driving vehicles. The big question is whether 5G will disrupt the landscape or fall short of its promises.
TSN (time sensitive networking) will be talked on many application. Success in the IIoT requires that information- and operational-technology networks work in tandem—time-sensitive networking can make it happen. A converged industrial network will address several challenges that currently exist in today’s disparate network architecture, and it is believed that needed convergence is provided by time-sensitive networking (TSN). TSN is a set of IEEE 802 sub-standards that, when implemented, enable deterministic communication over Ethernet networks while keeping the benefits of communication in best effort manner, on that same network. TSN introduces different traffic classes that share the same link. Proper implementation of TSN requires a solution that can provide a low latency and deterministic response at TSN end points and TSN bridges – it is usually implemented with combining a processor and a FPGA or using advanced Ethernet switch chip.
Gartner analyst says on-premises data centers will soon be ‘useless’: Govekar said that as soon as 2019, at least a third of the largest software vendors will have transitioned their products from cloud-first to cloud-only. For this reason Gartner analyst predicts doom for on-premises data centers. If this happens , there will be a lot of work for network operators and cloud service companies to be able to build the infrastructure that can handle all this without problems. I expect that not all on-premises data centers are doomed. There are applications where moving everything to central could does not make sense – for example many IoT applications are moving some of the processing from cloud to edge devices for various reasons (lower latency, reduce needed bandwidth, work also when communications does not work etc..). There is also place for some on-premises data centers on some application (may them be depending on need anything from embedded server to room full of equipment racks). When designing for the IoT, security needs to be addressed from the Cloud down to each and every edge device. Protecting data is both a hardware and a software requirement, as more data is being stored and analyzed in edge devices and gateways.
Network neutrality talks will continue in 2018. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on December 14, 2017 overturned the Title II-based Open Internet Order the previous Democratic-controlled FCC regime put in place in 2015. So what happens next? In the immediate term, nothing. The Restoring Internet Freedom Order won’t go into effect until sometime in the first half of 2018.
IPv6 usage seems to be finally accelerating in 2018. IPv6 has been a “future” since 1998, and an important future since 2007. IPv6 deployments have been increasing and chances are you have already used IPv6 – but haven’t realized it yet. IPv6 deployment is increasing around the world, with over 9 million domain names and 23% of all networks advertising IPv6 connectivity. Network admins will have many concerns about migrating to IPv6 in 2018. China plans to put the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)-based network into large-scale use, to boost the development of the Internet industry. China aims to have 200 million active users of IPv6 by the end of 2018. IPv6 use is increasing, but that does not mean that IPv4 is no way dying. It seems that both of those technologies will co-exist in Internet for a long time.
Sources:
Chinese systems houses engaging with alternative component, subsystem sources: LightCounting
System architecture milestone of 5G Phase 1 is achieved
Five technology trends for 2018
NI Trend Watch 2018 explores trends driving the future faster
ADAS Needs V2X to Meet ITS Goals
Taking Automotive Ethernet for a Test Drive
A Security Blanket for Automotive Ethernet
TSN: Converging Networks for a Better Industrial IoT
Gartner analyst says on-premises data centers will soon be ‘useless’
Gartner analyst predicts doom for on-premises data centers
M2M within the IoT – Pushing Security from the Cloud Down to Every Last Endpoint
Net Neutrality Overturned: Now What?
B’com Shifts Switch to 12.8 Tbits/s
Planning starts now for high-speed data center migration
China to speed up IPv6-based Internet development
Top 5 Concerns of Network Admins About Migrating to IPv6 in 2018
1,081 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Google details submarine network investments
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/google-details-submarine-network-investments.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_datacom_2018-01-16&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1975495
Google will invest in three new submarine networks to help tie together the Google Cloud Platform worldwide.
In a blog posted today by Ben Treynor Sloss, vice president, 24×7, Google has announced it will fund construction of three submarine cable networks to support its Google Cloud Platform business. The three networks – the Curie Submarine Cable, HAVFRUE, and the Hong Kong-Guam Cable systems – should be online next year, Google expects.
The Curie Submarine Cable will run from the U.S. to Chile – Los Angeles to Valparaiso, Chile, specifically
HAVFRUE will connect the U.S. (via a landing in New Jersey) with Ireland and Denmark
Google will collaborate with RTI-C and NEC on the Hong Kong-Guam Cable.
Expanding our global infrastructure with new regions and subsea cables
https://blog.google/topics/google-cloud/expanding-our-global-infrastructure-new-regions-and-subsea-cables/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wi-Fi Alliance announces new WPA3 security protections
To be released later in the year
https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/9/16867940/wi-fi-alliance-new-wpa3-security-protections-wpa2-announced
The Wi-Fi Alliance has announced WPA3, a new standard of Wi-Fi security features for users and service providers. This is welcome news, given that a Wi-Fi exploit was uncovered late last year which affected all modern Wi-Fi networks using WPA or WPA2 security encryption, letting attackers eavesdrop on traffic between computers and wireless access points. The new WPA3 features will include “robust protection” when passwords are weak, and will also simplify security configurations for devices that have limited or no display interface.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Google’s Project Fi now caps data bills at $60
https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/17/googles-project-fi-now-caps-data-bills-at-60/?ncid=rss&utm_source=tcfbpage&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29&utm_content=FaceBook&sr_share=facebook
Google’s Project Fi cell service never played the “unlimited data” game that most carriers in the U.S. like to play (and which is never truly unlimited).
essentially an unlimited data plan. With its new ‘bill protection’ feature, Project Fi users who use more than 6 GB of data in any given month will never pay more than $60 for that (plus the standard $20 for unlimited talk and text).
Tomi Engdahl says:
Time Sensitive Networking Trend Continues into 2018
https://www.designnews.com/automation-motion-control/time-sensitive-networking-trend-continues-2018/60258537558115?ADTRK=UBM&elq_mid=2937&elq_cid=876648
New deterministic Ethernet IP solutions bring time sensitive networking (TSN) to industrial switching and machine control. Expect this trend to continue in 2018.
As we cross into 2018, the rise of Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) is coming into focus with a focus on new solutions for control, visualization, and cloud connectivity. TSN is a key emerging technology that is moving beyond standards into new products and offerings that are likely to gradually alter the landscape in automation and control as we move into the future.
Cisco Offer TSN Switches
Cisco claims it became the first major switch vendor to release a TSN product for the industrial market in 2017. A partnership with TTTech has strongly supported the deployment of TSN in Cisco’s new IE4000 switch, part of a long-standing cooperation including technology development and collaboration in the IEEE TSN standardization group.
Cisco’s standard version IE4000 is a 20 port Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for industrial and ruggedized applications. In developing the unit’s TSN enhancement, Cisco enhanced the IE4000 with time sensitive capabilities by leveraging TTTech’s IP implementation and scheduling know how. This family of switches provides flexible and resilient industrial Ethernet products that combine secure connectivity and simple management for successfully implementing edge applications.
By leveraging TTTech’s experience with real-time systems and scheduling of Ethernet networks, the product integrates a network scheduling engine into the unit’s configuration management platform. Starting with IOS s/w release version 15.2(5)E2, Cisco customers will be able to take full advantage of TSN scheduling and configuration capabilities.
Tomi Engdahl says:
LTE in Unlicensed Spectrum: Driving Innovation in the Enterprise
https://webinar.networkcomputing.com/3644?keycode=NWCWE18_3_INCD&elq_mid=82495&elq_cid=14916437
Enterprise networking has long faced a standardized competitive environment largely defined by Wi-Fi solutions. That is about to change with the introduction of MulteFire, a new wireless solution that will bring seamless connectivity to users with enhanced coverage and capacity.
This new LTE-based technology can be deployed standalone in unlicensed or shared spectrum, allowing Enterprises to deploy private and neutral host LTE networks with fewer access points than traditional solutions, ultimately reducing CapEx.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why Russia is Building Its Own Internet
https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/telecom/internet/could-russia-really-build-its-own-alternate-internet
Last November, news emerged that Russian president Vladimir Putin had approved a plan to create an independent Internet by 1 August 2018, first reported by the Russian news agency, RT. The alternate Internet would be used by BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—and shield them from “possible external influence,” the Kremlin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, told RT.
Could Russia create its own alternate Internet?
“The answer to your question is yes,” says David Conrad, chief technology officer for ICANN. The Internet’s protocols are openly available and, because it’s a network of interconnected networks, it’s entirely possible to recreate a different network of interconnected networks
Hypothetically, if Russia wanted to do that, it would need to duplicate the hardware and software that currently manages Internet traffic. That would likely involve setting up computer servers, copying existing databases, updating security features, and reconfiguring some existing technology—in essence, they’d need their own Domain Name System (DNS)
Building out the technical assets to manage an alternate DNS is not a hard problem
The difficult part is getting users to buy in.
Devices would not be able to simultaneously use Russia’s Internet and also the one managed by ICANN, says Vixie, or toggle back and forth between them.
Once on Russia’s Internet, users would have access to only those websites the alternative network recognized, says Vixie.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Open Mesh to AV Integrators: You’re in the WiFi Business
https://www.commercialintegrator.com/networks/information_technology/open-mesh-av-integrators-wifi-business/
Cloud-managed WiFi systems provider Open Mesh says WiFi networks are increasingly where audio, video, automation and communications systems exist.
Tomi Engdahl says:
CMTS/CCAP market to reach $7 billion by 2023
http://www.broadbandtechreport.com/articles/2018/01/cmts-ccap-market-to-reach-7-billion-by-2023.html?cmpid=enl_btr_weekly_2018-01-18&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24
According to MarketsandMarkets, the CMTS and CCAP market is estimated to be worth $3.87 billion by 2017 and is likely to reach $7.23 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 10.96% between 2017 and 2023.
The research house says the major factors driving the market include increasing investment in broadband services, the advent of over-the-top (OTT) services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, and growing demand for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
CCAP is expected to hold the largest market share in the forecast period. The CCAP market is growing because of booming Internet and over the top (OTT) services, which is driving the adoption of new headend hardware. CCAP is capable of fulfilling all the requirements related to high-speed Internet and OTT services, whereas CMTS is lagging. The cable industry’s DOCSIS 3.1 upgrade is also a major instigating factor for high adoption of CCAP. The CMTS market is expected to continue to fall slowly.
DOCSIS 3.1 standard systems to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. With the increased demand for CCAP systems and DOCSIS 3.1 across verticals
Terms:
cable modem termination system (CMTS)
A cable modem termination system (CMTS) is a component that exchanges digital signals with cable modems on a cable network. A cable modem termination system is located at the local office of a cable television company.
Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) Solution
full-spectrum platform can converge: all services, including DOCSIS data services and MPEG video services, into a single chassis.
This all-service convergence functionality can reduce on-going OpEx for rack space and power at the service provider’s headend, and meet the service group growth demand.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Cable ONE gigabit available in 200+ cities
http://www.broadbandtechreport.com/articles/2018/01/cable-one-gigabit-available-in-200-cities.html?cmpid=enl_btr_weekly_2018-01-18&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24
Cable ONE (NYSE:CABO) says its GigaONE gigabit Internet service is now available to residential customers across more than 95% of its legacy footprint, more than 200 communities.
The company is focused on providing all customers in its markets with access to speeds from 100 Mbps up to 1 Gbps. Cable ONE gigabit deployments are based on DOCSIS 3.0.
“In an effort to eliminate the digital divide in the communities we serve, we envisioned providing every customer in our footprint with access to gigabit service, no matter where they live,”
Cable ONE Business has offered dedicated fiber optic services with up to 10 Gbps symmetrical speeds for nearly a decade. The company says it has invested more than $700 million over the past five years on network upgrades and enhancements.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Virtual SegmentationTM (VS) allows MSOs to deploy PHY without the need for fiber deployment; it can be achieved through an existing coaxial network. Traditional networks are used to 870 MHz or 1002 MHz, leaving free spectrum above this range. VS utilises unused spectrum to realize high-speed data connections from 3GHz to 10Gbps.
Source: http://www.broadbandtechreport.com/webcasts/2018/01/virtual-segmentationtm-solution-the-future-of-phy-deployment.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Samtec’s New Edge Card Connectors for Higher Speeds and Proper Alignment
https://www.eeweb.com/profile/eeweb/news/samtecs-new-edge-card-connectors-for-higher-speeds-and-proper-alignment
Samtec has expanded their line of edge card connectors with 0.80 mm and 1.00 mm pitch sockets designed for higher speed applications and optimal mating alignment.
The 0.80 mm pitch socket (HSEC8-DP Series) is a differential pair version of Samtec’s popular Edge Rate® 0.80 mm pitch sockets. Rated for speeds to 28 Gbps NRZ/56 Gbps PAM4, the socket features Edge Rate® contacts designed to increase cycle life and decrease crosstalk. The double row socket, with 8 to 56 total pairs and optional rugged weld tabs, mates with standard 1.60 mm (.062″) thick cards.
Optimized for performance to 28 Gbps, the 1.00 mm pitch edge card socket (HSEC1 Series) also features signal integrity optimized Edge Rate® contacts with alignment pin and rugged weld tab options. The socket is available with up to 140 total positions and mates with standard 1.60 mm (.062″) thick cards.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Apple has a change of heart and approves an app that finds net neutrality violations
https://www.phonearena.com/news/Apple-rejects-app-that-finds-net-neutrality-violations_id101750
Senate Democrats are frantically searching for the one more vote from the other side of the aisle they need, which would guarantee the passage of a resolution to restore net neutrality. The Trump FCC has repealed net neutrality and the Senate has 30 days left to overrule the FCC’s decision. For those unfamiliar with the concept, net neutrality prevents carriers/ISPs from charging more for subscribers to visit certain websites or to favor certain content.
Speaking of net neutrality, Apple originally rejected an app that would have allowed users to determine if net neutrality is being violated.
A screenshot of the app being run reveals “Differentation” over Verizon’s network for YouTube, Netflix and Amazon. That indicates that these apps are being throttled by Big Red. Developer Coffnes says that this is the sort of information that people would like to know. With the data in hand, consumers can opt to switch carriers, or they could complain to the FCC.
Apple first rejected Wehe with one App Store reviewer telling Coffnes that the researcher’s app “has no direct benefits to the user.” But the company had a 180 degree change of heart, and has now approved it for the App Store.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Will TSN mark the end of the fieldbus era?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tsn-mark-end-fieldbus-era-nick-psahoulias
Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is the latest topic that everyone’s talking about in the industrial communication field. TSN technologies are intended to give Ethernet real-time capability, which puts all sorts of ideas into people’s heads. At a recent trade show, someone told me in an almost pitying tone that thanks to TSN, standard Ethernet will now be able to cover all fieldbus-related requirements, making fieldbuses and their Ethernet-based successors like EtherCAT entirely superfluous.
Does this mean that the arrival of TSN will mark the end of the fieldbus era? Fortunately, we at Beckhoff don’t just seek to invent trailblazing technologies – we are also present in all relevant standardization committees.
Dr. Karl Weber, one of the better-known veterans of the fieldbus wars, has been active in the IEEE’s TSN Task Group since its first meeting in March 2004, when the project was still known as “AVB” (Audio Video Bridging).
TSN is not a fieldbus, and is not looking to become one. Rather, the umbrella term TSN covers several projects that are only indirectly related to real-time communication. One subproject, for example, deals with cable redundancy, while another addresses the reservation of resources for real-time operation.
Fieldbus network management, the application layer, or even device profiles, on
the other hand, are not even on the agenda.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Behind the Scenes at a Pair of Cell Sites
https://hackaday.com/2018/01/10/behind-the-scenes-at-a-pair-of-cell-sites/
Those who fancy themselves as infrastructure nerds find cell sites fascinating. They’re outposts of infrastructure wedged into almost any place that can provide enough elevation to cover whatever gap might exist in a carrier’s coverage map. But they’re usually locked behind imposing doors and fences with signs warning of serious penalty for unauthorized access, and so we usually have to settle for admiring them from afar.
How Cell Towers Work: Hands-On!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0wFde9XcI
Tomi Engdahl says:
AT&T finishes open source XGS-PON field trials
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/at-t-finishes-open-source-xgs-pon-field-trials.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_friday_5_2018-01-19&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1979695
AT&T says it has completed field trials of XGS-PON technology based on a variety of open source specifications, including several it helped create (see “AT&T plans field trial of open system, cloud-based XGS-PON”). The trials, conducted in Atlanta and Dallas, featured XGS-PON network virtualization based on Open Source Access Manager Hardware Abstraction (OSAM-HA), which apparently is the new name for VOLTHA
The field tests included multi-gigabit internet traffic transmission, including delivery of AT&T DIRECTV NOW video. The service provider used a virtualized broadband network gateway function to manage subscribers. The exercise also confirmed that XGS-PON and GPON traffic can be delivered together over the same fiber.
The trial is part of AT&T’s efforts to use software defined networking (SDN) and virtualization in its access networks. Use of Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP) software is a key enabler. “
Tomi Engdahl says:
OIF publishes CEI 4.0 for CEI-56G 56-Gbps applications
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/oif-publishes-cei-4-0-for-cei-56g-56-gbps-applications.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_friday_5_2018-01-19&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1979695
The OIF has released “Common Electrical (I/O) CEI 4.0,” which creates SerDes specifications 56-Gbps I/O applications. Commonly referred to as CEI-56G, the specification sets add PAM4 and Ensemble NRZ (ENRZ) as modulation schemes alongside NRZ. The publication follows two years of demonstrations at OFC and represents the OIF’s eighth generation of electrical interface specifications, rolled out over 18 years.
OIF members focused on minimizing power consumption while balancing link budget and latency. The specification sets include:
CEI-56G-USR-NRZ: Ultra short reach, die-to-die inside multi-chip-modules, NRZ modulation
CEI-56G-XSR-NRZ: Extra short reach, chip-to-driver, NRZ modulation
CEI-56G-VSR-PAM4: Very short reach, chip-to-module, PAM4 modulation
CEI-56G-MR-PAM4: Medium reach, chip-to-chip, one connector, PAM4 modulation
CEI-56G-LR-PAM4: Long reach, chip-to-chip, two connectors over backplane, PAM4 modulation
CEI-56G-LR-ENRZ: Long reach, chip-to-chip, two connectors over backplane, ENRZ modulation.
The OIF says it plans future clauses in an upcoming CEI 4.1 release.
The OIF has been working in the 56-Gbps arena since at least 2012
Tomi Engdahl says:
China flaunts quantum key distribution in-SPAAACE by securing videoconference
Satellite carries keys to Graz
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/01/22/china_flaunts_its_qkdinspaaace_by_securing_videoconference/
China has revealed more detail of its much-hyped satellite quantum key distribution network.
In a paper published at Physical Review Letters, Liao Shengkai of University of Science and Technology of China and other researchers describe the experiment in which they passed quantum-created keys between Xinglong and Graz in Austria.
In quantum key distribution (QKD), the keys used to secure communications take advantage of quantum entanglement to protect secret keys against eavesdropping. Those keys are then used to secure communications transmitted over non-quantum channels.
The Chinese experiment demonstrated communication with transmitted images, and followed that up with a 75-minute videoconference on 29 September 2017 secured with quantum-distributed keys.
Satellite-Relayed Intercontinental Quantum Network
https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.030501
We perform decoy-state quantum key distribution between a low-Earth-orbit satellite and multiple ground stations located in Xinglong, Nanshan, and Graz, which establish satellite-to-ground secure keys with ∼kHz rate per passage of the satellite Micius over a ground station. The satellite thus establishes a secure key between itself and, say, Xinglong, and another key between itself and, say, Graz. Then, upon request from the ground command, Micius acts as a trusted relay. It performs bitwise exclusive or operations between the two keys and relays the result to one of the ground stations. That way, a secret key is created between China and Europe at locations separated by 7600 km on Earth. These keys are then used for intercontinental quantum-secured communication.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Finnish invention brings assistance to the mobile phone’s hearing problems
The signal reflector developed by Finnish Finnfoam and Stealthcase brings a solution to the problem of cellular phone hearing in the refurbished buildings. The product strengthens the mobile network signal up to one hundred times. The product launched in February is a Field-tested real estate investment company with Kojamo.
The solution achieves up to 30-100 times the penetration of mobile phone signal through wall structures, according to the manufacturer. The solution maintains the communication signal in both directions, i.e., from the inside outward.
Source: https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2018/01/19/suomalaiskeksinto-tuo-avun-kannykan-kuuluvuusongelmiin/
More: https://www.finnfoam.fi/tuotteet/ff-signal/asentaminen/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wireless technology: An existential necessity of life?
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/pt/2018/01/wireless-technology-an-existential-necessity-of-life.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cim_data_center_newsletter_2018-01-22&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1980618
Wireless technology dominates our lives these days, yet most of us do not notice until it isn’t there. We take our smartphones and Wi-Fi connections for granted and simply expect them to work. Wireless services have become like electricity.
Counterpoint:
World Health Organization Scientist “Cell Phone/Wi-Fi Radiation is A Carcinogen” 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgGJeOVEdQs
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wireless Technology: The Existential Necessity of Life
We take a look at the technology behind the technologies like LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi and how it is continuing to improve.
http://www.electronicdesign.com/communications/wireless-technology-existential-necessity-life
Tomi Engdahl says:
More service providers making decisions on disaggregated optical network systems
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/more-service-providers-making-decisions-on-disaggregated-optical-network-systems.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_service_providers_2018-01-22&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1981264
An IHS Markit survey of service providers shows a growing number have made a determination of whether they plan to deploy disaggregated optical systems. More operators say they will deploy such systems than say they won’t. However, a significant number still haven’t make up their minds – or say they’re still unfamiliar with the technology.
According to Heidi Adams, senior research director, IP and optical networks, at IHS Markit, the December 2017 “Optical Network Strategies Service Provider Survey” indicates that 47% of respondents are interested in deploying disaggregated optical systems, up from 33% in 2016 (see chart above). Of these, 44% plan to use such systems by the end of this year, and 69% by the end of 2019.
Conversely, 27% of respondents say they’re not interested in using disaggregated hardware, a number that also grew from the 17% who said in 2016 that they wouldn’t use this technology.
Adams cites data center interconnect applications as a place where disaggregation has already begun, mainly in the form of segregation of transponders from line systems. She notes the overall trend of separation of hardware and software as part of the overall evolution toward software-defined networking (SDN) in metro and long-haul networks as well.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Hong Kong-Americas submarine cable system swells transpacific deployment trend
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/hong-kong-americas-submarine-cable-system-swells-transpacific-deployment-trend.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_service_providers_2018-01-22&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1981264
The Hong Kong-Americas (HKA) consortium and submarine cable system supplier Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) have announced a contract signing for deployment of the Hong Kong-Americas (HKA) submarine cable network. The undersea cable systems, which will span more than 13,000 km, joins a growing number of new fiber cable deployments across the Pacific.
The six-fiber-pair submarine network will run between Chung Hom Kok in Hong Kong to Hermosa Beach in California
Alcatel Submarine Networks says the technology it will supply includes its submarine wavelength-selective switch (WSS) ROADM units, which can enable more than 80 Tbps of capacity. The ROADM units also are compatible with upcoming submarine line terminal equipment that will leverage probabilistic shaping technology
Transpacific Hawaiki Submarine Cable progresses toward June 2018 ready for service date
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/transpacific-hawaiki-submarine-cable-progresses-toward-june-2018-ready-for-service-date.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_service_providers_2018-01-22&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1981264
Hawaiki Submarine Cable LP and its contractor partner, TE SubCom, a TE Connectivity Ltd. company, say deployment of the transpacific Hawaiki has surpassed the halfway mark. The 15,000-km undersea cable should be ready for service in June 2018, the partners say.
Looking forward, the Hawaiki group expects to complete the cable landing in American Samoa this March.
The carrier-neutral Hawaiki submarine cable network will have an initial design capacity of more than 43 Tbps. Amazon Web Services has already signed a capacity supply agreement
Tomi Engdahl says:
Telia Carrier’s global fiber backbone chosen by Costarricense de Electricidad for Central American internet access
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/telia-carrier-s-global-fiber-backbone-chosen-by-costarricense-de-electricidad-for-central-american-internet-access.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_service_providers_2018-01-22&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1981264
To meet increasing broadband service demands, ICE will obtain access to Telia Carrier’s Tier 1 internet backbone, enabling ICE to launch the first 100G Central American IP transit services. Constructed on a redundant architecture, Telia Carrier’s global backbone extends to the Maya-1 submarine cable system, which it asserts is the key gateway for Central America.
The 4,400 km MAYA-1 undersea cable system was originally built in 2000
“ICE has climbed to the next level in the market by connecting its Internet backbone to Telia Carrier’s 100G services
Telia Carrier is the first network to successfully transmit 1 Tbps in superchannels on its U.S. network, and its global fiber backbone was the first to be 100G-enabled in Europe and North America alike, the company attests. According to Dyn Research’s global backbone rankings, Telia Carrier’s global internet backbone, AS1299, is currently ranked number one.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Nokia and WorldLink to deploy FTTH network connecting over 1 million homes in Nepal
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/nokia-and-worldlink-to-deploy-ftth-network-connecting-over-1-million-homes-in-nepal.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_service_providers_2018-01-22&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1981264
Nokia says it will deploy a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network together with Nepal’s WorldLink to connect over 1 million homes in Nepal by 2019. The deployment will be Nepal’s largest FTTH network, Nokia asserts. The systems house asserts it will deliver the fiber access technology required to support bandwidth demands of entertainment and enterprise services throughout the country.
WorldLink began to add 100-Gbps capabilities to its 650-km backbone fiber-optic network in Nepal with the help of Nokia in July 2017
“WorldLink has a commitment to Nepal to transform the communications landscape so that our people and enterprises thrive,”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Vodafone, Huawei test Fixed Access Network Slicing
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/vodafone-huawei-test-fixed-access-network-slicing.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_service_providers_2018-01-22&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1981264
Huawei says it has partnered with Vodafone to complete successfully a field trial of its Fixed Access Network Slicing technology, which virtually partitions fiber to the home (FTTH) network bandwidth. The technology enables operators to divide and control different “slices” of the bandwidth separately, either for those operators’ various services or to better enable use by multiple entities in applications such as open access FTTH networks.
Vodafone Ireland teamed with Huawei on the trials, which used the Huawei MA5800 optical line terminal (OLT). The service provider used partitioned bandwidth to separate residential and business services. The residential slice carried video and internet traffic to customers, while the other slice carried Vodafone’s OneNet business services, including voice. The partitioning followed the standards set forth by the Broadband Forum in its TR-370 Technical Report. Vodafone Group was a major supporter of the Broadband Forum standards development effort.
“The introduction of the access virtualization technology is an important step for our commitment to be at the forefront of technological innovation. This will translate into a better network experience offered to our fixed customers,”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Data Center Summit: Data Center Optical Interconnect – Technologies and Markets
https://www.ofcconference.org/en-us/home/exhibit-hall/show-floor-programs/data-center-summit/
To many in the optical networking industry, data center means these massive buildings with servers, storage and switching that run cloud infrastructures for the likes of Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft and others. In reality, the market connecting data centers poses a different opportunity for network operators.
What are the current technologies and equipment being used to address this market
Layer 2 – Ethernet over DWDM
Open Optical Line Systems (OOLS)
Packet Optical
Carrier Ethernet
Pluggables – 100G for DCI
Coherent – CFP-DCO, CFP2-ACO and CFP2-DCO
What are the new technologies being developed for higher data rates?
400G and beyond – will the equipment be the same, just upgraded to 400G or do we need a new ecosystem?
CDFP, CFP8, OSFP, QSFP-DD – will all have markets and if so, where?
400G ZR challenges and roadmap
Tomi Engdahl says:
CableLabs expands SDN, NFV projects
http://www.broadbandtechreport.com/articles/2018/01/cablelabs-expands-sdn-nfv-projects.html?cmpid=enl_btr_weekly_2018-01-23&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24
CableLabs has expanded its SNAPS-OO (SDN and NFV Application Platform and Stack) initiative with two projects. With SNAPS-Boot, a single command installs Linux on servers to prepare for OpenStack installation. And SNAPS-OpenStack Installer uses a containerized version of OpenStack software to bring OpenStack up and running on computers.
“We wanted something easier to install (that was) 100% OpenSource and stable,” said Randy Levensalor, lead architect, wired technologies, CableLabs.
Specifically, SNAPS is the umbrella program that seeks to provide a foundation for virtualization projects and deployment leveraging SDN and NFV. Levensalor explained in a recent blog post that network virtualization requires an open platform, so instead of basing its platform on a vendor-specific version or lagging six months behind the latest OpenStack releases, CableLabs put a “lightweight wrapper” on upstream OpenStack.
“(This) containerizes the open stack control plane. It is easier to install and manage,” Levensalor said. “It can be deployed 30 minutes after the initial install.”
“This not only helps other app developers, but helps the cable industry understand how to implement SDN/NFV in their networks and gain easy access to these new apps,” Levensalor wrote.
Levensalor explained that the containers within SNAPS were built and tested by the OpenStack Kolla project, which he says are the “most mature” and have a menu of features for low latency edge data centers. The benefits to containers again go back to facilitating installation and updating.
“Since processes are managed in each container, there is lower overhead,” Levensalor said.
Levensalor listed three areas currently under development with regards to SNAPS. First, while this release includes the OpenStack NFV orchestrator, CableLabs also wants to work with other orchestrators. The second area deals with Kubernetes, a system that automates deployment, scaling and management of containerized applications. The SNAPS project will analyze which is better: to run Kubernetes with or without the benefit and resulting overhead of virtual machines, Levensalor said.
“There are pros and cons to both approaches. We will see if one is better than the other for NFV or if we need a hybrid,”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wireless Technology: The Existential Necessity of Life
http://www.mwrf.com/systems/wireless-technology-existential-necessity-life?NL=MWRF-001&Issue=MWRF-001_20180123_MWRF-001_472&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_2_b&utm_rid=CPG05000002750211&utm_campaign=15036&utm_medium=email&elq2=783f31ec516d4c7d8bd0cd1f46359e43
We take a look at the technology behind the technologies like LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi and how it is continuing to improve.
Wireless technology dominates our lives these days, yet most of us do not notice until it isn’t there. We take our smartphones and Wi-Fi connections for granted and simply expect them to work. Wireless services have become like electricity. How can we live without them? Here is a look at the dominant wireless technologies like LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi and how they are continuing to improve.
Wireless Update
The wireless technologies we all use daily are cellular LTE and Wi-Fi. LTE is gradually morphing into 5G and Wi-Fi continues to get better. The common theme behind the recent and coming improvements is faster data rates and increased capacity. Video demand is the primary reason for the need for more speed. Wireless standards continue to meet that expectation.
Now the 802.11ax standard has come along to provide an even more aggressive upgrade. This standard has not been finally ratified but, as usual, chip companies have already implemented it. Final approval is expected in 2019. 11ax uses either 2.4 or 5 GHz channels, switches from OFDM to OFDMA, adds 1024QAM with FDD, and uses narrower subcarriers.
A somewhat forgotten technology is WiGig or the 802.11ad standard that uses the 60 GHz band. Speeds to 7 Gb/s are possible, but the range is restricted to about 10 meters with line-of-site coverage and no wall penetration.
LTE. Long Term Evolution is our current 4G worldwide cellular standard.
Advanced version as defined by 3GPP Release 10. LTE-A adds carrier aggregation (CA) and higher-level 8×8 MIMO. CA allows operators to combine up to five 20 MHz channels (contiguous or non-contiguous) into one channel as a way to boost data rate. Along with higher MIMO, the potential maximum data rate is 1 Gb/s.
And let’s not forget that LTE is increasingly being used for some IoT/M2M applications, thanks to the new LTE-M and NB-IoT standards. New LTE-M (Cat 1) modules are available
5G. The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is still working on 5G, but concurrently companies are testing 5G New Radio (NR) equipment. And we should see a first draft (Release 15) during 2018.
The goals for 5G are a user capacity of x100 existing LTE capability, downlink data rates up to 10 Gb/s, and a latency of less than 10 ms.
Multiple Antennas are the Solution
Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5G all have one thing in common. Their increases in data rate and user capacity have come primarily from advanced antenna techniques. With spectrum limited and most technologies up against Shannon’s law, it would seem that data rates should have topped out long ago. Antenna technology like MIMO, phased arrays, and agile beamforming and steering have made it possible to continue to boost data rates while accommodating more users with the same or less spectrum.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Russian internet exchange MSK-IX opts for Coriant Groove G30
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/russian-internet-exchange-msk-ix-opts-for-coriant-groove-g30.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_datacom_2018-01-23&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1982685
Coriant says it will supply its Coriant Groove G30 Network Disaggregation Platform to Russian internet exchange MSK-IX. The internet exchange will deploy the optical transport systems in its fiber-optic backbone network to scale capacity and increase the flexibility of its service mix, including data center interconnect.
Coriant asserts it won the contract based on the Groove G30′s high density, low power consumption, configuration flexibility, and pay-as-you-grow scalability.
Coriant Groove G30 1RU data center interconnect platform offers 3.2 Tbps
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2015/12/coriant-groove-g30-1ru-data-center-interconnect-platform-offers-3-2-tbps.html
Optical transport systems vendor Coriant has entered the data center interconnect space with the Coriant Groove G30 DCI Platform. The 1RU system offers an aggregate capacity of 3.2 Tbps, split equally between the line side and the client side. It features industry-low power consumption, Coriant sources insist, as well as flexible-rate operation that will support line-side channel rates as high as 200 Gbps.
Tomi Engdahl says:
CESNET, GÉANT deploy 300 Gbps via open line system
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/cesnet-g-ant-deploy-300-gbps-via-open-line-system.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_datacom_2018-01-23&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1982685
Technicians at Czech Republic research and education (R&E) network CESNET have connected high-speed routers within the pan-European GÉANT network with a 300-Gbps wavelength via the Czech Light Open Line System. The connection, across 530 km of the fiber-optic network between Prague and Vienna, took the form of an alien wavelength created with Waveserver Ai data center interconnect platforms from Ciena.
The R&E network operator notes that the 300-Gbps wavelength is traversing a fiber cable link originally engineered for 10-Gbps transmission.
“Our network is designed to support the transfer of extremely large data sets and dedicated photonic services among geographically dispersed locations, especially, due to unique concepts used for network development, for example Nothing in Line (NIL). The 300-Gbps wavelength is seamlessly running in parallel with precise time and ultra-stable optical frequency transmissions,”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Jon Brodkin / Ars Technica:
US Government Accountability Office says it will investigate fake net neutrality comments made on FCC website before repeal vote, starting in five months — Democrats requested investigation after millions of people were impersonated. — The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) …
Net neutrality comment fraud will be investigated by government
Democrats requested investigation after millions of people were impersonated.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/01/net-neutrality-comment-fraud-will-be-investigated-by-government/
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) will investigate the use of impersonation in public comments on the Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality repeal.
Congressional Democrats requested the investigation last month, and the GAO has granted the request.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Brian Fung / Washington Post:
AT&T CEO pushes for an “Internet Bill of Rights”, a net neutrality law covering ISPs and tech firms, in a series of full-page ads in major newspapers — AT&T is calling on Congress for a national net neutrality law that would govern Internet providers and tech companies alike …
AT&T wants Congress to draft a net neutrality law. Here’s why that’s a big deal.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2018/01/24/att-is-pushing-for-a-net-neutrality-law-that-covers-isps-and-tech-companies-too/?utm_term=.1575d6df070a
AT&T is calling on Congress for a national net neutrality law that would govern Internet providers and tech companies alike, which the telecom giant says would end a fractious, years-long debate over the future of the Web.
In a series of full-page ads Wednesday in major newspapers such as The Washington Post and the New York Times, AT&T chief executive Randall Stephenson proposed an “Internet Bill of Rights” that could help guarantee an open Internet, one in which online content is not blocked or slowed down by telecom or cable companies, nor by Internet companies such as Google or Facebook.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Colin Lecher / The Verge:
New York governor signs executive order requiring ISPs with state contracts to abide by net neutrality rules; Montana signed similar order Monday — In an announcement today, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he has signed an executive order that would require internet service providers …
New York governor signs executive order to keep net neutrality rules after the FCC’s repeal
https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/24/16928494/new-york-governor-net-neutrality-cuomo-executive-order
In an announcement today, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he has signed an executive order that would require internet service providers with state contracts to abide by net neutrality rules, even though the FCC recently voted to repeal those rules.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Karl Bode / Motherboard:
Analysis shows 750+ communities across US run community-owned broadband networks in some form; municipal governments and cooperatives have been key to growth
More Than 750 American Communities Have Built Their Own Internet Networks
https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/a3np4a/new-municipal-broadband-map
A new map shows that more communities than ever are building their own broadband networks to end big telecom’s monopoly.
“Municipal and cooperative networks were essential in driving electrification and we are seeing the same dynamic with the expansion of high-quality Internet access”
“Evidence from other cities suggests that a real choice in broadband services could reduce Comcast’s revenues by millions of dollars per month”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Gartner Says 8.4 Billion Connected “Things” Will Be in Use in 2017, Up 31 Percent From 2016
https://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3598917
Gartner, Inc. forecasts that 8.4 billion connected things will be in use worldwide in 2017, up 31 percent from 2016, and will reach 20.4 billion by 2020. Total spending on endpoints and services will reach almost $2 trillion in 2017.
Tomi Engdahl says:
If you’ve ever wondered whether the FCC boss is a Big Cable stooge – well, wonder no more
Ajit Pai throws hissy fit at first sign of criticism
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/01/26/fcc_chair_committees/
Fresh from being mocked by Burger King, Ajit Pai – chairman of America’s broadband watchdog, the Federal Communications Commission – has further undermined his authority by attacking a key advisory committee to his own regulator.
And all because he didn’t like being criticized by it.
A figure of hate – someone who behaves impulsively, childishly, and with a wild lack of decorum – is a common sight on reality TV shows.
Unfortunately, what Ajit wants is unlikely to be what Ajit needs. Removing or undercutting crucial voices just because they say things you don’t like may work in a small business, but it only ever comes back to bite you in a larger public policy context.
If you ever wanted to see what happens when a spoilt nerd gets into a position of power without having learned any of life’s important lessons, now’s your chance.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ciena enhances GeoMesh Extreme submarine cable technology
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/ciena-enhances-geomesh-extreme-submarine-cable-technology.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_enabling_technologies_2018-01-25&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1985242
Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) says it is unveiling enhancements to its GeoMesh Extreme submarine cable technology, enabling submarine cable operators to meet the increasing bandwidth demand that video-centric streaming, virtual reality, the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and other future applications are creating.
According to Ciena, its GeoMesh Extreme submarine cable technology now supports L-Band capabilities. It will operate on the L-Band wet plant system of TE SubCom, a TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE: TEL) company to provide almost twice the information-carrying capacity of a typical undersea cable.
Submarine optical fiber has a broader available spectrum range than what is presently used. While traditional submarine cables take advantage of the C-Band (~ 1530 nm to 1565 nm), TE SubCom’s C+L technology doubles the available bandwidth and capacity per fiber pair over a traditionally designed C-Band-only system, says Ciena. With low cost per transported bit results, this capacity is valuable to cable operators. The cable itself remains a compact and low-cost design as a result of C+L’s fiber bandwidth use, and of the subsequent limited number of fiber pairs that transmission capacity requires.
According to Ciena, its GeoMesh Extreme technology now opens up the L-Band (~ 1656 nm to 1625 nm) in the same optical fiber, and doubles the information amount operators can support on an individual submarine cable. This creates the potential for submarine cable operators to obtain twice the amount of revenue over a single cable
In January of 2017, TE SubCom announced that its C+L optical transmission technology had reached the production stage (see “TE SubCom brings C+L optical transmission for submarine networks to production”). Later that year, TE SubCom announced that it had demonstrated a new transmission record of 70.4 Tbps capacity over 7,600 km by using its C+L technology.
Tomi Engdahl says:
China Mobile used EXFO for performance verification test to confirm NFV-based networks support NB-IoT devices
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/china-mobile-used-exfo-for-performance-verification-test-to-confirm-nfv-based-networks-support-nb-iot-devices.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_enabling_technologies_2018-01-25&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1985242
EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) said that China Mobile Communications Corp. (CMCC) used its test system to successfully complete a performance verification test for core networks from four vendors to confirm that the NFV-based networks can individually support 5 million narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) devices.
China Mobile chose EXFO’s test system, which covered all the test requirements, for its capacity to simulate millions of IoT devices on one single server, simplifying network configuration for powerful performance, the company says. China Mobile also selected the system for its adaptability to transforming specifications and specific requirements, and for its network coverage from end to end, including a focus on individual nodes, EXFO adds.
Communication service providers have been preparing to roll out this service in their networks since ratification of NB-IoT specification in June 2016, says EXFO.
Tomi Engdahl says:
MaxLinear offers 400-Gbps Telluride MxL935XX PAM4 DSP SoC family
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/maxlinear-offers-400-gbps-telluride-mxl935xx-pam4-dsp-soc-family.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_enabling_technologies_2018-01-25&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1985242
MaxLinear, Inc. (NYSE:MXL) says it has begun to sample its Telluride (MxL935XX) family of 400-Gbps PAM4 (PAM4) digital signal processing (DSP) systems-on-chips (SoCs). The devices are the first of their kind to integrate electro-absorption modulated laser (EA-EML) drivers for 400G optical interconnects, the company asserts. The SoCs target applications up to 2 km and should reach mass production in the latter half of 2018, the company says.
The Telluride MxL935XX units are 16-nm CMOS devices that consume 6.7 W, including the power dissipation of the integrated EA-EML driver. This power figure makes the MxL935XX applicable to QSFP-DD, OSFP, and COBO optical transceiver applications, MaxLinear points out. The devices also will support 100-Gbps single-wavelength applications.
The family currently consists of the MxL93542 and MxL93543. Both support multiple modes of operation, to enable not only 400-Gbps designs but also 100 and 200 Gbps in optical module form factors such as QSFP28 and SFP-DD.
“With the recent announcement of the availability of next-generation switch ASICs that support 50-Gbps PAM4 I/Os, we believe the growth trajectory for PAM4 DSP-based 400-Gbps optical fiber interconnect solutions is at an inflection point. The cost pressure and thermal constraints of 400-Gbps networks necessitate the use of new optical interconnects based on single-lane 100-Gbps optical wavelength technology,” stated Dr. Kishore Seendripu, CEO of MaxLinear.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Verizon field trials single-wavelength 400 Gigabit Ethernet over packet optical network
http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2018/01/verizon-field-trials-single-wavelength-400-gigabit-ethernet-over-packet-optical-network.html?cmpid=enl_lightwave_lightwave_enabling_technologies_2018-01-25&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1985242
Verizon says it has successfully completed a field trial of 400 Gigabit Ethernet transmission a single wavelength between MPLS core routers connected via its packet optical network. The trial concluded last month and involved two Juniper Networks PTX 5000 routers and Ciena 6500 Packet-Optical Platforms.
The trial, conducted over Verizon’s production network in the Dallas area, demonstrated interoperability between the Juniper Networks and Ciena systems, Verizon points out. The connections complied with the recently ratified with IEEE Standard 802.3bs-2017 standard
“The appetite from consumers and businesses alike continues to grow. This 400G trial demonstrates our relentless focus on building networks people want and need. We’re building the future now.”
Verizon did not reveal how soon that future would arrive in terms of rolling 400 Gigabit Ethernet capabilities in its packet optical network.
The service provider is one of a handful of operators who have conducted recent trials of 400G transmission (see, for example, “AT&T completes 400 Gigabit Ethernet trials using OpenROADM” and “China Telecom Guangzhou, Huawei test 400 Gigabit Ethernet transmission”).
Tomi Engdahl says:
TE launches optical flex circuit cable assemblies for commercial, military aircraft
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/2018/01/te-optical-flex-aero.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cim_data_center_newsletter_2018-01-25&pwhid=e8db06ed14609698465f1047e5984b63cb4378bd1778b17304d68673fe5cbd2798aa8300d050a73d96d04d9ea94e73adc417b4d6e8392599eabc952675516bc0&eid=293591077&bid=1984307
TE Connectivity in Harrisburg, Pa., is introducing optical flex circuit cable assemblies for high-speed electronic packaging in the harsh environments of aerospace, commercial and military aircraft, and defense systems.
These compact, robust fiber-optic circuits are customizable for card-to-card and backplane applications. They are made up of thousands of individual fibers positioned on a rugged substrate that employs crossovers to minimize stress while maximizing opportunities for complex routing arrangements.
A thin film encapsulating each fiber helps provide enhanced protection from harsh environments and allows for high-density packaging that saves valuable space. A
OFS launches rugged fiber-optic cable for commercial aircraft networking, displays
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/pt/2017/10/ofs-launches-rugged-fiber-optic-cable-for-commercial-aircraft-networking-displays.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Global connector market forecast to pass $80B over next 5 years
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/pt/2018/01/global-connector-market-forecast-to-exceed-80-billion-over-next-5-years.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cim_data_center_newsletter_2018-01-25&pwhid=e8db06ed14609698465f1047e5984b63cb4378bd1778b17304d68673fe5cbd2798aa8300d050a73d96d04d9ea94e73adc417b4d6e8392599eabc952675516bc0&eid=293591077&bid=1984307
According to a new market report published by Lucintel (Irving, TX), the future of the connector market looks promising with opportunities in the automotive and transportation, telecom/datacom, computer and peripheral, industrial, and consumer electronics industry. The global connector market is expected to reach an estimated $80.4 billion by 2023 with a CAGR of 4.9% from 2018 to 2023.
The major growth drivers for this market are growing 3C applications (Computers, Communications, and Consumer Electronics), miniaturization of electronic devices, and demand for products with advanced features, convenience, and connectivity. Encompassing the global market, the scope of the new report encompasses data for the PCB (Printed circuit board) connector, rectangular I/O, application specific connector, circular connector, and IC (Integrated circuit) sockets. RF (Radio frequency) coax, and fiber optic-connectors used for connecting electrical circuits in a wide range of end use industries are given special attention.
Lucintel forecasts that PCB connector will remain the largest product type due to growing automation in various sectors such as automotive, industrial, and military is driving the PCB connectors. The fiber-optic connector segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate due to its easy installation, fast connection, low signal loss, and high performance which are highly required in optical communications.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How RS-485 serial transceivers cut noise in industrial networks
http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/pt/2018/01/how-rs-485-serial-transceivers-cut-noise-in-industrial-networks.html?cmpid=enl_cim_cim_data_center_newsletter_2018-01-25&pwhid=e8db06ed14609698465f1047e5984b63cb4378bd1778b17304d68673fe5cbd2798aa8300d050a73d96d04d9ea94e73adc417b4d6e8392599eabc952675516bc0&eid=293591077&bid=1984307
Per a new technical article from Electronic Design: The RS-485 standard defines a popular and widely used serial data interface and network that’s been in use for over 30 years. It’s found in factories, process control plants, building automation, and other industrial applications. RS-485 popularity stems from its differential transmission format that minimizes the noise inherent in most industrial settings. The RS-485 transceiver is a key player in determining EMI resistance for a data network
Neutralize the Noise in Industrial RS-485 Networks
http://www.electronicdesign.com/industrial-automation/neutralize-noise-industrial-rs-485-networks
Sponsored by: Texas Instruments. The RS-485 transceiver is a key player in determining EMI resistance for a data network, and it’s important that it can withstand the rigorous transient testing.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Free-space Optical Communications: Atmospheric turbulence model highlights hurdles to FSO communications using twisted OAM light
http://www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/print/volume-54/issue-01/world-news/free-space-optical-communications-atmospheric-turbulence-model-highlights-hurdles-to-fso-communications-using-twisted-oam-light.html?cmpid=enl_lfw_lfw_enewsletter_2018-01-25&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1984192
Atmospheric changes in temperature and pressure that affect the refractive index and optical density of the air and, in turn, confound the transmission of optical signals have long been a major hurdle to successful free-space optical (FSO) communications
Regardless of whether atmospheric turbulence or system issues such as back-reflection and/or light scattering explain vortex splitting and its associated phase degradation, it is obvious that OAM beams beyond ℓ = 1 will require adaptive optics.
“FSO links offer the opportunity to radically rethink the structure of the ‘last mile’ of digital network infrastructure, where a physically adaptive network could be deployed that dynamically restructures the optical links as required on a city scale,” says Martin Lavery, Structured Photonics Research Group leader at the University of Glasgow. “To enable such a smart city, we need connections that can rival fiber-optical network bandwidth, but with the flexibility of cable-free connections. The use of spatial modes, such as those that carry orbital angular momentum, could allow optical free-space links to carry multiple channels similar to the fiber bundles that get deployed in underground fiber links
Tomi Engdahl says:
Sound waves create optical isolators well-suited to integrated photonics
http://www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/2018/01/sound-waves-create-optical-isolators-well-suited-to-integrated-photonics.html?cmpid=enl_lfw_lfw_enewsletter_2018-01-25&pwhid=6b9badc08db25d04d04ee00b499089ffc280910702f8ef99951bdbdad3175f54dcae8b7ad9fa2c1f5697ffa19d05535df56b8dc1e6f75b7b6f6f8c7461ce0b24&eid=289644432&bid=1984192
Illinois researchers have demonstrated that sound waves can be used to produce ultraminiature optical diodes that are tiny enough to fit onto a computer chip. These devices, called optical isolators, may help solve major data capacity and system size challenges for photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
Isolators are nonreciprocal or “one-way” devices similar to electronic diodes. They protect laser sources from back reflections and are necessary for routing light signals around optical networks. Today, the dominant technology for producing such nonreciprocal devices requires materials that change their optical properties in response to magnetic fields, the researchers said.
In the journal Nature Photonics, the researchers explain how they use the minuscule coupling between light and sound to provide a unique solution that enables nonreciprocal devices with nearly any photonic material.
“There are several problems with using magnetically responsive materials to achieve the one-way flow of light in a photonic chip,”
The new device is only 200 by 100 microns in size–about 10,000 times smaller than a centimeter squared–and made of aluminum nitride, a transparent material that transmits light and is compatible with photonics foundries. “Sound waves are produced in a way similar to a piezoelectric speaker, using tiny electrodes written directly onto the aluminum nitride with an electron beam. It is these sound waves that compel light within the device to travel only in one direction. This is the first time that a magnetless isolator has surpassed gigahertz bandwidth,” Sohn said.
Tomi Engdahl says:
A fast 60 gig link module challenges the fiber
Lattice offers a new range of GigaRay MOD65412 modules, announced by the manufacturer as the industry’s first-proven 60GHz solution for high-speed wireless connections – even challenging fiber connections.
The Lattice module solution is based on phase-controlled and electronic beam-turning technology. The prefabricated SiBEAM antenna system also facilitates the implementation of networking devices.
TLattice offers a new range of GigaRay MOD65412 modules, announced by the manufacturer as the industry’s first-proven 60GHz solution for high-speed wireless connections – even challenging fiber connections.
The Lattice module solution is based on phase-controlled and electronic beam-turning technology. The prefabricated SiBEAM antenna system also facilitates the implementation of networking devices.
The Lattice MOD65412 module is promising to support a TCP / IP transfer at a distance of 200 meters at a single gigabit speed and 300 meters at 300 megabytes per second on a 45-degree beam band.
Source: https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2018/01/26/nopea-60-gigan-linkkimoduuli-haastaa-kuidun/
More: http://www.latticesemi.com/view_document?document_id=52244
Tomi Engdahl says:
Nokia’s first 4G and Wi-Fi base station
The MulteFire name refers to technology where the technology known from LTE standards is used at unlicensed frequencies. Now, Nokia has introduced a first cellular base station that supports both LTE and wifi connections. The device is called Flexi Zone MulteFire Multiband Pico BTS.
The purpose of MulteFire has been simple since the beginning. Users want LTE-level data rates on a network that is as easy to set up as setting up a Wi-Fi network. There are no obstacles to this when using freely available frequencies.
Building LTE and Wi-Fi networks overlap, however, means big compatibility issues. In order to avoid interfering with each other, 3GPP’s defined LTE-U (LTE Unlicenced) technology, in which the interference was eliminated.
With MulteFire, companies and organizations can more easily build LTE private networks. Such networks will rise in the future for example in production facilities, airports, stadiums and smart cities.
The Nokia MulteFire base station is about a four-inch device. It will be commercially available during the second quarter of the year. For users it brings up to 300 megabit data connections and one watt’s transmit power is the highest at unlicensed frequencies allowed.
Source: http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/7458-nokialta-ensimmainen-4g-n-ja-wifin-yhdistava-tukiasema
Tomi Engdahl says:
Burger King Deviously Explains Net Neutrality by Making People Wait Longer for Whoppers
Would you pay more to keep the fast in fast food?
http://www.adweek.com/creativity/burger-king-deviously-explains-net-neutrality-by-making-people-wait-longer-for-whoppers/
On the heels of its brilliant anti-bullying spot last year, Burger King has found another cause it can get behind, and promote with a clever in-store stunt—net neutrality.
Net neutrality is a complicated topic to explain, which is where Burger King came in with a meaty metaphor. It set up a social experiment at a BK location—with a hidden-camera setup not unlike that of the anti-bullying spot—and taught Whopper buyers a memorable lesson. In the video below, see how real customers reacted to being charged more for the same quick-serve Whopper—or, for the regular price, having to wait longer for a Whopper as BK employees intentionally, and seemingly pointlessly, slow down their service.
Burger King Reveals the Uncomfortable Truth About Bullying in a Remarkable In-Store Stunt
What are you prepared to stand up to?
http://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/burger-king-reveals-the-uncomfortable-truth-about-bullying-in-a-remarkable-in-store-stunt/
Bullying is a seemingly intractable problem, but there is one simple thing you can do about it. If you see it happening, you can step in and try to stop it.
Burger King, of all brands, makes that point saliently in a new ad from David Miami timed to National Bullying Prevention Month. Released this morning, the three-minute video features an interesting social experiment filmed by hidden cameras recently in a Los Angeles-area BK.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Photonic chips will rapidly outpace the snail-brained humans
https://www.electropages.com/2018/01/photonic-chips-will-rapidly-outpace-the-snail-brained-humans/?utm_campaign=&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=article&utm_content=Photonic+chips+will+rapidly+outpace+the+snail-brained+humans
Global data communications is running into a big problem. As modern living and ever-expanding commercialism puts immense pressures on data communication capacity and speed, so existing technologies are rapidly falling short of what the future needs.
The question is will photonics technologies save the day? Fortunately there is currently enormous interest and investment in moving silicon-based photonics forward and some of the latest breakthroughs suggest it could be a game-changer.
This breakthrough is not mere electronic gizmo-ism of an academic nature. This is important because current computer design is actually fairly slow and merely boosting existing technologies to speed things up consumes increasing amounts of power.
It is well recognised that copper cabling is stifling data centre operations and hindering high-speed computing because of its slow data transfer capability.
What silicon photonics could end up providing is increased bandwidth in servers, faster data transfer speeds and efficient system designs.
Basically, silicon photonics facilitates data transfer between computer chips using laser light via optical fibre of nano dimensions that is manufactured within the actual silicon chip.
The silicon is patterned into micro-photonic components. These operate in the infrared spectrum which is used by the majority of optical telecoms systems. The silicon typically lies on top of a layer of silica in what is known as silicon on insulator.
To give you a real-world example of what such a development with a transfer capability of 50G/sec could do, it would be able to transfer the file of high-definition feature length film in under a second.
Given all these facts it’s not surprising that industry analysts are saying that the global expenditure on silicon photonics is set to rocket.
Estimates vary but back in 2015 the world market for silicon photonics was reckoned to be about $500 million. Today that market is expected to grow by an impressive 22% annually.
Making a substantial contribution to that growth pattern are optical transceivers and today the silicon photonics market is dominated by the USA and Europe which hold 70% of the total global market share. But that could be set to change because Chinese data centre operations are rapidly growing. It currently has around 650 million Internet users and three big companies establishing their own fibre networks. Predictions are that three huge data centres will be implemented there this year.
So the data rates race is well and truly on with 100G/sec already in reach. However, in the long term the target will be 400G/sec.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Juniper Research forecasts cellular M2M connections will hit 1.3 billion by 2022, a 220% increase from 400 million connections last year. Emerging cellular networks, including 5G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT, will account for nearly 10% of all cellular M2M connections by 2022, Juniper estimates. Among applications for cellular M2M connections, smart cities will have a compound annual growth rate of 66%, while agriculture will post a CAGR of 37% and smart meters will enjoy a CAGR of 34% over the next four year
Cellular M2M Connections to Reach 1.3 Billion by 2022, as Operators Fight for Market Share
https://www.juniperresearch.com/press/press-releases/cellular-m2m-connections-to-reach-1-3-billion
M2M: Fastest Growing Sectors
The research forecasts that the following sectors will witness the highest growth rates in terms of cellular M2M connections over the next 4 years:
Smart Cities (66% CAGR)
Agriculture (37% CAGR)
Smart Meters (34% CAGR)
5G ~ The Smart City Opportunity
The research found that 5G technology will be essential in handling the increasing data traffic generated from smart city devices. It found that services such as traffic information and citizen gateways will generate over 160 Petabytes of data traffic per annum in 2022; in comparison, connected cars will generate over 7,000 Petabytes of data. In response to this increase in cellular traffic, the report suggested that transforming network architecture would become key to delivering the level of smart city services that have come to be expected.
M2M ~ The 3 Fastest Growing Sectors
https://www.juniperresearch.com/document-library/white-papers/m2m-the-3-fastest-growing-sectors