Increasing processor performance and virtualized network architectures are opening up new opportunities for rackmount appliance platforms. Service providers are finding they can replace fixed function network appliances with virtualized network functions (VNFs) running on rackmount appliance platforms and carrier grade servers. In some cases an $80,000 network appliance can be replaced by a 2U rackmount […]

Integrated multicore processors are now the heart of almost every type of networking device, enabling network system developers to support network functions in software, and to support industry developments such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV). Multicore processors are highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) devices with up to 72 cores and hardware acceleration […]

Micro servers offer an alternative approach to traditional servers for many applications, including Web servers, cloud computing, the Internet of things (IoT) and software-defined networking (SDN)/network functions virtualization (NFV). Micro servers are typically small modules integrating processor and memory that plug into a 2U-5U chassis with shared power, cooling and management. Micro servers support higher […]

Rapidly growing data traffic is being driven by the increasing use of network intensive applications including Internet access, cloud services and video/TV on demand. The forecast published by Cisco in June 2014 shows global IP traffic growing by an average 21 percent per year to reach almost 1.6 zettabytes by 2018. To meet these requirements, […]

Long Term Evolution (LTE) deployments are growing rapidly: There are now 300 commercially launched LTE networks in 107 countries. Mobile subscribers using the latest apps and services are continually using greater bandwidth and demanding better connectivity. LTE and LTE Advanced (LTE-A) provide the reduced latency, increased peak bandwidth and greater network capacity required for the […]

The use of carrier-grade commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) platforms for telecom systems continues to grow. These platforms include the Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA), MicroTCA, blade servers and rack-mount servers. ATCA was developed by the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group, which has also developed the complementary Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) modules and the smaller MicroTCA platform. […]

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a key focus for network equipment providers as it has a significant potential to reduce service provider capex and opex. SDN is having a major impact on the architecture of data center and other networks. The deployment of SDN requires significant investment and is driving a new ecosystem including switch silicon, […]

Wireless and fixed line carriers are making significant investments in policy management and analytics. Policy management solutions enable carriers to efficiently manage their networks, making maximum use of their network infrastructure and deliver services that match the expectations of their subscribers. Network analytics allow carriers to understand what applications and services are being used by […]

Demand for 100Gbit/s (100G) network connections is growing rapidly. Initial deployments in the long-haul network and data center are now being eclipsed by the widespread deployment of 100G interfaces in the metro network. The latest core routers, metro Ethernet switches, long haul and metro DWDM systems and large data center switches support 100G interfaces. Many […]

Packet-optical transport is now widely used by carriers across their networks. It brings the advantages of Sonet/SDH (synchronous digital hierarchy), dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) and packet-based networks, delivering a scalable and resilient transport infrastructure. Packet-optical transport is used in the core of the network providing a highly reliable long distance connection, in the metro […]