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Emergency Response and Wireless Location Systems
by Manlio Allegra
Cisco to Acquire Arch Rock for Wireless Energy Sensors
Cisco agreed to acquire privately-held Arch Rock Corporation, a start-up based in San Francisco that develops IP wireless network sensors for smart-grid applications. Financial terms were not disclosed.Arch Rock's PhyNet architecture is a foundation for turning wireless sensing or metering points into IP- and web-enabled devices. The technology is designed to enable utilities to connect smart meters and other distributed intelligent devices over a scalable, highly secure, multi-way wireless mesh network based on IP standards. The company has been a lead contributor to the IETF 6LoWPAN (now RFC 4944) working group, which addresses wireless IPv6 communication over IEEE 802.15.4 low-power radios. Arch Rock was also the first company to launch the first product based on the standard.
Cisco said the deal will enable it to offer a highly secure advanced metering infrastructure solution based completely on IP standards.
"The acquisition of Arch Rock enhances Cisco's end-to-end smart-grid offerings and further positions Cisco as a strategic partner to utilities that want to better manage power supply and demand, improve the security and reliability of energy delivery, and optimize operational costs," said Laura Ipsen, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco's Smart Grid business unit. "Cisco's solutions, incorporating the Arch Rock technology, will help enable a more efficient and sustainable energy future that is based on an open, highly secure and reliable smart-grid infrastructure."
Arch Rock will become part of Cisco's industry-leading Smart Grid business unit.... > More
Alcatel-Lucent Acquires OpenPlug, Extending its Application Enablement Strategy
Alcatel-Lucent has acquired OpenPlug,a software developer specializing in tools for mobile applications, for an undisclosed sum. The deal extends Alcatel-Lucent's Application Enablement strategy, which is focused on combining the trusted and secure network capabilities of service providers with the speed and innovation of the Web to provide a richer end-user experience. By building a robust application-enablement system, Alcatel-Lucent said it is aiming to transform service provider infrastructure by unlocking network resources and functionality and thereby creating new revenue share models. OpenPlug, which is based in Sophia Antipolis, France, provides tools for converting application code into software that runs natively on any leading mobile device operating system, including Apple's iOS, Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile, and Linux. The company's ELIPS Studio is essentially an open software environment that lets developers create an application once and then deploy to multiple mobile phone OSes.
Alcatel-Lucent plans to integrate the OpenPlug toolset into its own Developer Platform and Open API Service, thus broadening the functionality available to service providers, enterprises and developers for the exposure of network assets and the rapid introduction of new services across mobile and Web domains.
"Being able to provide more applications across multiple devices helps service providers significantly broaden their app store content to create more value for consumers," said Laura Merling, vice president of Alcatel-Lucent's global developer strategy. "As service providers typically offer multiple mobile devices to their subscriber base, the OpenPlug software can help them get to market five times faster by allowing them to easily port an application to all of their devices. And this isn't purely a mobile play -- the software can be extended to support application development for IPTV set top boxes, game consoles, even the ng Connect LTE Connected Car."
"Deploying valuable web and mobile services requires assembling many different pieces from many horizons," said Eric Baissus, CEO of OpenPlug. "By combining OpenPlug's ELIPS Suite and ELIPS Studio technologies with Alcatel-Lucent's platforms and API services, we enable developers and service providers to gather all these pieces in a very efficient and consistent way. This will dramatically facilitate the deployment and the monetization of the new generation of applications that the market is expecting."
Singapore's Next Gen Nationwide Broadband Network Launches
Singapore'sNext Gen Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN) officially began commercial operations.
Under the NBN structure established by Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) in 2008, the NetCo (OpenNet) is responsible for deploying fiber and maintaining the passive infrastructure while the OpCo (Nucleus Connect) is responsible for the active network and for delivering wholesale services to Retail Service Providers (RSPs). A structural separation is maintained to ensure an open next gen network.
OpenNet,Singapore's Optical Fibre Network Company, which is now offering commercial dark fibre leases, said that to date, the optical fibre cable rollout has already passed through 30% of households and non-residential buildings in Singapore. OpenNet is a joint venture between four partners – Axia NetMedia (Axia), Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel), Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and SP Telecommunications (SPT).
Nucleus Connect,which is responsible for designing, building and operating the active portion of Singapore's NGNBN, announced the first five Retail Service Providers (RSPs) who will go live on the network: LGA, M1, Singtel, StarHub and SuperInternet. Nucleus Connect is installing GPON and Optical Ethernet equipment for the last mile connection. The company said businesses and home owners can look forward to pervasive, competitively priced, broadband speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Some of the initial services expected from these RSPs include ultra-speed Internet access, IPTV, HD video surveillance and HD digital signage applications.
"Today marks a historical moment not only for Nucleus Connect but also for Singapore's infocomm future as we transform Singapore into a global city, an intelligent nation," said Mr David Storrie, Chief Executive Officer of Nucleus Connect.
Clearwire Offers Pay-As-You-Go Mobile Broadband, $5/Day
Clearwire launched a pay-as-you-go 4G mobile broadband service with daily, weekly and monthly payment options. The Clearwire "Rover"service, which will be marketed at tech-savvy Gen Y customers, offers unlimited data usage with no bandwidth caps over the company's WiMAX network.
Rover is available in all of Clearwire's 49 4G markets across the U.S. at rover.com. Rover is also available at CLEAR stores, Best Buy stores and select independent wireless dealers in Houston and St. Louis.
Clearwire is betting that the market for prepaid mobile services in the U.S. is expanding beyond consumers with credit issues. The company believes there will be a growing segment, especially among younger consumers, who wish to be connected with mobile broadband wherever they go, but who prefer simplicity over a long-term contract.
"Simple, commitment-free wireless services are wildly popular with the Gen Y crowd, and Rover provides them with the first pay-as-you-go unlimited mobile internet offering at 4G speeds," said Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer for Clearwire.
Rover's flagship device is the Rover Puck: a portable Wi-Fi hotspot that lets the user share broadband access, or "Puck", with up to eight devices or friends in Wi-Fi range. The Rover Puck promises mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps, with bursts over 10 Mbps. The device is priced at $149.99 (plus tax). Clearwire will also offer a 4G USB modem for $99.99 (plus tax).
Intel Confirms Acquisition of Infineon Wireless
Intel announced its intention to acquire Infineon's Wireless Solutions Business, called WLS, in a cash transaction valued at approximately $1.4 billion. The deal expands Intel's current Wi-Fi and 4G WiMAX portfolio to include Infineon's 3G capabilities. Intel said the acquisition also accelerates its entry into LTE.
Intel plans to integrate the Infineon's wireless technology in its Intel Core processor-based laptops and Intel Atom processor-based devices, including smartphones, netbooks, tablets and embedded computers.
"The global demand for wireless solutions continues to grow at an extraordinary rate," said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. "The acquisition of Infineon's WLS business strengthens the second pillar of our computing strategy -- Internet connectivity -- and enables us to offer a portfolio of products that covers the full range of wireless options from Wi-Fi and 3G to WiMAX and LTE."
Infineon said the deal enables it to concentrate its resources towards growth in its core segments Automotive (ATV), Industrial & Multimarket (IMM) and Chip Card & Security (CCS). The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011.
Two Minute Video: Carrier Ethernet Service Engineering
Presented by Mark Showalter, Extreme Networks
List of Carriers Planning LTE Deployment Tops 100
Thereare now 101 firm LTE network deployments in progress or planned in 41 countries, according to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA). This figure includes three LTE systems which have launched commercial service - in Sweden, Norway, and Uzbekistan. GSA anticipates up to 22 LTE networks will be in commercial service by end 2010. The report provides an update on LTE activities in each country.
Another 31 operators are engaged in various LTE pilot trials and technology tests (these are referred to as pre-commitment trials). Taken together, it means that 132 operators are now investing in LTE in 56 countries.
Alan Hadden, President, GSA said: "Our latest Evolution to LTE report shows how the pace towards LTE has quickened, which is easy to see from the increasing numbers of operator trials and announcements, and positive actions by several regulatory bodies around the world".
The updated GSA report notes that while the majority of LTE deployments today are using the FDD mode, there is significant operator interest in the TDD mode.
LTE FDD and LTE TDD are complementary technologies and standardized by 3GPP. A number of key technology milestones have been demonstrated in recent weeks which confirm how the LTE TDD system is maturing towards commercialization. The GSA report is online.
eircom Wholesale Launches Carrier Ethernet Across Ireland
eircom Wholesale launched its NGN Ethernet wholesale telecom service,providing connectivity with speeds from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps across Ireland. eircom Wholesale, which has over 500 exchanges served at launch, promises substantial cost savings to operators, compared to existing traditional connectivity solutions. The carrier Ethernet could be used to support mobile broadband, videoconferencing, high-quality voice over IP, next generation cloud computing and bandwidth-intensive imaging services.
Regions which can now access 1Gbps fibre services include Youghal, Mullingar, Enniscorthy, Drogheda and Kilkenny, and dozens of other provincial towns. Commenting on the announcement, John McKeon, Managing Director, eircom Wholesale said "NGN Ethernet delivers the data product our wholesale customers have been asking for, not just in terms of speed and capacity, but also in terms of reach and cost. We can directly serve over 500 exchanges across metropolitan, suburban and rural Ireland from today. This number will rise as the rollout progresses into 2011." The NGN Wholesale Ethernet launch follows the announcement of open access Fibre to the Home (FTTH) trials in Sandyford and Wexford Town and an investment by eircom of more than EUR 1 billion over a three year period in network infrastructure, including the construction of the Next Generation Network.
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Emergency Response and Wireless Location Systems
by Manlio Allegra
When lives are at stake, public-safety agencies' first responders need the most reliable, most accurate location information for whoever happens to be in need, in whatever circumstance—and they need it in real time. The standard for what constitutes a "good enough" capability for locating mobile devices in emergencies has risen. In its E911 Phase II requirements, the FCC stipulates that wireless operators provide local public safety answering points (PSAPs) with the latitude and longitude of an emergency caller's mobile device to within 50 meters in some instances. What wireless location technologies are best suited for this mission?
Interview: NSN's Sue Spradley on LightSquared's Wholesale Mobile Data Paradigm
by Sue Spradley
LightSquared, a new company backed by Harbinger Capital Partners, plans to launch a wholesale-only, 4G-LTE network across the U.S. complemented by satellite coverage. LightSquared will provide wholesale wireless broadband capacity to a diverse group of customers, including retailers; wireline and wireless communication service providers; cable operators; device manufacturers; web players; content providers; and many others. NSN has been appointed vendor of choice in a deal valued at $7 billion over 8 years.
Mobile Backhaul Transition Requires New Testing
by Joe Zeto
The move from TDM- to Ethernet-based transport does not come for free. TDM-circuits are well established at providing ultra-high reliability, voice quality of service, and accurate timing. Ethernet technology requires careful attention to match these capabilities. Testing for Ethernet-based mobile backhaul systems can be split neatly into performance testing and conformance testing. It is essential that wired and wireless components now be tested with the same types and scale of traffic seen in actual network deployments.
Cybersecurity Requires Public/Private Coalition
by Greg Oslan
No longer is the task of cybersecurity relegated to IT offices and CIOs in the private sector, nor to a select number of government agencies. Instead, a call to action has been put forth to all entities -- especially the government -- to make cybersecurity a top priority. It is now recognized as one of the most important national security challenges of our time.
A Rethinking of Cloud Services and Network Architecture
by Jim Theodoras
The revenue potential of offering cloud hosting services is significant. To take advantage of this considerable opportunity, service providers must rethink both their network architectures and business models.
Delivering Scalable Video Solutions
Advantages of SVC-Optimized QoS
by Andy Singleton
Scalable Video Coding is a layered video codec that is an extension of the established H.264 standard. SVC operates by transmitting a base video layer and one or more enhancement layers. Here's a look at how SVC helps solve the issue of poor quality and unusable desktop video conferencing due to packet loss. The long-term goal of this technology is to enable enterprises to deploy desktop video communications on a wide scale.
Does Network Neutrality Impact DPI?
by James Brear
FCC Chairman Genachowski's adoption of at a "Third Way" in regulating broadband traffic once again raises the question of what is proper network management. What is the likely impact for vendors of deep packet inspection (DPI) platforms?Industry Events
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