This report, as you've come to expect, is a recap of the some of the month's biggest product announcements in communications, organized into the following broad categories for your convenience and reading pleasure:

For a quick view of what we have included from your favorite vendors, glance at Table 1; and if you want to see quickly what we have included under each product category, look at Table 2 As is now usual, we have indicated some of the industry shows that vendors have been using to give the first public views of their new products. Cable has had a particularly busy month, as a lot of new products arrived at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo and Telco TV. And, with active events such as Broadband World Forum as well, it's clear that not all of telecom has moved over to the wireless world yet.

Enjoy! And don't forget that you can click here to see our list of previous long-form features and New Product Recaps.

Table 1: Vendors and products included in this Recap

Table 2: Contents of product categories in this Recap

— Tim Hills is a freelance telecommunications writer and journalist. He's a regular author of Light Reading reports.

Next Page: Broadband/Cable Access & Applications

Adtran Inc. (Nasdaq: ADTN)
hiX 5600, Total Access 5000 MSANs and Total Access 1100 and 1200 small-form-factor access nodes
The addition of system-level vectoring to the company's broadband portfolio allows service providers to realize ultra-broadband speeds, delivering up to 200 Mbit/s to the home based on two-pair bonding and thus enabling premium entertainment services, according to the company. VDSL2 vectoring uses crosstalk cancellation, an advanced DSL transmission technology, and improves subscriber bandwidth by up to 90 percent.

AimValley B.V.
EX14 Transport NID
This is a compact carrier-class solution for demarcation and media conversion at the network edge. Using small-form pluggable (SFP) transceivers it supports a wide range of optical interfaces. A second electrical 1GE port, transparent for synchronous Ethernet, reduces cost in mobile backhaul applications, according to the company, and digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM) is fully supported to enable both onsite and remote checking of optical power levels. The unit supports CFM OAM IEEE 802.1ag Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) and ITU-T Y.1731 Frame Loss (LM) and Frame Delay (DM) measurement to monitor and optimize SLAs. Using the SNMP-based AimNMS management system, or Titan API for tight integration with customers' management systems, network operators can provision and monitor all relevant parameters for optimal quality of experience. Because of its smallness and low power consumption, the EX14 is suited for mobile backhaul and business Ethernet access applications in locations with space and heat-dissipation restrictions.

Amino Communications Ltd.
Live media gateway
This is an enhanced version of hybrid/OTT media gateway. It includes a secure Linux environment, based on the company's Aminet software stack, for the delivery of pay-TV video, and a controlled Android virtual machine to support a wide range of OTT applications and services. The device uses the hardware virtualization features available with its Intel CE5300 SoC to run multiple virtual machines at full speed. According to the company, the gateway satisfies market demand for flexible, but secure, content multiscreen delivery.

Arris Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ARRS)
C4 CMTS Software Release 8.1
Release 8.1, in conjunction with the installation of a System Control Module 3 (SCM), delivers improved performance for control-plane-related tasks including IP Detail Record (IPDR), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Command Line Interface (CLI); increases in IPv6 route scaling; additional DSG feature support; and improved support for Lawful Intercept (LI) applications in Europe.

E6000 Converged Edge Router (E6000 CER)
Presented as a CCAP-capable device providing a high-availability high-performance solution with high scalability, it supports a fully redundant design with no single point of failure, hitless failover, and hot swapping of cards, and field-deployment ready IPv6. Operators can mix and match the company's cable edge products.

IPTV bundled advertising solution
For the delivery of national, regional, zoned and targeted ads, the end-to-end offering integrates ad storage, streaming, insertion and splicing in only one device, the company's Media Services Platform (MSP), which can insert ads into live, encrypted video content. The MSP supports both traditional SCTE 30 protocol, as well as the new SCTE 130 protocol to integrate splicing with insertion. The control of linear ad delivery, ad coordination and management is provided by the AdEdge ad decision manager (ADM) which, with the MSP, forms the delivery system. On a separate server, the AdEdge Asset Preparation System ingests, prepares and manages ad content from the advertisers. It includes transcoding and transrating of ad content to the formats, bitrates, and codecs needed by IPTV broadband delivery networks, and it passes through closed captioning and metadata needed to comply with the CALM act. The optional virtual zoning feature assigns subscribers to zones based on their profiles and offers flexible ad targeting. Zones can be targeted to zip+4 geographies as well as by subscriber characteristics.

Touchstone Wireless Voice and Data Gateways
These next-generation Docsis 3.0 wireless in-home network gateways can bond 16 and 24 downstream channels. Supporting near-1Gbit/s speeds, they can be used by cable operators to provide subscribers with high-bandwidth, triple-play and multiscreen services. The family of gateways comprises: (a) Model DG2470 24x8 Data Gateway with Dual Band Concurrent Wireless and Integrated MoCA; (b) Model TG2472 24x8 Telephony Gateway with Dual Band Concurrent Wireless and Integrated MoCA; (c) Model DG1660: 16x4 Data Gateway with Dual Band Concurrent Wireless; (d) Model DG1670 16x4 Data Gateway with Dual Band Concurrent Wireless and Integrated MoCA; (e) Model TG1642 16x4 Telephony Gateway with Single Band Wireless; (f) Model TG1662 16x4 Telephony Gateway with Dual Band Concurrent Wireless; and (g) Model TG1672: 16x4 Telephony Gateway with Dual Band Concurrent Wireless and integrated MoCA.

ATX Networks Corp.
UCrypt IP2A
This IPTV-to-analog-TV encryptor can ingest programs in IP format and retransmit them in analog format, and is suitable for converting IP video content into analog format to service bulk MDU, hospitality or commercial accounts wired only with coax cable or where deploying set-top boxes is undesirable and not cost effective. It allows for delivery of up to 20 individually agile analog channels in the 50-750MHz frequency range. It supports ingestion of up to 20 MPEG-2 or H.264, HD or SD, IP multicast videostreams in either unencrypted or Verimatrix encrypted formats. Multiple units can be deployed simultaneously to build larger analog lineups. It features constant program monitoring and supports email and SNMP-based alerts and alarms. The HTTPS-based management interface allows operators to configure, manage and monitor the unit remotely.

VersAtive
This encoding and transcoding platform is positioned for multiscreen live/on-demand services. According to the company, this platform is designed to address any type of encoding/transcoding or packetization requirement associated with adaptive streaming or traditional encode/transcode functions. It can be configured as a standalone device or to work as part of a cluster of VersAtive devices (Offline Transcoding). The platform can support a variety of inputs (IP, HD/SD-SDI, HDMI, Component or Composite) and can encode (Broadcast Quality H.264/MPEG-2 SD/HD) or transcode (Broadcast Quality H.264 to MPEG-2/MPEG-2 to H.264 SD/HD) on a standalone basis or for adaptive-bitrate/multiscreen-services applications on a live or off-line basis. VersAtive supports PC (Adaptive Flash Streaming), mobile/tablet technologies (HLS, RTSP), and television formats (H.264/MPEG-2 TS). The flexible architecture allows for upgrades to new codecs and can also incorporate DRM on an as-required basis (currently implemented Verimatrix for HLS).

Aurora Networks Inc.
Enhanced link performance for cable optics
Presented as making the company the first to offer 40 wavelengths of full spectrum transmission at 40 km reach, with no amplification, the enhanced link performance extends from the company's full-spectrum DWDM transmitter, the AT3545G-xx-1, to its smart node platform featuring the industry's highest output level, with all-QAM loading, according to the company.

ONT-G4021-RTN-FRU-C, ONT-E4021i-RTN and ONT-E2424F
These PON optical network terminals (ONTs) include: (a) ONT-G4021-RTN-FRU-C -- Designed for outdoor deployment and rounding out the company's current GPON ONT portfolio, features four 1000Base-T, two POTS and one RF port and special functionality to simplify set-top box RF return transport. (b) ONT-E4021i-RTN, EPON ONT -- Designed for indoor deployment and featuring four 1000Base-T, two POTs and one RF port plus Residential Gateway feature and special functionality to simplify set-top-box RF return transport. (c) ONT-E2424F, EPON ONT -- Suitable for deployment in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and businesses, and features 24x100Base-T and 24 POTs ports.

p>T7-PIM-8802
The Trident7 Optical Line Terminal (OLT) blade doubles the port density of the current platform. It has eight EPON ports, and, with up to 18 blades in a chassis, assuming a 1x32 split, more than 4600 ONTs can be supported from a single chassis.

Broadcom Corp. (Nasdaq: BRCM)
BCM63168
This ADSL2+/VDSL2 Integrated Access Device (IAD) and residential gateway platform combines 5-band bonding, G.vector, G.inp, ADSL fallback, Gigabit routing and dual-band concurrent Wi-Fi on a single platform.

BCM685xx
This series of GPON system-on-chips (SoCs) is offered with complete residential gateway software. According to the company, the series addresses the high-speed connectivity and stringent quality-of-service (QoS) requirements for residential triple-play services, including video-on-demand (VoD), HD-IPTV, voice over IP (VoIP) and high-speed Internet (HIS).

Calix Inc. (NYSE: CALX)
726GE-I
The indoor optical network terminal (ONT) supporting RF video allows service providers to deliver video, voice, and ultra-high-speed data services of up to 1 Gbit/s. Through an upcoming software release, home-gateway functionality is provided by a simple download, according to the company.

836GE
This residential services gateway allows communications service providers to extend their access networks into the subscriber's home, acting as a central management hub for broadband-enabled devices within the home. It combines the functionality of a 700GE optical network terminal (ONT) with selectable-band 802.11n Wi-Fi and internal multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) spatial diversity antennas. The gateway also features four Gigabit Ethernet ports that can be provisioned to operate independently or in a full bridged mode to support whole-home DVR deployments. Initially, the 836GE RSG will be available as a point-to-point gigabit Ethernet premises device, but, utilizing autodetect technology, will be able to support GPON in an upcoming software release.

CommScope Inc.
CSP (Converged Services Platform) family
This CCAP platform uses the capabilities of the company's current Edge QAM solution (Universal Wideband) and adds support for Docsis upstream and MAC (media access control), native IP processing and EPON/EPOC (EPON over Coax) support in a denser, more scalable platform.

Corning Cable Systems LLC (CCS)
FlexNAP Façade Multi-dwelling Unit (MDU) Solution
Designed for medium- and high-rise buildings with multiple customers per floor and limited or hard-to-access indoor riser space, the preconnectorized solution is factory tested and saves time in network deployment, according to the company, and expands on its existing FlexNAP System technology for aerial FTTH applications.

Digital Nirvana Inc.
Cable Suite
Includes Monitor IQ, a cable monitoring system; MediaPro IQ, a content repurposing system; and ManyView IQ, an IP video distribution system. Monitor IQ, Version 3.1 adds new features: SDI playout, flexible content archiving, real-time newscast exporting, watermark NAVE decoding, centralized management, Dolby E audio standard support, director’s audio track and H.264 video format support. The Monitor IQ cable monitoring system is divided into four packages based on individual needs: (a) Monitor IQ Starter is an entry-level package that offers all the logging functionality necessary for a one- to two-channel system and includes 90 days of low-resolution storage. (b) Monitor IQ Essentials is a logging and monitoring system that includes all the functionality necessary for broadcasters to ensure regulatory compliance. (c) Monitor IQ Plus includes all of the features found within Essentials and adds several new enhancements including the ability to connect and control Monitor IQ via an iPad, iPhone, or Android interface. (d) Monitor IQ Premier includes: ad insertion verification and validation, CALM Act compliance, adaptive bit-rate/OTT streaming, and SDV/on-demand, directors audio track, advanced metadata harvesting, and integration with third-party routers, multi-viewers, TS analyzers, and traffic and automation platforms. MediaPro IQ, a content repurposing system for multi-platform distribution, is designed for news and sports directors who frequently repurpose content from cable channels, and allows users to record encrypted cable feeds for content repurposing and rebroadcasting. ManyView IQ , according to the company, offers an easy and cost-effective way to deploy a private, enterprise-wide IPTV system to users who need to view real-time video signals at their desktop.

D-Link Systems Inc.
DCM-702 and DCM-704
These are a wireless N 2x2 Concurrent Docsis 3.0 Gateway and a PacketCable 2.0-compliant wireless N Docsis 3.0 eMTA Gateway. The DCM-704 Gateway provides two NCS or SIP VoIP connections and simultaneous high-speed cable Internet to provide primary-line voice quality, while also supporting all key CLASS features for increased customer control of phone calls, according to the company. Additionally, operation over the cloud via the mydlink.com portal and TR-069 technical specification gives cable MSOs remote visibility to devices within the home or small business to operate and troubleshoot when needed. Both Gateways are equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired networking.

Electroline Equipment Inc.
TPS-32
This remote-control RF port selector is a remotely controlled switch having a bandwidth from 5 to 1002MHz. It is rack mounted and occupies one rack unit for a 32 x 1 or a 32 x 2 switch. It is available as a broadband switch or diplex version. The diplex version switches both the downstream and upstream paths synchronously, and is suitable for testing Docsis high-speed data services. It can also be used as a component in return-path monitoring systems by switching upstream signal path to test instrumentation under remote control by a management system for identification of noise ingress, intermodulation and common path distortion. It is backwards compatible with the company's Clearpath return-path monitoring products. Another application is for monitoring and service assurance of downstream digital video services under the control by a remote manager. Remote control is achieved via an Ethernet physical layer and TCP/IP as the network layer. A Web-accessible user interface or the company's ICOR protocol can be used for the application-layer communications.

Ericsson AB (Nasdaq: ERIC)
Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) on the SSR 8000 Smart Services Router family
This is designed to accelerate the adoption of cloud and video services for the connected home. The company says that the BNG offers a wide range of interfaces and enables advanced services optimized for superior user experience and new service offerings. It efficiently supports 100Gbit/s performance, supporting monetization of demanding cloud and high-definition video streaming services. The SSR 8000 itself supports up to 768,000 subscribers from a single rack with a total power consumption, fully loaded, of 14,000W.

{Genesis Technical Systems NEEDS COMPLINK www.genesistechsys.com/}
DSL Rings
These are presented as delivering 400 Mbit/s over existing copper telecom infrastructures at a fraction of the cost of FTTH or FTTP. The company says that DSL Rings is generally backhaul agnostic and works with both conventional copper, using standards-based bonded DSL technology, and FTTC or fiber to the neighborhood node (FTTN). It is an alternative for FTTH or FTTP, and can also provide backhaul for femtocells. Essentially, the technology reconfigures the pairs from the final drop into a ring connecting a small group of homes. The ring is fed by a small VDSL2 device mounted at the final drop point, and that, in turn, is fed by high-speed pair bonding from the central office using ADSL2+ technology. The net effect is that the very high bandwidth that VSDL2 can provide over short distances can be supplied by the central office and shared among the small group of homes.

Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq: HLIT)
NSG Pro
This is a Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) that offers high-density Universal EdgeQAM capabilities and an upgrade path to future integrated CMTS capabilities. It provides the ability to converge linear video, on-demand video, and data onto a single system, and the company stresses the system's flexible upgrade path towards full CCAP and an all-IP infrastructure, while minimizing operational expenses, power requirements, and rack-space requirements.

ProStream 9000 with ACE
This is a family of high-density real-time stream processors and transcoders. Designed to optimize broadcast television and next-generation multiscreen video applications, the high-performance platform features dual power supplies and the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of applications that maximize efficiency, reliability, and cost-savings for broadcasters, cable and satellite operators, telcos, and IPTV providers, the company says. The first member is the ProStream 9100 with ACE, which supports 1 Gbit/s of data throughput and up to 250 simultaneous multiplexing/scrambling services. Capabilities include 20 HD or 60 SD broadcast transcoding services, 20 HD/SD multiscreen inputs with 80 multiscreen output profiles, and integrated any-to-any audio transcoding with audio leveling in a single RU. Future family members are planned to support higher throughputs and the processing of 500 simultaneous services.

p>SUPRALink SPL 7210S DWDM and PWRLink DFB 4200S Transmitters
These are compact transmitter modules to reduce rack-space and power requirements at the headend. Up to 20 SUPRALink SPL 7210S or PWRLink 4200S modules can be mounted in the 3-RU Harmonic HLP 4800 broadband platform, reducing space, power, and cooling requirements. The inclusion of dual blind-mate broadcast and narrowcast RF connectors on the transmitters ensures streamlined installation and maintenance, according to the company. The transmitters can be combined with Harmonic's edgeQAM and node family to form a system solution. When used within an HFC broadband network that also includes the company's new NSG Pro, the transmitters enable cable operators to further optimize fiber usage and support additional bandwidth-intensive services.

Hitron Technologies Inc.
Docsis 3.0 24 x 8 Wireless Gateway (CGN3) and the Docsis 3.0 24 x 8 eMTA Wireless Gateway (CGNV)
Presented as the industry's first Docsis 3.0 24 x 8 wireless and voice gateway devices, they incorporate an integrated 802.11n 3 x 3 Dual Band MIMO Access Point that extends range and coverage with speeds of up to 450+450 Mbit/s. The Docsis 3.0 24 x 8 Wireless Gateway (CGN4) delivers integrated 802.11ac 2 x 2 on the 5GHz band, plus 802.11n 3 x 3 on the 2.4GHz band for a total of 1.3 Gbit/s of wireless dual-band throughput. The devices combine high-speed wireless data transfer of up to 960 Mbit/s (North America) and 1 Gbit/s (Europe) with 24 bonded downstream channels and eight upstream. They have an integrated 4-port Gigabit Ethernet switch for high-speed connections to wired customers.

Imagine Communications
next: Dense Multiscreen Transcoding
This supports up to 1280 HD multiscreen profiles (or 2560 SD Multiscreen profiles) in a single 4RU system. It offers integrated 100 percent system redundancy and less than 2W power consumption per HD profile (a full order of magnitude more power efficient than other leading systems, according to the company). It is available also as a 2U server or 10U blade system, and combines video transcoding to any resolution, including 1080p60, with audio transcoding to any output format.

Keymile AG
MileGate 2200 Mini-DSLAM Subrack
This is presented as a cost-efficient solution for expanding broadband services in sparsely populated areas. In the subrack, up to 144 customers can be connected with VDSL2 and ADSL2+, as well as in FTTH/FTTB applications via fiber optics. The subrack has two-height units and four slots, three of which (in addition to the central unit) can be fitted with any ADSL2plus, VDSL2 and optical Ethernet cards. The VDSL2 interfaces can be operated at data rates of up to 50 Mbit/s (17a profile). Both VDSL2 and ADSL2+, as well as optical Ethernet interfaces (for example to connect corporate customers) can be used individually or as a combination. So, according to the company, network operators can provide services such as VoIP, broadband Internet, VoD and IPTV even in places with only a few subscribers. The MileGate 2200 can be used outdoors.

MileGate 2880
This is a GPON solution. With a splitting factor of 1:64, the 8 HU subrack can supply up to 4096 subscribers. There is also a 4 HU subrack MileGate 2820 solution for smaller installations.

Lantiq Semiconductor
Reverse-Powered Fiber to the Distribution Point (FTTdp) Solution
Presented as the industry's first commercially available FTTdp solution, this was co-developed with Aethra Telecommunications and uses standard fiber and copper wire broadband technologies to deliver aggregated data rates up to 250 Mbit/s over 200m twisted-pair copper-line lengths. The system is fully reverse powered, based on a customer-premise power injector adaptor developed by Aethra Telecommunications. The maximum power budget for the reverse powered distribution point is limited to less than 10W. Considering the loss of power from AC/DC efficiency, DC/DC efficiency and transmission loss, the power budget remaining for the GPON and VDSL2 chipset is very limited, according to the company, and the ultralow power consumption of the solution meets this requirement, ensuring that the distribution point can be reverse powered by only a single user.

Motorola Mobility LLC
GT-3 ABR Transcoder
This is presented as the industry's only 3Gpixel/s ABR transcoder. It is equivalent to nearly 50 full-resolution concurrent HD programs in terms of throughput, according to the company, which sees the transcoder offering two distinct performance advantages for operators: (a) Enabling a broader selection of video data rates and resolutions to match the dynamic bandwidth of unmanaged networks. (b) Efficiency in video compression can provide higher-quality video by using the same amount of bandwidth, or the same video quality at much lower bitrates -- a benefit for bandwidth-constrained networks. It has a dual power supply and I/O and system-level redundancy for 24 x 7 availability, full integration with the company's end-to-end multiscreen platform, and supports ad insertion.

Overture Networks Inc.
Overture 4000cp
The carrier-Ethernet-over-copper demarcation solution can bond up to 24 voice-grade copper pairs to deliver hundreds of megabits/second to business customers and mobile towers. The product fits into the Overture product line between the 2-, 4-, or 8-pair Overture 400 series and the 32-pair demarcation capabilities of the Overture 6100. It supports service delivery at speeds ranging from 1 to over 300 Mbit/s over single bonded copper infrastructure. It incorporates automated pair bonding capabilities for 24 pairs at up to 15 Mbit/s per copper pair to expedite service turn-up and eliminate the errors typically associated with manual configuration.

Qualcomm Atheros
QCA7450/AR1540
This HomePlug AV2 (HPAV2) chipset will enable consumers to use their homes' existing power outlets to improve coverage and multimedia streaming performance with ultra-high-speed connectivity of more than 500 Mbit/s, according to the company. The QCA7450/AR1540 chipset's associated reference design also features a SmartLink Plus option that enables transmission of powerline signals on multiple wires, potentially extending connectivity range in the home by up to 50 percent, improving the performance over the previous generation of SmartLink-enabled products while reducing overall design complexity and the bill of materials.

Sling Media Inc.
Slingbox 500 and Slingbox 350
These are for 1080p HD-quality streaming of TV content to smartphones, tablets, laptops and connected devices. In addition, the Slingbox 500 introduces new features, including Wi-Fi and HDMI, as well as a platform for delivering personal content to the TV, a first for any Slingbox product. Thus SlingProjector allows users to wirelessly display their personal media, such as photos, from their smartphone onto the TV screen.

Taikan
1.8GHz tap series
This is presented as providing a solution for MSOs looking to add additional services in the 1000-1800MHz band. The company says that, with no rolloff curve, the 900-1000MHz band that was almost unusable in the past can now be fully utilized. The 1.8GHz tap is available in the standard Regal style or GI style series housings, with the SA style and Magnavox style series scheduled for future development. In addition, the 1.8GHz unit is available with all current tap enhancements, including a wide body and conditioning option.

G3G
This three-port galvanic isolator is designed to separate the ground potential between the input and output ports, offering protection against power surges and spikes, maintaining the integrity of the home network, while helping to protect networking equipment from electrical damage.

Optical Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) Node
For RFoG networks, this is presented as providing a cost-effective system for converting optical signals to RF. Its 50dBmV RF power output makes it suitable for multi-dwelling units and eliminates the need for additional drop amplifiers. The node is highly customizable, and options include a WDM or dual-fiber output, DFB or FP laser, and a variety of return transmit wavelengths. For adjustment of the output signal, equalizer and attenuator pads are also available.

TE Connectivity (NYSE: TEL)
NG4access ODF platform
This is an optical-fiber distribution frame (ODF), chassis, adapter pack, and cabled module solution set. It gives equal front and rear technician access, the ability to mix-and-match fiber connector types within each frame chassis, and industry-leading termination density (the NG4access frame can support up to 3456 LC connections per frame), according to the company. It is intended for managing high-density fiber and cabling in the central office, headend and data center.

Transition Networks Inc.
S3280-TST
This network-interface device (NID) is aimed at mobile backhaul and business Ethernet delivery. It expands upon the existing S3280 features that allow service providers to offer their subscribers tiered Ethernet services, based on advanced features like differentiated quality of service (QoS) and bandwidth allocation per Ethernet Virtual Circuit (EVC). The S3280-TST enables wire-speed loopback at a port or VLAN level to assist with circuit provisioning and troubleshooting from a remote location. The S3280-TST is built with service providers in mind offering SLA-quality service and support through a scalable, intelligent UNI to create a greater differentiation of service offering.

Verivue Inc.
CDN Selector
An addition to the OneVantage Content Delivery Solution portfolio, CDN Selector chooses from among two or more CDNs according to a flexible set of policies, including geographic or application-level partitioning and various load-based criteria. In addition to enabling a multivendor environment, the product also allows operators to interconnect their own CDN with one or more global CDNs to deliver content to users when they are off-net, or provide overflow capacity during periods of high utilization.

Object Store
This is a highly scalable, resilient and extensible private cloud storage platform for network operators to publish and store content for serving by a CDN. Part of the OneVantage product portfolio, Object Store provides redundant, scalable storage for media assets using clusters of commodity off-the-shelf servers, capable of storing multiple petabytes and billions of objects. In addition to eliminating any single point of failure, there is no single point of control in the entire cluster, thus eliminating any potential performance bottlenecks, the company says. Objects are written to multiple disk drives spread across servers in the cluster. Software ensures data replication and integrity across the cluster. If a server or disk drive fails, its content is automatically replicated from other active nodes to new locations in the cluster. By using software logic to provide self-healing, inexpensive commodity hardware can be used in lieu of more expensive proprietary storage equipment.

Wipro Ltd. (NYSE: WIT)
Accelerate
This prepaid broadband solution for US cable market is intended to enable cable system operators to reduce or eliminate cost and credit obstacles, and expand broadband services to unserved or underserved markets in the U.S. According to the company, the end-to-end service allows the cost-effective launch of prepaid packages that can increase market penetration and address regulatory issues, including the Federal Communications Commission's Connect to Compete program. Using the cloud-based hosted system, operators can offer products that are specifically designed to meet the needs of prepaid subscribers, and also avoid cannibalizing existing broadband deployment.

Witbe
TVR1800
This intelligent video-monitoring device is presented as the first specifically designed to monitor quality of experience (QoE) of live and ondemand video services at the edge of telco and cable operators' networks. It connects to any type of IP, cable, satellite, DTT or hybrid set-top box, tablet, smartphone and computer and provides factual information on the actual customer experience in real time, and instantly highlights service trends and quality issues. It can be deployed across networks, even at customer homes. All test results from each video monitoring robot are aggregated in a central reporting platform offering service providers a detailed understanding of how their subscribers experience their video service in each local loop. It gives the ability to adjust video services to changing conditions, and to deliver the best QoE to subscribers.

Next Page: Carrier Transport & Optical Networking

Cyan Inc.
XC-2800
This multiterabit packet and G.709 OTN switch fabric for the company's Z-Series packet-optical transport platforms (P-OTPs) enables up to 2.8 Tbit/s of packet switching and cross-connect capacity per shelf. The company says that the new switch fabric enhances the economics for router bypass in metro software-defined networks (SDNs) and offers service providers an alternative to routers for packet-service transport and crossconnect.

Fujitsu Ltd. (Tokyo: 6702; London: FUJ; OTC: FJTSY)
FLASHWAVE 9500 Packet Optical Networking Platform (Packet ONP) software release
This supports MEF CE 2.0-compliant E-Line, E-LAN, E-Tree and E-Access services. The company says that the new software release positions the FLASHWAVE 9500 platform as a uniquely capable Packet ONP that integrates connectionless Ethernet (CLE) capabilities with current connection-oriented Ethernet (COE), ROADM, DWDM and SONET/SDH technologies. The FLASHWAVE 9500 Packet ONP forms a unified CE 2.0 Ethernet service delivery platform that can deliver any of the MEF services over any type of access network. It allows service providers to deliver wholesale MEF E-Access services on the same infrastructure as their retail MEF Ethernet services.

Next Page: Components & Devices

3M Co. (NYSE: MMM)
Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexers (CWDMs) and Planar Light Circuit (PLC) Optical Splitters
These are presented as designed to help cable operators increase capacity while containing costs. The new coarse wavelength-division multiplexers have one of the smallest, thinnest form factors available on the market, according to the company, while the PLC Optical Splitters integrate with a broad range of architectures and platforms. For RFoG or PON FTTH networks, the splitters are available in many split ratios, with bare-fiber or connectors, including the commonly deployed: 1x2, 1x4, 1x8, 1x16, 1x32.

Finisar Corp. (Nasdaq: FNSR)
XFP-RF Optical Transmitter for Cable Access Networks
The XFP-RF transmitter can be designed into existing broadband optical platforms to double the density and halve the power consumption of transmitters in hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) networks. It can also be plugged directly into next-generation cable modem termination systems and QAM modulators with optical ports, saving space and power. It introduces wideband wavelength tuning to HFC networks, allowing the cable operator to tune it to 80 different DWDM wavelengths across the entire C-band in under 500ms. The company says that tunability eliminates the need for an inventory of transmitters at fixed wavelengths and eases the provisioning of complex DWDM networks, and also enables future, innovative architectures that can route services by managing the wavelengths of the HFC transmitters.

Lantiq Semiconductor
DUSLIC-xT new version
This is a single-package SLIC (subscriber line interface circuit) that provides all necessary functions to implement voice telephony in broadband customer premises equipment. It measures 10 x 10mm in pin-to-pin compatible single- and dual-channel versions, allowing system manufacturers to use a single PCB card for one or two voice circuits. According to the company, it offers a bill-of-materials saving of 30 percent compared to competing legacy solutions, and that the ability to implement designs on a two-layer PCB allows system manufacturers to offer systems with voice telephony with central-office-grade performance and full wideband (16kHz/16 bit) support at optimized system cost. The SLIC supports industry-standard (GR-909) line-test requirements and additional unique tests such as electronic ring detection to validate lines that have no handset attached.

MoSys Inc. (Nasdaq: MOSY)
MSR720
This is a second-generation Bandwidth Engine IC optimized for advanced random access performance of 100G, 200G and 400G networking applications. It extends the Bandwidth Engine capabilities through the ability to simultaneously read and write to a specific memory location. The device architecture maintains full data coherency, high command efficiency and simplified scheduling, resulting in a performance of up to 4.5 giga-accesses per second (GA/s). The high access rates and reduced effective cycle time of the MSR720 access device are suited to the requirements of state memory and queuing applications, where repeat access of the same address is needed, according to the company. Using 16 SerDes lanes at 15 Gbit/s, the MSR720 interface operates at 480 Gbit/s, providing the host with up to 270 Gbit/s CRC-protected effective data throughput. The device also supports 36-bit halfword-write capabilities which improve the command bus utilization. These features improves performance beyond the capability of standard memory subsystems, the company says, and with the device requiring less board area, using fewer interface pins, and consuming less power.

NeoPhotonics Corp. (NYSE: NPTN)
eOTDR OLT transceiver
The optical line terminal (OLT) transceiver with embedded optical time-domain reflectometer (eOTDR) for gigabit passive optical networks (GPON) in an SFP form factor is intended for use in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks, and to offer FTTH operators a cost effective way to monitor their fiber infrastructure during network operation. Its monitoring functions can be integrated with the network management system, thus allowing a continuous view of the access fiber infrastructure.

RF Micro Devices Inc. (Nasdaq: RFMD)
RFPD2940, RFPP2870 and RFCM3080
These are GaN-based CATV amplifiers. The RFPD2940 CATV power-doubler amplifier operates from 45 to 1000MHz, has 23dB gain at 1000MHz, an input and output return loss of -20dB, and delivers better than -73dB CTB and CSO performance. The RFPP2870 and RFCM3080 push-pull amplifiers are suited to drive GaN-based final stage CATV power-doubler amplifiers. They have 28dB gain at 1003MHz, an input and output return loss of -20dB typical, and deliver low distortion levels of -68dBc CTB and -75dBc CSO.

RFSA2654 and RFSW1012
These are a 75ohm broadband digital step attenuator and high-power-handling single-pole/double-throw switch (SPDT). The RFSA2654 is a 6-bit serial controlled digital step attenuator with high linearity operating over a 5 - 2000MHz frequency range. The RFSW1012 is a 3V silicon-on-insulator (SOI) switch operating over a 5 - 6000MHz range, combining low insertion loss, high isolation, and high linearity. The devices are suited for cable modems, CATV infrastructure, and other data-network equipment.

Tilera Corp.
TILE-Gx9
This is a 64-bit 9-core processor targeted at applications in networking, multimedia, storage and general-purpose computing. In addition to the nine processor cores, the device integrates a high-performance memory controller, Ethernet and PCI Express interfaces, and available crypto and compression engines to reduce both system cost and circuit board area, and operates within a power envelope of 10W. The processor is presented as suited for compute and I/O-intensive applications including: 10Gbit/s routers and firewall appliances; intrusion prevention and detection (IPS/IDS); unified threat management (UTM) systems with 5 Gbit/s; Layer 7 deep packet inspection (DPI) at 5 Gbit/s; networked storage platforms; wireless access controllers; network monitoring with 100 per cent line-rate packet capture at 10 Gbit/s; streaming video server / content delivery networking offering 5Gbit/s HTTP streaming; and HD video conferencing with multichannel H.264 1080p encode/decode.

Next Page: Mobile Devices & Software

Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL)
iPad Mini and iPad 4
See this story for the details: Apple Adds 4G LTE Flavors as It Shrinks iPad.

Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT)
Windows Phone 8
This is the latest version of the company's smartphone operating system and the most recent entrant in the well-trailed Apple/Google/Microsoft mobile-OS slugfest, as well as being part of Microsoft's general recasting of its desktop Windows OS for an increasingly non-PC dominated world, with the recently released Windows 8 (See Windows Phone 8 Gets 'Common Core').

Motorola Solutions Inc. (NYSE: MSI)
HC1
This headset computer is the first in a new class of Motorola hands-free enterprise mobile computers that uses advanced voice recognition, head gestures and videostreaming to navigate applications that access and view business-critical documents and schematics. The HC1 can be used in harsh environments and most remote locations, the company says, where access to complex graphical data or text is needed and using a laptop or handheld device is impractical without obstructing vision. It is designed for field services and the defense, utilities, telecommunications, aerospace and aviation markets, and can be used for maintenance, repair, operations/overhaul (MRO) and training and simulation applications that improve inspection time and accuracy, reduce labor rates and increase safety. In addition to local document access, the HC1, when connected via local Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth connection to a Motorola MC75A, MC65, ES400 smartphone or mobile hotspot, allows the push and pull of data between the headset computer and remote networks. By pairing the HC1 with a WAN device connected to a remote network, mobile workers can receive mobile gateway access to place voice calls and use GPS data. An optional camera accessory can transmit pictures or videos for collaboration between a remote expert and a field-based associate on the job site.

NetDev Ltd.
DRUM
This audio and Web meeting service for mobile operators supports the whole lifecycle of meetings and acts as a central repository for every meeting a user attends. With an integrated audio conferencing capability, DRUM allows users to create meetings, present documents, take notes and assign tasks, before, during and after, to support the meeting lifecycle. It is an HTML5 application, so that users can access and use it without needing to download software or plugins. DRUM's Web component is a fully hosted cloud service that mobile operators can provide to their subscribers without having to invest in any infrastructure. The company says that the low-risk commercial model is wholly flexible, offered to operators with no upfront costs or license fees. The audio conferencing component will be available on a revenue-share basis and the Web component is offered as a flexible subscription.

NitroDesk Inc.
TouchDown for iOS
This secure email solution for iOS devices operates by partitioning all corporate data into its own secure container, according to the company, and so IT can effectively separate enterprise data from the user's personal data on the device, ensuring their BYOD programs are both secure and flexible, even for those industries -- including financial services, legal, pharmaceutical and healthcare -- with strict privacy and compliance requirements. It provides support for all exchange information rights management (IRM) and data loss protection policies. Specific policies include suppressing reply, reply-all, forward, printing, copying and modifying recipients. In addition to being able to view IRM-protected messages, TouchDown for iOS also lets users send protected messages on the go by selecting IRM templates. The solution uses AES-256 encryption for an added layer of security as well as further email security features.

Oplink Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: OPLK)
Smartphone Owner Protection service
Integrating smartphones, tablets, wireless security sensors, IPCAMs and network storage devices, these mobile cloud systems offer smartphone users on-the-go real-time protection and monitoring. The systems come in different packages with different numbers of IPCAMs, wireless sensors, controllers, and storage options, with a 3G/4G dongle and backup battery option to ensure continued service during power or Internet outages.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (Korea: SEC)
Mini Galaxy S III
This is a version of the S III smartphone with a 4in. screen and represents the company's response to the screen-size category emphasized by rival Apple's latest iPhone 5. It uses Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), the latest version of Android, and includes a new Google Search experience featuring Google Now.

Streamweaver
Multi-Angle Mobile Video App
This app provides split-screen synchronicity to allow a group of smartphones to simultaneously combine and display the current video being captured by each phone. The company says that consumers can, for the first time on mobile, invite friends to jointly video everyday moments and then watch all angles simultaneously on a single split-screen video.

Next Page: Switching, Routing & Network Platforms

A10 Networks Inc.
AX 5630
This high-performance application delivery controller (ADC) sets an industry performance record for connections per second, secure SSL connections and distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection in a compact three-rack-unit (RU), 40Gbit/s-port appliance, the company says. It runs on the new Advanced Core Operating System (ACOS) version 2.7, which introduces SSL Intercept, a security solution designed for enhanced enterprise protection. ACOS 2.7 also includes over 200 new features, performance enhancements for the AX 3530 and expanded hypervisor support for SoftAXS. Performance of the new controller includes:

Acme Packet Inc. (Nasdaq: APKT)
Net-Net 6300
This high-performance session-delivery platform is designed to handle bandwidth-intensive services and applications, and has a 70Gbit/s network processor and the industry’s first 10Gbit/s interface designed to deliver a system throughput of up to 40Gbit/s, more than eight times that of previous generation systems, the company says. It can support up to 200,000 signaled sessions, 80,000 media sessions and 1,000,000 subscribers simultaneously, and is designed for emerging services that are expected to generate high subscriber counts and call volumes in the future, such as voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE), rich communication suite (RCS/RCS-e) and videocalling. A high-performance 32-core processor supports each 10Gbit/s network interface and enables wire-rate encryption for up to 32,000 simultaneous call legs, 300,000 TLS tunnels and 500,000 bidirectional IMS Authenticated Key Exchange (AKA) sessions.

Adtran Inc. (Nasdaq: ADTN)
NetVanta 1535P Gigabit Ethernet switch
Enhanced by addition of ActivReach, it presented as the industry’s first Ethernet technology to support all grades of wiring, extending service reach over three times beyond the limits of standard Ethernet. It allows the delivery of high-speed voice, data and Power over Ethernet (PoE) all from a single device and enables businesses and service providers maximum flexibility in designing networks across long distances of CAT3, CAT5 and CAT6 cable, according to the company. The NetVanta 1535P has 24 copper ports and four fiber ports for uplinks and stacking. Each copper port can be configured for speeds of 10/100Mbit/s in ActivReach mode at distances up to 365m (1200ft) or standard IEEE 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet at distances up to 100m (328ft).

Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO)
CRS Elastic Core Solution
This is presented as including the industry's first integrated coherent 100Gbit/s IPoDWDM and the company's new nLight technology for the Carrier Routing System (CRS). According to the company, nLight technology converges IP and optical transport networks by introducing programmability to minimize network complexity, while maximizing service intelligence and monetization opportunities. It enables coherent 100Gbit/s transport services over up to 3000km without signal regeneration, and IPoDWDM solutions offer service providers a way to introduce 100Gbit/s technology in their networks and deliver ultra-long-haul, high-speed transport services, while nLight silicon allows the use of existing fiber plant.

F5 Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: FFIV)
BIG-IP 4200v
This is presented as purpose-built hardware device with processing power to support multiple application delivery services, offload SSL processing and efficiently scale on a unified solution platform. It delivers 850,000 Layer 7 requests per second, a speed that enables the 4200v to make intelligent decisions based on business policies, such as inspecting application payloads and removing confidential information. The device also provides 9,000 SSL TPS for 2K keys and 8 Gbit/s of bulk SSL throughput performance -- up to four times that of competing devices, according to the company, and allowing organizations to encrypt all types of data transfers, in addition to login and financial transactions, without sacrificing overall performance. The hardware platform's SSL processing capabilities can also offload CPU-intensive tasks from application servers, freeing additional capacity and reducing the cost of managing SSL certificates.

Freescale Semiconductor Inc.
T1040
This is presented as a router on a chip and the industry's first embedded 64-bit processor to integrate a gigabit Ethernet switch. A member of the QorIQ T Series of T1/T2 processors, the new quad-core processor is released along with the new T1020, which incorporates two cores and an Ethernet switch, the dual-core T1022 and the eight virtual-core T2081, which is based on the Power Architecture e6500 core. All the parts are pin compatible. The T1/T2 devices integrate CoreNet, PCI Express and Ethernet networking interfaces, a combination of programmable and fixed processing units, including enhancements to the company's data-path acceleration architecture (DPAA) with integrated fixed-functions and networking offload, plus pattern-matching and security capabilities. The T1040 and T1020 also include a QUICC Engine block to support a rich set of protocols, shared virtualization technology and next-generation security features. Scalable performance spans 1.2 to 1.4 GHz and a power-management system enables deep-sleep mode for fanless designs.

Genband Inc.
C20 Access Gateway Control Function (AGCF)
This is billed as uniquely supporting both non-IMS and IMS subscribers. The company says that the new AGCF extends the openness and innovation of IMS across fixed access networks and provides a very economical alternative to expensive rip-and-replace upgrades. It is fully software-based, and can be added as a software application on any existing Genband-deployed solution, including the GENiUS platform.

Gigamon Systems LLC
Control Card for the H Series GigaVUE Traffic Visibility Fabric Nodes
The new card increases performance to up to 2.56Tbit/s of throughput and provides the next level of capacity for the Visibility Fabric -- now scaling up to eight GigaVUE H Series chassis within a single virtual cluster. It increases scalability, optimizes density and delivers a progressive migration path for the management, monitoring and security of 10, 40 and 100Gbit/s infrastructure, according to the company.

JumpGen Systems LLC
RPM-100
This is a high-performance network-processor-based acceleration card designed for use in AdvancedTCA and MicroTCA compliant systems. It features the latest Broadcom XLP 300 Series processors with up to 1.4GHz core frequency, enabling telecom customers to reach new levels of packet processing and deep packet inspection, the company says. The RPM-100 can be delivered with up to 16GB of dual-channel 72-bit-wide DDR3 ECC memory running at 1600MT/s. Two 10GigE SFP+ interfaces are provided on the front panel, with AMC.1 PCI Express to the backplane (optional AMC.2 10G Ethernet to backplane).

Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE: JNPR)
MX2020 and MX2010 3D Universal Edge Routers, and JunosV App Engine
These are billed as the world's most powerful edge services router and a single, virtualized platform for rapid deployment of multivendor applications. The company says that, combined, these products transform the network edge into a powerful platform for rapid service deployment, speeding time to revenue by up to 69 percent compared to other solutions. The MX2020 3D has a capacity of 80 Tbit/s, the MX2010 3D of 40 Tbit/s. JunosV App Engine with the MX Series 3D router is the first hypervisor for the edge, according to the company, and service providers can drag and drop existing applications, such as load balancing, security services, online gaming and advertising, as well as simultaneously operate applications from any vendor to help them drive new streams of revenue quickly.

Riverbed Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: RVBD)
Steelhead CX 5055 model appliance and Steelhead CX 7055 model appliance
These are presented as being tuned for high-performance by combining new levels of bandwidth and TCP session scalability with solid-state disks (SSDs). The company says that the new appliances efficiently scale to meet the performance, reliability and flexibility requirements of large enterprises, and allow them to more cost-effectively manage large-scale data center-to-data center replication, accelerate applications among many locations and users in an enterprise, and build large private cloud infrastructures. The new models result in an up to 50 percent increase in both wide-area-network (WAN) capacity and number of connections in a single appliance over the Steelhead 5050 model appliance and the Steelhead 7050 model appliance, respectively.

Next Page: Telecom Software & Service Provider IT

Active Broadband Networks Inc.
Active Resource Manager (ARM)
The company has made enhancements to the software that collects, processes and stores IPDR data streamed from CMTSs. According to the company, IPDR processing primarily involves time normalization and usage data mediation, but the ARM also performs a series of checks and crosschecks to validate the completeness and correctness of IPDR data to detect anomalies that can result in the computation of inaccurate Internet usage data. The enhanced ARM software improves operator visibility into these anomalies by presenting the operator with a real-time dashboard view and by storing information about each detected anomaly in a database that is accessed for status reporting and can be queried to identify the specific devices and IPDRs associated with the anomaly.

Dynamic Broadband Service Manager (DBSM)
This has been extended to DSL networks by the addition of support for RADIUS-based data collection and policy control. The DBSM combines usage data collection, mediation and big data storage with policy-based service management in an integrated, modular platform. With RADIUS support, DSL network operators will be able to measure, manage and monetize rapidly increasing broadband consumption, the company says.

Akamai Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: AKAM)
Aqua Ion
This is for Web-experience optimization across multiple situations. The company says that Aqua Ion introduces an entirely new way to layer and intelligently apply a comprehensive set of optimizations, including front-end optimization (FEO), as well as third-party and mobile-specific enhancements designed to allow organizations to help optimize Web experiences across a wide range of use cases, or situations. These intelligent performance optimizations are designed to match to the conditions presented by a user's particular combination of browser, device, network and content accessed.

Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU)
Enhancement to Application Fluent Network solution
This includes the addition of capabilities to automatically adjust and optimize the entire corporate network to support mobile devices and real-time applications in the local area network, the data center and across the wide area network. This is done through Citrix Ready verification for key components of the Application Fluent networking solution. The external linkApplication Fluent Network detects virtualized applications and applies a profile-driven policy to enable the network to automatically adjust virtualized workload traffic, such as virtual desktops, to meet users' service quality demands. This solution can combine individual user policies, the type of device and applications being used, with the knowledge of the entire network to dynamically adjust network access priority and bandwidth allocation, ensuring required service levels are met, according to the company.

Assia Inc.
Expresse Wi-Fi
Presented as the world's first comprehensive residential Wi-Fi management service, Expresse Wi-Fi provides advanced diagnosis and automatic proactive repair capabilities that improve home Wi-Fi network performance. With clear visibility of real-time Wi-Fi performance, the company says that it can diagnose Wi-Fi problems, isolate their sources (Wi-Fi versus the DSL, cable, or fiber access link) and resolve Wi-Fi problems remotely and in real time.

Cheetah Technologies LP
CheetahXD 5.0
Enhancement of network performance monitoring software adds new features that include a brand new presentation layer design and a fully customizable dashboard with component style builds sculpted to fit the needs of differing user roles. The new release also includes upgrades to the Power Tracker package, an economical and purpose-built application software for monitoring power supplies, according to the company. Power Tracker features four functional modules: Battery Analyst, Power Outage Module, SNMP Manager, and the new Energy Analyst. It also interacts with the Alpha Technologies new XM3 power supply to present Alpha's more advanced performance data.

Ciena Corp. (NYSE: CIEN)
Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS) and OneControl Unified Management System
Enhancements provide new software capabilities for the packet-networking portfolio. According to the company, the new features reduce installation and provisioning time by as much as 75 percent, enable rapid service changes and provide end customers with immediate assurance of service performance. In addition, a new cloud-based portal allows providers to validate end-to-end service-level-agreements (SLA) compliance throughout the service lifecycle.

Cloudscaling
Open Cloud System (OCS) Version 2.0
This upgrade is presented as the first elastic cloud solution delivering the agility, performance and economic benefits of leading public cloud providers, but deployable in the customer's data center and under their IT team's control. Additionally, according to the company, OCS 2.0 is the first private cloud solution to deliver critical IT management and cloud operations-focused enhancements that transform OpenStack from a technology component into a complete production-grade, scale-engineered, cloud infrastructure system. Key capabilities include on-demand compute, block storage, object storage, networking, scale-out edge, core, and block networking services, private-to-public-cloud integration options, advanced security features, intelligent resource scheduling, cloud-topology management, and modular hardware reference designs that speed time to deployment and increase reliability.

ConteXtream
Second-generation Grid software
This is a network virtualization solution that brings software-defined networking (SDN) to wireless service provider networks by addition of support for Evolved Packet Core (EPC) virtualization. According to the company, it facilitates the elastic provisioning of network capacity and its dynamic allocation to multiple enterprise customers based on their exact needs. The Grid software controls traffic flows through the carrier network using a distributed controller and virtual switches to efficiently load balance traffic on all EPC resources, whether they are physical or virtual and whether they are hosted within the carrier network or in a third-party cloud operator, the latter allowing service providers to control network costs by using third-party infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) providers to match network capacity to meet demand. The software supports Layer 4-7 switching logic based on protocols commonly used within the 3GPP architecture, and also supports multi-tenancy (dedication of distributed EPC resources to a group of devices, typically operated by an enterprise customer), enabling new pricing and enforcement mechanisms based on mobility, throughput and other metrics that cannot currently be controlled at a global level for more than a single device.

cVidya Networks Inc.
Outsourced Managed Services
These offer delivery, operation, analysis and strategic planning services with long-term maintenance and support. There are three products: ProVide Delivery Services, ProTect Post Production Services, and ProGress Strategic and Business Analysis Services. The company says that ProVide offers a fully scalable, cost-effective and transparent service that includes analysis, design, testing, integration and rollout of cVidya solutions on a quarterly, iterative basis. ProTect is a managed service for operation and assessment of the rollout of cVidya customer tailored solutions that include regular reports to verify system operability and stability as well as front-end administration and production automation governance. ProGress assists operators with current and long-term revenue-intelligence strategy development and business analysis, as well as identifying and closing revenue leakage gaps.

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ)
Software-defined network (SDN) technologies
Presented as the first to span infrastructure, control software and application layers with a single control plane, by including an SDN controller and SDN applications, services and solutions. The new Virtual Application Networks SDN Controller abstracts the physical hardware from the logical deployment, providing a centralized view and automating network configuration of all devices in the infrastructure. By eliminating thousands of manual CLI entries, the controller enables network administrators to easily and flexibly program and scale their network environment for single-touch automated applications, the company says, and also provides application program interfaces (APIs) to third-party developers to integrate custom enterprise applications. New Virtual Cloud Networks software enables cloud providers to deliver automated and scalable public cloud services to enterprises. Using this software, enterprises can create an isolated virtual cloud network environment through a self-service public cloud infrastructure. The new Sentinel Security software application automates network access control and intrusion prevention security for enterprise campus networks with existing OpenFlow-enabled switch hardware through HP's controller.

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
Advanced Telecommunications Application Environment (ATAE) Cluster solution
This cluster solution for centralized network management allows operators to deploy programmable-blade-boards single-board computers (SBCs) designed for the company's integrated OSS software solutions. It supports centralized deployment of multi-technology products in one cabinet and one power source, which reduces costs, as well as space needs, energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions, according to the company. The solution offers high reliability with the ATAE-board disaster-recovery mechanism. Each ATAE board supports plug-and-play, allowing network evolution and expansion.

CloudPower Data Center Solution
Aimed at aiding global enterprises in building and operating scalable, easy-to-manage and cost-effective data centers for cloud computing, the solution offers high performance and modularization, according to the company, and features:

JDSU (Nasdaq: JDSU; Toronto: JDU)
PacketPortal Release 1.2
Enhancements to the solution's robustness through Enhanced SFProbe Auto-Discovery allow PacketPortal to automatically rediscover probes lost due to network communication failures. Release 1.2 enhances this capability, increasing the success rate and speed of the rediscovery process, even in less reliable networks, according to the company. It also ensures the successful capture and delivery of important network, service and customer intelligence. Additionally, both the VNIC and the software developer kit (SDK) now support the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system for easier integration with PacketPortal-enabled applications and for faster development of new applications.

Nokia Networks
Service Operations and Management solution
This is a package of software and services for operators to manage the entire lifecycle of different mobile services. The company says that the solution combines insights related to service performance with operations functions to manage mobile broadband services and to tackle service degradation before subscribers experience poor quality. The new solution is available for onsite deployment and can also be delivered from the company’s new Service Management Capability Center (SMCC).

Riverbed Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: RVBD)
RiOS 8.0
This enhancement is presented as the industry's first quality of service (QoS) for PCoIP that delivers fine-grained control of VMware View virtual desktop traffic. The company says that the combination of WAN optimization and the ability to prioritize PCoIP at a granular level along with other traffic that traverses the same WAN helps organizations achieve the appropriate balance between desktop virtualization and business applications that traverse the same WAN. The new version of RiOS also expands its integrated QoS capabilities six-fold over previous versions of RiOS, with the ability to scale automatic identification and prioritization to more than 600 applications.

Steelhead Mobile 4.0
Enhanced to simplify the management and provisioning of mobile users and devices while scaling to support up to 120, 000 mobile users, Steelhead Mobile 4.0 now offers end-to-end Kerberos authentication support used by Microsoft applications and platforms including Active Directory and Windows Server, native optimization for SMBv2 traffic, and full-spectrum optimization for Outlook Anywhere. Additionally, with new clustering capabilities and an enhanced user interface in Steelhead Mobile Controller (SMC), enterprises have a simplified way to configure policies and can scale to meet the growing needs of an increasingly mobile workforce, the company says.

SAP AG (NYSE/Frankfurt: SAP)
Billing and Revenue Innovation Management rapid-deployment solution
This is a combination of software, preconfigured content and predefined services tailored for communications service providers. It covers six end-to-end business processes: customer and contract creation, usage charging, billing and invoicing, and account termination for both pre- and post-paid services. The company says that it will enable telcos and high-tech service providers to automate key processes, as well as streamline and more effectively manage their relationships with customers and partners.

Vyatta Inc.
Network OS 6.5
Enhancements to the software-based networking solution include policy-based routing (PBR), BGP multipath and support for Microsoft Hyper-V. Other enhancements include Virtual Tunnel Interface (VTI), IPSec support for IPv6 and improved Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP).

ZTE Corp. (Shenzhen: 000063; Hong Kong: 0763)
Capacity planning tool (CPT) for LTE networks
Presented as the first to be offered as a PC-based application, the 3GPP-protocol-based CPT is tailored for LTE networks, and, according to the company, incorporates a powerful set of system-modeling and simulation features developed in reference to data from real networks, offering a greater than 20 percent improvement in accuracy and an efficiency advantage of over 80 percent compared to traditional solutions.

Next Page: Test & Measurement

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A)
N934x C enhancements
These give the handheld spectrum analyzers enhanced versatility for in-field applications like instrument remote control and peak power measurement of pulsed signals. The new standard features for the 20GHz N9344C, 13.6GHz N9343C and 7GHz N9342C handheld spectrum analyzers include: SCPI through socket and telnet connection; RRC filter for measuring LTE/W-CDMA channel power and adjacent channel power ratio; Keypad lock/unlock with password; Channel standards for LTE, Wi-Fi and WiMAX. Optional features include: peak and average power sensor support; New security measures; Baseband input (exclusive to the N9342C).

Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU)
Embedded OTDR solution
For fiber-optic broadband access networks, this network monitoring solution uses optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) and plugs into a network’s existing fiber access nodes and is integrated with the company's Motive Network Analyzer remote management solution for broadband access networks. This approach provides a comprehensive and continuous view of PON networks, the company says. During the rollout phase it provides remote validation of the quality of fiber installation work. During operations it continuously monitors all lines, pinpoints the location of network problems and reduces the need for field technicians to make multiple visits to a site.

Averna
DOCSIS Channel Emulator (DCE)
This is presented as first channel emulator designed specifically for the Docsis industry. The company says that the emulator is especially beneficial to OEM/ODM labs to facilitate and accelerate their internal validation and external certifications for SCTE 40 with multisystem operators (MSOs), and also enables MSOs to easily simulate real-life cable-plant environments in their labs. Features and capabilities include:

Digital Lightwave Inc.
NIC Platform enhancement
This adds support for advanced 40/100Gbit/s optical testing. The one-box optical test solution supports all technologies and all rates from 100Gbit/s down to 1.5Mbit/s and is available in a portable, and rackmount form factor. The NIC-based solution verifies the new 100GE, 40GE, OTU4, OTU3, OC-768/STM-256 and other standards. It supports simultaneous multiport multirate testing, simultaneous multi-user local and remote operation, advanced automation capabilities, and a uniform test setup and workflow across all interfaces and technologies, according to the company.

EXFO (Nasdaq: EXFO; Toronto: EXF)
BV-110
This is a hardware probe designed for validating transport service-level agreements at customer premises and cell sites while measuring end-user quality of experience (QoE) for data, voice, video and mobile services. Part of the overall Brix solution, the BV-110 enables service providers and mobile network operators to assure the quality of their services, reduce mean-time-to-repair (MTTR) and avoid unnecessary truck rolls, the company says. The probe monitors transport performance and allows fixed- and mobile-network operators to simultaneously measure the true end-user QoE over both wireline and wireless segments.

Ixia (Nasdaq: XXIA)
XAir
This is billed as the industry’s only product to support three critical dimensions of LTE network validation: realistic subscriber and service modeling, massive scalability and comprehensive QoE measurements. According to the company, XAir provides realistic subscriber modeling, supporting Web, voice and video applications, all LTE mobility types, and modeling of radio characteristics -- cell edge, cell center and user movements. With support for more than 1,000 emulated user equipments per sector and more than 6,000 per chassis, it is a highly scalable solution. It allows carriers to optimize voice quality, including voice over LTE (VoLTE) and video quality by stressing the infrastructure with real-world traffic and measuring QoE. Other features include:

mimoOn GmbH
mi!SmallCellVeriPHY
This is a test suite for the verification of 4G-LTE small cell PHY (physical layer) functionality during the product development process. The suite enables product developers to revalidate the lower software layers after modifications to the hardware platform and in the upper protocol stack to ensure a robust, high-performing end product, the company says. It also removes the need for product engineers to create such validation tools on the fly, thus saving product development time. Central to the package is a MAC emulator, which provides the necessary functionality to translate and inject test vector data into the PHY layer. The MAC emulator can be adapted to interface with any Small Cell Forum-compliant MAC-PHY interface. Customers may create their own test vectors or license packages offered by mimoOn for:

Spirent Communications plc
Landslide Wi-Fi Offload Gateway Testing solution for Multi-System Operators (MSOs)
This is billed as the industry’s first solution for testing the performance of Wi-Fi offload gateways. According to the company, With the support of over 30,000 Wi-Fi access points and data from millions of subscribers over them, Landslide is able to identify capacity limits and verify application performance while under mobility scenarios such as hand-offs. All testing is done replicating real conditions with user behaviors, converged traffic and network conditions that are all pushed to fully explore the behavior of the system under stress.

Spirent iTest Lab Optimizer
The company says that Optimizer can significantly improve test inventory management by increasing visibility into resource utilization and scheduled executions. By giving lab managers and test engineers the ability to pool resources from multiple lab sites across the globe, Optimizer helps to increase the overall productivity of test teams. In addition, the solution helps to reduce time to test, by allowing test engineers to preset different network and device configurations for several sequential test runs with no manual intervention.

Sunrise Telecom Inc. (Nasdaq: SRTI)
CM3000 Spectrum Analyzer enhancement
The addition of a fast spectrum feature for Docsis 3.0 networks allows technicians to view hard-to-identify impulse noise and electrical interference. The advanced DSP spectrum analyzer captures signals with durations as short as 0.3µs, enabling technicians to identify and troubleshoot ingress impairments in the upstream that are not seen using common test equipment, the company says.

realWORX WEB 4.0
Enhancements to the headend and hub-monitoring platform provide a single-system architecture that supports both upstream and downstream RF monitoring modules. Accessible from anywhere via Web-connected devices, including smartphones, the system enables RF network managers to provide proactive customer service and assurance by delivering notification of network issues before they affect customers, the company says.

Trilithic Inc.
Viewpoint RPMModule
This is an enhancement to the Guardian System II and is presented as the first dashboard for reverse monitoring operations. According to the company it expands the Guardian System’s capabilities by unifying an entire system’s return data in one straightforward Web-browser platform. Pulling data from Guardian 9581 SST return analyzers in the field, the dashboard allows MSOs to measure and grade how each area in their system is performing from a percent-over-the-alarm threshold perspective. This allows managers to proactively search for problem areas -- by country, state, city, manager, hubs or nodes -- and target them for improvements.

Wave Telecom Ltd.
NIVA GPON analyzer and OLT emulator eOLT-GPON
These are new, enhanced versions. The NIVA-GPON analyzer now features continuous real-time analysis support for GPON's full data-rate (2.5Gbits/s downstream, 1.2Gbits/s upstream), and Ethernet payload replication up to 1Gbits/s. New features of the eOLT-GPON include: Improved automation functionalities; Remote GUI control through CLI; and BBF.247 issue 2 sequences, based upon its current version, are implemented and available -- they will be updated as the BBF.247 evolves.

Next Page: Wireless Infrastructure

ADVA Optical Networking
FSP 150SP
This provides time synchronization and assurance across multivendor mobile backhaul infrastructures. It has a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) clock probe that simultaneously supports Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE 1588v2, and a built-in GPS receiver. For the first time, backhaul service providers will be able to deliver precise timing information over a multivendor carrier Ethernet infrastructure, the company says. Precise clock-accuracy measurements and enhanced statistics can be gathered with external, internal and GPS references, or even when no synchronization reference is available.

Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU)
Mobile Backhaul Enhancements
This expanded mobile backhaul portfolio is presented as delivering greater scale and flexibility and also a consistent approach to supporting backhaul over fiber, copper or microwave. Specific enhancements include:

Cambium Networks Ltd.
Canopy PMP 450
The fourth-generation (4G), point-to-multipoint (PMP) fixed-wireless broadband-access solution is a software-defined radio platform using a combination of very-high-throughput, low-latency and GPS synchronization that enables service providers to rapidly deploy new services and realize a faster return on their investment, according to the company. It allows service providers to reach data rates of more than 90 Mbit/s of peak throughput in only 20MHz of spectrum from a single access point (AP). Two rings of six APs provide over 1 Gbit/s of throughput. With the increased capacity provided by the PMP 450, service providers have the options to provide additional bandwidth to existing customers and add new customers, as well as offer voice and video services to all of them, the company says.

PTP 810i
This all-indoor modular, point-to-point (PTP) indoor wireless backhaul solution is designed to support native Ethernet and TDM applications. It is suitable for use in high-power, indoor environments where long-distance support and spatial diversity are required. Delivering up to 477Mbit/s, crosspolarization interference cancellation (XPIC) enabled throughput and operating over FCC and Industry Canada (IC) authorized 6 and 11GHz licensed bands, the PTP 810i consists of a rack-mountable indoor radiofrequency unit (IRFU) and modular modem unit (MMU) that supports T1/E1, STM-1 and Ethernet on a single platform. This architecture allows customers to transition to IP systems without cost- and time-intensive labor or expenditures for physical rerouting, the company says. With high system gain and support for spatial diversity, the PTP 810i also offers XPIC functionality by utilizing both horizontal and vertical polarizations in the same channel, doubling throughput capacity without increasing channel bandwidth.

Ericsson AB (Nasdaq: ERIC)
Stadium-optimized Wi-Fi solution
This comprises the AP 5114 stadium-optimized Wi-Fi access point and the WIC 8000 Wi-Fi controller. Together, these create a Wi-Fi network that is integrated with the mobile network, and, according to the company, enables stadium owners and managers to provide fans with the same options that they have when watching events at home, including instant replays and multiview content feeds.

Freescale Semiconductor Inc.
MML09212H and MML20242H
These are two-stage LNAs to support multiple air interfaces for wireless base stations in a single system. They have noise figures of 0.52 and 0.57dB, respectively, and exhibit 37.5dB gain for low-band frequencies and 34dB gain for high-band frequencies, respectively. Providing coverage across multiple bands and protocols, including LTE and WCDMA, the LNAs allow wireless-base-station OEMs to reach gain capabilities typically achievable with two separate devices and receive coverage across a spectrum of wireless network and band configurations, the company says. This simplifies wireless-base-station designs. The LNAs have a high overall third-order output intercept point (OIP3), enabling lower distortion and increased stability through temperature changes. Housed in a three-millimeter package, the compact solution helps developers reduce their overall chip count and board space. The devices are designed to support the receiver requirements of wireless base stations, from femto to macro cell capacities, and to support a range of air interfaces, including LTE and WCDMA/CDMA.

TWR-METRO-KIT-NA/JA
This is a metropolitan area network development kit enabling developers to quickly build a 6LoWPAN-compliant smart-object network out of the box, integrate it with their own hardware and perform network performance evaluation in a real-world environment. A joint creation with Nivis, the kit contains two wireless end nodes that are portable and battery-powered and one wireless edge router that connects to a PC or notebook, forming a solid basis to begin network evaluation and development, according to the company. The kit can be expanded to support up to 20 end nodes. Each end node is built with a Nivis Smart Objects radio module containing a Freescale Kinetis K series MCU based on the ARM CortexTM-M4 core and a Freescale MC12311 subgigaherz smart radio transceiver with up to +15dBm of native transmit power for miles of range without the need for RF power amplification. At the core of the edge router is a Freescale QorIQ P1025 processor built on Power Architecture technology and running Nivis edge-router software. The kit and the Nivis Smart Objects radio modules are expected to be certified for use in the United States, Canada, the European Union and Japan. A full application program interface (API) is defined for the Nivis Smart Objects radio modules, enabling embedded system designers to easily connect a module to any host processor where MAN wireless connectivity is required. Any of the network end nodes can be accessed by a full range of IPv6 commands sent directly from any Internet browser.

Nokia Networks
Flexi Multiradio Base Station family LTE extension
This is the addition of a six-pipe radio module for the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) 700MHz band. The company has also launched a Liquid Radio LTE load-balancing feature to help operators distribute traffic as and when needed across various LTE carriers.

TE Connectivity (NYSE: TEL)
InterReach Spectrum and InterReach Fusion distributed antenna systems (DAS) additions
New higher-power Remote Antenna Units (RAUs) deliver as much as six times more power than the company's current indoor RAUs, making it possible to deploy a DAS more quickly and cost-effectively because less equipment and cabling will be needed to delivery coverage and capacity, the company says. It estimates that the new RAU family will save customers up to 50 percent on the total solution cost. The new RAUs can be mixed with current RAUs in cases where extra antenna power is required at only some locations; they can be deployed also in multiple scenarios including wiring closets, giving DAS architects further flexibility in system design.

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