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Chip News: Intel, Samsung and Broadcom

Intel makes its move in SDN

Intel is courting the carriers with hardware and software to enable software-defined networking (SDN). The company’s reference designs use standard x86 servers and programmable switches to virtualize networks. “SDN and NFV are critical elements of Intel’s vision to transform the expensive, complex networks of today to a virtualized, programmable, standards-based architecture running commercial off-the-shelf hardware,” said Rose Schooler, general manager of Intel’s communications and storage infrastructure Group.

Verizon Wireless is one of Intel’s first partners in its SDN efforts. Last week Verizon, Intel, HP and ADARA Networks staged an SDN demonstration at the Open Networking Summit in Santa Clara. The solution is powered by an Intel quad-core Xeon processor, HP servers and switches, and ADARA Network’s software.

“Software-defined networking is a game-changer for the way we think about networking,” said Verizon’s Stu Elby, vice president of network architecture and technology. “It’s essential that Verizon works closely with industry leaders such as ADARA Networks, HP and Intel to accelerate this new approach into the service provider networks.”

Strong Galaxy sales may push Samsung to external DRAM supplier

Samsung has yet to release any sales numbers for its new Galaxy S4 but early indications are very positive, and Reuters is reporting that the Korean conglomerate may not be able to produce enough memory chips to fulfill all its smartphone orders. The news agency says Samsung may look to another South Korean firm, SK Hynix, to fill the gap.

SK Hynix focuses on DRAM and NAND flash memory chips, and is a supplier to Apple. The company says demand for its chips is closely tied to demand for mobile devices, and that while DRAM shipments have been rising sharply, average sales prices for DRAM chips have been falling.

Broadcom launches 5G Wi-Fi hotspot router with SK Telecom

South Korea is also home to the first 5G Wi-Fi router, launched this month by SK Telecom and Broadcom. The router uses Broadcom’s BCM4708 and BCM4360 chipsets, which are based on the 802.11ac standard. The companies say it is three times faster and up to six times more power efficient than previous generations of Wi-Fi.

5G Wi-Fi supports beamforming, meaning that signals do not degrade when blocked by a wall or another obstacle. It also allows multiple simultaneous connections and space-time block code.

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ABOUT AUTHOR

Martha DeGrasse
Martha DeGrassehttp://www.nbreports.com
Martha DeGrasse is the publisher of Network Builder Reports (nbreports.com). At RCR, Martha authored more than 20 in-depth feature reports and more than 2,400 news articles. She also created the Mobile Minute and the 5 Things to Know Today series. Prior to joining RCR Wireless News, Martha produced business and technology news for CNN and Dow Jones in New York and managed the online editorial group at Hoover’s Online before taking a number of years off to be at home when her children were young. Martha is the board president of Austin's Trinity Center and is a member of the Women's Wireless Leadership Forum.