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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