Networking

Tata unveils AI infrastructure with NVIDIA accelerated computing

Tata Communications today announced a transformative upgrade to its AI cloud infrastructure in India, powered by NVIDIA Hopper GPUs. The company says that the strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in the country’s AI journey, and that it positions Tata Communications as a key player in enabling AI applications across a wide spectrum of industries - including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and banking and financial services - and equipping them with the computing power needed to handle complex AI workloads. As part of the initiative, Tata Communications will integrate cutting-edge NVIDIA software solutions such as NVIDIA NIM microservices, and the NVIDIA Omniverse and NVIDIA Isaac platforms, into its AI Cloud offerings. These technologies will provide businesses with an extensive suite of tools and services designed for AI-driven simulation, automation and more. At the end of this year, Tata Communications will begin the first phase of its large-scale deployment of Hopper GPUs, establishing itself as one of the largest NVIDIA Hopper GPU cloud-based supercomputers in India. The second phase, planned for 2025, will further expand the infrastructure with Blackwell GPUs. Tata Communications is poised to disrupt the AI landscape with an AI studio, a ground-breaking, all-in-one platform designed to transform how businesses use AI, by offering tools like AI Workbench, Model Garden, Responsible AI and serverless functions. Furthermore, its advanced tools will simplify distributed data management, allowing businesses to efficiently collect and curate data across various enterprise systems and move it to the AI Cloud using Tata Communications' IZO Multi Cloud Connect platform. This approach will ensure cost-effectiveness and scalability for enterprises, while maintaining their existing data structures. Complementing this is Tata Communications' CloudLyte Edge Computing platform, which enables low-latency inferencing, allowing businesses to deploy models at the edge for real-time responses. Together, these innovations empower enterprises to fully harness the power of AI. “AI is expanding the boundaries of innovation and revolutionising business in ways we could never have imagined,” says AS Lakshminarayanan, MD & CEO, Tata Communications. “Therefore, every entity must prioritise AI integration to stay competitive. We are delighted to partner with NVIDIA to build a unique and transformative Cloud Fabric that will empower a generation of Indian innovators and entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem and propelling the nation towards a future fuelled by AI.” Providing enterprises with a powerful infrastructure capable of handling complex AI workloads will help drive AI adoption across India. Combining NVIDIA’s AI platform with TATA Communications’ global network, will create a national supercomputing framework, driving innovation and helping elevate India’s role in the global AI player ranks. “Tata Communications’ AI cloud infrastructure, integrating NVIDIA accelerated computing, will support businesses of all sizes - from AI startups to large enterprises - helping drive AI transformation across various sectors of the Indian economy and creating a powerful ecosystem for AI innovation,” adds Jay Puri, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Field Operations at NVIDIA. Tata Communications customers will also gain access to the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform on its accelerated infrastructure, which is designed to let users build, customise and run generative and agentic AI applications in production. This includes NVIDIA NIM Agent Blueprints, which provide customisable reference architectures for use cases like digital human technologies or AI virtual assistants for customer service, multimodal PDF extraction workflows for enterprise data retrieval and container security workflows for cyber security. Enterprises can also create their own AI models using the NVIDIA NeMo end-to-end platform for developing custom generative AI, and run efficient AI inference through NVIDIA’s NIM microservices - both part of the NVIDIA AI Enterprise - offering unparalleled flexibility and performance for AI workloads. By integrating NVIDIA technologies, Tata Communications will continue to demonstrate its commitment to building next-generation AI infrastructure and services, positioning the company to lead India’s AI transformation and make AI more accessible across industries. For more from Tata Communications, click here.

CtrlS Datacenters partners with ConnectiviTree

CtrlS Datacenters, Asia’s largest Rated-4 data centre company, has signed a strategic co-operation agreement with ConnectiviTree, a European telecom innovator, to transform India’s digital connectivity landscape. The partnership will enhance digital infrastructure, offering seamless, scalable, and secure data solutions for customers in India and across the globe. Under this agreement, CtrlS Datacenters and ConnectiviTree will leverage their combined strengths in telecom networks, cloud computing, and data centre management to deliver high-performance data services. CtrlS Datacenters will provide its data centre infrastructure, while ConnectiviTree brings its expertise in Connectivity-as-a-Service, a new offering that simplifies and automates network management for multinational enterprises. Key benefits of ConnectiviTree’s solutions include: • Neutral Long-Haul Connectivity Provider: The first to offer neutral, long-distance connectivity services across Europe through CTree RootNet, ConnectiviTree has a global presence via the ConnectiviTree Global Alliance.• High-Capacity Network: Its infrastructure can handle data transport services with capacities up to 200 terabits between major cities, ensuring robust, high-speed connections.• Extensive Reach: Connecting over 250 Points of Presence (PoPs) in Europe and globally, offering broad geographic coverage.• CTree Plaza Platform: A user-friendly, self-service platform that allows businesses to manage their network services on demand, with automated, zero-touch operations.• High Availability and Security: With low-latency, wire-speed encryption, and redundant routing, ConnectiviTree’s network ensures both reliability and security for data transport. Sridhar Pinnapureddy, Founder & CEO, CtrlS Datacenters, states, “The collaboration between CtrlS Datacenters and ConnectiviTree will provide cutting-edge cloud and data management solutions, enabling organisations to effectively manage and safeguard their data. It will boost the digital infrastructure in the region and benefit the customers by bringing the agility the cloud and applications offer today to the network so it becomes more application-like, offering instant, flexible, and seamless availability.” Eugen Gebhard, CCO and Co-Founder of ConnectiviTree, adds, “Signing this agreement is a great milestone for both companies. By combining our expertise in connectivity with CtrlS Datacenters' world-class infrastructure, we are confident that we can accelerate digital transformation for our customers and deliver best-in-class solutions that will redefine the future of data management.” Gaurav Babbar, VP Edge, Hyperscalers and Networks, CtrlS Datacenters, remarks, “Our collaboration with ConnectiviTree integrates its advanced, fibre-based data transport network with our robust data centre infrastructure, offering unparalleled value to our customers. This partnership enables us to provide Network, Capacity, and Spectrum as a Service (NaaS, CaaS, SaaS), addressing the growing demand for global data transport from large enterprise customers.” Through this partnership, enterprises will gain access to high-speed, reliable, and secure data services, enabling them to scale operations and accelerate digital growth with confidence. For more from CtrlS Datacenters, click here.

CommScope announces shielded platform for copper networks

Network connectivity specialist, CommScope, has announced the introduction of its Systimax GigaSHIELD X10D end-to-end Cat 6A shielded platform for supporting the next generation of high-speed copper networks. “Certain application fields are rapidly evolving to demand high-performance shielded networks that can be quickly and accurately installed,” explains Luc Adriaenssens, VP Enterprise, CommScope. “To address customers' unique applications, the GigaSHIELD platform was developed to provide more choices for optimised electrical performance, establishing a new standard for operational efficiency, sustainability, and support across the entire network lifecycle. Our end-to-end Cat 6A shielded platform delivers the flexibility and peace of mind our customers have come to expect from CommScope.” As the latest addition to the SYSTIMAX 2.0 portfolio, the platform offers F/UTP, F/FTP and S/FTP cables and patch cords with optimal EMI and RFI rejection. Installation and monitoring solutions particularly suited for light industrial and high-security environments can benefit from this technology. Highlights of the GigaSHIELD X10D Cat 6A Shielded Platform include: • One platform supporting all indoor and outdoor Cat 6A shielded applications, far exceeding ISO/IEC and TIA/EIA industry standards for channel performance.• F/UTP, F/FTP and S/FTP technology delivers optimal EMI and RFI protection.• Eco-friendly design reduces single-use plastics; leverages a modular architecture to reduce the number of network components as well as resources needed to produce, distribute, and support them; and carries an extended lifecycle to delay the need for upgrades and reduce the network’s carbon footprint.• Full integration with port monitoring (Systimax VisiPORT) and AIM (Systimax imVision) solutions to monitor, troubleshoot, and optimise network performance and resources in real time.• New MGS600S jack offers compatibility with CommScope’s Jack Termination Tool (JTT) to ensure rapid, reliable installation.• Systimax InstaPATCH pre-terminated assemblies improve install times up to 80% compared to field-terminated solutions.• Full range of support options, including CommScope’s comprehensive 25-year product and application warranty and Systimax Assurance programme, which includes design assistance and more. For more from CommScope, click here.

London Internet Exchange achieves standard recertification

The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has achieved recertification for the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard, upholding the highest operational and security standards. ISO/IEC 27001:2022, known as ISO 27001, is an internationally recognised standard that outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). LINX had its first audit back in September 2021 after observing a shift in traditional customer or member base to increasingly more enquiries from networks within the enterprise and financial sector, where accreditations like this are vital. The decision for LINX to transition to the 2022 version demonstrates the desire to uphold the highest of operational and security standards across the organisation. Commenting on this achievement, LINX CTO, Richard Petrie, says, "We are delighted to achieve recertification for ISO 27001, which underscores our ongoing commitment to information security. This achievement reflects our dedication to not only our engineering excellence, but also protecting the interests of our members and stakeholders by upholding the highest standards of data security." LINX underwent a rigorous audit process conducted by the British Standards Institution (BSI), an accredited certification body, to validate its compliance with ISO 27001:2022 standards across all operational areas. The recertification confirms LINX's capability to manage and mitigate information security risks effectively, ensuring the resilience and reliability of its services in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. The cost of not having an effective Information Security Management System can be high – both financially and reputationally. The standard is a critical component in any organisation’s risk management strategy, and it has become an essential part of many organisations’ IT governance, risk and compliance (GRC) programmes. For more from LINX, click here.

Nokia and Lenovo to offer data centre solutions for AI era

Nokia today announced a strategic partnership with Lenovo to create comprehensive data centre networking and automation solutions that support the massive and highly precise compute, storage and transit needs for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning (AI/ML) and other compute-intensive workloads. These solutions will be jointly marketed to enterprises, telcos, and digital infrastructure and cloud providers. The partners will leverage the Lenovo ThinkSystem AI-ready portfolio of high-performance servers and storage with the Nokia Data Centre network solution - which spans data centre fabric, IP routing, and DDoS security portfolios, along with the recently announced data centre network automation platform, Event-Driven Automation (EDA). The combined solutions will help meet the demanding processing and network performance requirements of modern workloads. As AI models are trained, data centres for inferencing will be needed where AI clusters are networked both within and between the data centres at the edge, which requires high-speed, reliable and secure interconnectivity. The integration of these portfolios with a validated blueprint architecture enables seamless automation of AI/ML and compute-intensive workloads with enhanced observability, programmability, and extensibility, which are crucial for adapting to dynamic environments. Both Nokia and Lenovo portfolios have built-in security solutions that detect and thwart security threats in real-time, which is essential to combat the scale and frequency of cyberattacks. As well, both companies focus on energy-efficient designs that reduce power consumption and operational costs while promoting sustainability – a key data centre concern. Charles Ferland, Vice President Edge and Communications Service Providers at Lenovo, says, “Lenovo has a longstanding commitment to deliver the most reliable and sustainable AI infrastructure. Our partnership with Nokia to bundle AI solutions is a natural alignment. Together, we provide a robust platform that meets the needs of telecommunications and enterprise sectors, enabling them to deploy AI clouds and manage their data efficiently. “With Nokia’s automated data fabric and Lenovo’s leading automated compute and storage solutions with industry-leading Neptune liquid cooling technology, enterprises can confidently deploy cutting-edge sustainable infrastructure. This collaboration not only generates cost savings but also opens new revenue streams for providers through innovative AI and data consumption models. Vach Kompella, Senior Vice President and General Manager of IP Networks business at Nokia, adds, “Our partnership with Lenovo exemplifies Nokia’s commitment to innovation and excellence in data centre solutions. By combining Nokia's Data Centre Fabric and Event Driven Automation with Lenovo's ThinkSystem AI portfolio, we deliver a high performance, scalable data centre networking solution designed to efficiently manage and automate AI/ML workloads, with a strong emphasis on security and energy efficiency. “This collaboration not only enhances the performance and reliability of data centre operations, but also underscores our dedication to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Together, we are setting new standards in the industry and driving forward the future of data centre technology.” For more from Nokia, click here.

Colt builds new fibre optic network in the US

Colt Technology Services, the digital infrastructure company, is building a powerful, low latency fibre optic network in the United States connecting subsea cable landing stations to East Coast data centres. The build supports demand from businesses looking to drive growth by boosting connectivity between North America and Europe, one of the most popular trade routes and busiest global routes in the world for data traffic. The new backhaul infrastructure deepens Colt’s presence in North America and is part of its strategic investment in its secure, high-capacity Transatlantic subsea cable network. Colt has five subsea cables connecting Europe and the US, and owns the two cable landing stations in the US where these cables reach the shore. The digital infrastructure build from the cable landing stations to the East Coast third party data centres gives Colt’s customers vast capacity, greater value, a better customer experience and peace-of-mind as they can now choose Colt for the end-to-end Transatlantic network. Phase one of the build is now complete with the service fully operational, connecting Long Island, New York – where three subsea cables land – with data centre hubs in Hudson Street and 8th Avenue, New York. Routes will be ready for service between now and mid-2025. Annette Murphy, Chief Commercial Officer, Colt Technology Services, says, “Our customers are looking to overseas markets to boost their growth potential, and the Transatlantic route unlocks exciting new opportunities for them. Building our own digital infrastructure in the US to connect our incredible subsea network to some East Coast data centres helps these businesses meet their growth targets and prepare for the future, supported by a partner they know genuinely cares.” Colt’s subsea cable systems between EMEA and US consist of five Transatlantic and four intra-Europe subsea cables and 12 cable landing stations, following its acquisition of Lumen EMEA. The company co-owns AS3356, the most peered network in the world, and is the largest pureplay B2B digital infrastructure company in Europe. For more from Colt, click here.

EXA Infrastructure announces extension to Finland

EXA Infrastructure, Europe’s largest dedicated digital infrastructure platform, has reached a significant milestone in its network expansion strategy, announcing the extension of its DWDM backbone into Finland. The EXA Infrastructure footprint will connect Helsinki to Stockholm, enhancing the company’s coverage in the Nordics and extending its direct presence to 37 countries across Europe and North America. This strategic expansion aims to provide broader service offerings to EXA's existing customer base – including 400G and Spectrum – while fostering healthy competition in the local market. With Finland’s market demand projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32% over the next five years, according to Telegeography, the region is set for rapid expansion. The growth is being driven, in part, by the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies, as Finland boasts the largest concentration of deployed data centre capacity in the Nordics, nearing 240MW, with the majority located in Helsinki. Earlier this year, EXA Infrastructure entered a strategic partnership with Bulk Infrastructure on the Havfrue Transatlantic system, which connects the US to Norway and Denmark. The new expansion into Finland further extends the Havfrue system integration into EXA’s extensive digital backbone and provides a direct and fast connection between US and Finland, avoiding the FLAP countries. Steve Roberts, Senior Vice President of Strategic Investments at EXA Infrastructure, comments, “This investment opens Finland as a new market for EXA, aligning with our vision of connecting more strategic locations to our network. Finland is emerging as a key hub for subsea cable systems and hyperscale data centres, and we are proud to contribute to the country’s infrastructure development with our advanced network.” Jim Fagan, CEO of EXA Infrastructure, adds, “The Nordic countries are rapidly emerging as Europe’s new digital infrastructure hub, driven by the availability of abundant green energy. The region is attracting major investments from global cloud hyperscalers and multi-tenant data centre providers. This is driving an incredible demand for resilient, scalable and diverse connectivity infrastructure to fuel the growth of this dynamic ecosystem.” For more from EXA Infrastructure, click here.

Espria launches Security Service Edge solution

A new enhanced network security solution has been launched by Espria, a provider of digital workspace solutions. Espria Security Service Edge (SSE) has been designed and developed for any organisation currently using legacy VPN solutions or Always On VPN. Based on Zero Trust principals, Espria SSE replaces the traditional connections to the user's applications, delivering enhanced network security and a seamless user experience that does not compromise on performance or security. Espria thus claims that its Espria SSE is the complete cloud-based solution for workforce access. Brian Sibley, Virtual CTO at Espria comments, “Espria SSE replaces legacy VPNs with ZTNA to minimise the risk of implicit trust and lateral movement and has been designed to reduce the complexity of your existing security estate, as well as cost. With fewer security tools to manage, it means organisations will experience increased efficiency and reduced OpEx. “Furthermore, by leveraging existing Conditional Access policies, organisations will be able to maximise their existing investment in Microsoft tools, while enhancing their security position.” Brian continues, “Cyber security breaches and attacks remain a constant threat for businesses of all sizes. According to the UK Government’s latest Cyber Security Report 2024, half of businesses (50%) and around a third of charities (32%) have reported some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. By far the most common type of breach or attack is phishing (84% of businesses and 83% of charities). “Espria's new SSE solution has been launched in response to this rise in attacks, and specifically developed to protect existing investments in Microsoft security solutions. By delivering a solution that unifies an existing security administration, Espria has, for the first time, made available an enhanced security solution that is not only seamless, but cost effective and less complex for users.” Espria SSE is offered in a number of packages dependent on the individual requirement of an organisation. For more from Espria, click here.

Zayo Europe expands German presence with GasLINE

Zayo Europe, a network infrastructure provider, has entered an agreement with GasLINE, a German dark fibre network supplier, to continue its expansion throughout Germany. The agreement will enhance Zayo Europe’s coverage and capabilities by using part of GasLINE’s national dark ring network, enabling its 400G optical network and tier-one IP backbone across key German hubs, including Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, and Berlin. Zayo Europe’s planned German network features a direct shortcut from Berlin to Frankfurt, offering a low-latency path to major European financial hubs. The infrastructure interconnects with Zayo Europe’s backbone throughout the continent, providing direct routes to London, Paris, Marseille, Amsterdam and Dublin for data centre to data centre connectivity. The new network spans more than 3,000km of dark fibre in the region. The framework consists of a ring connecting all major metros with low-latency shortcuts, including Nuremberg to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Berlin. This network complements Zayo's existing Berlin, Frankfurt and Stuttgart metro fibre networks, extending this capability to key DCs and enabling local access. Colman Deegan, CEO at Zayo Europe, says, “Germany is a strategic market for Zayo Europe and the company is delighted to announce its agreement with GasLINE to materially extend Zayo's footprint and connect the major cities there. This follows Zayo Europe's acquisition of Globalways last year and is another step in the company's expansion into Europe's largest market. “Zayo Europe is dedicated to providing the best possible connectivity services to the region. Its agreement with GasLINE will offer both German and international businesses and carriers low latency connectivity to the key German metro markets and enable them meet the rising data demands driven by increased AI adoption and cloud usage.” Wolfram Rinner, Managing Director at GasLINE, adds, “Zayo Europe is expanding its business in the German market, using GasLINE's dark fibre network to power its nationwide ring and further routes. GasLINE is proud to be supporting Zayo Europe with its huge German dark fibre-ring, which is connecting eleven metropolises and hubs.” For more from Zayo Europe, click here.

RETN to offer 400G port connectivity

RETN, an independent global network services provider, has announced that it has become the first reseller of AMS-IX to offer connectivity over a 400G port. The new 400G port allows RETN to expedite the connection process for larger bandwidth connectivity to the AMS-IX peering fabric, removing the need for dedicated ports for those customers with 100G requirements, with the added benefit of improved overall energy efficiency. By utilising 400G ports, RETN can efficiently manage resources while offering customers greater flexibility and scalability. William Manzione, Product Manager at RETN, comments, “The connectivity market has reached a tipping point with 400G wavelengths. By becoming the first AMS-IX reseller with a 400G port, RETN reinforces its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art solutions and expanding density to provide more competitive services. “This advancement empowers businesses with high-availability, 100% diverse fibre routes, and industry-leading service provision times. At the same time, in response to prolonged subsea outages, RETN is strategically expanding its 100G capacity across a broader selection of subsea routes, ensuring both resilience against potential disruptions and minimising delays in deploying new technology.” This milestone follows RETN's recent Pan-European upgrade, which introduced 400 Gbps wavelengths across its extensive 135,000km fibre network. RETN was also recognised as the Best AMS-IX Reseller for 2023 and continues to expand its Remote-IX service. This includes ‘One Port,' which allows customers to connect to multiple IXs through a single physical port.