Networking

New 5G network to spark innovation at German University

A new 5G network backbone for more advanced research initiatives and immersive learning platforms has been deployed at Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences (TH Rosenheim) in Germany, thanks to a collaboration between Slovenia’s Kontron and Mugler SE. Slovenia’s Kontron’s 5G Mobile Private Network (MPN), integrated by network systems integrator and telecommunications solutions supplier, Mugler SE, will provide greater speeds, low latency, and increased capacity for more than 7,500 students at the university’s proto_lab research facility. “At Kontron, we are proud to be part of a project that not only advances cutting-edge research, but also creates invaluable learning opportunities for the next generation of innovators,” says Janez Öri, Slovenia’s Kontron Executive Director of Communications Solutions. “The deployment of our 5G MPN underscores our commitment to empowering industries and academic institutions with reliable, high-performance connectivity solutions that drive transformation and progress. “The collaboration with TH Rosenheim and Mugler SE serves as a blueprint for the future, demonstrating how academia and industry can work together to empower education through technology.” The network will enable a seamless integration of AI algorithms and real-time applications at network edge and in the cloud. This aligns with the core aim of proto_lab's ground-breaking research projects under the guidance of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Noah Klarmann, Research Professor in AI for Technical Systems and Co-Director of proto_lab. It will also equip students with the skills to innovate in the increasingly digitalised world. “A reliable network can offer improved mobility and flexibility to cater for people and assets on the move in ever-changing production and logistics environments,” comments TH Rosenheim proto_lab Initiator, Co-Founder, and Director of the Research and Development Platform Prof. Dr.-Ing. Oliver Kramer. “Individualisation caters for customers increasingly asking for personalised technology solutions to meet their unique needs and is providing them with a critical competitive edge over their rivals. Our 5G campus network also provides the perfect foundation for the implementation and further development of our R&D projects in the proto_lab.” With Slovenia’s Kontron’s 5G MPN, industries and enterprises can improve their operations, thanks to enhanced automation, security, and indoor and outdoor connectivity. The network supports various use cases, including asset tracking, automated robots and AVGs, flexible workspaces, real-time process automation and voice and video communications. “The network deployment is the starting point for our comprehensive four-year partnership, during which time, various industry-relevant use cases will be tested,” adds Mugler SE Director Local Networks, Dr. Markus Dod. “At Mugler SE, we focus on providing reliable and forward-looking telecommunications solutions. This partnership with Kontron and TH Rosenheim highlights how 5G technology, combined with practical integration expertise, can drive meaningful progress. Our aim is to demonstrate how customised 5G networks can effectively support both industry and academia in advancing connectivity and automation.” For more from Kontron, click here.

Siemon releases 2024 ESG Report

Siemon, a network infrastructure specialist, has announced the release of its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report. This latest report highlights the company's commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and robust governance principles, and outlines the ways it is advancing ESG initiatives within the information communication technology industry. John Siemon, Chief Technology Officer, states, “Our 2024 ESG Report underscores Siemon’s commitment to driving meaningful change across all aspects of our business. Achieving the EcoVadis Gold Rating, investing in state-of-the-art tools for ESG reporting, and being recognised as a Great Place to Work for the second consecutive year reflect the strides we have made. At Siemon, sustainability and ethical business practices are embedded in our DNA. Together with our employees and partners, we are charting a course toward a more sustainable and equitable future.” The 2024 ESG Report outlines several key accomplishments over the past year, including: • 2023 Gold EcoVadis Rating: Siemon’s commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices has been recognised with a gold rating from EcoVadis, placing Siemon in the top 5% of companies globally for its ESG commitment.• Investing in advanced tools like 3E Exchange, Greenly and One Click to enhance reporting accuracy, transparency, and decision-making.• Recognition as a Great Place to Work for the second year in a row, reflecting the workplace culture at Siemon. Building on these achievements, Siemon has continued its focus on reducing environmental impact through innovative product design and sustainable packaging. The report details Siemon’s ongoing alignment with global initiatives, including adherence to the Responsible Business Alliance Code of Conduct, membership in the United Nations Global Compact, and progress toward the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) commitment to net zero. John Siemon concludes, “As we celebrate these accomplishments, we recognise the importance of staying at the forefront of ESG innovation. This report reflects directly on the level of engagement and commitment from every Siemon employee and supplier to our values and code of conduct. It is through this engagement that we minimise adverse environmental impacts and foster personal and social wellness within our organisation, industries, and communities.” To view Siemon’s 2024 ESG Report and learn more about the company’s initiatives, click here. For more from Siemon, click here.

Tellus delivers key component for collaborative data economy

It has been revealed that the Gaia-X development project, Tellus, has successfully completed its implementation phase. Led by the Internet Exchange operator, DE-CIX, the consortium has developed a prototype interconnection infrastructure that provides fully automatic and virtual access to networks for sensitive, real-time applications across distributed cloud environments. Tellus covers the entire supply chain of interconnection services and integrates offerings from various providers based on the decentralised and distributed data infrastructure of Gaia-X. This makes Tellus a key component for the comprehensive connectivity required by intelligent business models in a collaborative data economy. Delivering networks and services according to application demands In the past, implementing business-critical applications in distributed IT systems required purchasing all necessary components, services, and functions separately from different providers and manually combining them in a time-consuming and costly process - without end-to-end guarantees. Tellus’ open-source software not only automates these processes but also ensures specific connectivity requirements. During the final phase, the project team implemented a controller and service registry which function as central elements of a super-node architecture. The controller coordinates and provisions service offers and orders via application programming interfaces (APIs). The service registry stores and lists all services that the controller can search through, address, and combine. The search process runs via the controller into the registry and the associated graph database, which then delivers suitable solutions. Finally, the controller commissions the interconnection infrastructure to provision network and cloud services to meet the requirements of the respective application, including guaranteed performance and Gaia-X compliance. Deployable prototype: Reliable and dynamic connectivity for data exchange In the implemented proof of concept (PoC) demo, virtual networks and services can be provided via a user-friendly interface to meet the requirements of industrial applications; for example, transmitting hand movements to a robot in real time via a smart glove. The same applies to delivering connectivity for a digital twin from IONOS in a manner required by production plants, to simulate, monitor in real-time, and optimise manufacturing steps. Equally, TRUMPF’s fully automatic laser cutting tools, where reliable and dynamic networks keep systems available and pay-per-part business models productive. Milestone for a secure, sovereign, and collaborative data economy “Since Tellus registers the products of all participants in a standardised way and stores the network nodes in a structured manner in a graph database, interconnection services can be composed end-to-end via a weighted path search,” says Christoph Dietzel, Head of Product & Research at DE-CIX. “With the successful completion of the implementation phase and the proof-of-concept demo, we have not only demonstrated the technical feasibility of our Gaia-X compliant interconnection infrastructure, but have also set an important milestone for the future of secure, sovereign, and collaborative data processing.” For more from DE-CIX, click here.

Telxius enhances ultra-scalable global carrier ethernet service

Telxius, a global connectivity provider, has upgraded its Global Carrier Ethernet (GCE) service with flexible bandwidth options for businesses in the Americas and Europe. The service enables enterprises and service providers to maximise their investments with more bandwidth flexibility when connecting to key global hubs and cloud service providers. Telxius’ GCE service is supported by its global network spanning over 100,000km of submarine cables and terrestrial backhauls throughout the US, Latin America, and Europe, and is powered by Ciena’s advanced optical pluggables, instead of traditional transponders. It is a highly scalable and flexible service with bandwidth options ranging from 50Mbps to 100Gbps+, designed to meet the needs of demanding markets with ultra-low latency, high availability, and reliability. “At Telxius, we are constantly evolving our network with new and enhanced systems to better support our customers and accelerate digital transformation,” says Mónica Martínez, CMO at Telxius. “We offer enterprises and service providers with the flexible, seamless connectivity options they need to thrive in today’s bandwidth-hungry digital landscape, where user experiences have never been so important.” The solution is MEF 3.0 certified, supported by 14 high-capacity subsea cables: Firmina, Tikal (in progress), Mistral, Tannat, Junior, Dunant, Brusa, Marea, PCCS, SAm-1, EllaLink, Unisur, Est-Tet and Alpal-2, and provides connectivity to multiple points of presence (PoPs) globally. “Telxius continues to take strategic steps to promote the universal need for connectivity in its simplest form,” notes Fernando Capella, Regional Director of CALA South at Ciena. “With Ciena’s advanced optical technology, Telxius has the ability to reach beyond 100Gbps circuits across its existing submarine network, supporting the ever-increasing demands of global enterprises and service providers with ultra-low latency.” Telxius’ global network includes high-capacity fibre-optic submarine cables and terrestrial backhauls together spanning more than 100,000km, almost 100 PoPs in 17 countries, plus 27 data centres. On top of its Ethernet services, Telxius provides a wide range of additional capacity, IP, colocation, and security services for businesses to optimise their connectivity across the globe. For more from Telxius, click here.

Submarine Networks EMEA 2025 to take place in London

This year's Submarine Networks EMEA event is to take place on 18-19 February 2025 at the Business Design Centre in London. Submarine Networks EMEA is a must-attend event for network innovators, operators, and enterprises across the region. This two-day conference and exhibition will dive into the latest advancements in data centres, network architecture, cloud networking, automation, and the future of connectivity for businesses and communities alike. Why Attend? • Gain insights from 120+ global industry leaders through keynotes, panel discussions, and technical workshops• Discover the latest innovations in the exhibition hall• Network with over 1,000 senior decision-makers in networking, cloud, and IT infrastructure• Discuss strategies to drive efficiency, scalability, and security in next-generation networks You can register now by clicking here. For an exclusive 15% discount on your ticket, use the code: DCNN15. For more information, click here.

e& and DE-CIX partner to create SmartHub Internet Exchange

e& Carrier & Wholesale, a leading carrier which operates multiple geo-redundant SmartHub data centres across the Middle East - providing cutting-edge SmartHub IX services within these state-of-the-art facilities - has partnered with DE-CIX, a provider of premium interconnection services and an operator of carrier and data centre-neutral Internet Exchanges (IX). DE-CIX’s global presence spans nearly 60 locations across Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. This collaboration will enhance the Middle East’s IX ecosystem, driving the digital economy forward by expanding SmartHub IX’s reach through direct connections to DE-CIX’s global network and international Internet Exchanges. Nabil Baccouche, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer, e&, says, “We are thrilled to partner with DE-CIX to boost the operations of SmartHub IX; this ground-breaking advancement will significantly enhance the digital landscape in the UAE and the wider region. This strategic collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of building a dynamic and interconnected digital infrastructure. By leveraging DE-CIX’s global expertise and extensive network, we continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers and foster innovation across various industries. With low-latency connectivity, SmartHub IX will ensure that information is transmitted and processed with minimal delay, enabling a more agile and efficient digital ecosystem.” SmartHub IX has introduced a remote peering service in collaboration with multiple Internet Exchanges in the region and is working to scale it to a global level, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of network operations for businesses and service providers. This service promises to deliver substantial cost savings, expand network reach, provide scalability, improve performance, and offer greater flexibility. e&'s Remote Peering Service positions SmartHub IX as a strategic gateway to global markets, providing customers with seamless cross-border connectivity and enhanced data exchange. Ivo Ivanov, Chief Executive Officer, DE-CIX (pictured above), adds, “We are honoured to have been chosen by our valued partner, e&, to drive SmartHub IX powered by DE-CIX forward. This is an exciting day for digital infrastructure in the UAE. Our common goal is not only to provide the digital economy in the Gulf region with the infrastructure it needs to forge closer local, regional, and international ties, but also to strengthen the entire Middle Eastern interconnection ecosystem. “In addition, direct connectivity between SmartHub IX powered by DE-CIX and DE-CIX’s IXs in India unites two highly valuable markets and connects the UAE even more strongly with global interconnection ecosystems. Together with UAE-IX, also powered by DE-CIX, the Middle East will benefit from the best IX ecosystem in the area. This agreement positions the UAE as the hotspot of interconnection for the entire region, taking the Middle East to the next level.” SmartHub IX in Fujairah hosts the largest submarine cable landing station in the region, interconnecting global customers, content providers, and Internet service providers. The new locations in Dubai will keep the IX business on a steady growth trajectory. SmartHub IX offers a world-class infrastructure and environment to customers seeking to interconnect with local, regional and international networks ensuring exceptional performance and reliability. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

Palo Alto Networks partners with air transport expert

SITA, a specialist in air transport technology, has reached a significant agreement to partner with Palo Alto Networks, a global cyber security expert, to deliver comprehensive cyber security protection for mission-critical airports applications. As part of the agreement, Palo Alto Networks’ AI-powered cyber security platforms will be added into SITA’s CyberSecurity portfolio. SITA will provide the management and operation from its CyberSOC. The platform will safeguard access from remote sites, mobile workforce and airport assets such as check-in workstations, self-service kiosks, tablets, smartphones and baggage scanners, enabling smooth passenger flows whilst also avoiding downtimes and reducing turnaround times where efficiency of operations is a key priority. The partnership will focus on delivering advanced cyber security solutions (including Palo Alto Networks' Next Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Prisma SD-WAN Instant-On Network (ION) Devices, and Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access) to provide comprehensive network security, connectivity and cloud-based protection, all managed by SITA. This innovative development, called SITA Managed Security Service Edge (SSE) and consisting of Palo Alto Networks technologies, offers a complete suite of network security services (such as Secure Web Gateways, intrusion detection, threat intelligence, next generation antivirus or WildFire, DNS protection, SSL decryption and data loss prevention), all seamlessly delivered from Palo Alto Networks’ dedicated cloud platform. As a specialised subset within SITA’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework, SSE delivers robust and innovative world-leading security measures to protect digital infrastructure and implements the kind of advanced protection demanded by all CISOs and compliance authorities - including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and ISO 27000. Martin Smillie, SITA Senior Vice President for Communications and Data Exchange (CDE), says, “The need to protect vital digital applications within the transportation industry has never been more acute, given the ever-evolving threat from cyber attacks. This agreement delivers industry-leading cyber security protection for our airport, airline and other customers, in mission critical areas of their operation. Managed by SITA CyberSOC, this combines Palo Alto Networks' best-in-class AI-powered, cloud native endpoint and application protection, all optimised and future-proofed to combat cyber threats.” Patricia Murphy, VP EMEA & LATAM Ecosystems at Palo Alto Networks, adds, “SITA has provided innovative answers for communications and data exchange to the aviation industry for the past 75 years, and is now expanding into other areas of transportation also. This partnership will begin a transformation of cyber security in the air transport industry, helping ensure that critical systems are protected with the most advanced cyber security platforms available - fostering a safer and more efficient environment for air travel worldwide.” Palo Alto Networks will help to provide the current and next generation of cyber security protection and software for SITA Secure Service Edge at mission-critical areas of aviation and other areas of transport. Palo Alto Networks leverages its Precision AI proprietary AI system to detect and outpace potential cyber threats, providing next-generation cyber security to thousands of customers globally across all industry sectors. Its platforms and services are supported by cutting-edge threat intelligence and state-of-the-art automation. For more from Palo Alto Networks, click here.

Europe’s full fibre frontrunners revealed

Portugal, Spain and Sweden are ahead of the pack when it comes to phasing out legacy copper networks in Europe, a new study from the FTTH Council Europe has revealed. Launched at the FTTH Council Europe’s Policy Dialogue event, the Copper Switch-Off Tracker has been created in cooperation with independent regulatory intelligence provider, Cullen International, to show the progress 27 EU member states (and the UK) are making toward adopting full-fibre broadband infrastructure. While the report praises operators in Portugal, Spain and Sweden, who have mostly discontinued their copper networks, the report also reveals that other member states, including Germany, Greece and Czech Republic, still rely heavily on old copper infrastructure. “We believe that fibre networks are fundamental to the digital transformation of Europe,” says FTTH Council Europe President, Roshene McCool. “Phasing out copper networks for fibre infrastructure will lower energy consumption and reduce overall operating costs, therefore making a great contribution to the achievement of the EU’s Digital Decade objectives”. FTTH Council Europe believes that the tracker and report will become a vital evidence-base for policymakers, regulators, operators and investors as they grapple with the policy and market implications of transitioning from copper to fibre. It also highlights that in only 12 countries do the incumbent operators have a plan for complete copper switch-off. In eight of these 12 countries the plans are publicly available, while in others (e.g. Portugal) the plan is confidential. “As European institutions shape their policy agenda for the 2024-2029 cycle, this new and comprehensive analysis will support the digital transformation of Europe’s economy and aid the development of an efficient and sustainable high-performance connectivity ecosystem”, notes Vincent Garnier, Director General at the FTTH Council Europe. Following a presentation from the FTTH Council Europe on the Copper Switch-Off findings, a panel discussion from Kamila Kloc (European Commission), Konstantenos Masselos (Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission), Timm Degenhardt (Omers Infrastructure), Francesco Nonno (Open Fiber Spa), and Pascal Rogard (Orange Group) examined the broader political, economic, and technical implications of the Copper Switch-Off, especially within the context of recent political initiatives in Europe aimed at fostering sustainable infrastructure. By providing regular updates, the Copper Switch-Off tracker will offer an up-to-date snapshot of the in-roads made by countries in their copper-to-fibre transition. The FTTH Council Europe is looking forward to monitoring this progression in aid of a future competitive European fibre market. To view the full report and accompanying one-pager by Cullen International, click here. For more from FTTH Council Europe, click here.

Google Cloud appoints new regional Vice President

Google Cloud has announced the appointment of Maureen Costello as Vice President, United Kingdom and Ireland (UKI) and Sub-Saharan Africa. In this role, Maureen will oversee the company's sales strategy and operations across both regions. Maureen brings nearly three decades of industry experience to Google Cloud, having previously served as Corporate Vice President for Industry Solutions Delivery at Microsoft. Prior to her role at Microsoft, she held several leadership positions during her 25-year tenure at Accenture, including Senior Managing Director and Resources Lead for UKI. "It’s an honour to join Google Cloud at such a pivotal time in its journey," Maureen comments. "We have a tremendous opportunity to help businesses across the UKI and Sub-Saharan Africa harness the full potential of the cloud, from AI and data analytics to cyber security and sustainability. I am eager to build on the strong foundation already in place." Maureen joins Google Cloud at a key stage in its growth trajectory. The company has recently announced major relationships in the UK with organisations including BT, John Lewis & Partners, Vodafone, and WPP. In Africa, Google Cloud opened its first region in Johannesburg, South Africa, in January 2024, and has committed $1 billion to support digital transformation initiatives across the continent. "Maureen is a proven leader with an exceptional track record of driving growth and building high-performing teams," notes Tara Brady, President, EMEA, Google Cloud. "Her deep industry expertise and understanding of the unique needs of customers will be invaluable as we continue to expand Google Cloud's presence in these key markets. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Google Cloud EMEA leadership team." Google Cloud is a new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. It offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimised AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organisations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories use Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner. For more from Google Cloud, click here.

AWS Direct Connect Location available at Telehouse Osaka

KDDI Corporation, parent company to Telehouse, has announced today the availability of an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Direct Connect Location at its Telehouse Osaka data centre in Japan. Telehouse Osaka customers can now directly access over 240 AWS cloud services, including AWS's generative AI via AWS Direct Connect, a cloud service that links customer networks directly to AWS Regions (data centres) through a dedicated network from Telehouse Osaka. This enables low-latency and secure connections to their own cloud environments. Telehouse Osaka will reportedly be the first data centre in Japan operated by a Japanese telecommunications company to provide a dedicated connection point to AWS Direct Connect. Globally, this will be the third AWS Direct Connect site to implement the service, following Telehouse PARIS Voltaire and Telehouse London Docklands. Takeyuki Yanagisawa, General Manager, Connectivity DC Planning Department at KDDI, comments, “The AWS Direct Connect Location at Telehouse Osaka allows for the creation of a secure and private link between AWS cloud services and our customers’ IT systems within the data centre. This setup significantly enhances throughput and ensures stability of our customers’ networks.” “Additionally, by using the fibre core-based data centre interconnection service in the Osaka Business Park, customers can also access their IT infrastructure from other data centres.” For more from KDDI, click here.