Networking

Cyber attacks drop by nearly 10%

Four in 10 (43%) of UK businesses and 30% of charities experienced cyber attacks or data breaches in the last 12 months, according to the latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey. While this marks a slight decrease from last year’s 50%, the threat level for medium and large businesses remains alarmingly high.  The average cost of the most disruptive breach was estimated at £1,600 for businesses and £3,240 for charities. The drop in incidents is attributed mainly to fewer small businesses reporting breaches – but government officials warn against complacency. With cyber threats increasingly targeting critical infrastructure, the UK Government is introducing the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, compelling organisations to strengthen their digital defences. The survey found that 70% of large businesses now have a formal cyber strategy in place, compared to just 57% of medium-sized firms – exposing a potential gap in preparedness among mid-sized enterprises. There has been a notable improvement in cyber hygiene practices among smaller businesses, with rising adoption of risk assessments, cyber insurance, formal cyber security policies and continuity planning.  These steps are seen as essential in building digital resilience across the UK economy. However, the number of high-income charities implementing best practices such as risk assessments has declined. Insights suggest this may be linked to budgetary pressures, limiting their ability to invest in adequate cyber security measures. Sawan Joshi, Group Director of Information Security at FDM Group, comments, “Keeping banking systems online is becoming more challenging, and technology alone isn’t enough. Skilled IT teams are crucial for spotting risks early and responding quickly to prevent disruptions. Organisations need to invest in ongoing training so their staff can strengthen system defences and recover fast when issues arise. A mix of advanced monitoring, backup systems, and a well-trained workforce is key to keeping services running and maintaining customer trust.'" The Government has also confirmed that UK data centres are now officially designated as critical national infrastructure. This means they will receive the same priority in the event of a major incident - such as a cyber attack - as essential services like water and energy.

Juniper and Google Cloud enhance branch deployments

Juniper Networks has announced its collaboration with Google Cloud to accelerate new enterprise campus and branch deployments and optimise user experiences. With just a few clicks in the Google Cloud Marketplace, customers can subscribe to Google’s Cloud WAN solution alongside Juniper Mist wired, wireless, NAC, firewalls and secure SD-WAN solutions. Unveiled at Google Cloud Next 25, the solution is designed to simply, securely and reliably connect users to critical applications and AI workloads whether on the internet, across clouds or within data centres. “At Google Cloud, we’re committed to providing our customers with the most advanced and innovative networking solutions. Our expanded collaboration with Juniper Networks and the integration of its AI-native networking capabilities with Google’s Cloud WAN represent a significant step forward,” says Muninder Singh Sambi, VP/GM, Networking, Google Cloud. “By combining the power of Google Cloud’s global infrastructure with Juniper’s expertise in AI for networking, we’re empowering enterprises to build more agile, secure and automated networks that can meet the demands of today’s dynamic business environment.” AIOps key to GenAI application growth As the cloud expands and GenAI applications grow, reliable connectivity, enhanced application performance and low latency are paramount. Businesses are turning to cloud-based network services to meet these demands. However, many face challenges with operational complexity, high costs, security gaps and inconsistent application performance. Assuring the best user experience through AI-native operations (AIOps) is essential to overcoming these challenges and maximising efficiency.  Powered by Juniper’s Mist AI-Native Networking platform, Google’s Cloud WAN, a new solution from Google Cloud, delivers a fully managed, reliable and secure enterprise backbone for branch transformation. Mist is purpose-built to leverage AIOps for optimised campus and branch experiences, assuring that connections are reliable, measurable and secure for every device, user, application and asset. “Mist has become synonymous with AI and cloud-native operations that optimise user experiences while minimising operator costs,” says Sujai Hajela, EVP, Campus and Branch, Juniper Networks. “Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform is a perfect complement to Google’s Cloud WAN solution, enabling enterprises to overcome campus and branch management complexity and optimise application performance through low latency connectivity, self-driving automation and proactive insights.” Google’s Cloud WAN delivers high-performance connections for campus and branch The campus and branch services on Google’s Cloud WAN driven by Mist provide a single, secure and high-performance connection point for all branch traffic. A variety of wired, wireless, NAC and WAN services can be hosted on Google Cloud Platform, enabling businesses to eliminate on-premises hardware, dramatically simplifying branch operations and reducing operational costs. By natively integrating Juniper and other strategic partners with Google Cloud, Google’s Cloud WAN solution enhances agility, enabling rapid deployment of new branches and services, while improving security through consistent policies and cloud-delivered threat protection. 

Vertiv upgrades SmartAisle for efficient edge computing in EMEA

Vertiv has announced a significant upgrade to its Vertiv SmartAisle solution, designed specifically for edge computing applications up to 180kW. Now available across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), this complete pre-engineered system combines power, cooling, racks and advanced management and monitoring capabilities in a single integrated unit, designed to simplify and quicken edge computing deployments. In line with the European Union Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) the system provides energy efficient operation and includes power usage effectiveness (PUE) monitoring to help organisations track operations alongside their responsible business goals.  "The upgraded Vertiv SmartAisle really changes the game when it comes to effective and successful edge deployments", says Giuseppe Leto, Senior Director IT Systems Business at Vertiv in EMEA. "We've made it easier, faster and more cost-effective for businesses to scale and grow their IT operations. The pre-engineered system eliminates the traditional challenges of planning of multiple equipment installations and logistics while providing customers with a complete, reliable end-to-end solution that allows data centre operators to monitor energy efficiency requirements following the latest EU regulations.” The embedded Vertiv RDU501 intelligent infrastructure management appliance allows data centre operators to control system operations in real-time 24/7, offering a consolidated and easy to use monitoring and management platform. In addition, the Vertiv approach to pre-engineered, edge smart solutions helps organisations reduce planning, design and site preparation time by up to 80% while lowering deployment costs by up to 30% compared to a brick-and-mortar alternative, while the integration of all components is designed to achieve up to 20% higher energy efficiency compared to industry averages.  Vertiv SmartAisle is part of Vertiv’s growing portfolio of flexible, fully pre-engineered modular solutions. The system is available as standard in four different reference designs, with the ability to scale up to 180kW IT load and features N+1 redundancy for both power and cooling systems.  Key features and benefits include: · Advanced 24/7 monitoring of energy consumption and capacity management  · Precise environmental monitoring with six sensors per server rack · High efficiency, modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems  · Power distribution through power bars or floor-mounted PDUs · Integrated power monitoring via rack-mounted power distribution units (rPDU) · Adaptive direct expansion cooling system with 20-100% modulating capacity · Enhanced thermal efficiency through cold aisle containment · Advanced physical security with e-handles and IP cameras · Scalable architecture enabling standardised deployment across multiple edge sites

ZTE enhances all-optical networks with smart ODN solutions

Hans Neff, Senior Director of ZTE CTO Group, recently delivered a keynote speech entitled ‘Embracing the AI Era to Accelerate the Development of All-Optical Networks’ at the FTTH Conference 2025 in Amsterdam, sharing the company's solutions and experience in focusing on AI empowerment to achieve intelligent ODN, improve the deployment efficiency of all-optical networks, and reduce deployment and O&M costs. At present, the deployment of all-optical networks is continuously accelerated, and the rapidly developing AI is increasingly integrated into broadband IT systems, significantly improving the intelligent level of FTTx deployment, operation and maintenance. In Europe, the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and the EU policies are actively advocating for an all-optical, gigabit and digitally intelligent society, and the demand for sustainable, efficient and future-oriented network infrastructure is growing. Hans pointed out that operators are facing challenges such as high costs, complex network management and diverse deployment scenarios. AI and digital intelligence can provide end-to-end support for ODN construction in multiple aspects. Hans described how ZTE leverages AI technology to build intelligent ODNs across the entire process, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational complexity. He elaborated on the specific applications and advantages of intelligent ODN across three phases: before, during and after deployment. Before deployment, one-click zero-touch site surveys, AI-based automatic planning and design, and paperless processes replace traditional manual methods, significantly reducing the time and human resources required. During deployment, real-time visualised and cost-effective solutions, along with tailored product combinations - such as pre-connectorised splice-free ODN, plug-and-play deployment and air-blowing solutions - ensure smooth construction while reducing both time and labour costs. After deployment and delivery, intelligent real-time ODN network detection, analysis and risk warnings minimise fault location time, improving monitoring accuracy and troubleshooting efficiency. Additionally, new solutions like passive ID branch detection enable 24/7 real-time optical link monitoring, dynamic perception of link changes and automatic updates, ensuring 100% accuracy of end-to-end ODN resources. This proactive approach optimises network performance while streamlining maintenance and resource management. Hans emphasised that collaboration among multiple parties is key to accelerating the construction of intelligent ODN networks. Suppliers play a vital role in driving digital and intelligent platforms, developing innovative product portfolios and delivering localised solutions through strategic partnerships. By leveraging AI and digital intelligence, operators and stakeholders can effectively address challenges such as high costs, complex construction and maintenance, and regional adaptability. ZTE says it is committed to providing comprehensive intelligent ODN solutions and building end-to-end all-optical networks. Moving forward, ZTE will continue collaborating with global partners to harness its advanced network and intelligent capabilities. ZTE aims to help operators build and operate cutting-edge, efficient and intelligent broadband networks, unlocking new application scenarios and fostering a ubiquitous, green and efficient era of all-optical networks.

Raxio lands $100m to expand sub-Saharan African data centres

Raxio Group has signed an agreement for $100 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to accelerate Raxio’s expansion of data centres to power key technologies like AI, cloud computing and digital financial services – critical enablers of African economic growth and digital inclusion. The debt funding from IFC will help Raxio double its deployment of high-quality colocation data centres within three years, addressing growing demand in underserved markets across the continent. The company is developing a Sub-Saharan African regional data centre platform in countries including Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania and Angola. Raxio is committed to bridging Africa’s digital divide by introducing Tier III-certified, carrier-neutral, and secure data services to markets that have been overlooked by other providers. With a focus on high-growth areas, the company is tapping into regions with significant economic potential to unlock new opportunities across the continent. “Raxio’s business model shows how digital infrastructure can empower businesses, governments and communities to thrive in the digital economy,” says Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director, Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa. “This partnership between Raxio and IFC is set to strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem and catalyse further investments and regional integration, building a more inclusive and sustainable future.” “This funding from IFC is a powerful endorsement of Raxio’s vision and operational excellence,” says Robert Skjødt, CEO of Raxio Group. “It will allow us to bring critical infrastructure to the regions that need it most and attract further investment as we continue to grow. Together with our other partners, we’re building the foundation for Africa’s digital future and setting new benchmarks for sustainability.” Raxio’s facilities are designed for 24/7 reliability, ensuring uninterrupted service even during maintenance or unforeseen disruptions. The company integrates renewable energy solutions to minimise its environmental footprint and uses innovative energy-efficient equipment to reduce electricity and water consumption for cooling in several of its countries of operation. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Raxio’s Kinshasa facility is poised to meet growing demand for data services in one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing urban centres. In Côte d’Ivoire, Raxio is establishing a digital hub to serve Francophone West Africa, connecting regional markets and facilitating cross-border trade. These efforts are empowering local businesses and integrating them into the global digital economy.

AlgoSec publishes State of Network Security Report

Global cyber security expert, AlgoSec, has released its annual The State of Network Security Report. The report provides a comprehensive and objective, vendor-agnostic analysis of today’s network security landscape by identifying key market trends, highlighting in-demand solutions and technologies, and detailing the most popular strategies being adopted by security professionals. The report identifies significant shifts in cloud platform adoption, deployment of firewalls and Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN), as well as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) implementation and AI. Based on comparative findings from 2024 and 2025, AlgoSec’s research includes responses from security, network and cloud professionals across 28 countries and evaluates market leaders including Cisco, Microsoft Azure, AWS, Check Point, Palo Alto Networks and more. Key findings from the report include: • Security visibility gaps are driving a shift in security management - 71% of security teams struggle with visibility, which is delaying threat detection and response. The lack of insight into application connectivity, security policies and dependencies are proving to be a significant risk.• Multi-cloud and cloud firewalls are now standard – Businesses continue to adopt multi-cloud environments, with Azure becoming the most widely used platform in 2025.• Firewall and SD-WAN adoption grow despite complexity – Multi-vendor strategies make firewall deployment more challenging. In terms of customer base, Palo Alto Networks took the lead, but Fortinet’s NGFW is gaining traction. SD-WAN adoption jumped, with Fortinet rising from 19.1% in 2024 to 25.8% in 2025.• Zero-trust and SASE gain momentum – Zero-trust awareness is at an all-time high, with 56% of businesses fully or partially implementing it; though 20% are still in the learning phase. SASE adoption is also growing, with Zscaler leading at 35%, while Netskope has gained 15% market share.• AI and automation are reshaping security – AI-driven security tools are improving real-time threat detection, but implementation and privacy concerns remain a challenge. Automation is now critical, with application connectivity automation ranked as the top priority for minimising risk and downtime. “As businesses expand their digital footprints across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, securing network infrastructure has become a top challenge,” says Eran Shiff, VP of Product at AlgoSec. “We are seeing a major shift toward automation, orchestration and risk mitigation as key security priorities. Adoption of SD-WAN and SASE continues to rise, while awareness of AI-driven security and zero-trust principles is stronger than ever.” The full report can be accessed by clicking here. For more from AlgoSec, click here.

Northern Data Group and Gcore announce strategic partnership

Northern Data has announced that it has signed a commercial partnership agreement with Gcore, a global edge AI, cloud, network, and security technologies provider to large enterprise clients. The commercial partnership will provide combined AI as a Service and AI delivery and networking technologies to enterprise clients and model developers. Furthermore, the partnership establishes the Intelligence Delivery Network (IDN), a distributed global network that boasts 180 points of presence, more than 200 Tbps of network capacity, and over 14,000 peering partners; combined with Northern Data’s position as one of Europe’s largest GPU infrastructure providers. The IDN is designed to enable the low-latency and secure delivery of AI workloads at the edge, a critical driver for the wider adoption of AI inferencing applications. The AI inferencing market is expected to grow to $169 billion by 2032, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. The IDN will be powered by Northern Data’s existing infrastructure and Gcore’s Everywhere Inference software and networking architecture. Through the combined infrastructure and software stack, customers will be enabled by a powerful vertically integrated toolkit of AI innovations, including Managed Kubernetes and an AI model library. The technology supports the deployment of both open source and custom-built AI models. Northern Data and Gcore’s combined offering will be delivered with just a few clicks through an on-demand and simple-to-deploy architecture, offering clients real-time access to this full-stack solution and allowing Northern Data and Gcore to fully maximise the utilisation of its infrastructure. Additionally, the partnership will seek to deploy AI solutions globally, retain enterprise grade security and data protection and sovereignty, and optimise infrastructure resourcing. Aroosh Thillainathan, Founder and CEO, Northern Data Group, comments, “We are combining Northern Data’s heritage of HPC and data centre infrastructure expertise with Gcore’s software innovation and engineering expertise, allowing us to accelerate our vision of delivering software-enabled AI infrastructure across a globally distributed compute network. This is an inflection point where the use of AI solutions is evolving rapidly, and we believe that this partnership will form a key part of the next phase of AI adoption.” Andre Reitenbach, CEO, Gcore, adds, Partnering with Northern Data will provide Gcore and our enterprise customers access to one of the largest liquid-cooled GPU clusters and significant data centre capacity worldwide. This collaboration supports Gcore’s mission to connect the world to AI anywhere and anytime with low latency, leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure to power the next generation of AI-driven applications.” For more from Gcore, click here.

Huber+Suhner unveils new lab automation solution

Telecommunications carriers can now step away from time-consuming manual testing and benefit from an automated lab landscape for their networks, thanks to a new advanced lab automation solution from Huber+Suhner featuring optical circuit switching and RF-over-Fibre (RFoF). Replacing traditional coaxial interconnected and manually controlled labs, the innovation integrates fibre connectivity and optical circuit switching technologies to provide an automated, transparent and user-configurable fibre layer. For transport and core network labs, an optical circuit switch allows for flexible connection and measurement of optical network components in a test environment. The POLATIS optical circuit switch, featuring patented DirectLight beam-steering technology, enables continuous testing of multiple devices remotely, eliminating the need for physical presence and manual re-patching. This not only reduces labour costs but also frees up time. For RAN labs, RFoF modules can be deployed to convert signals from RAN radios into fibre optic signals which enables much greater transmission distances with significantly lower losses from Device Under Test (DUT) to test equipment. The optical circuit switching can then be utilised in the same way as with transport and core network labs. The high performance opto-electrical conversion ensures minimal impact on measurement results and provides bidirectionality for both the optical and the RF domains. As a result, an automated fibre optic network layer for device testing can be configured or reconfigured in seconds rather than hours or days, allowing customers to meet challenging test cycle turnaround times. “Carriers are under intense pressure to rapidly test and deliver enhanced network services, while validating new equipment,” says Claudia Bartholdi, Market Manager, Huber+Suhner. “The longer it takes to certify new equipment and services through manual operations, the further a business gets from increasing revenue and competitiveness. Through our end-to-end solution, we can ensure high reproducibility, traceability and increased efficiency, alongside a faster time to market.” Regression, feature and interoperability testing are all key procedures for carriers. Regression testing ensures software releases do not impact the existing functionality of a network but may require thousands of individual tests that must be run in cascaded sequences. Carriers must also look to enhance network performance and user experience, which requires new features like network slicing, while ensuring any new equipment, elements or interfaces within a network function according to predefined standards and can coexist in a network. The lab automation innovation for carriers enhances these procedures. For regression testing, it drastically reduces the time for test set-up and operation to introduce new software releases quickly and efficiently. It can also be implemented to allow agile feature testing, helping to verify that the new functionalities will work on an end-to-end basis before they are introduced into the live network. For interoperability testing, the innovation simplifies the testing of virtual RANs, as well as open standard software and hardware, to ensure all network elements work together effectively. “By automating test processes, labs can also share expensive equipment and reconfigure tests remotely and immediately,” Claudia continues. “Using readily available tools, resources can now be securely shared between labs dedicated to different elements of the network without conflict, quickening the testing process.” For more from Huber+Suhner, click here.

Subsea cable and data centre operator GCX to rebrand

Global Cloud Xchange (GCX) has today announced its rebrand to FLAG. With strong continued investment, FLAG looks to maintain its growth and status as one of the largest privately owned, global subsea cable operators. Following the rebrand, the company’s Managed Services division will continue to operate under its existing name of GCX Managed Services. FLAG provides end-to-end, high-speed digital connectivity services. These include flexible leased capacity, dark fibre and Layer 2 & 3 services for hyperscalers, telecom carriers, OTT content providers, new media providers and enterprises via an interconnected platform of seven subsea and six terrestrial cable systems. The company serves clients in over 180 countries, operating a diverse global network across key routes, powering the global telecommunications backbone with a unique infrastructure that spans Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the USA. This network ensures route redundancy and diversity for mission-critical dataflows, providing reliable connectivity and neutrality in hard-to-access regions, all while being engineered for optimal reliability, availability and continuity. To enhance the network capability and address the growing demand for data processing and storage, FLAG also provides modular data centres, offering scalable, resilient solutions for high-performance computing deployments where customers need it most, from the network edge to cable landing stations and across multiple geographies. “FLAG represents our renewed commitment to global connectivity," says Carl Grivner (pictured above), CEO of FLAG. "Working closely with our clients, we are constantly upgrading and expanding our network to stay at the forefront of technological developments and meet evolving market demands. This ensures our clients receive the most advanced connectivity solutions, enabling them to scale, secure and optimise their data in an increasingly interconnected world.” FLAG has shown strong year-on-year growth and has recently signed several material investments to enhance its Middle East and intra-Asia subsea capabilities. The rebrand is linked to FLAG’s focus on pursuing its long-term goals and prioritising investments across more geographies through subsea, edge data centres and cable landing stations. Overlaying these strategic pillars, FLAG is further developing its technology solutions to create customer-tailored propositions as demand for data traffic rises amid the growth in content, AI and digital services. The company will continue investing in digitisation to advance its customer offerings and deliver innovative solutions across the globe. Carl continues, “This rebrand of FLAG allows us to move forward with a clear vision and the flexibility to innovate and invest in our infrastructure in ways that provide unparalleled value to our customers and partners. With strong backing from our Board and 3i Infrastructure we are committed to delivering market-leading, high-performance solutions across the globe.” FLAG is run by a highly experienced management team, with Carl Grivner leading the company as CEO, supported by Brice Evin as CFO, Brad Kneller as CNO, Paul Abfalter as CS&RO, Nadya Melic as VP – Product and Marketing, and Asif Ghani – VP – Edge Data Centre Services. Both FLAG and GCX Managed Services will be jointly supported by the collective management team that includes Edward Parkin - General Counsel, Giancarlo Ferro - CIO, and MU Khan – VP of Human Resources.

EXFO introduces new line of 'always-on' testers

EXFO, a network test, monitoring, and analytics expert, has introduced a new series of always mobile-connected testers designed to increase field efficiency, compliance, and collaboration when deploying and maintaining fibre networks. The FTB Lite 700 series of OTDRs (optical time domain reflectometers), with seamless connectivity to EXFO’s Exchange cloud-based solution, was revealed at the FTTH Conference 2025 in Amsterdam earlier this week. “EXFO’s innovative FTB Lite 700 series is not just another test platform - it’s a game-changing tool built to enhance efficiency and performance in the field,” says Etienne Gagnon, Senior Vice President, Test & Measurement at EXFO. “Given the expansive growth in fibre networks as well as data centre proliferation, driven by AI applications, it’s imperative for deployments to be completed right the first time, and operators can now see their entire operation unfold in real time.” Automated access to comprehensive live data enabled by EXFO Exchange means being able to perform analytics and extract insights for better informed decision-making and planning, EXFO says, which in turn can accelerate project timelines. Real-time job tracking and reporting ensures that methods of procedure are adhered to for compliance with testing standards, while reducing errors and administrative time. Collaboration is enhanced given ease of connecting with team members in the office, on the road, or on-site in the field. Real-time data sharing, automated uploads, and cloud-based reporting all contribute to seamless and efficient teamwork. EXFO is an expert in OTDRs, and whether technicians are experienced or new to the role, EXFO believes they can excel at their jobs with user-friendly FTB Lite 700 series OTDRs for faster task completion and faster time to payment.