Virtualisation set to transform data centre networking

Briefing:  Data centre switching

Part 3: Networking developments

The adoption of virtualisation techniques is causing an upheaval in the data centre. Virtualisation is being used to boost server performance, but its introduction is changing how switching equipment is networked.

“This is the most critical period of data centre transformation seen in decades,” says Raju Rajan, global system networking evangelist at IBM.

“We are on a long hard path – it is going to be a really challenging transition”

Stephen Garrison, Force10 Networks

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LightReading Market Spotlight: ROADMs

Click here for the market spotlight ROADM article written for LightReading. See also the comment discussions.

Fujitsu Labs adds processing to boost optical reach

Fujitsu Labs has developed a compensation technique that tackles non-linear effects in a coherent receiver-based optical transmission system. The technique promises to boost the reach of 100 Gigabit-per-second (Gbps) and future higher speed systems.

“That is one of the virtues of the technology; it is not dependent on the modulation format or the bit rate”

Takeshi Hoshida, Fujitsu Labs

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Oclaro points its laser diodes at new markets

Yves LeMaitre has experienced much over the course of the last decade working in the optical components industry. He has been CEO of a start-up during the optical boom, lived through acquisitions, and has undertaken business development in telecom and non-telecom markets.

“To succeed in any market ... you need to be the best at something, to have that sustainable differentiator”

 Yves LeMaitre, Oclaro

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Fulcrum's Alta switch chips add programmable pipeline to keep pace with standards

Briefing:  Data centre switching 

Part 2: Ethernet switch chips

Fulcrum Microsystems has announced its latest FocalPoint chip family of Ethernet switches. The Alta FM6000 series family supports up to 72 10-Gigabit ports and can process over one billion packets a second.

“Instead of every top-of-rack switch having a CPU subsystem, you could put all the horsepower into a set of server blades”

Gary Lee, Fulcrum Microsystems

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Packet optical transport: Hollowing the network core

Intune Networks has developed an optical packet switching and transport (OPST) system that effectively turns fibre into a distributed switch.

The platform enables a fully-meshed metropolitan networkIntune Networks' CEO, Tim Fritzley (right) and John Dunne, co-founder and CTO with software support for web-based services, claims the Irish start-up. 

“What we have designed allows for the sharing of the same fibre switching assets across multiple services in the metro,” says Tim Fritzley, Intune’s CEO.

The company is in talks with several operators about its OPST system, which is being used for a nationwide network in Ireland. The system is also part of an EC seventh framework project that includes Spanish operator Telefónica.

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Rafik Ward Q&A - final part

In the second and final part, Rafik Ward, vice president of marketing at Finisar, discusses Google’s call for a new 100 Gig interface, the ECOC show, and what Finisar has learnt from running a corporate blog.

 

"Feedback we are getting from customers is that the current 100 Gig LR4 modules are too expensive"

Rafik Ward, Finisar

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