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5G and Multi-Access Edge Computing

Over the years, the Internet of Things and IoT devices have grown tremendously, effectively boosting productivity and accelerating network agility. This technology has also elevated the adoption of edge computing while ushering in a set of advanced edge devices. By adopting edge computing, computational needs are efficiently met since the computing resources are distributed along the communication path, i.e., via a decentralized computing infrastructure.

One of the benefits of edge computing is improved performance as analytics capabilities are brought closer to the machine. An edge data center also reduces operational costs, thanks to the reduced bandwidth requirement and low latency.

Below, we’ve explored more about 5G wireless systems and multi-access edge computing (MEC), an advanced form of edge computing, and how both extend cloud computing benefits to the edge and closer to the users. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Multi-Access Edge Computing

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is a relatively new technology that offers cloud computing capabilities at the network’s edge. This technology works by moving some computing capabilities out of the cloud and closer to the end devices. Hence data doesn’t travel as far, resulting in fast processing speeds.

Ideally, there are two types of MEC, dedicated MEC and distributed MEC. Dedicated MEC is typically deployed at the customer’s site on a mobile private network and is designed only for one business. On the other hand, distributed MEC is deployed on a public network, either 4G or 5G, and connects shared assets and resources.

With both the dedicated and distributed MEC, applications run locally, and data is processed in real or near real-time. This helps avoid latency issues for faster response rates and decision-making. MEC technology has seen wider adoption in video analytics, augmented reality, location services, data caching, local content distribution, etc.

How MEC and 5G are Changing Different Industries

At the heart of multi-access edge computing are wireless and radio access network technologies that open up different networks to a wide range of innovative services. Today, 5G technology is the ultimate network that supports ultra-reliable low latency communication. It also provides an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) capability for use cases involving significant data rates such as virtual reality and augmented reality.

That said, 5G use cases can be categorized into three domains, massive IoT, mission-critical IoT, and enhanced mobile broadband. Each of the three categories requires different network features regarding security, mobility, bandwidth, policy control, latency, and reliability.

Why MEC Adoption Is on the Rise

5G MEC adoption is growing exponentially, and there are several reasons why this is the case. One reason is that this technology aligns with the distributed and scalable nature of the cloud, making it a key driver of technical transformation. Similarly, MEC technology is a critical business transformation change agent that offers the opportunity to improve service delivery and even support new market verticals.

Among the top use cases driving the high level of 5G, MEC implementation includes video content delivery, the emergence of smart cities, smart utilities (e.g., water and power grids), and connected cars. This also showcases the significant role MEC plays in different IoT domains. Here’s a quick overview of the primary use cases:

  • Autonomous vehicles – 5G MEC can help enhance operational functions such as continuous sensing and real-time traffic monitoring. This reduces latency issues and increases bandwidth.
  • Smart homes – MEC technology can process data locally, boosting privacy and security. It also reduces communication latency and allows for fast mobility and relocation.
  • AR/VR – Moving computational capabilities and processes to edge amplifies the immersive experience to users, plus it extends the battery-life of AR/VR devices.
  • Smart energy – MEC resolves traffic congestion issues and delays due to huge data generation and intermittent connectivity. It also reduces cyber-attacks by enforcing security mechanisms closer to the edge.
MEC Adoption
MEC Adoption

Getting Started With 5G MEC

One of the key benefits of adopting 5G MEC technology is openness, particularly API openness and the option to integrate third-party apps. Standards compliance and application agility are the other value propositions of multi-access edge computing. Therefore, enterprises looking to benefit from a flexible and open cloud should base their integration on the key competencies they want to achieve.

One of the challenges common during the integration process is hardware platforms’ limitations, as far as scale and openness are concerned. Similarly, deploying 5G MEC technology is costly, especially for small-scale businesses with limited financial backing. Other implementation issues include ecosystem and standards immaturity, software limitations, culture, and technical skillset challenges.

To successfully deploy multi-access edge computing, you need an effective 5G MEC implementation strategy that’s true and tested. You should also consider partnering with an expert IT or edge computing company for professional guidance.

5G MEC Technology: Key Takeaways

Edge-driven transformation is a game-changer in the modern business world, and 5G multi-access edge computing technology is undoubtedly leading the cause. Enterprises that embrace this new technology in their business models benefit from streamlined operations, reduced costs, and enhanced customer experience.

Even then, MEC integration isn’t without its challenges. Companies looking to deploy multi-access edge computing technology should have a solid implementation strategy that aligns with their entire digital transformation agenda to avoid silos.

Article Source: 5G and Multi-Access Edge Computing

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Edge Computing vs. Multi-Access Edge Computing

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FS UPS–Save Your Power

Imagine that you are working overnight for a project planning on your computer, and all of a sudden, you see a blank screen due to power cut. And what’s worse, all of your documents, important data and information are lost, and all of your efforts are in vain. It does sound like a devastating tragedy, right? However, with FS UPS power supply, you won’t worry about the issue of lost information. You can still move on with your work even if there is a power blackout. Why it’s so magic? Let’s check it out.

FS UPS

Three Operational Modes of UPS System

An uninterruptible power supply, also known as uninterruptible power source, UPS or battery/flywheel backup, is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source or mains power fails. A modern UPS system has three general categories: on-line, line-interactive and standby/offline.

A standby/offline UPS charges its battery and then waits for the mains power to drop off. When that happens, the Standby UPS mechanically switches to the battery backup. This switch over takes about 20-100 milliseconds, which is generally well within the tolerance threshold of most electronics.

A line-interactive UPS has a similar design to a standby UPS, but includes a special transformer. This special transformer makes line-interactive UPS better at handling brownouts and power sags without consuming the limited reserve battery power.

An online UPS completely isolates the devices attached to it from the wall power. Instead of jumping into action at the first sign of power cut or voltage regulation issues like the standby and line-interactive UPS, the online UPS continuously filters the wall power through the battery system.

When A UPS is Needed

UPS power supply can not only solve the problem of power outages, but also the following power quality problems.

1.Power surge—The effective value of the output voltage is 110% higher than the rated value and such condition lasts for one or more cycles.

2.High voltage spike—A voltage with a peak value of 6000V and duration from 1/10000 second to 1/2 cycles (10ms).

3.Switching transient—An impulse voltage whose peak voltage reaches up to 20000V, but duration sustains within millionth of a second to one in ten thousand second.

4. Power sags—It refers to a low voltage state whose mains voltage is between 80% and 85% of the rated value, and lasts for one to several cycles.

5. Electrical line noise—It refers to Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), Electromagnetic Interference (EFI) and other kinds of high frequency interference.

6. Frequency variation—The change of mains voltage frequency exceeds more than 3Hz.

7. Brownout—The effective value of the mains voltage is continuously below the rated value for a long time.

8. Power fail—The interruption of the power supply and lasts for at least two cycles to several hours.

What Kind of UPS Can FS Offer

FS mainly deals with online UPS, including one-phrase and three-phrase type. FS online UPS always provides power from the battery, so the load always gets clean power regardless of any power problems. Therefore, FS online UPS is recommended for sensitive and critical electronic devices. The online UPSs offered by FS act as advanced power managers, ensuring the availability of an uninterrupted power supply to protect hardware (such as computers, data centres, telecommunication equipment or other electrical equipment) and mission critical applications. As is shown in the picture below, FS online UPS can be divided into eight parts and each of them has its unique function.

Summary

High-quality UPS plays an important role in safeguarding against many potential energy issues. If you are investigating the best system for your own requirements, speak to one of our technical specialists who will be able to provide free advice on the most appropriate solution. Feel free to contact us via tech@fs.com.

ElectronicCast: 2013 Fiber Optic Connector Market Reached $ 2.39 Billon

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According to the latest report from ElectronicCast consultants shows that in 2012 fiber connectors and mechanical splices sold worldwide reached $ 2.39 billion. The data center applications accounted for more than half of the optical connectivity markets. ElectroicCas said telecom operator’s demand for optical connectors will continue to grow in the next five years.

ElectronicCast report notes that in 2012 the application of optical data network connectors accounted for 51% of the total market last year for $ 1.2 billion. Telecommunication market’s demand is $ 669 million, due to fiber broadband network construction, the future of this field will maintain an average annual growth rate of 14.5%, to reach $ 1.3 billion by 2017. Fiber optic connectors, the third largest market segment for military, aerospace and other applications of products under strict conditions, in 2012 the total market are $ 270 million.

fiber connector market share

By connector type to points, 2012 single-mode fiber optic connector markets are $ 786 million, accounting for 33% of the market, mainly used in the telecommunications market. Multimode connector is mainly used for short-haul markets, such as LAN, high-performance computing, data centers, accounting for 61% of the total market. Another 6% of the market is the mechanical splices.

ElectronicCas point that advanced technology extended from optical fibers to the users, which will bring more demand for more miniaturized connectors and ribbon fiber connectors.

Published by Fiberstore, industry news – www.fs.com

FX Networks Choose Infinera DTN-X for New Zealand Fibre Optic Network

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Infinera, the owner and operator of a national selection of the Infinera DTN-X platform for its national wide network. With the features of 500 Gigabit per second (Gb/s) long haul super-channels, the Infinera DTN0-X platform is able to build a new network infrastructure which delivers 10, 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) services to service providers and research and education networks.

FX Network, which is already operating a national inter-city optical transport network, has partnered with REANZ. New Zeanland’s Research and Education Network, to build this new multi-terabit infrastructure. The agreement between the two parties includes joint investment and fibre sharing and should improve the ability of researchers and scientists across New Zealand to participate in data-intensive experiments, both with New Zealand and around the world.

The high capacity network also will benefit the existing and future business and ISP customers of FX Network via the availability of the 10GbE, 40GbE, and 100GbE services the network will support. Indiana says the DTN-X’s super-channel capabilities, supported via its 500-Gbps photogenic integrated circuits (PICs), and intelligent software control will provide both high capacity and rapid service turn up.

“We are seeing burgeoning demand for high speed data services in New Zealand, impacted by the growing trend towards the use of cloud-based services and an insatiable demand for content from customers of the ISP’s that rely on our backhaul services, ” said David Heald, CEO at FX Network. “We expect this to continue and accelerate with the ongoing deployment f Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) access services throughout most of New Zealand. The deployment of Infinera’s DTN-X platform is a crucial part of our strategy to provide unintended, reliable, cost-effective data services between New Zealand’s UFB Point of Interconnect, which are becoming the key locations for data aggregation in New Zealand.”

“The partnership with FX Networks to deploy this massive optical network across New Zealand is a significant change in this country,” said Steve Cotter, CEO of REANNZ. “With the Infinera supper-channels we will be able to offer up to 100GbE services providing our scientific community with the fasters network technology available today, putting them on a level playing field with the rest of the world.”

“Infinera is pleased to work with our in-country partner Dimension Data to deliver and support this multi-terabit optical networking across New Zealand for FX Networks and REANNZ,” said Andrew Bond Webster, VP Sales, APPAC, for Infinera. “The Intelligent Transport Network offers differentiated services while reducing operating costs through scale, multi-layer convergence and automation, enabling high-capacity services to be delivered quickly throughout the country.”

Google Fiber Began to Enter the United Kingdom

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In recent months, a new fiber optic communication market player Google Fiber has been busy laying cables, and offer very competitive FTTH services portfolio. Although the network is currently limited to Kansas, it may be just the beginning because of the heritage of Google’s upstart blood.

Google has not satisfied its own web service, mobile platforms, web browsers and even education and productivity hardware, this technology giant will now spotlight data transmission business.

At least, this is a belief. Of cause, now Google’s attitude to its fiber optic business has been very cautious, especially in Kansas City 1G, 79 GBP/ month service has just put into operation for a month, Google access service Milo Medin, president position, “Google Fiber has become an important business sector that brings huge gains.”

However, serious speech of Medin does not eliminate doubts about peoples including fiber supporter groups, they claimed Google from start to finish hasn’t regarded the fiber business seriously, but simply want to provoke major telecommunications providers.

European FTTH Council Communications Director Nadia Bahaali said, “Google is being launched worldwide in a Gigabit (Gbit) city competition, it also made it clear to other carries: If you refuse to provide us wit the necessary equipment development services, We can be our own building.”

With Google Fiber showing of its ambition to Texas and Utah, it is widely believed that the company will further expand its business network.

After the news, Google want to establish a cooperative relationship with the UK IT service company Colt. For a company which has already its own fiber and DSL infrastructure, this is more like a happy coincidence. The problem is that would Google has the development space in the UK optical market?

Dowden admitted that in the smart phone today, Britain is facing the problem of increasing capacity demands, but if entering the UK market, Google will be faced with the intense competition from BT, Virgin Media and other fiber optic equipment provider. The British government is also vague uncertainty about the construction of fiber optic network “growth agenda”, although the government wants to speed up the country (including the most remote areas) fiber construction speed, but Dowden believe that this process will very slow.

In Kansas City, Google said it cut the installation costs by dealing with local government officials. British Indigo Telecoms Company (focused on installing high speed service) CEO Stephen Thompson said the UK market very much welcomes the Google Fiber. “Participate of new competitors will bring benefits, such as increased speed of service and to provide users with more extensive and better quality of service.”

Google’s approach may demonstrate a self-fulfilling prophecy, because if you put aside Google’s influence, this type of marketing is very likely to fail.

Babaali said, “People will compare the speed and the content, do not care about service problems; but if we have been talking about, gigabyte network need to develop a wide range of service, Google will do so.”

No matter what is Google’s foreign fiber network strategy, it seems to have won the peoples”s support. For this constant pursuit of faster speeds in the industry, this may not be a bad thing.

Twist Beam Can Improve The Fiber Information Carrying Capacity

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FiberStore news, the latest research achievements from a research team in the United States show, encoding information through twist beam of different shape can improve the Internet “Information Super Highway” carrying capacity, which effectively alleviate the network congestion.

Internet traffic is growing exponentially, researchers have been trying to enhance the communication capacity of optic fiber cable. A successful method used in the past 20 years, basically is to rely on the more “lane”, refers to use a different color or wavelength to transmit different signals. But just like in the real highway, since the amount of “lane” is increased, each width is narrower, so the data stream can only be mixed together.

From past few years, there are a number of research teams trying to get through the shape of light beam to encode the information, in order to ease network traffic congestion, the technology used the called light property of orbital angular momentum. Currently, the network signal is the use of straight spread light beam to transmit, but the specific filters can make the beam distortions in varying degrees in the process of moving. However, the experiments results using this effect are not ideal: different shapes of light beam often mix with each other in advance distance of less than 1 metre.

But now, researchers at Boston University and the University of Southern California cooperated, found a way to make the different shapes of light beam travel separately, the transmission distance reached a record of 1.1 km.

In the experiment, the researchers designed and built a 1.1 km long glass fiber cable, the cross section has a different refractive index (used to measure the travel speed of light in a specific medium). Then, they sent beam of winding and straight along the cable.

The research team found, light output and input can be matched, show that the various shapes beam does not appear mixed. Different refractive index significantly affects only a certain shape of beam, so these different shapes of beams are moving at different speeds in the cable. “This means we can keep them separate.” Research team leader, Boston University Electrical Engineer Saida Si Rama Ramachandran said.

The researchers carried out several tests using beam of clockwise and counterclockwise with varying distortion degrees, and found there are about 10 different shapes of beams can be used to transmit information. The results are exciting, because every shapes may presage the “information highway” traffic is expected to reach a whole new level. Based on this, the data stream is is further divided into narrow “lane” according to the different colors, thereby maximize the flow.

However, the laboratory results applied to real world still need time, in part because the current Internet fiber optic cable only transport straight beams. Ramachandran said, a more direct goal, may be used in server farm between servers by some large network companies like Facebook, install cables which can transmit twisted beam in short distance.

Infonetics: 16G Fibre Channel Leads High-performance Interconnect Market

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Market research firm Infonetics Research forecasts that the SAN and high-performance interconnect market will top $9 billion by 2017, with the high-performance interconnect segment gaining around as 10G Gigabit Ethernet (GE), 10GE and 100GE transport become the norm for networking within the data centre.

Nevertheless, the leading manufacturers in the SAN and high performance interconnect markets all had a down quarter in 1Q13, according to Infonetics.

“While most SAN equipment languished in the 1st quarter of 2013, 16G Fibre Channel switches put up a very strong showing,” notes Michael Howard, Infonetics Research’s co-founder and principal analyst for carrier networks. “Sales of chassis 16G Fibre Channel switches grew 45%, and fixed switches more than doubled from the previous quarter.”

Worldwide revenues for SAN equipment, including Fibre Channel switches and ISCSI and Fibre Channel host bus adapters, also declined to $604 million in 1Q13, an 8% drop from 4Q12.

Howard adds, “The bulk of 16G Fibre Channel deployments continue to be inter-switch link applications, but with server input/output capabilities rising with the introduction of Intel’s Romley, and with Emulex’s and QLogic’s first 16G Fibre Channel fibre adapters shipments, we expect a more meaningful adoption of 16G for server connections to begin in 2013.”

The initial pent-up demand that provided a jump start for 16G Fibre Channel switches is still in motion, but Infonetics believes it will soon slow and settle into a growth pattern more in line with the 8G segment of the market.

SAN MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

  • Worldwide revenue for SAN equipment, including Fibre Channel switches and iSCSI and Fibre Channel host bus adapters, declined to $604 million in 1Q13, an 8% drop from 4Q12
  • The initial pent-up demand that provided a jump start for 16G Fibre Channel switches is still in motion, but Infonetics believes it will soon slow and settle into a growth pattern more in line with the 8G segment
  • On the heels of huge growth in 2012, the global high-performance interconnect equipment market, including converged FCoE/Ethernet switches and converged network adapters, slumped 13% sequentially in 1Q13, but is up 45% from the year-ago quarter
  • Infonetics forecasts the SAN and high-performance interconnect (HPI) equipment market to top $9 billion by 2017, with the HPI segment gaining as 10GE, 40GE and 100GE transports become the norm for networking within the data centre.
  • The leading fibre optic manufacturer in the SAN and high-performance interconnect markets all had a down quarter in 1Q13

Infonetics’ quarterly SAN report provides worldwide and regional market size, vendor market share, forecasts through 2017, trends and analysis for chassis and fixed Fibre Channel switches; Fibre Channel and iSCSI host bus adapters; chassis and fixed converged FCoE and Ethernet switches; and converged network adapters. Companies tracked: Alcatel-Lucent, Brocade, Chelsio, Cisco, Dell, Emulex, IBM (BNT), Juniper, Mellanox, QLogic and others.

T Terabit Routing Era Came And Huawei Is Leading The Technology Competition

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FiberStore news, from the multiple points of user experience requirements, operators network architecture, equipment manufacturers product design and industry chain development, the coming of T Terabit Routing time will bring solutions to these problems.

The Coming Of T Terabit Routing Time

More and more users via Facebook and Youtube for Internet video-on-demand, P2P Internet traffic has also increased significantly; with the development of cloud computing and network virtualization technology, the interaction transmission of massive data put the continuing increase information services and information processing to the network, the network gradually need to carry more resources and content, operators are facing new challenges in the network construction.

From itself, the global major operators also have been trying to find a more complete, more efficient and more economical way of network evolution, is committed to providing high safety and reliable network environment and ability of smooth expanding capacity to respond the data stream vary from minute to minute, and build a sustainable development of green internet.

Therefore, the more advanced 100G, 400G and 1T bandwidth technologies and solutions become an inevitable choice for the operators currently, to ensure its sustainable and healthy development.

Every technological breakthrough will bring significant social change. The T-bit technology as the representative of the ultra-bandwidth technology is expected to drive innovations of information technology, leading to a full range of social change, the information revolution to a new climax. Not only users, operators and equipment manufacturers, chips, optical modules, standards organizations and other related industrial chain will find their own position in the new era.

There is no doubt that the Internet is a field of “technology is king”, who occupies the most high-end technology and owns the most powerful products, then who will lead this era.

Huawei, Alcatel-Lucent and other major equipment manufacturers have already launched competition in the T-bit era. Since IEEE802.3ba 40GE/100GE standard released in June 2010, the fight of  large bandwidth technology had began, the mainstream manufacturers have released 100G products and solutions one after another.

Huawei successively first released its 200G and 480G router single board in 2011-2012, in April 2013 Huawei released the industry’s first 1Tbps routing line card shockly in its global analyst conference. The line card can support high-density 100GE, 40GE ports, switching capacity improved 1 times to 32Tbps, is by far the industry’s highest-capacity switching line cards, ahead of other manufacturers in industry about 1-2 years, which marks the official arrival of T bits network era.

New Generation 100G WDM Network Technology

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FS news, Huawei announced that, KPN International introduced the based on second generation of soft decision 100G WDM technology from Huawei. 100G signals transmitted from the existing network of Amsterdam to Paris, via Germany, transmission distance up to 1,400 km. Because the system has a great margin, and later at the end of the site added 300 km fibre, the signal is still being successfully transmitted. The successful launch marks the 100G technology entered into a new commercial era.

Soft-decision is the most leading optical signal powerful error correction technology, is the key of 100G technology to large-scale commercial. And the second generation of soft decision adopts oDSP module, developed for Huawei’s 400G technology, in essence is with 400G technology to enhance the performance of 100G, realizes the further optimisation of the FEC algorithm, achieve a lower damage in transmission performance, lower single-bit power consumption. Benefit from the breakthroughs in key technologies, compare to the first generation of soft-decision system, the second generation soft decision improves the transmission distance from 3000 km to 4000 km, the transmission performance is improved by 30%.

KPN International introduced the second generation of soft decision technology successfully, fully demonstrated the new generation 100G technology has matured, and also verified the Huawei 400G core modules maturity. KPN International began using Huawei next WDM system in pan-European wavelength division trunk in 2008, the network is one of Europe’s largest and most leading WDM networks, KPN International was the first to deploy Huawei coherent 100G WDM technology in 2011.

“Customer success is the constant pursuit of Huawei,” Huawei Transport Network Product Line CEO Wang Weibin said, “Huawei has long-term cooperation with leading operators such as KPN , to meet the needs of customers, and work with customers to open a window to the future.”

Huawei is the best partner for next-generation WDM network customers, so far, has builded over 90 100G commercial network. According to industry authority consulting company statistics, as the first quarter of 2013, Huawei continues to rank first in the global optical network market, ranks first in the global WDM/OTN market, ranks first in the global 100G and 40G market.

Alcatel-Lucent Strategic Regression May Lead to Distress

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After Nokia Siemens Networks, Alcatel-Lucent last week become the world’s second full-service telecommunications network equipment providers (NEP). The company is positing itself as industry experts, and announced it is adjusting the company’s strategic positioning and focusing on IP networks and mobile broadband access.
Market research firm Ovum principal analyst of Network Infrastructure, RonKlein has conducted some comments, he said:
“Alcatel-Lucent’s strategic shift only illustrates the fast evolution of the market which is dominated by the optical communication provider, and facing with the sieging of a growing number of Internet content providers and Western telecommunication network equipment providers. This will allow Alcatel-Lucent focuses on cloud and growing demand for bandwidth, a large Internet service provider.”
“From the perspective of the network infrastructure, this program will strengthen the R & D activities of Alcatel-Lucent in high-growth areas. However, quit the traditional technology market may be extremely difficult, and to find buyers for Submarine Network Solutions is likely subject to the regulatory obstacle.”
Ovum’s quarterly market share research shows that Alcatel – Lucent IP and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) product’s performance is quite good, but the decreasing income of synchronous digital hierarchy / synchronous optical network (SDH / SONET) and distributed control system (DCS) have resulted in rapid reduction in the income of the company’s profit margins and continues decreasing of the market share. Alcatel – Lucent is a the manufactures ranked third in the global switching and routing market, the company’s broadband access revenues declined 2d%, slightly higher than $ 1 billion.
Global broadband access market overall downward, and the current portion of the growth is most from China. In the past year, although the Alcatel – Lucent’s converged packet optical equipment (CPO) increase 15 percent, its optical networking equipment revenue plunged 28 percent likely to be the company’s biggest challenge for the company. In view of the traditional products and installation level of related customers, it is hard for the company to withdraw from the market. Alcatel – Lucent is caught in a similar dilemma in 2006 – at that time, the company adjusts product adjustments after the merger, but the customer outcry resulted in the plan did not take place.