http://www.comms-express.com/news/ en-gb Tue, 02 Dec 2008 2:00:13 GMT Copyright: (C) Comms Express 2007 http://www.comms-express.com/images/logo.jpg http://www.comms-express.com/ Networking equipment manufacturer Netgear has introduced a new range of power line adapters for turning plug sockets into high speed internet connections, it has been reported.

According to thomasnet.com, the Power Line HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit and the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit allow users to stream data, including high-definition video down power cabling.

The 200 megabits per second speed of a power line connection, ensures that the it is capable of withstanding intensive use, the news provider states.

Chris Geiser, Netgear's product line manager for Powerline devices, told the website: "The increasing demand for consistent high-speed Internet connectivity throughout the entire home compels networking providers to engineer products that are not only fast and reliable, but also simple to install for the average consumer."

Meanwhile, details of a new media streaming box from Netgear have been leaked onto the internet.

The new EVA9000 will have native Mac support, unlike its predecessor.]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/netgear-introduces-power-line-data-convertors-18906209/ 2008-12-01 17:25:07
The company, which cannot be named for legal reasons, was carrying out the routine work in Acton when the incident happened.

Wrexham council claimed the fine was in keeping with their stance to protect the local environment.

The money will be used to buy and plant a new tree on the same street.

Jonathan Warren, the environment department's arboricultural manager, said: "Any company carrying out excavation work in close proximity to trees should be doing it in accordance with industry guidelines."

Meanwhile, according to CBR Servers, the IT industry is making moves to ensure the sector is more environmentally friendly.

Data centre's networking equipment and cabling are at the heart of the green drive as hosts aim to reduce green house gas emissions and carbon footprints.]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/cabling-firm-pays-for-damaging-tree-roots-18906183/ 2008-12-01 17:20:17
StarHub has unveiled details of its Home Zone technology, which can connect a users 3G mobile to an enabled router within the home to make calls and send messages over a cable network.

According to the developer, the Home Zone can support all 3G mobile telephone usage and up to four 3G mobile users can simultaneously call out over the service.

Head of Mobile and Communications at StarHub, Anil Nihalani, said users do not need to purchase special phones to use the "3G femtocell technology", which gives it an advantage over other services such VoIP.

"By extending the ability to use the 'Home Zone' service to immediate family members, hubbing families who are our 3G mobile customers, will be able to get more out of it with better cost-savings and convenience," he added.

Green Grid member 3Com recently said that teleconferencing was one way in which businesses can be more environmentally friendly.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/first-3d-femtocell-network-launched-18902928/ 2008-11-28 16:28:11
Cyberoam, a division of Elite Technologies, has unveiled details of its new User-MAC binding, which it claims can prevent any unauthorised network access via an abuse of another persons "network rights", reports Computing News.

The firm states the need for virtual private network (VPN) technology is increasing across many businesses as the number of employees working "on the move" is increasing.

Abhilash Sonwane, vice-president of product management for Cyberoam, said the software scans all VPN traffic for malware and span and can also restrict users access to networks, addresses or servers.

He added: "This delivers greater network security and data confidentiality.

"It particularly enables educational institutions and enterprises with wi-fi networks to prevent users from impersonating others and covering up their footprints by changing their IP addresses."

Hewlett Packard recently launched a new Ethernet network connection module which it claims can quadruple the number of network interface ports available.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/cyberoam-adds-to-its-network-threat-management-systems-18902914/ 2008-11-28 16:24:43
In network industry news, EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering is set to add multi-stream testing to its FTB-8120NGE, FTB-8130NGE, IQS-8120NGE and IQS-8130NGE Power Blazer multi-service test modules.

Fibre Systems reports the tests will help develop a shift towards to the support of a variety of applications on one network, to ensure the Ethernet-based services can simulate different types of such programmes.

Etienne Gagnon, vice-president of product management and marketing for EXFO, told the site: "Testing these new applications, especially on existing transport networks, is always a challenge.

"We have risen to this challenge with our Power Blazer test modules, enabling network operators to offer new services with guaranteed quality of service to their customers."

Networking provider Netgear recently launched a range of adaptors which it claims can transform electrical power sockets into "high speed internet and home network connections".
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/exfo-expands-testing-of-network-modules-18902628/ 2008-11-28 15:37:26
Telephone network operator Swisscom has announced it is partnering with four internet service providers in order to market the new fibre-optic network under a pilot project commencing in March 2009.

Reuters reports the first stage of the project will include the cities of Zurich, Basel and Geneva.

Fibre-optic cables have already been laid in all three cities and Swisscom hopes to be able to make the network available to commercial customers in autumn 2009.

The company aims to connect 100,000 households by the end of the year.

Swisscom said: "The partners are VTX, green, netstream and init7.

"They will test the network provider's fibre-optic infrastructure, and use it to deliver their own services to residential and small to medium-sized business customers."

The Fibre to the Home Council of Europe recently issued its recommendations in response to the consultation into the development of next generation data networks.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/swiss-firm-to-pilot-fibre-optic-network-18902623/ 2008-11-28 15:36:29
Fortinet has announced its new FortiGate-620B multi-threat security device, which is expandable to a maximum of 24 ports and can offer internal network security segmentation for enterprise companies or data centres.

SC Magazine reports that the FortiGate-620B has a 16-gigabytes-per-second firewall and virtual private network throughout, which the company claims is a new performance record for products in its class.

The device also features a number of security functions including, spyware prevention, web content filtering, anti-spam and four other "core" applications.

Michale Xie, co-founder at Fortinet, told the site: "The increased popularity of gigabit-switching infrastructures and growing network size are fuelling the need for internal network segmentation points with gigabit-per-second links, and these requirements are extending beyond traditional high-end enterprises."

HardwareZone.com recently reported that D-Link International had added a new network storage enclosure to its range, which it claims is secure and easy-to-install.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/fortinet-unveils-new-network-security-device-18902618/ 2008-11-28 15:34:28
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has been working with Cisco to install LAN infrastructure equipment, wireless LAN capabilities and network security equipment through out the educational establishment.

Cisco is also sponsoring the Advanced Enterprise Infrastructure Lab in the Department of Computing to develop new networking solutions to help develop businesses across Hong Kong.

The department will also develop a range of unified enterprise and e-commerce communication wireless network applications.

Professor Poon Chung-kwong, president of the university, said the emphasis no academic and practical learning will provide "significant long-term benefits" to both students and outside businesses.

Cisco recently announced its new Integrated Service Router, which it claimed can manage network solutions and reduce associated costs.

The device can also accelerate WAN and LAN connectivity, according to the firm.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/cisco-developing-new-applications-for-university-18902608/ 2008-11-28 15:33:10 connectors aimed at cutting the cost of protecting against shocks, fluids and dust on-site.

The introduction of the firm's ATEX Ethernet range comes as the market moves increasingly towards concentrating on zone 2 of explosive environments rather than on the more expensive zone 1.

Making use of Amphenol's RJStop connection, the Ethernet cables are capable of protecting electrical equipment from temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius, as well as from forces equivalent to a one kilogram mass being dropped from 70 centimetres.

The range also boasts a cable power capacity of 20W at a maximum working voltage of 60Vrms, while all of the connectors are subjected to electrical testing during the production process.

According to the company, the new range is particularly suited at protecting networking equipment covering process monitoring and data acquisition techniques within the oil, gas and chemical power sectors.

The launch of this latest technology comes in the same week as a report in Freesky argued that multi-gigabit networking is unlikely to be dominated by Ethernet applications over the next few years.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/amphenol-launches-explosion-proof-ethernet-cables-18902604/ 2008-11-28 15:32:02
The network, called FibreSpeed, was put together with £30 million of investment by a coalition of the Welsh Assembly government, European Regional Development Fund and Geo Networks.

Stretching from Anglesey to the UK's "core network" in Manchester, the network covers a total of over 200 miles.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, minister for economy and transport, said FibreSpeed offers a "workable" solution to the problems of high-speed broadband in the area up to six times more expensive than in London and south-east.

He added: "They allow the public and private sectors to share infrastructure and, through selling space to service providers, see the benefits cascade down to businesses and homes in the form of high-speed connections and lower bills."

Recent research by Freesky found the most effiecent network kits are those which embrace multiple data link protocols.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/high-speed-network-for-north-wales-18902594/ 2008-11-28 15:31:00
Vnunet.com reports that in spite of the development of wireless technologies and the planned implementation of fibre optic networks across Britain, copper cabling will be in use for quite some time, according to Easynet Connect.

Although fibre opticcables have more potential due to their higher bandwidth, there are too many hurdles to prevent them becoming the standard, the website states.

As a result of the high costs of implementing a fibre optic network, the replacement of huge amounts of cabling is unlikely, reports the news provider.

According to Chris Stening, managing director of Easynet Connect, larger businesses with plenty of capital behind them have access to fibre optic network solutions today, but many small and medium sized businesses will be left high and dry.

In related news, a £30 million high speed fibre optic network is being developed in north Wales and will link 14 strategic business parks.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/copper-cabling-is-here-to-stay-18900972/ 2008-11-28 08:34:41
According to Processor.com, there are many factors to consider when designing a data centre.

The most obvious are power consumption, heat dissipation, space and what equipment and cabling to use.

However, Nick Schmidt, senior manager for IT infrastructure at CDW, told the website that equally important is the decision of whether to run cabling under the floor or to keep it above ground.

Mr Schmidt said that no matter what cooling equipment and cabling is used, copper or fibre everything should be wired overhead.

He added that not only would overhead wiring reduce costs, but it would give engineers easy access to cabling and allow swift changes and easy reconfiguration of network equipment.

Telephone companies adopted overhead cabling practices more than 50 years ago, Mr Schmidt claimed.

Meanwhile, cabling fire safety regulations are being ignored because of a lack of knowledge among businesses, according to Draka.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/data-centres-benefit-from-overhead-cabling-18900970/ 2008-11-28 08:33:28
The company said the new designs had been produces at the company's cable assembly plant, which is based in Hampshire.

Tom Hennessey, connector and cabling product manager at GTK, said the project was a new one and had tight deadlines, but the cabling loom needed to be redesigned.

However, within one week of getting hold of a prototype from a contractor working on the project, the company managed to create low cost alternative.

GTK is a manufacturer of connectors and cable assemblies and has recently added PCB's, optical electronics and product fabrication to its portfolio of services.

Working globally, GTK has on site engineering expertise and a dedicated customer services team.

It also provides a variety of data networking accessories, including Cat5e data outlets and IDC DIN connectors, as well as custom built cable assemblies.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/gtk-provides-underground-cabling-18900967/ 2008-11-28 08:31:51 fibre optic cabling components standard, it has emerged.

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has amended the standard for the TIA-568-C.3, which is one of four standards that constitute the TIA commercial building cabling suite.

Meanwhile, revisions of the remaining parts of the suite are expected to take place next year.

TIA-568-C.3 specifies transmission performance requirements for cable and components in premises fibre optic cabling.

Among the technical changes made from the previous edition of the standard are that it provides specifications for indoor-outdoor cable - including minimum bend radius and maximum pulling tensions - and that it has array connector specifications.

The TIA is a trade association for the information and communication technology industries.

With around 600 members, it aims to enhance the business environment for companies involved in the provision of a range of products and services, such as broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networking equipment, cable and satellite.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/optical-fibre-standards-demanded-18900311/ 2008-11-27 17:00:44 networking equipment to the same extent, a new report has suggested.

Produced by Freesky, the research, which is entitled '40 and 100 Gigabit Networks: Technologies, Markets, Applications', stated that as LAN, SAN and MAN speeds have surpassed a gigabit, the most efficient network kits are those which embrace multiple data link protocols.

It also suggests that theoretical concerns about multi-protocol complexity are being overridden by practical considerations about capital budget simplicity.

Author of the report David Gross said: "The defining economic characteristic of sub-gigabit networks was framing."

He added that, as a result of this, in 40 and 100 Gigabit networks, Ethernet will often interconnect with Infiniband and fibre opticcable.

In other industry news, research commissioned recently by Hewlett Packard suggested that most data centres are nearing capacity and have little or no room left.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/ethernet-will-not-dominate-the-future-of-networking-18900265/ 2008-11-27 16:57:43
Writing for PC Perspective, Ryan Shrout explained that it has now emerged as a realistic alternative to Wi-Fi for home users.

The technology involves using existing electrical cabling to transport data, giving users a number of advantages - including the ability to set up network equipment without additional wiring.

It is particularly useful for people who have found that Wi-Fi does not work in their property, the writer noted, perhaps because of walls being insulated.

Powerline networking struggled to establish a good reputation with users during its infancy because of the relatively slow speeds available, but Mr Shrout said new developments had changed all that and some providers now claim 200 Mbps is achievable - more than when using fibre leads.

Michael Harries of technology website Hexus is another fan of powerline technology's functionality and in a recent article described it as a good option for online gaming.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/powerline-networking-is-an-alternative-to-wi-fi-18900202/ 2008-11-27 16:44:24
Building regulations require businesses to use special cables in fire-protection systems, but Mark Froggatt, marketing services manager for Draka, claimed that all too often it does not happen.

Officials charged with enforcing building regulations in London appear to be well versed in the stipulations for fire-safety systems, he stated, but in other parts of the country compliance is patchy.

Mr Froggatt suggested a misunderstanding of the installation essentials relating to "large or complex buildings" may be part of the problem, together with a lack of knowledge about cables compliant with BS 7346-6 and how widespread its availability is.

Draka has installed its fire-safety systems on several prestigious projects in recent months, including at St Pancras International station and on the northern extension of the London to Paris rail link.
]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/firms-ignoring-cabling-safety-regs-18900189/ 2008-11-27 16:44:12 network cable – in turn reducing the amount of money spend by carriers on installing cabling, it has been reported.

The shift is also being driven by people's reliance on mobile phones, according to Network World.

Analyst Stephane Teral told the news provider, the economy will not get back on track until at least 2010.

He claims that it won't be until 2011 when cabling deployments will start to pick up again.

Teral believes cable providers that have been planning to adopt new cable voice infrastructure, including voice splitters, but are likely put their plans on hold, since customers tend to do without basic cable services during recessions.

Some of the decline in sales of VoIP infrastructure can be blamed on the ongoing recession hadded.

VoIP allows for the transmission of voice communications over internet connections and is usually used in conjunction with a VoIP enabled phone.]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/credit-crunch-reduces-landline-demand-18900173/ 2008-11-27 16:40:42
Research commissioned by Hewlett Packard, entitled the Data Center Transformation Survey, found most facilities are near capacity and have little or no spare room.

The survey of 1,020 chief information officers (CIOs) found the average data centre is operating at 82 per cent of its limit, including energy and cooling capacities.

However, over 70 per cent of CIOs said the business unit did not understand the important role of the data centre in the company, despite six in ten planning on investing in them further.

Which data centre to opt for was also a problem for over half of businesses, which said they struggle with the conflict of low cost and efficiency and flexibility.

Reinier van Hoeijen, director of datacentre transformation services at HP, says: "Managed correctly, data centre transformation can reduce costs whilst enabling increased flexibility and efficiency and creating better alignment between technology and the business."

Recent research taken at DatacenterDynamicsLondon:08 found investment in new data centres will be more than double the equivalent spent on re-fitting current services in the 2008-09 period.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for data centre solutions on the net.]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/data-centres-nearing-capacity-18895435/ 2008-11-25 18:18:05
To be run between December 2nd and 5th in Las Vegas, attendees to the conference will be able to discover new solutions in the server market.

Rackable will be highlighting its new C2005 server, which aims to provide greater flexibility and configurability.

George Skaff, vice president of marketing at the firm, says: "Rackable Systems will showcase its most innovative data centre solutions in the marketplace.

"We have also just released several new products that will be incredibly attractive to customers seeking a greater degree of flexibility," he adds.

The company will also showcase products from its partnership with NetApp – high-performance servers with storage solutions.

In addition to this, it will show the collaboration with IBM, which produced high-performance BlancerCenters.

Last month, the company launched the C2005 server, describing it as the most versatile to date.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for data centre solutions on the net.]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/rackable-to-showcase-latest-data-centre-18895418/ 2008-11-25 18:10:57