Mellanox Speeds Data Transfer Between Remote Data Centers

Mellanox launches its MetroX solution to carry high capacity traffic between geographically diverse data centers, and Ciena helps Vodafone and Fibertech deploy 100G networks.

Mellanox MetroX TX6100

To accelerate data center connectivity across long distance and multiple geographic sites, Mellanox (MLNX) has launched its MetroX TX6100 solution to facilitate InfiniBand and Ethernet RDMA connectivity between data centers. Purdue University successfully deployed MetroX TX6100 over six kilometers to connect computation clusters to storage facilities. Providing access to its remotely sited supercomputers allows the university to organize assets to limited data center space more flexibly, resulting in higher facilities utilization without increased construction or building retrofit costs. The savings come without sacrificing performance. MetroX’s long-haul capabilities allow Purdue researchers to run more complex simulations and further advance their cutting-edge research in areas such as climate change, aerospace and molecular biology.

“A common problem facing data-driven researchers is the time cost of moving their data between systems, from machines in one facility to the next, which can slow their computations and delay their results,” said Mike Shuey, HPC systems manager at Purdue University.  “Mellanox's MetroX solution lets us unify systems across campus, and maintain the high-speed access our researchers need for intricate simulations -- regardless of the physical location of their work.”

Ciena and Vodafone expand 100G network

Ciena (CIEN) and Vodafone New Zealand announced the completion of a significant network expansion to deliver low-latency “express” capacity between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Traversing land and sea the 1,500 kilometer expansion of 100Gbps technology connects the three centers and is believed to be one of the longest 100Gbps networks globally, and a first in New Zealand. The development builds on Vodafone's existing Ciena 6500 Packet-Optical Platform architecture to include WaveLogic 3 coherent technology  for 100Gb/s capacity across terrestrial and subsea areas. “Data is the fastest growing segment of our business," said Tony Baird, Vodafone’s Head of Networks.  "This 100Gb/s network expansion is part of our continued investment in the Vodafone SuperNet to support high speed data for our customers, and deliver a consistently excellent data experience.”

Ciena used for Fibertech Metro 100G Ethernet Service

Ciena also announced that Fibertech, a provider of metro-based fiber optic network services to customers in the eastern and central United States, has deployed Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform and Service Delivery Switches. This has allowed Fibertech to provide high-capacity 100GbE Ethernet-based services and applications to service provider customers, large enterprises, and facilities in the higher education, healthcare, and government verticals. With Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform powered by WaveLogic 3 Coherent Optical Processors, Fibertech has implemented 100G metro Ethernet services to the enterprise.

“We are seeing an increasing need for high-capacity, programmable networks to serve our joint customers," said Jason Phipps, general manager of global enterprise and government market verticals at Ciena ."Network convergence and service velocity are also both top-of-mind. Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform and OneControl management solution, both key elements of our OPn network architecture approach, help Fibertech to unlock the full potential of its fiber assets. Additionally, our collaboration with Fibertech – also a BizConnect Partner – has resulted in a number of strategic enterprise and public sector wins, and the expanding addressable markets within these segments create opportunity for accelerated growth.”