Network News: Dell, Level 3, Ciena

Here’s our review of some of today’s noteworthy links for the networking sector of the data center industry:

Dell expands networking portfolio.  Dell announced the PowerConnect 8100 managed 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switch family, to streamline deployments for enterprise campus and small core, mid-market network infrastructures. The new 8100 series were designed to deliver scalability, performance, operational simplicity, and cost-effectiveness in 24/7 operations. With the ability to stack up to six switches the 8100 delivers 100GbE performance and up to four 40GbE ports. It builds on Dell's Virtual Networking Architecture (VNA) for an open framework backed by technology, solutions and products for data centers and campus environments. Four models are available in 24 and 48 ports, in dedicated RJ-45 or fiber models, with expandable options including 40GbE capable QSFP+ ports. “We’re investing significantly in our networking portfolio, including PowerConnect and Force10, to provide customers a full 10 and 40GbE networking solution from the campus to the data center,” said Dario Zamarian, vice president and general manager, Dell Networking. “With a broad portfolio of network solutions to complement Dell servers, storage and end user devices, Dell is delivering innovative and streamlined solutions.”

Level 3 launches CDN in Latin America.  Level 3 Communications (LVLT) announced it has launched its content delivery network (CDN) services into Latin America. Grupo Z, a Chile-based provider of online audio and video broadcast streaming, has already begun using Level 3's network to deliver some of its largest events. "All indicators suggest the Latin American CDN market is poised for high growth over the next five-year period," said Dan Rayburn, principal analyst at Frost & Sullivan. "Applications such as over-the-top video and mobile video are still in the early stage of adoption, which are likely to substantially increase in usage as broadband infrastructure across the continent improves and the transactional mechanisms to purchase content-based services are more widely implemented."

Ciena and Vodafone deploy 100Gbps network.  Ciena (CIEN) announced that it has completed a 100 Gigabit per second data network in New Zealand, connecting Vodafone's Auckland data centers. The network was built using Ciena's 6500 Packet-optical platform, with coherent optical technology, which adds wavelengths of light for additional network capacity. “Data use on Vodafone’s mobile network has grown by over 125 per cent year on year and on our fixed network we’ve seen a 90 per cent year on year increase," said Tony Baird, Chief Network Officer at Vodafone.  "Now many customers have started using the internet, email and applications like Facebook on their smartphone, and their home network for content like TV and movies, it is rapidly becoming a way of life and this trend shows no sign of slowing.”