Juniper Networks introduces MetaFabric architecture for next-generation cloud data centres

Juniper Networks has unveiled MetaFabric, a new architecture for next-generation data centres. It helps enterprises and service providers address the challenges associated with managing multiple geographically dispersed data centres.

MetaFabric simplifies and accelerates the deployment and delivery of applications within and across multiple data centre locations. Delivered via a comprehensive portfolio of switching, routing, orchestration, software-defined networking (SDN) and security solutions, MetaFabric helps ensure investment protection by allowing organisations to adapt to the changing needs of data centres without replacing the existing infrastructure.

By using MetaFabric, customers can deploy, utilise and manage a unified pool of network resources across multiple data centres optimally, thereby achieving greater levels of business agility and cost efficiencies, and improving the end-user application experience. Based on open interfaces, MetaFabric integrates the heterogeneous data centre environment. The MetaFabric architecture enables integration of a broad array of hardware and software solutions from Juniper Networks or other networking vendors, ensuring interoperability and minimal disruption. The product offers seamless integration via multiple deployment options by encompassing new and existing switching, routing, SDN and security offerings, including Juniper Networks’ full suite of security solutions.

Using built-in intelligence and analytics, customers can set up a flexible and adaptable data centre network that helps them accelerate the adoption of cloud, mobile and big data applications. MetaFabric allows customers to connect Juniper systems directly to OpenStack and CloudStack orchestration platforms, and SDN controllers, such as Juniper Networks’ Contrail and VMware NSX.

Various products introduced under the MetaFabric architecture include the QFX5100 family of 10G and 40G access switches. The QFX5100 family is built using top-of-rack switches, which offer high flexibility and resilience ensuring zero downtime for data centres. Juniper Networks MX Series 3D Universal Edge Routers can be used as universal SDN gateways to connect physical and virtual networks seamlessly. Besides, Juniper has added support for Ethernet and virtual private networks, which helps maximise performance by creating efficient forwarding paths across the wide area network.

STMicroelectronics launches the 3STL2540 power transistor

STMicroelectronics has introduced the 3STL2540 power transistor, which helps consumers save energy while running critical applications. The 3STL2540 is a -40V/-5A PNP with a maximum voltage drop of 200 mV at only 10 mA base current. The double-metal planar base island technology enables the 3STL2540 to maintain a consistently high current gain (hFE) of at least 100 over a wide output-voltage of 0.2 V to 10 V and a temperature of -30 °C to 150 °C, thereby ensuring low power losses. The product claims to be thermally efficient and comes in a PowerFLAT package with dimensions of 0.6x2x2 mm, thereby ensuring reliable, high performance power circuitry within minimal PC-board space. The 3STL2540 is available in packages of 1,000 pieces at a starting price of $0.3.

ASUS introduces the WL-330NUL router

ASUS has launched the WL-330NUL router that enables faster internet access for people on the move. The router is targeted at customers who travel frequently and use Ultrabooks, smartphones and tablets to surf online. The WL-330NUL provides a secure network set-up and allows network sharing with other users. The device supports multiple operating systems like Windows 8, Mac OS and iOS, and is priced at Rs 3,500.

The WL-330NUL allows sharing a single connection on multiple devices without having to pay for additional accounts or apply for new login information. A wired networking port, the RJ-45 Ethernet port on the WL-330NUL offers customers fast and secure wired connections. Users can pair the WL-330NUL with their Ultrabook through a USB cable and connect it to a wired internet source such as a modem. The product offers one-click network management and guest access control.

National Instruments unveils four R Series motherboards with USB connectivity

National Instruments has launched four new R Series motherboards (USB-7855R OEM, USB-7856R OEM, USB-7855R OEM and USB-7856R OEM) with USB connectivity. These products are based on the LabVIEW RIO architecture, which is an integral part of National Instrument’s graphical system design platform. The R Series boards combine the open NI LabVIEW graphical programming environment with commercial off-the-shelf hardware to simplify development, which allows the incorporation of custom-made designs. The key features of the product are Xilinx Kintex-7 FPGA, Improved I/O and adjustable digital I/O (DIO) levels. The Xilinx Kintex-7 FPGA facilitates tasks like custom timing and triggering, synchronisation, multi-rate sampling, high speed control and onboard signal processing. Improved I/O allows designers to leverage analog input and analog output rates of up to 1 MHz for closed-loop control tasks as well as DIO rates of up to 80 MHz. It also offers selectable logic levels from 1.2 to 3.3 and adjustable DIO levels help designers meet specific application requirements. In addition, the selectable gain for analog input ranges enables users to get higher resolution at lower voltage ranges. Customers can also opt for the board-only form factor, which allows users to create their own I/O interface.

Brocade launches the Brocade ICX 7750 switch

Brocade has unveiled the Brocade ICX 7750 switch. The product is a high density 10/40 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) fixed port solution, which is designed to scale up solutions for campus aggregation. The switch enables organisations to seamlessly add network capacity in an agile and cost-efficient manner. The key features of the Brocade ICX 7750 switch are that it offers up to 3,000 1/10 GbE ports or 800 40 GbE ports in a single logical device; up to 82 Tbps of aggregate switching capacity; and up to 46 billion packets per second of aggregate forwarding capacity. Further, it supports an SDN-enabled work environment with hybrid port mode support for Open Flow 1.3. The Brocade ICX 7750 switch is priced at $21,500.

Verizon launches a security suite

Verizon Enterprise Solutions has introduced Managed Certificate Services (MCS), a next-generation cloud-based platform that helps address security risks arising out of the increasing number of internet-connected automobiles, smart meters and home monitoring systems. The MCS platform is specifically designed to authenticate objects and machines; verify object and machine identities; and secure the data transmitted between these connections. The platform employs a pay-as-you-go model so that organisations pay only for resources that they use. Verizon’s next-generation MCS portfolio can be used for authenticating and verifying applications; services and enterprise infrastructure such as online shopping cart applications; and e-government service delivery such as licence plate renewal and passport services that require complex identity-proofing capabilities. The MCS platform is designed to help enterprises adhere to new regulatory guidelines aimed at protecting device-to-machine and machine-to-machine connections.

NetApp introduces two new hardware platforms

NetApp has launched two new hardware platforms and upgraded another to address the broad performance requirements of data-intensive applications. The company has introduced two new products – NetApp EF550 flash array and NetApp E2700. The NetApp EF550 is targeted at large networks that support heavy traffic. It claims to deliver consistent, predictable, sub-millisecond response times to accelerate latency-sensitive applications responsible for driving revenue and productivity, and delivering an enhanced customer experience. The platform supports applications such as database, virtual desktop infrastructure and web services. The EF550’s scale-up architecture provides wider data access to low-latency performance, while remote replication enables business-critical applications to be fully protected at a remote site.

The NetApp E2700 platform is targeted at small offices in remote locations, which require optimal performance at affordable costs. The E2700 offers simple and flexible management for IT workforce. With deployment of the E2700 platform, IT professionals can add storage capacity as their organisations grow without having to reconfigure running applications. The NetApp E-Series platforms are built using technologies such as dynamic disk pools, intelligent cache tiering with SSD cache and the NetApp AutoSupport tool. The E-Series platforms are part of the NetApp portfolio of block-based, performance-optimised storage. They are scalable and offer 99.99 per cent network uptime.