Networking and communication

Openreach takes the strain as broadband usage more than doubles in 2020

In what it says is a year like no other, BT broadband provision division reveals added infrastructure pressures from “new normal” Continue Reading

Covid-19’s impact on the retail supply chain

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed gaps in the ability of retailers to mitigate supply chain imbalances Continue Reading

Top 10 networking stories of 2020

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 networking stories of 2020 Continue Reading

Top 10 telecoms and mobile stories of 2020

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 telecoms and mobile stories of 2020 Continue Reading

EU looks to enter broadband space race

European Union looks to extend communications frontier through consortium examining the design, development and launch of a European-owned space-based communications system Continue Reading

Digital infrastructure flourishes in 2020

Study from co-operative trade association for next-generation broadband services notes increased industry investment and roll-out growth, marking a significant year for network infrastructure Continue Reading

New contractors appointed to roll out fibre broadband across Devon and Somerset

Airband, Truespeed and Wessex Internet selected to roll out full-fibre networks on behalf of the Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) programme Continue Reading

What experts say to expect from 5G in 2021

In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore 5G's potential in 2021, including new business and technical territories 5G may explore and features to transform enterprises. Continue Reading

Top 10 Australia IT stories of 2020

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 Australia IT stories of 2020 Continue Reading

5G coverage set to reach over half of global population by 2025

Despite 5G deployment still facing various challenges, operators are making progress in addressing major issues Continue Reading

Cisco reveals intention to acquire Dashbase

Networking tech and services giant gets out the corporate chequebook for the third time in a matter of weeks to buy customer experience and analytics software provider Continue Reading

UK parliamentary committee slams government broadband targets as unrealistic

Report highlights missed targets and overpromising in gigabit infrastructure roll-out and urges government and national regulator to take bolder, faster action to address the causes of costs and delays Continue Reading

Viasat announces $222m RigNet acquisition

Global communications company unveils plans to expand and diversify commercial connectivity portfolio, with purchase of intelligent networking solutions firm to add complementary technology Continue Reading

Top 10 remote working stories of 2020

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 remote working stories of 2020 Continue Reading

Top 10 end-user computing stories of 2020

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 end-user computing stories of 2020 Continue Reading

Top network attacks of 2020 that will influence the decade

You've heard of phishing, ransomware and viruses. Now, keep them in mind because one cybersecurity expert says these threats and more may cause IT headaches for the next decade. Continue Reading

Advice for an effective network security strategy

Security audits, evaluations of tools and looking realistically at trending technologies are some ways an organization can ensure its network security is the best it can be. Continue Reading

Test your network threats and attacks expertise in this quiz

Network security is an ever-changing subject, but many of its common threats have plagued IT pros for years -- and will likely continue to do so. See what you know in this quiz. Continue Reading

5G roll-outs to continue apace in 2021

New 5G launches will be led by telcos in forerunner markets, but the industry’s near-term outlook will depend on the timing of an economic recovery Continue Reading

Openreach announces massive job creation plan for gigabit network deployment

New green fleet for engineers as BT broadband provision aims to create 2,500 new roles in its own organisation and about 2,800 with partners to supporting full-fibre network build-out Continue Reading

Gigabit proliferates as UK’s fixed and mobile networks take the strain from Covid

The UK’s fixed and mobile networks take the strain of remote working and increased online entertainment uptake Continue Reading

How Ethernet became the world’s networking standard

Ethernet pioneer Bob Metcalfe outlines the technology’s early history, including the rivalry with IBM and what he did to convince people of the value of networks Continue Reading

Cloud RANs offer promise in APAC, but not in near future

While there is growing interest in cloud-based radio access networks, experts argue that telcos will still cautiously approach the technology in a phased manner. Continue Reading

SolarWinds cyber attack is ‘grave risk’ to global security

More victims of the SolarWinds Orion Sunburst cyber attack are being identified as the massive scale of the Russia-linked cyber espionage campaign becomes more clear Continue Reading

CityFibre, PQMS expand network construction training partnership

Former altnet brings online two new training centres in Bury and Pulborough alongside existing site in Coventry Continue Reading

SSE strengthens Scotland’s digital infrastructure with next-generation connectivity

High-capacity 100Gbps connectivity services delivered into datacentre intended to future-proof Scotland’s businesses and public sector organisations Continue Reading

FireEye and partners release SolarWinds kill-switch

A so-called kill-switch for the dangerous SolarWinds Sunburst attack should allay some user fears, but is not a full fix for the issue Continue Reading

EY: Coordinated action vital to meet Gigabit Britain network deployment targets

With gigabit connectivity crucial to supporting the UK’s ‘levelling up’ agenda and plugging the digital divide, an EY study shows half of UK SMEs believe investment in gigabit connectivity is vital for the economic development of their region after Covid-19 Continue Reading

Huge uptick in global 5G deployment across 2020

Although yet to fully accommodate the boost it got from the recent launch of suitably enabled iPhones, the 5G market has enjoyed a strong third quarter, according to data from mobile testing specialist Continue Reading

How 5G is going to transform digital banking in 2021

Covid-19 has accelerated digital banking this year and 5G promises to have an even bigger impact next year Continue Reading

Networking infrastructure issues peg back firms adapting to Covid-19 new normal

Survey shows inadequate infrastructure is preventing businesses from meeting challenges around remote working and omni-channel customer demand and holding them back from embracing more innovative technologies Continue Reading

UK offering relatively poor value for broadband services

Low absolute pricing is among the region’s best, but lower average speeds compared with much of Europe makes the UK one of the continent’s laggards when it comes to broadband value for money Continue Reading

Singapore employees want more support for remote working

Singapore workers faced challenges in accessing internal company resources, spotty connections and had to use their personal devices for business while working remotely Continue Reading

Air purifier manufacturer creates IoT service in the cloud

Sweden’s Blueair introduces new functionality for customers through a cloud-based internet of things platform Continue Reading

Ericsson sets sail with enhanced maritime connectivity

Swedish tech provider aims to rectify lack of options for at-sea communications where traditional satellite comms have seen high prices, high latency and low throughput Continue Reading

Bethlehem placed in Tier 3: Inns closed. Herodian enforcement

A new variant of Covid has been detected among infants in the Bethlehem area. After receiving intelligence from a committee of experts, King Herod has decreed that all hospitality facilities will ... Continue Reading

Optus teams up with VMware on SD-WAN

Australia’s second biggest telco, Optus, will offer VMware’s SD-WAN solution to enterprises in a highly fragmented market Continue Reading

IT teams’ challenges ramp up in maintaining high-quality network video experience

Companies providing streaming services have seen huge growth in demand, which has meant providing an optimal user experience while managing surging user traffic Continue Reading

Standards alliance adds to membership as NEC opens new Open RAN lab

Japanese tech giant establishes Open RAN laboratory in India to complement centre of excellence in the UK, where Southampton University spin-off joins O-RAN Alliance Continue Reading

Giffgaff goes AWS to drive operational transformation

UK mobile virtual network operator selects Amazon cloud as part of plan to accelerate innovation and enhance new services Continue Reading

Zoom, Google Meet, TikTok dominate mobile app downloads in 2020

Study from leading analytics firm reveals how 2020’s mobile app arena has been transformed through Covid-19, and how the app providers are setting up for 2021 Continue Reading

Singapore trials beacons to bolster police operations

Police beacons equipped with video cameras, sirens, floodlights and speakers are being deployed at two parks to improve public safety in a year-long trial Continue Reading

Software-defined home offerings drive remote productivity

Say hello to software-defined home, a 'branch of one' package that combines professional-grade Wi-Fi, security, SD-WAN and centralized management for remote workers. Continue Reading

How to calculate a subnet mask from hosts and subnets

IP addressing and subnetting are important and basic elements of networks. In this article, learn how to calculate a subnet mask based on the required number of subnets and hosts. Continue Reading

Three UK gears up for 2021 business expansion

UK mobile network operator sets out plans to enhance business proposition over next 12 months, improving connectivity, how it operates and how it interacts with customers Continue Reading

Aryaka offers hybrid workplaces “risk-free on-ramp” to SASE

New managed secure private access solution claimed to be able to make remote employees “first-class citizens” for corporate applications Continue Reading

Cisco accelerates collaboration with ‘wave’ of Webex enhancements and plans

Reacting to the new normal ahead of all organisations and as part of a major overhaul of its conferencing and collaboration options, network technology and solutions giant unveils Webex portfolio overhaul and intent to buy audience interaction company Continue Reading

After critical year, Vodafone trains security sights on CNI market

Vodafone’s security head Steve Knibbs explains how he plans to bring the lessons of a transformative few years in cyber security to bear on new markets Continue Reading

Cato boosts network management with SASE cloud API

GraphQL-based API designed to extract security and networking information globally with a single request allows enterprises to automate provisioning and management of SASE deployments from third-party platforms Continue Reading

Deloitte: Cloud, intelligent edge and telemedicine set to accelerate in 2021

Global market for intelligent edge computing will expand to $12bn in 2021, with more than 400 million video visits to doctors worldwide across the year Continue Reading

Amnesia:33 IoT flaws dangerous and patches unlikely, say experts

The disclosure of multiple flaws by Forescout has raised big questions for the developers of connected products, and for their users Continue Reading

Managed vs. unmanaged switches: What are the differences?

Managed and unmanaged network switches differ in various ways, including control and cost. Managed switches support more granular control, yet unmanaged switches have lower prices. Continue Reading

Top IT predictions in APAC in 2021

The Asia-Pacific region will continue to be a cradle for technology innovation in the new year, whether it is 5G services, artificial intelligence, cloud computing or cyber security Continue Reading

API, API, API, API (aye aye aye aye)

I very recently spoke at a webinar for a long-time client emanating from the artist formerly known as helpdesk market - Sunrise Software - on the increasing importance of APIs - usable ones, not ... Continue Reading

Network performance issues are IT pain point amid COVID-19

Network performance is a top issue among IT teams and remote workers amid the pandemic and can correlate with other technical issues, such as cybersecurity and hardware problems. Continue Reading

SMEs need to acknowledge remote working lessons to prosper post-Covid

Research from integrated cloud communications platform provider finds that over two-fifths of SME employees believe that, with effective communication tools, productivity would be the most improved business challenge in the “new normal” Continue Reading

Remote working issues block path to success for medium-sized businesses

Nearly a third of European workers at mid-sized organisations feel disengaged and unmotivated due to issues with technology while working remotely Continue Reading

Multiple D-Link routers found vulnerable to attack

Digital Defense discloses a remotely exploitable root command injection flaw in a number of D-Link wireless router devices Continue Reading

AWS to open Melbourne cloud region in 2022

Amazon Web Services’ second Australian cloud region is part of its growing infrastructure investments in the maturing cloud market Continue Reading

Cisco aims for enhanced engagement with IMImobile acquisition

Network technology and solutions giant makes strategic acquisition of cloud communications software and services provider to embed omnichannel engagement into customer experience-as-a-service Continue Reading

Nokia to be technology lead for EU 6G project

Finnish comms tech provider is the project leader for European Commission’s flagship initiative for research into the next generation of wireless networks Continue Reading

Ericsson, TIM, Qualcomm, claim 5G FWA speed milestone

Although fixed wireless access has not yet gained as much publicity as other use cases for the next-generation infrastructure, its potential in connecting those in remote areas to 5G is vast and a consortium of technology vendors and leading Italian operators have established a new throughput benchmark Continue Reading

UK Space Agency awards £7m for space innovation projects

A range of ‘high risk, high reward’ projects have been awarded a total of £7m from the Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme, aiming to make the UK a world leader in space technology Continue Reading

China lags US in computer vision

China trails the US in the field of computer vision despite making inroads in computing and research, new report finds Continue Reading

FTTH Council Europe slams misleading advertising for fibre networks

Fibre broadband trade body study shows consumers are confused about marketing and performance of broadband-access technologies, recommending a ‘fibre-ready’ label should be introduced for new buildings and major renovations Continue Reading

Nova casts light on streaming network issues as energy demands soar

So-called industry-first solution brings new revenue opportunities, reduces churn and differentiates offer for video providers as they struggle to cope with energy surge in providing services Continue Reading

Openreach claims UK first as it moves from copper to full-fibre in Salisbury

Salisbury takes a step closer to becoming the UK’s first ‘fully digital’ city with full-fibre deployment Continue Reading

IT teams’ challenges ramp up in maintaining high-quality network video experience

Companies providing streaming services have seen huge growth in demand, which has meant providing an optimal user experience while managing surging user traffic Continue Reading

Networking as a Service Beats Not Working as an Alternative...

So, we’ve had number of standalone elements emerge in recent years: cloud, SD-WAN, virtual anything and everything that- together – create what you could readily term a next generation network, as ... Continue Reading

Nokia deploys 5G private networking across five German research centres

Finnish comms tech giant continues roll-out of standalone private 5G network for large-scale implementation across renowned German research institutes Continue Reading

How IoT keeps water flowing in rural communities

Non-profit organisation Charity: water has built an internet-of-things device packed with sensors to keep wells in remote parts of Africa and Asia flowing with clean water Continue Reading

RingCentral notes unified communications gains with PCCW Global private network

Global infrastructure provider implements private network to enable unified collaboration and contact centre systems firm to augment and scale networks to accommodate rapid growth and spikes in demand Continue Reading

Comms giants flow to edge of Amazon to boost 5G enterprise, industrial applications

Vodafone and Verizon announce partnerships with cloud giant to offer edge computing for use cases including autonomous vehicles, security, smart cities, healthcare and live interactive video streaming Continue Reading

Three continues UK 5G roll-out

UK operator now offers 5G in 154 towns and cities serviced from over 800 sites across the UK and announces partnership with Ericsson that includes roll-out of 5G and improvements to 4G network Continue Reading

Zoom revenue bonanza continues into third quarter

Breakout video conferencing firm continues strong run and in third quarter shows ongoing influx of customers Continue Reading

What's the role of narrowband IoT in 5G networks?

The union of narrowband IoT and 5G technology can benefit manufacturers, organizations with large office buildings and outdoor campus settings. Here's what you need to know. Continue Reading

A safe bet: How Covid-19 is fuelling investor interest in the datacentre industry

With demand for cloud and colocation capacity soaring on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic, datacentres are looking like an increasingly attractive bet for the investor community. Computer Weekly finds out why Continue Reading

UK government sets out 5G tech diversification strategy

Second reading of the Telecoms Security Bill outlines specific measures to restrict the use of Huawei’s goods, services and facilities in 5G networks and details of the new 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy designed to build a resilient, open and sustainable comms tech supply chain Continue Reading

How retailers are using technology to survive

In this week’s Computer Weekly, with high street retailers struggling to survive, we look at how technology can keep stores relevant. Everyone is focusing on flash storage, but hard disk drives are still an essential part of the IT toolkit. And we examine the latest developments in the ongoing Post Office Horizon IT scandal. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

UK government ploughs £3m into 5G test facility

Harwell Campus 5G research facility gets financial boost to assist development of advanced communications for terrestrial and satellite-based broadband networks Continue Reading

Faster-than-predicted growth for 5G with 3.5 billion subs forecast by 2026

Despite uncertainties caused by Covid-19, new research from Ericsson reveals that the pace of introducing new 5G functionality has increased in 2020 Continue Reading

Orange unveils plans for French 5G roll-out

Two years after gaining spectrum for 5G services in its home territory, the mobile network operator reveals first French cities for 5G deployment using 3.5GHz frequencies Continue Reading

Which suppliers cannot deliver rural broadband by 2025?

The decision to delay over £3 billion of spend is one that deserves "robust" scrutiny by the hundred or so MPs whose parliamentary majorities may depend on improve on-line access to education, ... Continue Reading

Plymouth to host world’s first 5G ocean-based marine testbed

5G docks at Plymouth Sound with virtualised testing platform designed to put the city at the forefront of marine and maritime innovation Continue Reading

Ericsson taps into industry momentum for network orchestration and automation

Swedish comms tech provider rides the wave of orchestration and automation systems supporting cloud-native functions and orchestrating services across domains, from the edge to private and public cloud Continue Reading

Linius aims to add magic to video conferencing with Whizzard

New product for the conferencing and enterprise collaboration markets offers the ability to transform hours of video footage into bite-sized pieces of content and increase knowledge sharing Continue Reading

Broadband access drives New Zealand remote working to be permanent fixture

Covid-19 crisis pushes Kiwis to do more online and the changes are sticking, according to research from ANZ telco and media research and consulting firm Continue Reading

UK broadband industry ‘confused’ by government funding claims

National broadband suppliers and trade bodies express surprise and lack of enthusiasm for Spending Review claims of providing positive outcome for gigabit roll-out across the country Continue Reading

CW Nordics: Bank branch closures continue as digital banking grows

Sweden’s Handelsbanken is cutting its branch network by nearly half, which means more money will be invested in IT. But it’s not just Sweden and the Nordics – banks across the world are watching the fintech industry demonstrate to consumers what banking can be like if the right technology is in place. Also in this issue, read about the Norwegian government’s decision not to implement an outright ban on the use of 5G equipment supplied by China's Huawei. Continue Reading

Vodafone, Ericsson trial automated flight paths for connected drones

UK fixed and mobile operator and comms technology provider take to the sky to ensure safe passage for drones Continue Reading

Inadequate home internet speeds contribute to ‘digital divide’ during UK lockdown

Survey reveals connectivity speeds are considered inadequate in 30% of properties and over one-third admit to judging the competence of colleagues who have connectivity issues during conferencing sessions Continue Reading

Australia’s science agency unveils mapping tech for SMEs

The digital specialist arm of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation has developed a mapping system to help robots navigate dangerous and complex terrain Continue Reading

Government’s infrastructure strategy says technology is key

The strategy aims to put innovation and technology at ‘the heart’ of its approach to transforming the country, as government launches new national infrastructure bank Continue Reading

Legacy tech adds to management headaches in dealing with new normal

Concerns raised over post-Covid return to the office, with virtually all C-level leaders admitting to still using offline processes and significant numbers believing their company will prioritise business continuity over safety Continue Reading

Securing UK’s critical national infrastructure is a 2021 priority

Government outlines the UK’s strategic cyber security policies for the coming 12 months, with critical national infrastructure a clear priority Continue Reading

Norway leaves door open to Huawei

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UK telecoms industry gives guarded welcome to Telecommunications Bill proposal

New legislation aims to provide a basis to strengthen the security framework for technology used in 5G and full fibre networks, including the electronic equipment and software at phone mast sites and in telephone exchanges Continue Reading

Vodafone teams with IoT.nxt to take enterprise IoT to new levels

UK operator looks to open up new markets for internet of things growth with a new range of services designed to make it easier for UK businesses to adopt technology to track, monitor and manage assets, giving them data, insight and control Continue Reading

Belgian security researcher hacks Tesla with Raspberry Pi

Belgian security researcher Lennert Wouters once again succeeds in hacking a Tesla vehicle, this time by exploiting the Bluetooth Low Energy standard Continue Reading

Nokia enables global enterprise IoT connectivity for China Mobile

Comms tech giant and leading Chinese operator reach strategic agreement to provide IoT global connectivity services for both China and international customers based on Worldwide IoT Network Grid managed service, expanding operator’s capability Continue Reading