A New Era in Optical Fiber - A Corning Free Webinar

The ever-increasing bandwidth demand by today's communications networks continues to challenge carriers already under pressure to reduce network upgrade CapEx. As a result, there is a growing focus on reduction of network complexity, harmonization of components and increased intra-compatibility of transmission infrastructure. Contrary to this trend, carriers have had to make a choice between "low transmission loss" and "low bend loss" fiber infrastructure depending on the application space. But a new era of optical fiber has arrived and carriers can now benefit from transparency in their fiber infrastructure as there is no longer a need to choose. Read more...

Using Innovative Optical Fibre to Build Access Networks in Africa

It is imperative that as African telecommunication operators continue to build telecommunication networks to improve connectivity and the lives of Africans, they leapfrog obsolete technologies that were used in the past and have no place in modern networks. From time to time we will share innovative new technologies that could make a significant impact on the development of modern ICTs in Africa. This week, we examine a new optical fibre developed by Corning Incorporated - the pioneer and the world's largest supplier of optical fibre. Read more...

Internet Surveillance Using Deep Packet Inspection

Our recent articles on cyber security and cyberpunks received overwhelming feedback, and some needed a little more detail on how online surveillance is implemented. In this article we look at one technique mostly used for cyber surveillance - deep packet inspection. Read more

From Armed Revolution to a Technology Revolution

It has been 19 years since the end of apartheid, 23 years since the independence of Namibia, 33 years since the independence of Zimbabwe, 38 years since the independence of Mozambique and also 38 years since the independence of Angola. Participation in the armed struggles means very different things to those who consider themselves revolutionary war heroes. For some, contribution to the liberation of their people has become a passport to terrorise, maim and assassinate their political rivalries. For some, it is a mandate to loot as much property, land and wealth as they so wish, even if that brings their national economies to a halt. But for some, the end of the revolutions they participated in was only a beginning of a journey to African renaissance, driven by modern technology. Read more...

Boosting Internet Connectivity by Utilising White Spaces

Despite all the gains in Africa mobile penetration, Africa Internet penetration is only 16%. In other words, more than 800 million Africans do not have Internet access. The availability of spectrum for mobile broadband is one factor that has been blamed for the low Internet penetration. The use of "white spaces" technology could go a long way to boost Internet penetration in Africa. Read more...