Press Release | ASTRI - Hong Kong Applied Science And Technology Research Institute Company Limited

ASTRI hosts FinTech Seminars Series (2) cum ASTRI Security Lab Launching Ceremony as FinTech cyber-security platform

[Hong Kong, 5 May 2015] Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) hosted FinTech Seminars Series (2) cum ASTRI Security Lab Launching Ceremony today (5 May) at InnoCentre to introduce ASTRI’s new cyber-security platform and to invite the finance industry to join its FinTech alliance against cyber attacks.

The ASTRI Security Lab (ASL) is ASTRI’s targeted R&D and knowledge-sharing lab with a world-class R&D team committed to cyber-security through investigations and knowledge exchange to build effective solutions against cyber attacks. ASTRI invites the finance industry, which is Hong Kong’s major economic pillar, to join the Lab as a strong FinTech alliance to defend against cyber threat. Providing high-level and impartial cyber-security services to financial institutions, finance-related government agencies and FinTech entrepreneurs, ASTRI aims to be their preferred consultant and independent cyber-security assessment agency while nurturing information security experts for FinTech.

ASTRI is pleased to have invited Mr Esmond Lee, Executive Director, Financial Infrastructure Department of Hong Kong Monetary Authority as Guest of Honor at the Launching Ceremony. He said, “Innovative payment services – one of the key elements of FinTech – have been a focus of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in recent years. We will keep up with our efforts in developing the hard and soft infrastructures necessary for their healthy development in Hong Kong.”

Mr Johann C Y Wong, Deputy Commissioner of The Innovation and Technology Commission also addressed the audience at the Ceremony, “Every day we hear about computers and accounts being hacked. It is crucial that we have a concerted effort in research, information sharing, and finding the means to deal with all these threats. I am glad that ASTRI has taken this very important step forward on cyber-security.”

The importance of cyber-security was reiterated by Mr Wong Ming-yam, Chairman of the Board, ASTRI. “Security is a key concern for all money- related transactions on-line. Hong Kong needs to be a ‘fort’ when it comes to cyber-security”, he stated.

After the Launching Ceremony, ASTRI leveraged the success of the inaugural series in March to host FinTech Seminar Series (2). Ms Melissa C Guzy, Managing Director of Arbor Ventures and Mr Alex T W Leung, Director of Information Security of ASTRI elaborated on the urgency of cyber-security with talks on FinTech Industry Investment Landscape and Fintech’s Worst Nightmare Only a Few Clicks Away: N Ways in Cyber-security to Hack Your Corporate Information respectively to a large audience comprised of finance and IT experts.

Cyber-security is increasingly becoming one of the world’s top security issues, with over 80 million security events being reported annually across the globe. With the use of mobile and other novel devices, heightened cyber attacks on the digital infrastructure of financial institutions could cause huge loss to the entire society. ASTRI Security Lab features SecShare, a smart and secure proprietary cyber-security information sharing platform. Closely connected with academia and international experts and having HSBC and Bank of China as advisors, ASTRI as a neutral body is uniquely positioned to meet the crucial yet formerly unaddressed need in Hong Kong’s FinTech to enhance cyber-security.

(From the left) ASTRI CMO Dr Jack Lau, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Chief Corporate Development Officer Mr Allen Yeung, Hong Kong Liaison Office of Education Science and Technology Deputy Inspector Mr Liu Zhiming, Arbor Ventures Managing Director Ms Melissa Guzy, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Executive Director of Financial Infrastructure Mr Esmond Lee and The Innovation and Technology Commission Deputy Commissioner Mr Johann C.Y. Wong cut the ribbon to officially mark the opening of ASTRI Security Lab

ASTRI and Guangdong Rising to collaborate on integrated power module and new technology research

[Hong Kong, 23 April 2015] Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) will collaborate with state-owned Guangdong Rising Assets Management Co. Ltd (GRAM) to jointly develop next generation integrated power module (IPM) and other new technologies for electronic and communication products.

A special signing ceremony was held today to mark the beginning of the joint collaboration between the two parties. Dr Frank Tong, CEO of ASTRI and Mr Li Zezhong, General Manager of GRAM signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering joint initiatives to design and develop new ICs, photonics, electronic components and packaging, communications technology, software and systems. The signing was witnessed by ASTRI Chairman Mr Wong Ming-yam and Chairman of GRAM Mr Zhu Wei. The ceremony was also graced with the presence of Deputy Director General Mr Gong Guoping and Director Mr Zeng Lu of Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology, and Deputy Inspector Mr Liu Zhiming and Director Mr Li Xiao of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

West Dynamic Enterprises Ltd (WDEL), a subsidiary under GRAM has already embarked on a joint research project with ASTRI to develop integrated power module for networking and telecommunication equipment. An Industrial Collaborative Project was signed earlier this year with funding support from both the HKSAR Government and industry partner.

Integrated power module is a core component for switching power supply unit required in all electronic products. With the market size of switching power supply unit reaching USD30 billion in 2013 and increasingly stringent requirement of future power modules to be used in big data, cloud computing, high speed telecom equipment, etc., there is huge market potential for next generation IPM.

ASTRI’s IPM solution involves a 3-level integration to achieve single and power-supply-in package. The new IPM is expected to greatly improve power density (≥30W/cm3) and reduce form factor by 40%. The design will also include a direct cooling interface to improve heat dissipation efficiency by 100% or more.

ASTRI CEO Dr Frank Tong is very pleased that ASTRI and GRAM can join hands in technology research. He said, “Guangdong Rising is a giant conglomerate with strengths and technical capacities for electronics. Its subsidiaries Fenghua and West Dynamic are among the biggest manufacturers of electronic components in the world. I believe through this collaboration, ASTRI and our partner can leverage on each other’s strengths to drive the development of new power module and transform technologies into innovative solution for the market.”

In addressing the ceremony, Mr Zhu Wei, Chairman of GRAM said, “We will capitalize on each other’s strengths to create a win-win collaboration. I firmly believe GRAM’s competitive advantages in manufacturing, management and market leadership, combining with ASTRI’s innovative R&D, technologies and talents will expedite technology transfers and will bring new ideas, profits, new markets and create a bright future for the industry.”

GRAM is a state-owned company with a successful track record in five industry sectors including mining, electronic, hospitality tourism, real estate and finance. It is also the second biggest shareholder of China Telecom. Its subsidiary Guangdong Fenghua Advanced Technology (Holdings) listed on Shenzhen Stock Exchange is one of the world’s eight chip component manufacturers. WDEL is wholly owned by Fenghua and it is the number one passive component manufacturer on the Mainland.

ASTRI has core competence in package and module level product development for power electronics. The new IPM under development is targeted for industry transfer for mass production in two years.

ASTRI CEO Dr Frank Tong (right) and GRAM General Manager Mr Li Zezhong exchange a warm hand shake after signing the agreement. (Second row from the left) GRAM Deputy General Manager Mr Liu Wei, Deputy Director General Mr Gong Guoping of Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Deputy Inspector Mr Liu Zhiming of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in HKSAR, GRAM Chairman Mr Zhu Wei and ASTRI Chairman Mr Wong Ming-yam witness the signing.

Largest IP pool on technology patents in Hong Kong to be established

[Hong Kong, 6 March 2015] Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has recently signed Memorandums of Understanding with PolyU Technology and Consultancy Company Limited (PTeC), HKBU R&D Licensing Limited and Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to form the largest pool of intellectual properties (IP) related to information and communication technologies (ICT) developed locally in Hong Kong.

Putting together their respective ICT patents, more than 560 in total, the four institutions intend to establish a one-stop shop readily accessible by potential industry buyers. The partners agree to let ASTRI group related patents into portfolios in selected areas for stronger appeal, optimal valuation and the best product strategy to meet market needs.

Chairman of ASTRI Mr Wong Ming-yam explained, “The formation of an IP pool bringing together research efforts of universities and research institutes is in line with the Government’s recent call for organizations to provide support to facilitate industry to fully utilize intellectual properties for growth and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a world technology hub.” He added, “An IP pool grouped by technology sectors will facilitate the selection and integration of IPs for product development. It also provides a convenient one-stop platform for start-ups including those from recent university graduates, small and medium-sized enterprises and multinationals to acquire cost-saving and appropriate patents to support R&D and enhance their competitiveness. I expect the IP pool to grow over time, as more entities from within and outside Hong Kong join the pool.”

According to a report published by Hong Kong Trade Development Council in March 2013*, Hong Kong surpasses Singapore and Shanghai in terms of its geographical location, institutional structure, staff’s efficiency and professionalism, as well as other factors, and as a result is considered to be the best option to become an IP trading hub in the Asia-Pacific Region. The Working Group on IP Trading was set up about the same time to advise on the overall strategies to promote the development of Hong Kong as an IP trading hub and to identify appropriate policy and other support measures to facilitate IP trading in Hong Kong.

“We are pleased to join hands with PTeC, HKBU R&D Licensing Limited and HKPC to spearhead this initiative in support of the SAR Government’s plan in this area,” said Dr Frank Tong, ASTRI’s CEO. “The IP pool will bring about synergistic effect in creating value for both IP owners, such as universities and research centres, and other stakeholders in the supply chain to exploit the opportunities IP trading may offer to Hong Kong.”

The four-partite collaboration is the first phase of a comprehensive effort to cultivate the business potential of ICT patents in Hong Kong. Other universities and R&D institutions will be invited to join the programme in hope of creating the greatest economic impact.

*Hong Kong: Asia’s hub for IP trading, HKTDC Research, 12 March 2013

Rohde & Schwarz and ASTRI to jointly demonstrate carrier aggregation solution on Sunnada LTE-Advanced small cells at Mobile World Congress

(2 March 2015, Hong Kong) Rohde & Schwarz (R&S), together with Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), will perform a live demonstration on Sunnada’s LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation (CA) base station at the Mobile World Congress 2015 in Barcelona, Spain.

ASTRI has partnered with Fujian Sunnada Communication Co. Ltd (SHE: 002417) to develop LTE-Advanced small cell as the device under test. The small cell is loaded with ASTRI’s latest LTE- Advanced small cell physical layer supporting TDD/FDD, 40MHz, two components CA, and 2×2 MIMO signal for category 6 UE with up to 300Mbps data rate. ASTRI’s commercial LTE-Advanced small cell physical layer solutions are also scalable to support 4×4 MIMO, three-component CA and 450Mbps downlink for pico/microcell applications. What makes this demonstration special is that the MIMO downlink signal generated by the device is analyzed using a single R&S signal analysis instrument.

CA is the key feature in LTE-Advanced standard for increasing the peak data throughput. Combining with MIMO technology, CA enabled base stations and terminals can communicate through multiple frequency bands and multiple spatial channels simultaneously to increase peak data rate. For this reason, efficiency testing of LTE-Advanced MIMO and CA signals on a single testing equipment is crucial for the development of the next generation wireless infrastructure equipment such as LTE-Advanced small cells.

The test setup from Rohde & Schwarz and ASTRI includes an R&S RTO digital oscilloscope and a signal analysis PC. The R&S RTO acquires the TD-LTE 40MHz, two-component CA, 2×2 MIMO downlink signal output from the Sunnada LTE-Advanced small cell. The signal is analyzed on a PC installed R&S FS-K102PC EUTRA/LTE downlink MIMO software.

ASTRI provides the DUT (device under test) for the test set up. The company commenced its LTE research and development in 2008 and has become a leader in LTE and LTE-Advanced small cell and terminal technologies, providing the first market-ready reference design for small cell and terminal baseband cores supporting both TD-LTE and LTE FDD. ASTRI’s LTE technologies have been employed in partners’ chips and system solutions serving public and private network markets. ASTRI core network technology was also successfully transferred to multiple companies. For development, ASTRI relies on Rohde & Schwarz test solutions. For example, ASTRI has already characterized 4×4 MIMO antenna configurations with the help of an R&S RTO oscilloscope and R&S SMW200A vector signal generators.

The live demonstration will be carried out at Sunnada booth (hall 5, Stand 5G70) at Mobile World Congress which will take place at Fira Gran Via exhibition center in Barcelona, Spain from 2 to 5 March 2015. Mobile World Congress is the largest annual event for the mobile industry featuring cutting-edge technologies and prominent executives in an exhibition and conference. The show has been a major industry focus drawing an attendance between 70,000-80,000 people every year.

ASTRI to demonstrate MIMO signal analysis solution with Keysight Technologies on Sunnada LTE small cell with distributed antenna system at Mobile World Congress

(2 March 2015, Hong Kong) Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) will deliver a live demonstration of a MIMO signal analysis solution with Keysight Technologies (Keysight) (NYSE：KEYS) on Sunnada LTE small cell with distributed antenna system (DAS) at the Mobile World Congress 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. ASTRI has partnered with Fujian Sunnada Communication Co. Ltd (SHE: 002417) to provide the LTE physical layer solution for the small cell system.

The demonstration consists of a TD-LTE small cell fiber connected to a DAS with two MIMO remote radio units (RRU), performing live end-to-end video streaming and FTP applications with maximum throughput of >100Mbps in TDD UL/DL configuration 1. The MIMO LTE signals from the two RRUs are analyzed by the Keysight 89600 VSA software using a multi-channel Keysight M9391A PXIe vector signal analyzer.

Sunnada LTE small cell with DAS developed based on ASTRI technologies not only provides capacities, but also LTE coverage extension on isolated spots in both indoor and outdoor environments. The DAS is very low cost and is heavily used in the 4G network deployment, where the LTE signals are distributed/combined by fiber based on CPRI or Category 5 Ethernet cables. A single small cell can support up to 64 RRUs. Keysight M9391A PXIe vector signal analyzer together with the Keysight 89600 VSA software form a perfect solution for testing DAS. It is low cost and scalable for analyzing massive MIMO antenna devices.

The MIMO signal analysis solution demonstration will be carried out at Sunnada booth (hall 5, Stand 5G70) at Mobile World Congress which will take place at Fira Gran Via exhibition center in Barcelona, Spain from 2 to 5 March, 2015. Mobile World Congress is the largest annual event for the mobile industry featuring cutting-edge technologies and prominent executives in an exhibition and conference. The show has been a major industry focus drawing an attendance between 70,000-80,000 people every year.

ASTRI provides the DUT (Device under test) for the test set up. The company commenced its LTE research and development in 2008 and has become a leader in LTE and LTE-Advanced small cell and terminal technologies, providing the first market-ready reference design for small cell and terminal baseband cores supporting both TD-LTE and LTE FDD. ASTRI’s LTE technologies have been employed in partners’ chips and system solutions serving public and private network markets. ASTRI core network technology was also successfully transferred to multiple companies. For development, ASTRI utilizes Keysight test solutions. For example, ASTRI has already characterized 4×4 MIMO antenna configurations using a Keysight N7109A multi-channel signal analyzer, N5182A MXG vector signal generators and N9020A MXA signal analyzers.

Sunnada and ASTRI to showcase x86 based networking solutions and next generation small cells at Mobile World Congress

(2 March 2015, Hong Kong) Fujian Sunnada Communication Co. Ltd (Sunnada) (SHE:002417) and Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) will showcase the latest LTE technologies jointly developed by the two companies in a series of end-to-end LTE live demonstrations at the Mobile World Congress 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. These new products and solutions include x86 based networking solution, the latest LTE-advanced small cells and distributed antenna systems (DAS).

Sunnada and ASTRI jointly developed the latest LTE small cell gateway and security gateway that support x86 based hardware platforms. They form the integral part of x86 based networking solution. They can achieve over 80% cost reduction and 100% increase in system processing capability in comparison with the previous generation system based on the ATCA hardware. Their network functions are also virtualization ready. It can deliver outstanding performance with 40Gbps throughput and support High Availability (HA) for security gateway to meet mobile operators’ needs. It can also be used in developing network virtualization technology and gateway product.

For the next generation small cells and DAS, Sunnada’s LTE and LTE-A small cells with distributed antenna technologies not only provide capacities, but also expand coverage in a very cost efficient way. Sunnada’s small cells support TDD or FDD, 40MHz, 2 components Carrier Aggregation (CA) and up to 300Mbps for a Category 6 user equipment (UE) while ASTRI’s small cell physical layer solutions are scalable to support Category 9 UE, i.e. 60MHz, 450Mbps and 3 component carriers. When they are combined with DAS technology, Sunnada’s small cell solution can link up with 64 remote radio units (RRU). This would be perfect for low cost indoor coverage and large coverage deployments such as railway.

Sunnada’s Vice President Mr Haven Huang said, “We are very happy to see our new products based on ASTRI’s technologies are successfully commercialized and are starting to be deployed by mobile operators. The introduction of low cost, high capability and large coverage small cells and the low cost, high performance x86 based gateway will enrich our product portfolios and greatly enhance our product competitiveness. We strongly believe this win-win collaboration will continue to create new opportunities and expand our market.”

Dr Justin Chuang, ASTRI’s Vice President and Group Director of Communications Technologies said, “Sunnada is a valued partner of ASTRI. We are glad that this collaboration has succeeded in leveraging expertise between both parties and accomplished in finding new solutions for mobile operators in this highly competitive market. We envision our future collaboration on the next generation mobile network technologies will bring further achievements in the months ahead.”

End-to-end LTE demonstrations will be carried out at Sunnada booth (hall 5, booth 5G70) at Mobile World Congress which will take place at Fira Gran Via exhibition center in Barcelona, Spain from 2 to 5 March 2015. Mobile World Congress is the largest annual event for the mobile industry featuring cutting-edge technologies and prominent executives in an exhibition and conference. The show has been a major industry focus drawing an attendance between 70,000-80,000 people every year.

ASTRI commenced its LTE and networking software research and development in 2008 and has become a leader in LTE and LTE-Advanced small cell, terminal and gateway technologies. ASTRI’s reference design for small cell and terminal baseband cores supporting both TD-LTE and LTE FDD has been employed in partners’ chips and system solutions serving public and private network markets. ASTRI’s networking software provides networking protocol stacks and has enabled a number of WiFi and LTE commercial gateway products.

China Mobile, ASTRI and Sunnada to jointly demonstrate Network Function Virtualization for LTE Nanocell at Mobile World Congress

(2 March 2015, Hong Kong) China Mobile will perform live demonstrations of network functions virtualization (NFV) based LTE Nanocell network infrastructure at Mobile World Congress 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. The demonstration is supported jointly by Fujian Sunnada Communication Co. Ltd (Sunnada) (SHE:002417) and Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI):

ASTRI’s Nanocell Gateway, with Network Function Virtualized capability, provides authentications to Nanocells and offload the LTE core network
Nanocell Gateway’s High Availability (HA) capability under virtualized environment
Sunnada’s Nanocell, powered by ASTRI LTE technologies, providing network front-haul serving VoIP voice and video services

NFV is getting much attention by mobile operators and is becoming an industry trend for increasing flexibility of network deployment and reducing cost. However, there are technical challenges in delivering the performance and ensuring service availability required by mobile operators like China Mobile. ASTRI has developed LTE IPSec security gateway and Nanocell gateway and is now capable to demonstrate NFV support with HA features and high performance. For instance, in the demonstration, when there is a critical failure, ASTRI’s innovative FastGate protocol stacks and HA systems framework in virtualized gateways can ensure the sessions in different layers (e.g. service, IPSec, SCTP and GTP-U) are taken over seamlessly by the standby virtual instance without affecting the service.

China Mobile Research Institute Deputy General Manager Zhiqiang Yang said, “China Mobile sees network virtualization an important technology evolution in mobile network infrastructure and is working actively to promote and develop the ecosystem. Support of high performance and high availability in dataplane VNFs marks an important milestone for NFV.”

Dr Justin Chuang, Vice President and Group Director, Communications Technologies at ASTRI said, “ASTRI has achieved a significant milestone and is being recognized by China Mobile. ASTRI is committed to developing technologies and solutions for the next generation networks.”

The NFV demonstration will be carried out at China Mobile booth (hall 3, booth 3A10) at Mobile World Congress which will take place at Fira Gran Via exhibition centre in Barcelona, Spain from 2 to 5 March 2015. Mobile World Congress is the largest annual event for the mobile industry featuring cutting-edge technologies and prominent executives in an exhibition and conference. The show has been a major industry focus drawing an attendance between 70,000-80,000 people every year.

ASTRI to showcase latest LTE Technologies with industry leaders at Mobile World Congress

(27 February 2015, Hong Kong) Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) will collaborate with key industry leaders including Fujian Sunnada Communication Co. Ltd, Rohde & Schwarz, Keysight Technologies Inc and Wind River to showcase its latest series of LTE technologies at the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2015, to be held at Fira Gran Via exhibition centre in Barcelona, Spain from 2 to 5 March 2015.

Mobile World Congress is the largest annual event for the mobile industry featuring cutting-edge technologies and prominent executives in an exhibition and conference. It has been a major industry focus drawing an attendance between 70,000-80,000 people every year.

ASTRI started LTE R&D since 2008 and has developed multiple core technologies by working with industry partners under the support of Innovation Technology Fund (ITF) provided by the Hong Kong SAR Government and industry funding contributions.

ASTRI will perform live demonstrations of the following technologies jointly with industry partners during the show:
a) x86 based high performance LTE small cell gateway solution
b) LTE-Advanced small cell technology
c) LTE small cell coverage extension with Distributed Antenna System (DAS)
d) Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) of LTE small cell Gateway and Security (IPSec) Gateway

At Sunnada’s booth in Hall 5, Stand 5G70, ASTRI will showcase (a) the latest x86-based LTE small cell gateway and security gateway. In comparison with previous system based on ATCA hardware, it can achieve over 80% cost reduction and 100% increase in system processing capability with outstanding 40Gbps throughput and High Availability (HA). It is also NFV architecture ready. ASTRI will also showcase (b) the Carrier Aggregation (CA) solution on LTE-Advanced small cell with ASTRI’s LTE-Advanced small cell physical layer, combining with MIMO technology, it provides even higher peak data rate; and (c) LTE small cell with Distributed Antenna System (DAS) for extended LTE signal coverage extension on isolated spots in both indoor and outdoor environments.

At China Mobile’s booth in Hall 3, Stand 3A10, a live demonstration of (d) ASTRI’s NFV based LTE IPSec security gateway and Nanocell gateway will be performed, with HA and high performance. NFV is getting much attention by mobile operators because of its network deployment flexibility and it is cost saving.

In Hall 8 District Stand 8.0D57, ASTRI’s LTE technology portfolio is showcased in the exhibition area hosted by Hong Kong Science Park.

ASTRI collaborates with Wind River to support Small Cell and Security Gateway VNF in NFV Environments

(27 February 2015, Hong Kong) Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has been successful in running its LTE Small Cell Gateway and Security Gateway as Virtualized Network Functions (VNF) on Wind River^® Titanium Server. A joint demonstration will be held at the forthcoming Mobile World Congress 2015.

Through its membership in the Wind River^® Titanium Cloud ecosystem program, ASTRI is now able to provide its Small Cell Gateway Solution to run as a VNF on Wind River^® Titanium Server. ASTRI worked closely with Wind River experts to pre-validate their LTE Small Cell Gateway Solution functionality and performance with the Titanium Server Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) infrastructure platform. Through the Wind River^® Titanium Cloud program, Wind River works with partners on optimized, interoperable solutions that accelerate time-to-market for service providers and telecom equipment manufacturers (TEM) deploying NFV infrastructure.

ASTRI’s LTE Small Cell Gateway Solution comprises a high performance IPSec Security Gateway and Small Cell Gateway. Enabled by ASTRI’s Fastgate Networking Stack and Wind River^® Titanium Server, the IPSec Security Gateway can deliver over 20Gbps IPSec throughput in a virtualized environment. With the VNF support, the solution can be deployed flexibly on a single compute node or distributed onto multiple compute nodes.

“By working through the Titanium Cloud program, ASTRI was able to get to the market faster with a cloud based 4G network gateway running on a Carrier Grade platform,” said Dr Justin Chuang, Vice President and Group Director, Communications Technologies at ASTRI, “Since network virtualization is an important element in the next generation networks, ASTRI has made the first and important step forward on our network virtualization roadmap by validating functionality and performance on NFV infrastructure.”

“We are excited to see ASTRI introduce VNF that are supported by our NFV infrastructure platform, Titanium Server,” said Charlie Ashton, Senior Director, Business Development for Networking Solutions, Wind River, “Titanium Server includes critical and powerful elements to enable an NFV infrastructure, and by leveraging other pre-validated NFV elements such as the VNF from ASTRI, service providers can easily and quickly achieve their goals such as reducing costs while introducing new high value services.”

Wind River^® Titanium Server is a carrier grade NFV infrastructure software solution that is designed to meet the stringent “always on” requirements of the telecom industry. With Titanium Server as the NFV infrastructure software foundation, the telecom industry can take full advantage of rapid service deployment along with the carrier grade uptime and strict reliability mandated by telecom networks. Titanium Server is based on technologies using open standards including carrier grade Wind River^® Linux, real-time Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM), carrier grade enhancements to OpenStack^®, Intel^® data Plane Development Kit (Intel DPDK) and accelerated vSwitch technologies, and it is optimized for Intel® architecture.

ASTRI and Wind River will carry out joint demonstration at Hall 3, Stand 3A10 at Mobile World Congress which will take place at Fira Gran Via exhibition centre in Barcelona, Spain from 2 to 5 March 2015. Mobile World Congress is the largest annual event for the mobile industry featuring cutting-edge technologies and prominent executives in an exhibition and conference. The show has been a major industry focus drawing an attendance between 70,000-80,000 people every year.

ASTRI commenced its LTE research and development in 2008 and has become a leader in LTE and LTE-Advanced small cell and terminal technologies, providing the first market-ready reference design for small cell and terminal baseband cores supporting both TD-LTE and LTE FDD. ASTRI’s LTE technologies have been employed in partners’ chips and system solutions serving public and private network markets. ASTRI core network technology was also successfully transferred to multiple companies.

ASTRI and INRIA form partnership on ICT research

[29 January 2015, Hong Kong] Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has recently formed an international partnership with the French National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation (Institut national de recherche en informatique et en automatique, or INRIA) in the area of information and communication technologies (ICT).

Under the INRIA International Partnership, ASTRI’s Embedded Systems group and INRIA’s TEA (Time, Events and Architectures) team will have active international collaboration on “Virtual Prototyping of Embedded Software Architectures.”

“According to the European Commission, the embedded ICT market has an estimated value of more than €850 billion world-wide. The next generation of embedded systems will be more intelligent and deeply connected with the information and physical worlds. These embedded systems, also known as Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), will be deployed in the domains of automotive, aerospace, health and energy as well as smart city. However, in order to enable the vision, it would require the evolution and even disruption in the process of how a system should be architectured and built,” said Dr T. John Koo, Director of Embedded Systems group. “Our group at ASTRI will work closely with Dr Jean-Pierre Talpin’s team at INRIA to serve the innovation needs of the industry, while saving the time and cost, in the development of the next generation of embedded systems.”

The collaboration will start with mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise in CPS and Embedded Architecture Design through actual case studies and mutual visits. The long-term goal of the collaboration is to set up a joint laboratory between the two parties to disseminate formal methods for embedded system design, steaming from fundamental research at INRIA into the network of applied research projects coordinated by ASTRI and its industrial partners. It also aims to jointly contribute to an open-source system design platform for ASTRI’s industrial partners in Europe and Asia.

ASTRI CEO Dr Frank Tong said, “I feel very much delighted that ASTRI has entered into partnership with such a prestigious institution like INRIA at the highest international level. I have full confidence that the collaboration will be fruitful by merging the best of expertise and people of both parties. I also look very much forward to seeing the ICT disseminated through this joint effort will drive significant and positive changes in the economy as well as society.”

Founded in 1967 in France, INRIA is the country’s only established public science and technology institution fully committed to computational sciences. Combining computer sciences with mathematics, INRIA’s more than 3,400 researchers strive to become inventors for the digital world. They are also the driving force behind over 340 patents and 110 start-ups. More information about INRIA can be accessed at http://www.inria.fr/en.

ASTRI was founded by the HKSAR Government in 2000 with the mission to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research. Since inception, ASTRI has built a rich portfolio of intellectual properties and succeeded in creating economic impact by transferring new technologies to its customers in Hong Kong, the Mainland and the region.

According to the terms of INRIA International Partnerships, collaboration between INRIA and ASTRI has been endorsed for a period of four years on renewable basis.