All Episodes - Ciena Network Insights
The Ciena Network Insights Podcast brings together thought leaders, subject matter experts, and tech influencers to discuss the innovations and trends shaping our digital world. Join us every month for engaging conversations on telecom networks, digital transformation, sustainability, and more.
View Podcast Details40 Episodes
Episode 93: Blue Planet Customer Conversation Highlights
Service providers globally are looking intently toward achieving fully autonomous networks in the near future. Kailem Anderson, Vice President for Global Products & Delivery shares some of the conversations we have been having with our Blue Planet customers around what they are doing to reach network autonomy.
Episode 92: Powering Global Connectivity: The Future of Research Networks with CANARIE and REANNZ
Join Ciena's Chief Technologist of Research Networks, Rodney Wilson, as he sits down with Amber McEwen, CEO of REANNZ, and Michael Tremblay, CEO of CANARIE, to explore how national research networks power scientific discovery and global collaboration. They unpack the massive data demands of modern science, the innovations required to support data intensive research, and the unique challenges their networks face across New Zealand and Canada. The conversation highlights real-world AI driven applications, from surgical robots enabling precise remote healthcare to other breakthroughs made possible by high-speed, high-performance networks.
Episode 92: Powering Global Connectivity: The Future of Research Networks with CANARIE and REANNZ
Join Ciena's Chief Technologist of Research Networks, Rodney Wilson, as he sits down with Amber McEwen, CEO of REANNZ, and Michael Tremblay, CEO of CANARIE, to explore how national research networks power scientific discovery and global collaboration. They unpack the massive data demands of modern science, the innovations required to support data intensive research, and the unique challenges their networks face across New Zealand and Canada. The conversation highlights real-world AI driven applications, from surgical robots enabling precise remote healthcare to other breakthroughs made possible by high-speed, high-performance networks.
Episode 91: Verizon’s AI strategy to power next-gen AI demands
Victor Moreno, Associate Director, Network Planning at Verizon joins Ciena's Nicola Benvenuti, Vice President, Product Line Management and Mark Bieberich, Vice President, Portfolio Marketing to discuss Verizon AI Connect, an integrated suite of solutions and products designed to enable hyperscalers, cloud providers and global enterprises to run resource-intensive AI workloads at scale. They also share insights into the 30+ year collaboration between the two companies, including a recent metro network trial that marked a major technology milestone – achieving speeds of 1.6 Tb/s of data on a single-carrier wavelength using Ciena's WaveLogic 6 Extreme coherent optical solution. Together, Verizon and Ciena are pushing the limits of what's possible over fiber to meet the needs of the AI era, delivering the required higher capacity and performance, while also increasing network reliability and energy efficiency.
Episode 90: Telstra International Introduces an Autonomous Network Future
Telstra International has unveiled its highly Autonomous Network vision, part of the company's ambitious five-year plan to drive connectivity and innovation across Asia-Pacific. Head of Telstra International Networks, Wayne Lotter joins Blue Planet's Vice President for Global Products & Delivery, Kailem Anderson to discuss Telstra International's AI strategy and how Blue Planet is powering the foundation of its highly autonomous network.
Episode 89: Preparing Submarine Cables for the Next Wave of Innovation
Bandwidth demand continues unabated, and AI is expected to be a likely driver for increased bandwidth demand, overland and undersea. In this episode, Southern Cross's CEO Laurie Miller and CTO Dean Veverka speak with Brian Lavallée, our resident submarine expert, about how the submarine cable operator is preparing for the AI wave and its plans for connecting the Pacific.
Episode 88: Mastering MOFN—Lumen and Ciena experts share their insights
Have you been hearing the term Managed Optical Fiber Networks (MOFN) more and more lately? In this episode, Lumen Technologies' Alison Greenwood, Vice President of Hyperscalers, and Martin Reilly, Director of International MOFN at Ciena, join Kent Jordan of Ciena Product Marketing for an in-depth discussion about all things MOFN. You'll learn about MOFN's benefits, business models, and emerging trends, and hear about Lumen's experiences, successes, and lessons learned.
Episode 87: How Meta Reimagined OOB Management in the Data Center
On this episode, Mike “MJ” Joseph, who manages the infrastructure network engineering team at Meta, joins Ciena's Mark Bieberich to discuss innovation in out-of-band (OOB) management networks, which are essential for initial device commissioning, disaster recovery, remote troubleshooting, and secure lifecycle management. MJ and Mark explore Meta's decision to adopt passive optical networking (PON) for OOB management, highlighting the collaborative effort with Ciena to create an ultra-scalable, cost effective PON-based solution. They also discuss the positive outcomes Meta has achieved by streamlining and automating its OOB network operations in the data center—and the lessons learned along the way.
Episode 86: Building a Network Digital Twin in Real-Time
Tune-in to hear Kailem Anderson (Blue Planet) and Mark Bieberich (Ciena) as they compare the differences between Network Digital Twin to traditional network modeling. The two delve into ways Digital Twins can be used to enhance IP and optical network planning, traffic analysis, troubleshooting, optimization, and more. They also explore how AI can be used to advance and accelerate the abilities of Digital Twins, such as using predictive analytics to analyze the impact of different ‘what-if' network scenarios.
Episode 85: CIOs and the AI era
AI is redefining what it means to be a CIO. In this episode, Bill Bragg, CIO at SymphonyAI, and Craig Williams, Chief Digital Information Officer at Ciena, dive into how AI is transforming business operations, accelerating innovation, and changing how organizations lead in the digital age.
Episode 84: Part 2—Quantum secure communications: Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Cryptography
In part two of this episode, Paulina Gomez, Ryan Lafler, Doug Schremp, and Paola Osorio delve into Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms. They discuss the principles of QKD, its challenges, and industry progress, as well as the development of PQC algorithms to deliver quantum-resistant encryption solutions. They also explore future milestones and the solutions that are available today to safeguard critical data and mitigate the quantum computing threat to enable quantum-secure communications.
Episode 83: Part 1 - Understanding the Quantum Threat: Why act now?
In this episode, Paulina Gomez, Senior Advisor of Portfolio Marketing at Ciena, Ryan Lafler, President and CTO of Quantum Corridor, Doug Schremp, Solutions Architect at ConvergeOne, and Paola Osorio, Senior Advisor of Product Line Management at Ciena, discuss the threat of quantum computing to today's cryptography. They explore the concept of "Harvest now, decrypt later" and the importance of quantum secure communications, while also highlighting the Quantum Corridor project and its key objectives to help safeguard critical data in the quantum era.
Episode 82: Data4 Discusses AI’s Impact on Data Centers
Let's dig into the topic of AI and the data center boom! On this podcast, Ciena's International CTO Jürgen Hatheier speaks with special guest Jérôme Totel, Group Strategy & Innovation Director at Data4, a major European operator and investor in the data center market. The two discuss the critical role data centers play in AI. They cover energy demands and the importance of Power Use Efficiency, AI training and inference, and how Europe can take a leading position in the AI race.
Episode 81: Celebrating the Role of an Engineer in Today’s AI World
On this episode, Ciena India's Head of Engineering, Vineet Vohra and software engineers Manish Chopra and Ruby Saxena have a no holds barred conversation around their favorite work milestones, advice they would give aspiring engineers, how Artificial Intelligence is impacting their work environment and the importance of building an innovative, all-inclusive work culture. Stay tuned for an insider's view from the team that drove many of Ciena's many innovations including Navigator Network Control Suite and WaveRouter.
Episode 80: BT Group Shares Tips for Driving Network Transformation and Elevating the Customer Experience
On this episode, Campbell McClean, Chief Architect of BT Group joins Kailem Anderson, Blue Planet's Vice President of Global Products & Delivery, to discuss the UK carrier's digital transformation journey and ways BT Group is leveraging Blue Planet software to offer an improved digital experience for its customers. The two discuss the value of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in BT Group's operations and the growing opportunities with AI moving forward. Campbell also shares his experience working in diverse organizations and the importance of fostering a more inclusive work culture.
Episode 79: From Vision to Reality: Ciena's Engineering and Product Teams Share the Story Behind WaveRouter
Step behind the curtain and delve into the captivating world of product innovation in our latest episode. Join Raf Francis, Director of Product Line Management, Dan Rivaud, Systems Design Architecture Engineer, and host Gina Nienaber as they provide an in-depth look at the cutting-edge technologies and intricate design considerations that went into WaveRouter, Ciena's family of purpose-built coherent metro routers. Whether you're an aspiring innovator, a technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the inner workings of groundbreaking products, this discussion will educate and inspire.
Episode 78: AI Revolution: Vodafone & Ciena Explore the Future of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is generating a lot of buzz with bold predictions about its transformative potential. On this podcast, Ciena's International CTO Jürgen Hatheier speaks with special guest Fánan Henriques, Director of Vodafone Business International & EU Cluster, about AI's impact on the network. They talk about ways AI can improve business productivity and explore how AI can improve network planning, operations, customer service, fault detection, security, and more. Fánan also shares some lessons learned and successes Vodafone has seen utilizing AI in its own business.
Episode 77: Rewriting Australia’s Growth Equation via Ultrafast Connectivity with Telstra
Australia is ranked as one of the world's top countries for digital readiness. On this episode, Kathryn Jones, Executive of National Infrastructure Projects at Telstra InfraCo and Ciena's Lead for the Telstra account, Matt Hayes discuss what Ciena, Ericsson and Telstra have been doing to strengthen Australia's role as a global digital hub. They also discuss Telstra InfraCo's intercity fibre network build which is currently underway to help future-proof Australia's connectivity needs for the next 20+ years.
Episode 76: Unlocking STEM opportunities with Building STEPS
Over the past few years, Ciena's Blue Planet division has supported Building STEPS, a nonprofit organization in Baltimore, as part of its Digital Inclusion program. Tune in for an inspiring conversation between Building STEPS' Debra Hettleman and Ciena's Beth Dolce and Beth Hunter as they dive into the ways this collaboration has sparked students' interest in the industry.
Episode 75: Pushing the limits of connectivity with Vocus
As the demand for seamless connectivity skyrockets globally, Australia is emerging as a vital digital hub. On this episode of the Ciena Insights Podcast, Jarrod Nink, Chief Operating Officer at Vocus offers an insider's perspective to how the Australian network provider is capitalizing on this surging demand for bandwidth. Nink also shares more on Vocus' dynamic collaborations with global hyperscalers and its commitment to using the very best in networking technology, elaborating on Vocus' recently announced plans to deploy Ciena's WaveLogic 6.
Episode 74: The Adaptive Network: Always ready for what’s next
Ciena's Adaptive Network vision for guiding network evolution with enhanced programmability, scale, automation, and intelligence first set sail back in 2018—and it's even more relevant today with the growing presence of AI, 5G, and cloud. On this episode, Mark Bieberich, VP of Portfolio Marketing at Ciena, discusses how the Adaptive Network enables service providers to optimize their existing infrastructures while incorporating new technologies and ways of leveraging their network assets. This podcast also features Ciena customers who have embraced the Adaptive Network vision.
Episode 73: Pursuing Meaningful Connectivity in Asia
While we usually speak with our customers or partners on the Ciena Insights Podcast, in this special episode, we speak with Yoonee Jeong, a Senior Digital Technology Specialist with the Asian Development Bank's Digital Technology for Development Division to get a different perspective on what is driving connectivity in Asia. Yoonee also shares with us what more can be done by the public and private sectors and the impact of continued innovation.
Episode 72: 2024 tech predictions
Tune in as Chief Technology Officer, Steve Alexander gazes into his crystal ball and shares 2024 predictions on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the network. He also discusses other key technology trends, such as the relentless growth of bandwidth, IP/Optical convergence, and the evolving role of PON (Passive Optical Network) in improving residential broadband connectivity.
Episode 71: Ciena’s 2023 podcast highlights
What a year! In 2023 we were joined by so many amazing customers, industry experts and organizations. To close out another successful year, Bo Gowan shares our most popular episodes.
Episode 70: Making Telecom History with DISH Wireless
In this episode, DISH Wireless' Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships, Marc Rouanne speaks with Blue Planet's Head of Portfolio & Engineering, Kailem Anderson on DISH's success in building the first cloud-native 5G network in the world and the progress they are making in enabling 5G broadband services for its customers in the United States. They also discussed the unique benefits of running on a true cloud-native network and trends in the 5G space. Blue Planet supported DISH with a dynamic real-time source of truth for its network, empowering DISH to rollout 5G services with speed and agility.
Episode 69: Cogent’s Dave Schaeffer on acquiring T-Mobile’s wireline business, building a better internet backbone, and launching wave services
Ciena customer Cogent Communications operates one of the largest fiber-optic networks in the world, carrying around 1/4 of all internet traffic today. The ISP acquired the legacy Sprint long-haul fiber network from T-Mobile earlier this year. In this wide-ranging conversation, Cogent Founder and CEO Dave Schaeffer sits down with Ciena's CTO Steve Alexander and outlines the company's plans for the network, including a data center footprint of around 1.9 million square feet. Dave also shares his views on what it takes to build a better internet backbone and discusses wavelength services.
Episode 68: Digital Promise- Inspiring the next generation of change makers
In 2021, Digital Promise and Ciena announced the launch of the Ciena Solutions Challenge, a global design challenge for middle and high school students to create innovative solutions that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals within their communities. Now entering its third year, Karissa Bowen, Senior Project Manager of Learning Experience Design at Digital Promise joins the podcast to talk with Ciena's Beth Hunter, Director of ESG Communications and Social Impact, about the impact the program has made on students around the world, while sharing inspiring stories about her experiences.
Episode 67: Boosting the Employability of India’s Underserved Youth with Udayan Care
Around 65% of India's total population is below the age of 35, yet more than 50% of Indian youths are not on track to have the education and skills necessary for employment by 2030. On this podcast, Ciena International's Internal Comms Lead, Shreya Chakraborty speaks with Dr. Kiran Modi, Managing Trustee from Udayan Care, an organization that Ciena is collaborating with to fund digital inclusion initiatives in India. They discuss how we can bridge the disconnect between the demand and supply of skilled labor in India and why this is key for the country to prosper.
Episode 66: A CTO’s perspective on the digital divide, network operations excellence, and AI
On this podcast, Highline's CTO Matt Hayes and Ciena's CTO of the Americas Kevin Sheehan have an insightful, wide-ranging discussion on everything from the many challenges and opportunities involved in rolling out rural broadband, to operational excellence in networking, to the great potential and worrying risks of generative AI and its machine-learning capabilities.
Episode 65: TELUS - A True Sustainability Champion
The demand for data traffic and connectivity has skyrocketed – especially these past few years during the pandemic. On top of this, there is greater concern about the world's climate situation. On this podcast, Geoff Pegg TELUS' Head of Sustainability and Environment and Ciena's Beth Hunter, Director of ESG Communications and Social Impact discuss ways telcos can create more sustainable networks while also meeting subscriber demands for greater connectivity.
Episode 64: The Future of Broadband Demands Disruption
On this episode, Dave Lewis and Amanda Molina from broadband solutions consultancy JSI join Ciena's Trey Hall and Vini Santos for a discussion about the opportunities and challenges that network operators are facing at this unique moment in the broadband market. Hear their insights on funding options, network build considerations, and why a disruptive mindset is key to long-term sustainability, monetization flexibility, scalability, and successful business outcomes.
Episode 63: Jumping Across the Digital Divide in New Zealand with Spark
The internet permeates everything we do today – from how we work, to how we play and learn. Yet, for some, affordability can be a problem. On this podcast,Ciena's Director, ESG Communications, speaks with Spark Skinny Jump's Lead, Martin La'a on why providing internet access can be a gamechanger for students and how Ciena and Spark are collaborating to create positive repercussions in the community.
Episode 62: Lumen’s 400GE network evolution and approach to enable a better digital experience
This episode features Lumen's CTO Andrew Dugan and Ciena's Steve Alexander. The two industry veterans discuss Lumen's recent 400GE network enhancements and how wavelengths enable Lumen customers to modernize and scale their Core Digital Network so that their data, applications, and workloads can be distributed securely between their IT instances residing in data centers and public cloud. In addition, they discuss ways Lumen is uniquely positioned to help enterprises modernize their network infrastructure and what customers are looking for from a Digital Experience standpoint.
Episode 61: The next generation of ESnet – ESnet6
On this episode Kate Mace and Chin Guok from the DOE's Energy Sciences Network along with Stanford's Amadeo Perazzo discuss ESnet6 with Ciena's Rod Wilson. ESnet6 will enable scientists to significantly advance their ability to gain insight from massive datasets produced by experiments that use large scale instruments like genome sequencers, telescope observatories, X-ray light sources and particle accelerators, among many others.
Episode 60: Submarine networks: Past, present, future
Did you know that around 95% of the world's intercontinental communications traffic is carried over submarine cable networks? What's more, our need for connectivity shows no signs of abating. According to research firm TeleGeography, capacity along the transatlantic corridor alone is forecast to grow by about 77 times between 2015 and 2028. Simply mind-boggling! On this podcast, industry veterans Ed McCormack and Brian Lavallée look back at some of the important milestones in submarine network history and envisage what the future might hold.
Episode 59: 2023 Tech Predictions and Industry Trends
800G and beyond, 5G, Greener Network solutions and Submarine buildouts. Host Bo Gowan talks with Ciena CTO Steve Alexander, and Submarine/5G expert Brian Lavallée about the key tech trends and predictions that will shape the industry in 2023.
Episode 58: Year in Review: Our best podcasts from 2022
Ciena's executives were joined by many amazing guests throughout 2022. For our final episode of the year, Bo Gowan, Ciena's social media director and today's host, highlights some of our most listened to podcasts of the year. Tune in to see if your favorite episode was included!
Episode 57: euNetworks Shares Tips to Make Networks ‘Greener’
Service providers are tasked with the challenge of decreasing carbon emissions while also meeting surging demands for high-bandwidth services and broadband connectivity. On this podcast, euNetworks' Tetyana Mozhayeva, Senior Director of Sustainability and Ciena's Beth Hunter, Director of ESG and Social Impact, join host Sara Atkinson to discuss the importance of working toward a more sustainable network architecture. Tetyana shares ways that the Network Construction Carbon Calculator developed by euNetworks has helped to assess the impact of network construction projects and provide transparency around the emissions impact of euNetworks' solutions.
Episode 56: Igniting a Digital Future for All with Improvements in Residential Broadband
Everything from home (work, play, game), along with new bandwidth-hungry cloud-based applications, have ignited investments to help build a digital future for all. On this podcast, Rebecca Smith highlights three of our previous episodes about ways we are helping improve residential broadband and driving digital inclusion. We hear from rural electric co-op, Cullman Electric; tech futurist, Shivvy Jervis; and STEM evangelist from Academy Achievers, Paulette Watson.
Episode 55: Solving the bandwidth conundrum: One network for all services
The unprecedented demand for bandwidth across the globe has necessitated a different way of thinking when building fiber networks. Operators can no longer silo traffic on multiple, disparate networks and remain profitable. Join Omdia's Jaimie Lenderman and INCA's Rob Leenderts as they explore market insights and the benefits of building a single, efficient architecture that can support multiple services simultaneously to unlock revenue potential.