Broadband networks are evolving toward converged architectures that blend HFC, fiber, wireless, and edge connectivity, pushing the physical layer to new levels of density, speed, and operational complexity. At the same time, AI-driven traffic growth, multi-gigabit services, distributed compute, and increasingly fiber-deep networks are changing how operators plan, deploy, test, and maintain infrastructure.

During our From Strand to Server: Building the Fiber Infrastructure for Converged, AI-Ready Networks - TechExpo 26 panel held during SCTE’s TechExpo26 in Atlanta, GA, we will examine what it takes to build a physical network capable of supporting that convergence—from strand-mounted and outside-plant infrastructure to fiber connectivity, testing, certification, and the pathways feeding edge and data center environments.

Panelists will discuss how operators and their infrastructure partners are addressing deployment speed, fiber density, workforce constraints, reliability, and long-term scalability while avoiding infrastructure decisions that could limit future network evolution.

The conversation will focus on practical strategies for building flexible, AI-ready broadband infrastructure that can accommodate higher capacity, new architectures, and increasingly diverse services without rebuilding the network every time the technology landscape changes.

Led by Sean Buckley, Editor-in-Chief of Lightwave, the panel will feature three broadband industry experts from the vendor and service provider segments:

Join us for an exciting, educational roundtable on the challenges and opportunities broadband providers are navigating to stay competitive.