WEBINAR

AI and Network Convergence: Transforming Global Connectivity

In today’s hyperconnected world, rolling out and managing profitable, high-performance networks for access and transport will require innovative architectural approaches. The convergence of IP and optical deliver the outcomes service providers need to simplify operations, increase flexibility, reduce costs, and deliver differentiated services.

Sponsored by

April 8, 2025

1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 10:00 AM PT / 6:00 PM GMT Duration: 1 hour

Already registered? Click here to log in.

Summary:

The innovation driven by AI is not just about bigger models and smarter applications. It’s also about the network infrastructure that connects them and delivers assured user experiences. As AI evolves, service providers need to rethink their architectures to deliver the future of global secure connectivity. The convergence of optical and routing is making networks more efficient and economical, and helping service providers to dramatically simplify their architectures, reduce expenses, and introduce new services more rapidly. Today, Cisco Routed Optical Networking has been deployed by more than 300 customers replacing DWDM transponders with coherent pluggable optics in metro and data center interconnect applications. The introduction of Cisco Routed PON enables service providers to converge their FTTx access with their end-to-end network by replacing dedicated OLT chassis with small form factor PON pluggables deployed in access routers. In today’s hyperconnected world, rolling out and managing profitable, high-performance networks for access and transport will require innovative architectural approaches. The convergence of IP and optical deliver the outcomes service providers need to simplify operations, increase flexibility, reduce costs, and deliver differentiated services.

This session will cover the current challenges, future advances, and how network operators can:

Benefit from converging IP and Optical including significant OpEx and CapEx savings
Provide cost effective last mile access that can scale to business and residential subscriber bandwidth demands leveraging optics convergence
Prepare for the massive AI bandwidth demands across the network

Speaker

Bill Gartner

SVP/GM Optical Systems and Optics

Cisco Systems

Systems & Optics Bill Gartner is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco’s Optical Systems and Optics business within the Mass-Scale Infrastructure Group. In this role, he leads business strategy and development efforts for Cisco’s multibillion-dollar portfolio that includes Optical Systems, Optics, and next-generation architectures (e.g., Routed Optical Networking) that employ pluggable optics. Bill is known for his passion for technology and vision for groundbreaking solutions that help Service Providers and Webscale customers build world-class networks that maximize capacity, flexibility, scalability, and operational efficiencies – all integral to the Internet for the Future. Bill is also a champion of mentoring and career development of female leaders in technology. Throughout his career, Bill has earned a reputation for building trusted customer and business partnerships, with a focus on growth and innovation. Prior to joining Cisco, Bill was Chief Operating Officer of Meriton Networks (acquired by Xtera Networks). Before that, he served as President and COO of Mahi Networks and COO of Photuris. Previously, he was Vice President and General Manager of Lucent's Optical Networking Systems business, responsible for Metro, Access, and Long Haul DWDM products. His earlier tenure in the industry included roles at AT&T Bell Labs and Paradyne. Bill has served on the boards of OptronX (acquired by JDSU) and CyOptics. Bill holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, and an executive master’s degree in Technology Management from University of Pennsylvania/Wharton. He is a University of Pennsylvania Moore Fellow and holds three patents.

Jeff Heynen

.

Jeff Heynen Dell'Oro

Jeff Heynen joined Dell’Oro Group in 2018 and is responsible for the Broadband Access and Home Networking market, Fixed Wireless Access Infrastructure & CPE, Cable Outside Plant, and vBNG market research programs. Mr. Heynen has expanded the scope of the Broadband Access and Home Networking areas to encompass fixed wireless CPE, virtual CCAP, Remote PHY, remote MACPHY, and DOCSIS 4.0 infrastructure. He has also authored numerous articles and white papers, and his research and analysis have garnered widespread citations in leading trade and business publications. Furthermore, Mr. Heynen is a frequent expert judge and invited speaker at industry conferences and events.

Moderator

Sean Buckley

Editor in Chief

Lightwave

Sponsored by: