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The Ciena Network Insights Podcast

Episodes

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Episode 80: BT Group Shares Tips for Driving Network Transformation and Elevating the Customer Experience

Oct. 04, 2024 | 25:54

Tune in as BT Group's Campbell McClean and Blue Planet's Kailem Anderson dive into BT Group’s digital transformation journey, explore AI-driven opportunities in telecom, and share insights on fostering a more inclusive work culture.

Episode 79: From Vision to Reality: Ciena's Engineering and Product Teams Share the Story Behind WaveRouter

Sep. 17, 2024 | 35:03

Ever wondered what it takes to bring a truly innovative product to life? Get a behind-the-scenes look at the conception and design of Ciena’s WaveRouter in our latest episode.

Episode 78: AI Revolution: Vodafone & Ciena Explore the Future of AI

Aug. 05, 2024 | 21:38

Fánan Henriques, Director of Vodafone Business International & EU Cluster, joins Ciena’s Jürgen Hatheier, International CTO, to discuss the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the telecom industry.

Episode 77: Rewriting Australia’s Growth Equation via Ultrafast Connectivity with Telstra

May 23, 2024 | 22:40

Telstra InfraCo’s Kathryn Jones joins Ciena’s Matt Hayes to discuss Telstra’s role in building Australia’s reputation as a global digital hub, and what’s next in the region’s growth story.

Episode 76: Unlocking STEM opportunities with Building STEPS

May 07, 2024 | 28:40

Debra Hettleman, CEO of Building STEPS, joins the podcast to share her experience working with Ciena to teach students about careers in STEM.

Episode 75: Pushing the limits of connectivity with Vocus

Mar. 01, 2024 | 17:54

Vocus’ Chief Operating Officer, Jarrod Nink shares what the network provider is doing to connect Australians locally and globally.

Episode 74: The Adaptive Network: Always ready for what’s next

Feb. 20, 2024 | 27:08

Are networks ready to support surging and unexpected demands from cloud-based applications, 5G, and AI? Join Ciena’s Mark Bieberich as he discusses the Adaptive Network—Ciena’s vision for the future of networking and the forces driving it forward.

Episode 73: Pursuing Meaningful Connectivity in Asia

Jan. 25, 2024 | 21:25

Asian Development Bank’s Yoonee Jeong, a Senior Digital Technology Specialist with the Digital Technology for Development Division shares more about what is driving and hindering connectivity in Asia.

Episode 72: 2024 tech predictions

Jan. 08, 2024 | 29:58

CTO Steve Alexander shares his 2024 predictions on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the network. He also discusses the relentless growth of bandwidth, IP/Optical convergence, the evolving role of PON and more.

Episode 71: Ciena’s 2023 podcast highlights

Dec. 20, 2023 | 41:21

Bo Gowan shares the most popular episodes from the past year

Episode 70: Making Telecom History with DISH Wireless

Oct. 17, 2023 | 0:22:31

DISH Wireless’ Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships, Marc Rouanne talks about building the first cloud-native 5G network in the world and how the cloud and 5G are spearheading innovation in the industry.

Episode 69: Cogent’s Dave Schaeffer on acquiring T-Mobile’s wireline business, building a better internet backbone, and launching wave services

Sep. 28, 2023 | 0:20:12

Dave Schaeffer, CEO of Cogent Communications, goes in depth with Ciena’s Steve Alexander on Cogent’s recent acquisition of the T-Mobile wireline business and its plans for the network moving forward, including expansion of its data center footprint.

Episode 68: Digital Promise- Inspiring the next generation of change makers

Sep. 12, 2023 | 0:31:42

Karissa Bowen of Digital Promise joins the podcast to share her experience working on the Ciena Solutions Challenge.

Episode 67: Boosting the Employability of India’s Underserved Youth with Udayan Care

Aug. 17, 2023 | 17:09

Udayan Care’s Managing Trustee Dr. Kiran Modi joins Ciena International’s Internal Comms Lead, Shreya Chakraborty to discuss the untapped potential of India’s youth and what can be done to ensure they are ready for the digital economy of the future.

Episode 66: A CTO’s perspective on the digital divide, network operations excellence, and AI

Aug. 02, 2023 | 32:07

Matt Hayes, Highline’s Chief Technology Officer, joins Ciena’s Kevin Sheehan to discuss how RSPs are addressing the digital divide in the U.S., operational excellence, and the disruptive power of technologies like generative AI.

Episode 65: TELUS - A True Sustainability Champion

June 20, 2023 | 27:53

TELUS’ Head of Sustainability and Environment, Geoff Pegg joins Ciena’s Beth Hunter to discuss the growing importance of greener, energy-efficient networks and steps leaders like TELUS are taking to get there.

Episode 64: The Future of Broadband Demands Disruption

June 08, 2023 | 37:09

With once-in-a-generation broadband investments and the promise of a digital future for all, now is the time to rethink residential networks. Hear a panel of technology leaders from JSI and Ciena discuss the opportunities and challenges.

Episode 63: Jumping Across the Digital Divide in New Zealand with Spark

May 17, 2023 | 16:58

Join Spark Skinny Jump’s Lead, Martin La’a and Ciena’s Director for ESG, Beth Hunter as they discuss the “Cost of Living” crisis in New Zealand and how Ciena and Spark are collaborating to provide students with free broadband.

Episode 62: Lumen’s 400GE network evolution and approach to enable a better digital experience

Apr. 27, 2023 | 27:37

Lumen’s CTO Andrew Dugan joins Ciena’s Steve Alexander to talk about Lumen’s latest network updates and ways the operator is helping enterprises modernize their network infrastructure to enable a better digital experience.

Episode 61: The next generation of ESnet – ESnet6

Mar. 10, 2023 | 29:49

Tune in to hear guests from the U.S. Department of Energy and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory discuss ESnet6 -- the newest generation of the DOE’s high-performance network that fuels scientific research and discovery.

Episode 60: Submarine networks: Past, present, future

Feb. 07, 2023 | 41:49

Without submarine networks, the internet and international communications as we know them simply wouldn’t exist. Join submarine experts Ed McCormack and Brian Lavallée for a discussion on the industry’s last quarter century – and where it’s headed.

Episode 59: 2023 Tech Predictions and Industry Trends

Jan. 13, 2023 | 35:16

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

Dec. 16, 2022 | 36:04

Another year in the books! Tune in as Bo Gowan highlights our top 5 episodes of 2022.

Episode 57: euNetworks Shares Tips to Make Networks ‘Greener’

Oct. 27, 2022 | 32:35

Service providers are working to reduce carbon emissions while also meeting connectivity demands. euNetworks’ Tetyana Mozhayeva, Sr. Director of Sustainability and Ciena’s Beth Hunter, Director of ESG discuss ways to create more sustainable networks.

Episode 56: Igniting a Digital Future for All with Improvements in Residential Broadband

Sep. 16, 2022 | 20:41

This podcast features excerpts from three previous episodes featuring 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

Aug. 31, 2022 | 22:15

How are network operators coping with the big bandwidth binge? Listen in as Omdia analyst Jaimie Lenderman and INCA’s Rob Leenderts examine new approaches to fiber broadband rollouts and the benefits of converged networking.

Episode 54: Exploring a cloud-enabled Australia with NEXTDC

July 20, 2022 | 19:23

Australia is supported by cloud regions run by global hyperscalers and local datacentre providers such as NEXTDC. Tune in to this podcast to hear insights from NEXTDC on this cloud-dense market and how it’s set to evolve.

Episode 53: Setting records in 800G: Altibox Carrier and Ciena

June 17, 2022 | 17:04

800G speeds across distances over 1100 kilometers? Tune into this podcast to hear how Altibox Carrier and Ciena set this world record and also how green energy could help Norway be the next big data center hub.

Episode 52: A CIO’s Approach to Digital Transformation with Zayo’s Ginna Raahauge and Ciena’s Craig Williams

May 31, 2022 | 37:26

Zayo’s Ginna Raahauge joins Ciena’s Craig Williams to discuss challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation, strategies companies can take to support a hybrid workforce, and new collaboration tools like the metaverse, VR/AR and more.

Episode 51: Debunking 5 big myths about data centers…plus, what’s DCI anyway?

Apr. 18, 2022 | 14:04

Can you separate fact from fiction when it comes to data centers? Join special guest Frank Scalzo, GM of Network Strategy and Services at Iron Mountain, as he plays mythbuster. And find out why data center interconnection is a hot topic currently.

Episode 50: American Tower’s Ed Knapp talks 5G, the edge and more with Ciena

Feb. 22, 2022 | 26:44

Join Ed Knapp, American Tower’s CTO, and Jürgen Hatheier of Ciena as they discuss the wireless innovations—things like private 5G, edge cloud and neutral host—that hold promise to make our lives easier, more productive and safer.

Episode 49: Closing London’s Educational Divide with Academy Achievers

Feb. 10, 2022 | 16:50

Paulette Watson, Founder and Managing Director of Academy Achievers, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of creating learning opportunities to help inspire students in STEM.

Episode 48: Our 2021 Highlight Reel

Jan. 28, 2022 | 32:57

Join host Bo Gowan as he recaps our 5 most listened to episodes of 2021.

Episode 47: A year in review…and what’s to come in 2022

Dec. 14, 2021 | 37:07

2021 was a year full of big tech developments. Tune in as Steve Alexander, Jürgen Hatheier, and Craig Williams review the biggest digital transformation trends in 2021 and what they expect to see in 2022.

Episode 46: Zayo’s Approach to Digital Transformation

Nov. 18, 2021 | 24:15

On this Ciena podcast hear Zayo’s Dennis Kyle and Ciena’s Steve Alexander discuss the current state of digital transformation, AI, 5G, cloud infrastructure and the role of the network edge

Episode 45: Ciena leaders on what it takes to own the edge

Aug. 11, 2021 | 18:16

In this episode, Ciena leaders discuss the next generation of metro and edge networks and how to transform metro access and aggregation networks in the face of market and business drivers like IoT, 5G, automation, and IP/optical convergence.

Episode 44: How AI is Reshaping Networks for 5G and the Digital Era

July 28, 2021 | 0:26:12

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t new to networks but with 5G rolling out, it’s playing a critical role in how networks process surging amounts of data. Colt’s Francesca Serravalle discusses the future impact of AI.

Episode 43: Addressing the Gap in Rural Connectivity with Cullman Electric Cooperative

June 10, 2021 | 0:26:24

What role do cooperative utility companies play in extending broadband to rural communities? Cullman Electric Cooperative’s Mark Freeman shares anecdotes from the perspective of a co-op utility in Northern Alabama.

Episode 42: Spark New Zealand’s Approach to Smart Networking with Software Intelligence

Apr. 07, 2021 | 0:18:32

Spark New Zealand’s Jan Jager, Principal Solution Architect joins Ciena’s Dave Boertjes and Matt Syme to discuss how software can drive network efficiencies and ensure connectivity even during unexpected events, fiber cuts or natural disasters.

Episode 41: Software is the Secret Sauce: Singapore’s M1 Prepares for 5G

Mar. 09, 2021 | 0:28:06

M1’s Nathan Bell joins Blue Planet’s Rick Hamilton and Tom Carter to discuss ways that software-driven networks are the key to unlocking stellar digital experiences and fueling the coming wave of 5G.

Episode 40: Cyber Security in 2021: Securing the New Normal

Feb. 19, 2021 | 0:28:34

In this episode, Andy Bonillo, Ciena’s Chief Information Security Officer, and Marc Goodman, Global Security Advisor and futurist, discuss ways businesses can protect their network from new cyber threats as more people work remotely.

Episode 39: Closing the Digital Divide

Jan. 29, 2021 | 0:24:08

The digital divide is a global concern that has a direct impact on humanity and global economies. Join Ciena’s Chief Technology Officer, Steve Alexander, and Human Potential Expert and Futurist, Shivvy Jervis, as they discuss the digital divide and how we can work to close the gap.

Episode 38: Algonquin Optophotonics Lab: Empowering future optical engineers

Dec. 16, 2020 | 0:23:12

Algonquin College President & CEO Claude Brulé and Dr. Wahab Almuhtadi join Ciena's Rod Wilson to discuss ways the cutting-edge optical training lab is helping to develop future IT grads with hands-on networking experience.

Episode 37: Telehealth: The virtual doctor is in!

Nov. 23, 2020 | 0:26:00

In this episode, Unitas‘ Mary Stanhope joins Loudon Blair to discuss the surge in telehealth services and how current networks and cloud infrastructures are adapting to power telemedicine and virtual and augmented reality applications.

Episode 36: Building Digital Resiliency – Tips from Vodafone and IDC

Oct. 21, 2020 | 0:29:38

How do you build resiliency in today’s highly connected and digital everything world? Tune in to hear tips from Vodafone and IDC in this special episode.

Episode 35: Covid 19’s impact on the network, 5G and Edge Cloud

Sep. 28, 2020 | 0:26:39

Host Rebecca Prudhomme talks with Steve Alexander, Ciena's CTO and Joe Madden from Mobile Experts about Covid-19’s impact on the network, 5G and Edge Cloud.

Episode 34: East Meets West: How Submarine Cables and Data Centers Deliver Resilient Connectivity

Aug. 20, 2020 | 0:23:49

Join Interxion’s Mike Hollands and Ciena’s Colin Wallace as they discuss the symbiotic relationship between data centers and submarine networks and how route diversity and resiliency improve the connectivity experience.

Episode 33: Celebrating the 3-year anniversary of Ciena Insights

July 16, 2020 | 0:37:57

Hear insights from some of our most popular podcast guests from over the past 3 years.

Episode 32: The Digital Economy – What Does It Take to Survive and Thrive?

June 24, 2020 | 0:28:11

SDN pioneer and MEF advisor Dan Pitt discusses the rapidly evolving digital economy, the services driving it and how the edge is emerging as the new battleground.

Episode 31: An Avalanche of Data – Colorado’s Roadways of the Future

June 03, 2020 | 0:38:05

CDOT’s Bob Fifer and John Williams share what network requirements are needed to maintain the 28 billion miles of annual vehicle travel on Colorado’s roadways and make them safer for not only future travelers but wildlife as well.

Episode 30: Vocus Group Delivers Simple Customer Experiences in a Complex World

Apr. 24, 2020 | 0:31:57

Vocus Group CTO Vic McClelland joins Blue Planet’s Kailem Anderson and Arista’s Ken Kiser to discuss how the company has transformed its network to meet customer demands in today’s digital-first world.

Episode 29: Data in the Blue: Submarine cable deep dive

Apr. 06, 2020 | 0:39:00

Aqua Comms CEO Nigel Bayliff joins Ciena’s Ian Clarke to discuss myths and misconceptions of more than 150 years of submarine cables and look to the future of what’s to come.

Episode 28: Will 5G be a game-changer for business?

Feb. 19, 2020 | 0:31:51

Tune in to hear 5G Americas’ Chris Pearson and Ciena’s Brian Lavallée discuss real-life 5G business use cases for several industries including healthcare, gaming, and utilities.

Episode 27: Where Do We Go From Here? 2020 Predictions for Making Networks Faster, Closer, Smarter and Safer

Jan. 13, 2020 | 0:26:01

Ciena’s CTO Steve Alexander discusses key trends shaping networks in 2020 and beyond, including 5G, edge computing, and AI.

Episode 26: From Hurricane Predictors to Human Genomics: How Internet2 Enables Scientific Discovery and Collaboration

Dec. 19, 2019 | 0:30:16

From understanding how lightning strikes to keeping a watchful eye on Channel Island’s Bald Eagles, Internet2’s network powers real scientific innovation and advances research and discovery. In this episode, Ciena’s Rod Wilson and his long-time colleagues Rob Vietzke and Chris Wilkinson from Internet2 discuss the future of R&E networks and reminisce about some of their favorite milestones and technology firsts from the last two decades including deploying the first trans-Atlantic 100G link to powering the 2019 SC Conference with 400G connectivity.

Episode 25: Spotlight on Japan: Driving Innovation at a Breakneck Speed

Nov. 05, 2019 | 0:16:09

Japan is known for always being on the cusp of the most advanced technologies and innovations. The country is taking bold steps to drive 5G, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things initiatives that will greatly impact the lives of consumers and businesses alike. From new ways of broadcasting sumo wrestling to navigating the supply chain of Japan’s agriculture, Ciena’s Rick Seeto discusses ways Japan is paving the way for our next digital frontier.

Episode 24: Living in a Multi-Cloud World – Why Automation is Paramount

Oct. 16, 2019 | 0:23:56

Special guest Matt Senderhauf, CoreSite’s director of product management, joins Kailem Anderson, Blue Planet’s VP of portfolio engineering, to discuss the cloud, barriers data center operators face, and how automation is key in today’s multi-cloud era.

Episode 23: How Gaming is Going Beast Mode

Sep. 01, 2019 | 0:29:54

Tune in to hear from special guest Craig Levine, ESL’s Global Chief Strategy Officer, along with Ciena’s Steve Alexander and Joe Cumello as they discuss the explosive growth in the gaming and esports industries and how the network plays a key role in creating an immersive and entertaining experience.

Episode 22: Digital Transformation and Change Management - Tips from Ciena’s CIO

Aug. 19, 2019 | 0:29:14

Ciena’s CIO discusses Digital Transformation, change management and ways businesses can successfully roll-out new tools to improve employee adoption and collaboration.

Episode 21: 5G is More Reality than Hype

July 01, 2019 | 0:29:16

In this episode, Pierre Boucher from ENCQOR and Ciena’s Brian Lavallée discuss how 5G is becoming a reality more and more every day, from making museum exhibits more interactive to controlling mining equipment remotely.

Episode 20: The Future of Submarine Networks

May 31, 2019 | 0:36:03

In this episode, Southern Cross’ Craige Sloots talks about the latest advancements on its NEXT submarine cable network. And, Ciena experts Ian Clarke, Darwin Evans, and Brian Lavallée discuss some of the latest drivers impacting the submarine market.

Episode 19: Celebrating National Engineering Month

Mar. 28, 2019 | 0:35:45

Ciena’s Michael Hubbard, Dave Doucet, and Melissa Trezise share why they became optical and software engineers, what keeps them motivated and how they’re helping today’s networks to adapt and keep the world connected.

Episode 18: Ciena Announces WaveLogic 5

Feb. 20, 2019 | 0:33:45

Scott McFeely and Dino DiPerna take listeners behind-the-scenes on Ciena’s latest technology breakthrough – WaveLogic 5 – that will continue to redefine the possibilities of today’s networks with programmable 800G and footprint-optimized solutions.

Episode 17: 5G, AI, DCI and Blockchain. What will be their impact on the network in 2019?

Jan. 15, 2019 | 0:33:30

Ciena’s Chief Technology Officer, Steve Alexander, shares his thoughts on some of the key technologies on the horizon like 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Data Center Interconnect and Blockchain. We also take a brief look back at some of our predictions from 2018 and years prior.

Episode 16: Ciena and CenturyLink Giving Back

Dec. 21, 2018 | 0:23:49

Mark Stevens, Ciena’s Director of CSR provides an overview of the Ciena CARES community outreach program. Also, Sondra Smith, Director of CSR for CenturyLink, joins as a special guest to share recent benevolent activities lead by the organization.

Episode 15: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence

Oct. 22, 2018 | 0:23:33

Tune into this podcast to hear from Ciena’s Kailem Anderson as he discusses how AI makes it possible for an autonomous network to configure, monitor and maintain itself independently.

Episode 14: Telstra and Ericsson Discuss Key Trends Like 5G, IoT, Artificial Intelligence and their Impact on Today’s Network

Sep. 21, 2018 | 0:37:50

Channa Seneviratne, Telstra’s Executive Director Wireless & Infrastructure Engineering, David Cooper, Ericsson’s Head of Network Solutions for Australia & New Zealand join Ciena’s Anup Changaroth, CTO for the Asia-Pacific region.

Episode 13: Ciena’s Take on Digital Transformation across Asia

Aug. 30, 2018 | 0:22:35

Rick Seeto discusses some of the latest industry trends and Ciena’s continued success across the Asia-Pacific region, including new hires and a new office in Japan.

Episode 12: IT's Impact on Today's Digital Economy

Aug. 01, 2018 | 0:34:40

Ciena’s CIO Craig Williams discusses ways that IT professionals can play a more prominent role in today’s rapidly changing work environment where businesses rely more heavily on the cloud, all-the-time/anytime collaboration tools, artificial intelligence and automation.

Episode 11: Spotlight on India - The Next Digital Frontier

June 27, 2018 | 0:17:08

India’s telecom market is seeing tremendous growth, as mobile subscribership continues to skyrocket and the Indian government undertakes initiatives to improve broadband connectivity for its citizens. Join Ciena’s Ryan Perera and Dimple Amin as they shed light on the company’s activity in one of the world’s most innovative and fastest growing markets.

Episode 10: Automation – A Critical Element of the Adaptive Network

May 18, 2018 | 0:16:25

Ciena’s Chip Redden, Rebecca Prudhomme, and ACG Research’s Tim Doiron discuss the results of a recent survey that highlights what motivates service providers across the globe to adapt their networks to be more intelligent, flexible and automated.

Episode 9: Verizon’s Glenn Wellbrock talks ‘One Network’ with Ciena

Mar. 22, 2018 | 0:35:00

Glenn Wellbrock, Verizon's director of optical transport planning, and Ciena's Kevin Sheehan discuss the goals and challenges with Verizon's initiative to consolidate and operate a single seamless network infrastructure with their One Network initiative.

Episode 8: The Adaptive Network Sets Sail

Feb. 22, 2018 | 0:25:13

Ciena’s Rebecca Prudhomme discusses the Adaptive Network—Ciena’s vision for giving network providers the intelligence, agility, and control needed to support growing user demands coming from virtual reality, Internet of Things and more. Also, tune in to hear the buzz surrounding 5G at Mobile World Congress.

Episode 7: 5G and other technologies impacting the network in 2018

Jan. 29, 2018 | 0:27:58

2018 has only just begun, but what trends will unfold the rest of the year? We circle the globe asking some of our experts about the key technologies operators might expect to take center stage this year, if any technologies from 2017 will continue to pose challenges and most importantly how we can prepare the network for what’s coming.

Episode 6: The Evolving Retail Experience

Dec. 20, 2017 | 0:30:32

Ciena’s Loudon Blair reflects on the evolving retail landscape and what’s required from a networking perspective for businesses to answer the call of the always-on, instant gratification economy.

Episode 5: #Ciena25: Reflections on the company's 25 year history

Nov. 08, 2017 | 0:41:14

2017 marks Ciena’s 25th anniversary – November 8 to be exact. In this episode, veteran telecom reporter Carol Wilson speaks with Gary Smith, Ciena’s long-time CEO; Steve Alexander, Ciena’s CTO, and Steve Chaddick, one of the company’s co-founders, about Ciena’s history and plans for the future.

Episode 4: Why Cyber Security Matters with Special Guest: Windstream

Oct. 25, 2017 | 0:28:04

These days, many prominent businesses have reported being victims of high-profile hacks from the financial sector to Internet search engines. This is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and now couldn’t be a better time for a refresher course on the threats to today’s infrastructure as well as the importance of a holistic security program.

Episode 3: Submarine Networks

Sep. 25, 2017 | 0:21:54

Contrary to popular belief, satellites account for a miniscule part of keeping the world connected. Submarine networks do the heavy lifting—all from the depths of the ocean floors.

Episode 2: Back to School

Aug. 23, 2017 | 0:24:15

Today, we’re talking about digital education in general – how schools can provide it, the tech investments they need to make to support it, and how to find available public and private resources to fund the investments, including E-Rate.

Episode 1: The Road to 5G is Paved with Good Fiber with Brian Lavallée

July 17, 2017 | 0:28:13

Nothing demonstrates our dependence on mobile connectivity quite like the long summer vacation from school. How else are parents going to entertain angst kids on the long trip to grandma’s house?