2024 Showcase
2024 Predictions Showcase
Last year's predictions were well-received by our audience (BTW, we have over 5.5K subscribers on YouTube). We're looking to set new viewing records in 2024 with the support of the executives on this site. Check out what infrastructure technologies (InfraTech) thought leaders anticipate this year, and see how their predictions hold up later in 2024. We're still processing and loading new submissions, so check back regularly over the next few weeks.
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Some readers have requested a convenient way to grab our recent reports without filling in multiple forms. We present you our 2023 NextGenInfra (NGI) Report Bundle comprising our Data Center Networking (AI and Cloud Workloads), Private Wireless, SASE/SD-WAN/ZTNA/NaaS Enterprise Networking , and our New Middle Mile Reports — one form, four reports, enjoy!
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Video interviews
Streamlining Telecom & Broadband Deployment
Rob Laudati, VP of Products & Services at Render Networks, predicts that market pressure and high costs of rural broadband deployment will drive efficiencies in the telecommunications sector in 2024. Laudati also anticipates the significant role of AI in optimizing and automating processes, creating opportunities for innovation in the industry.The Internet's Shift from Ads to Data Exchange
Khalid Raza, CEO of Graphiant, predicts a shift from the advertising revenue model to a data exchange economy between business partners. Raza also emphasizes the need for private exchange of this enterprise data, and the necessity of a peer-to-peer data exchange model as data growth outpaces bandwidth available.Private 5G, AI Integration & Zero Trust in 2024
Phil Mottram, EVP and GM of HPE Aruba Networking, predicts that private 5G will coexist with Wi-Fi in enterprises, AI will become mainstream in network operations, and there will be a convergence of networks and security with zero trust becoming a key element of security deployments.Silicon Photonics & Novel Materials
Vikas Gupta, Senior Director of Product Management at GlobalFoundries, forecasts growth in the Silicon photonics ecosystem, especially in packaging, with nontraditional OSATs leading and the rise of a cottage industry around this technology. Gupta also predicts an increase in the use and development of novel materials such as lithium niobate, barium titanate, and other organic polymers.AI, Onshoring and the Fiber Investment Surge
Kevin Morgan, Chief Marketing Officer at Clearfield, predicts a rise in integration and on-shoring (Buy America, Build America), maximization of existing fiber investment, and service providers developing more efficient technologies to connect homes rather than laying fiber for the sake of achieving the artificial "homes passed" metric.Fiber Broadband Deployments in 2024
Gary Bolton, President of the Fiber Broadband Association, predicts a normalization of the supply chain, increased access and affordability of fiber broadband, and a surge in demand for fiber optic technicians in 2024. The Association plans to expand its technician training program nationwide, leveraging Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding.400G Plugables & Beyond
Tim Doiron, VP of Solution Marketing from Infinera, predicts an increased adoption of 400G coherent pluggables by traditional network operators, an expansion of the transmission spectrum on fiber, and commercial availability of the first generation of 800G coherent pluggables.5G, AI & Edge Computing in 2024
Parm Sandhu, VP of Enterprise 5G Products & Services at NTT, predicts increased adoption of 5G technology, including private 5G networks, the continued growth of software-defined networks for more flexible network management, plus shares his thoughts on security, sustainability, and edge computing.Wi-Fi 7, AI Analytics & Enhanced Security
Morgan Kurk, CEO of Cambium Networks, forecasts the continued dominance of economics over technology, leading to a slower uptake of Wi-Fi 7; increased use of AI for network analytics, maintenance, and troubleshooting; and heightened security measures due to growing network vulnerability.Service Provider Networking Trends in 2024
Ronan Kelly, CTO for EMEA at Adtran, predicts three key trends in service provider networking: better inventory alignment will improve cash flow and allow expanded investment in connectivity, improved efficiency to reduce high capital costs and reduce energy and resource consumption, and interoperability to consolidate networks from different vendors at low cost.NaaS & Inter-Carrier Automation
Kevin Vachon, COO of MEF, highlights the growth of Network as a Service (NaaS) offerings in 2024., Vachon predicts vendors will align their solutions to enhance service provider offerings. He anticipates a breakthrough in inter-carrier automation in the US market, overcoming complexities of migrating from legacy standards, and foresees the emergence of market-specific automation solutions.5G, Private Networks & AI in 2024
Steve Douglas, Head of Market Strategy at Spirent, forecasts a surge in 5G Standalone adoption, an increase in private networks due to clearer ROI, and AI-driven evolution in data center networking and internet connectivity. He also predicts the start of 800GbE refresh cycles in 2024.AI Clusters and Custom Silicon in 2024
Noam Mizrahi, EVP and Corporate CTO at Marvell, forecasts the growth of larger and more demanding AI clusters will require higher bandwidth connectivity and the development of ultra-complex custom silicon ASICs, optimized for specific use cases. Mizrahi also predicts a shift from training AI models to inference, necessitating a more optimized infrastructure with unique network features.AI in Networking & the Rise of Open-Source
Arpit Joshipura and Ranny Haiby from Linux Foundation predict AI will become a horizontal framework in networking. They also anticipate a rise in neutral governance for key software projects due to concerns around single company control and geopolitics. They also anticipate the continuation of Open RAN's journey towards full open source.5G, AI, Cloud Networks & Cybersecurity in 2024
Shamik Mishra, CTO of Connectivity at Capgemini, predicts the rise of disaggregated networks, standalone 5G services, and Network as a Service becoming mainstream monetization strategy due to cost pressures at carriers. Mishra anticipates significant transformations in the telecom industry through AI, edge computing, cybersecurity, and the emergence of non-terrestrial and specialized networks.Big Internet trends for 2024
Mattias Fridström, Chief Evangelist at Arelion, predicts a rise in DDoS attacks, significant breakthrough in AI enhancing automation and network interactions, and the continued importance of maintaining public internet access.Key Trends in Public Cloud, Private 5G & O-RAN
Amar Kapadia, CEO of Aarna Networks, forecasts three major trends in enterprise and service provider networking for 2024: a surge in demand for dedicated public cloud connectivity, the emergence of private 5G, and the initial disaggregation in the lower layer of O-RAN.What's next for Quantum Networking in 2024?
Santanu Ganguly, an advisor with Quantum communication startup Qoro, predicts significant growth in the Quantum Networking sector. Ganguly anticipates increased adoption of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD, strong development in Quantum communication network layer, and increased adoption of Quantum sensing, positioning, navigation, and timing systems.Three Predictions for Enterprise IT in 2024
Özer Dondurmacıoğlu, VP Marketing at Nile, predicts an increase in complexity at the edge of enterprise IT infrastructures, a shift towards consuming technologies as a service, and a rise in the use of AI in services architecture in 2024.Enterprise IT Future - Services & AI Networking
Özer Dondurmacıoğlu, VP Marketing at Nile, predicts a future of increased complexity in enterprise IT infrastructures due to more products at the edge, a shift towards consuming technologies as a service, and the rise of AI in services architecture.Sustainability & 800G Networking Shape Future
Sally Bament, VP of Cloud & Service Provider Marketing at Juniper, predicts that sustainability and "green networking" will become crucial, the rise of 800G networking, and the adoption of on-premises automation with cloud-based AI operations.Shift to On-Premises AI Data Centers
Ben Baker, Senior Director of Cloud/SP Marketing at Juniper, anticipates that businesses will prefer on-premises AI data centers for enhanced control. He also predicts a rise in AI Ops for predictive maintenance, and the integration of AI-based LLMs in user interfaces.AI & IoT for Network Security & Scalability
Christian Gilby, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Juniper, predicts more cloud transition, a resurgence of network access control, deeper integration of IoT into network infrastructure, and the migration to WiFi 6E with emergence of WiFi 7.AI, RIC & Sustainability
Eugina Jordan, Chief Marketing Officer at Telecom Infra Project, predicts telecoms will increase their AI/ML use for improving operations and customer experiences, and automating network configuration. Eugina anticipates RIC adoption by mobile operators for network optimization and monetization, and a focus on sustainability and TCO reduction through AI/ML and automation.AI Chiplets and Optical Communications
Tony Chan Carusone, Chief Technology Officer for Alphawave Semi, predicts AI capabilities will be enhanced through the deployment of customized hardware with chiplets, a surge in demand for hardware, and an increase in semiconductor companies.AI's Impact on Network Infrastructure
Shekar Ayyar, CEO of Arrcus, forecasts a shift in 2024 where the network will become the computer, driven by the rise of AI which demands three critical network characteristics. Ayyar also predicts expansion of multicloud networking, and scale up for data center infrastructure.3 Cyber Events that won't happen in 2024
Etay Maor, Senior Director of Security Strategy at Cato Networks, predicts that while AI will be increasingly used by cybercriminals, a catastrophic AI attack is not realistic and neither is a standalone cyber war. Listen for more of Maor's insights.Navigating the Evolving Optical Ecosystem
Jeff Maki, a distinguished engineer at Juniper Networks and board member of the Advanced Photonics Coalition, predicts an increase in competitors collaborating in 2024 and the emergence of new standards bodies, like the Advanced Photonics Coalition, that can meet emerging industry needs.AI Mobile at MWC24 in Barcelona
Greg Collins, founder and principal analyst at Exact Ventures, forecasts a pivotal year for AI in the mobile network markets with applications extending beyond customer support to network planning and optimization, and a potential boost to the 5G Standalone market.DDoS, Cloud-Phone Wars & AI Ops Surge
Ram Ramanathan, Senior Director of Product Management at Ribbon, forecasts a surge in sophisticated DDoS attacks, heightened competition between Microsoft and Cisco for cloud-based phone seats, and increased adoption of AI Ops in the core networks of communication service providers.3 Big Trends for Enterprise Networking
Apurv Bhartia, Head of Wireless at Meter, a network-as-a-service pioneer, predicts a shift towards cloud-driven models, a rise in outcome-driven network administrators focusing on business results, and the ongoing convergence of connectivity and security. Bhartia states these trends are already evident in Meter's rapidly growing business.Featured companies
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