Episode 97: Building AI-Ready Networks — From India to the Rest of the World
June 12, 2026 | 20:57
Lightstorm’s Vinay V. joins Ciena’s Gautam Billa to discuss how the Asia-Pacific connectivity provider is scaling to meet surging hyperscaler, neoscaler, and AI-driven demand, leveraging MOFN, NaaS, and operating at AI speed.
Episode 96: Autonomous Networks: Getting to Level 5 in the AI Era
May 07, 2026 | 21:00
Karina Dahlke, Gabriele Di Piazza, and Erik McLaughlin explore what it takes to reach “level five” autonomous networking in the AI era, offering insights on how network experts and engineers at Ciena and Blue Planet give customers the visibility, context, and automation needed to accelerate the journey.
Episode 95: OFC 2026 Takeaways and Preparing Networks for AI
Apr. 16, 2026 | 31:40
Rebecca Smith, Brodie Gage, and Dino DiPerna reflect on OFC 2026 and discuss how optical innovations are taking center stage in the AI Era. They share Ciena’s R&D approach that helps operators and hyperscalers build, scale, and prepare networks for AI – inside the data center and beyond.
Episode 94: Submarine Cables in the AI and Cloud Era
Mar. 06, 2026 | 0:24:27
FLAG's Brad Kneller and Nadya Melic join Ciena's Gautam Billa to discuss the economical, operational and sustainability aspects of preserving submarine cables in the AI era.
Episode 93: Blue Planet Customer Conversation Highlights
Feb. 10, 2026 | 16:21
Blue Planet's Kailem Anderson shares some of the conversations that we had with our customers in 2025 around automation, autonomous networks and providing the best customer experiences.
Episode 92: Powering Global Connectivity: The Future of Research Networks with CANARIE and REANNZ
Jan. 29, 2026 | 26:48
Ciena’s Rodney Wilson sits down with REANNZ's Amber McEwen and CANARIE’s Michael Tremblay to explore how national research networks power scientific discovery and global collaboration. They also discuss real world AI driven applications made possible by high performance networks.
Episode 91: Verizon’s AI strategy to power next-gen AI demands
Nov. 06, 2025 | 20:01
Victor Moreno joins Nicola Benvenuti and Mark Bieberich to discuss Verizon AI Connect, an integrated suite of solutions and products designed to enable hyperscalers, cloud providers and enterprises to deploy AI resource-intensive workloads at scale.
Episode 90: Telstra International Introduces an Autonomous Network Future
Oct. 10, 2025 | 20:33
Telstra International's Wayne Lotter talks with Blue Planet's Kailem Anderson about how the company plans to transform customer experiences with zero-touch, secure, and resilient networks while harnessing AI in the workplace.
Episode 89: Preparing Submarine Cables for the Next Wave of Innovation
Aug. 25, 2025 | 25:01
Southern Cross' leadership team joins Ciena's submarine expert Brian Lavallée to discuss upcoming trends in the submarine networking space.
Episode 88: Mastering MOFN—Lumen and Ciena experts share their insights
Aug. 01, 2025 | 23:20
Curious about Managed Optical Fiber Networks (MOFN)? Listen as Alison Greenwood, VP of Hyperscalers at Lumen, and Ciena’s Martin Reilly, Director of International MOFN, discuss MOFN’s benefits, trends, and strategic importance for cloud connectivity.
Episode 87: How Meta Reimagined OOB Management in the Data Center
July 10, 2025 | 19:04
Mike “MJ” Joseph joins Ciena’s Mark Bieberich to discuss Meta’s groundbreaking innovation in data center out-of-band (OOB) network management design and operations.
Episode 86: Building a Network Digital Twin in Real-Time
June 20, 2025 | 27:06
Tune-in to hear Blue Planet's Kailem Anderson and Ciena's Mark Bieberich delve into the topic of Network Digital Twins.
Episode 85: CIOs and the AI era
May 20, 2025 | 27:59
SymphonyAI CIO, Bill Bragg, joins Ciena Chief Digital Information Officer, Craig Williams, to explore how AI is reshaping the role of the CIO and driving business transformation.
Episode 84: Part 2—Quantum secure communications: Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Cryptography
Mar. 05, 2025 | 21:05
Explore how Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Cryptography algorithms help safeguard critical data in the quantum era and shape the future of secure communications by addressing the threat of quantum computing.
Episode 83: Part 1 - Understanding the Quantum Threat: Why act now?
Feb. 28, 2025 | 32:56
Join host Paulina Gomez and industry experts as they explore the threat of quantum computing to today’s encryption algorithms. Discover why action is crucial and how the industry is responding to mitigate the quantum computing threat.
Episode 82: Data4 Discusses AI’s Impact on Data Centers
Dec. 03, 2024 | 21:27
Jérôme Totel, Data4 Group Strategy & Innovation Director joins Jürgen Hatheier, Int’l CTO, to discuss the critical role data centers play in AI. They cover energy needs, AI training and inference, and how Europe can strengthen its position.
Episode 81: Celebrating the Role of an Engineer in Today’s AI World
Oct. 21, 2024 | 32:12
Ever considered engineering as a career? Join Head of Engineering at Ciena India, Vineet Vohra in a conversation with his fellow engineers, Manish Chopra and Ruby Saxena for some inspiration, as they discuss how diversity, remote work and AI are impacting today's engineers.
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 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
Episode 17: 5G, AI, DCI and Blockchain. What will be their impact on the network in 2019?
Jan. 15, 2019 | 0:33:30
Episode 16: Ciena and CenturyLink Giving Back
Dec. 21, 2018 | 0:23:49
