Welcome to The Conduit, the only channel connecting the dots between AI and the networks that drive it forward

We break down the latest in AI, decode its impact on networks, and deliver the insights that actually matter. Expect sharp data-driven takeaways, expert perspectives from those who’ve been in the trenches, and key updates to keep you ahead of the curve. Consider this your cheat sheet to sounding like the smartest person in the room. Let’s dive in. ??

CURRENT TEMP: SUPER HOT ??

AI innovation continues to accelerate, driving fundamental changes in how data is processed, moved, and accessed across global networks. Here are some recent updates:?

• Google's AI Mode (powered by Gemini 2.0) is redefining search, handling complex queries, pulling live data, and reducing site visits.
• AI-driven search, recommendations, and fraud detection depend on seamless, high-speed connectivity.
• AI is now optimizing industrial processes –?automating design, simulating manufacturing, and detecting quality issues in real time.

The takeaway? AI isn’t just consuming more compute power, it’s placing new demands on the infrastructure that moves data to and from training clusters, inference engines, and end-user applications.

?? AI STAT OF THE WEEK: 65%

?? 65% of organizations now regularly use generative AI –?nearly double from 10 months ago (McKinsey).

AI isn’t just an experiment; it’s driving real cost savings and revenue growth. But here’s the challenge: AI is only as good as the network behind it.

Seamless data movement, from massive training clusters to real-time edge inference, is critical. The real race? Scaling long-haul and metro fiber networks to handle AI’s data demand.

??? HOT TAKE:

AI is both a security asset and a threat vector. AI-powered attacks –deepfake scams, automated phishing –?are evolving at machine speed. Meanwhile, AI models themselves are vulnerable to data poisoning and adversarial manipulation.

Here’s what too many organizations overlook: AI doesn’t just change what threats look like; it changes what your network needs to do to stop them. Your network must scale for bandwidth and compute, while simultaneously offering:?

• Encrypted traffic inspection?
• AI-enhanced DDoS Protection?
• Autonomous, real-time threat mitigation?

Bottom Line: If your network security can’t match the speed and intelligence of AI-powered threats, you’ve already lost.?

Shawn Edwards, Chief Security Officer, Zayo

POLL????

What’s the most underestimated cybersecurity risk in the age of AI?

?? Vote here ??

?? FUTURE FORECAST: The AI Bandwidth Boom

AI is fueling a massive expansion in optical networks. Ian Redpath, Research Dir., SP Networks at OMDIA, notes:

“AI is catalyzing a generational optical-network build cycle. CSPs are scaling connectivity to Pbps to support gigawatt AI training centers.”

Generative AI is driving foundational demand for bandwidth, and that demand will only grow as applications evolve, requiring ever-faster connectivity between GPU resources and enterprise applications.

Here’s how bandwidth requirements scale as AI capabilities progress:

Words to Words – AI drafts emails, summarizes docs (low bandwidth).

Pixels to Words – AI analyzes images in real time (moderate bandwidth).

Words to Video – AI generates realistic videos (high bandwidth).

Words to Proteins – AI designs new proteins for medical breakthroughs (massive bandwidth).

The more agentic AI becomes, the more it depends on high-performance networks that can support real-time, machine-speed decisions across distributed systems.

Perspective provided by:

Kevin J. Sheehan, CTO of the Americas, VP of Sales Engineering and S3, Ciena?

Richard A. Heptinstall, Director, Business Development, Ciena

WHAT TO READ ??

?? Amazon’s AWS Forms New AI Group

?? Multi-Model AI & Infrastructure