Companies

Nokia

Executive perspectives from Nokia across NextGenInfra's event and research showcases.

40 video interviews · 2019–2026

Director’s Cut
2026 Data Center Networking Nokia

The Optics Scaling Challenge at 1.6T

  • GPU interconnect speeds double each generation, forcing copper-to-optical transitions inside the rack
  • Power and component supply are the binding constraints on AI data center optics
  • Nokia positions its indium phosphide (InP) technology as an open component supply for hyperscalers
Full summary
Neel Patel, GM, Optical Networking Component Solutions at Nokia, explains in our Director's Cut edition, how AI data centers face significant power and supply challenges as GPU interconnect speeds double with each generation, requiring transitions from copper to optical solutions within racks. He highlights Nokia's competitive advantages in indium phosphide (InP) technology, positioning the company as an open ecosystem component supplier for hyperscalers.
2026 Data Center Networking Nokia

Linear Pluggable Optics for Data Center Efficiency

  • 1.6T optical modules consume nearly double the power of 800G — up to +1kW on a 64-port switch
  • Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO) cuts power by leaning on the switch ASIC's DSPs
Full summary
Neel Patel, GM of Optical Networking Component Solutions at Nokia, discusses the power consumption challenges of advancing optical modules in data centers, where 1.6T modules consume nearly double the power of 800G modules, potentially adding 1KW to a 64-port switch. He explains how Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO) addresses this by leveraging switch ASIC DSPs reducing power consumption.
2026 Data Center Networking Nokia

Integration is the Real Race in AI Data Center Networking

  • Hyperscaler AI demand is reshaping the data center networking market
  • Integration — not any single component — is the real competitive race
  • Nokia's portfolio spans switching silicon, DSPs, and Infinera-derived optics
Full summary
Mike Bushong, Vice President of Data Center at Nokia, discusses how AI workloads are fundamentally changing the data center networking market, with hyperscalers driving unprecedented demand and technical challenges. He explains that Nokia's broad portfolio across switching silicon, DSPs, and differentiated optics from the Infinera acquisition positions the company to handle complex integration challenges.
2026 Fiber Connect Nokia

Why Universal Gigabit Access Is Essential for the AI Era

  • Universal gigabit connectivity is essential as AI becomes pervasive in daily life
  • Peak speeds keep cloud-based AI agents as responsive as local applications
  • Gigabit access is needed to prevent new digital divides
Full summary
Stefaan Vanhastel, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Nokia, explains how universal gigabit connectivity is essential as AI becomes pervasive in daily life, with peak speeds necessary to ensure cloud-based AI agents respond as quickly as local applications and prevent new digital divides.
2026 MWC Barcelona Nokia

Network Visibility Across Domains

  • Nokia's end-to-end view spans mobile, core, submarine, and data center interconnect networks
  • RAN and access visibility informs optical solutions tuned to RAN-to-data-center traffic
  • The result is positioned as a more holistic, cross-domain network solution
Full summary
Robert Shore, Head of Optical Network Marketing at Nokia, discusses how Nokia's comprehensive end-to-end view of network connectivity—spanning mobile networks, core networks, submarine networks, and data center interconnect—provides valuable perspective for developing optical networking solutions. Shore explains that understanding what happens in the RAN and access networks enables Nokia to build better optical solutions that can accommodate the types of traffic flowing between the RAN and data centers, ultimately delivering a more holistic network solution for customers.
2026 MWC Barcelona Nokia

Physical AI in Action

  • Nokia's physical AI push features Surf delivery trucks with Nvidia Jetson GPUs across seven US cities via DoorDash and Uber Eats
  • Nokia, Nvidia, and T-Mobile are building an "AI grid" distributing processing across devices, AI RAN, and network layers
  • Enables safe navigation, human assistance, and multilingual support via LLMs running on the radio network
Full summary
Houman Modarres, Head of Enterprise Marketing at Nokia, presents the company's physical AI initiative at Mobile World Congress, showcasing Surf food delivery trucks with Nvidia Jetson GPUs deployed across seven US cities in partnership with DoorDash and Uber Eats. Nokia is collaborating with Nvidia and T-Mobile to build an "AI grid" that distributes processing across devices, AI RAN, and network layers, enabling applications like safe navigation, human assistance, and multilingual customer support through LLMs running on the radio network.
2026 MWC Barcelona Nokia

Nokia's 800G Pluggables for AI Data Center Networks

  • Nokia's 800G pluggables for data center interconnect cut power consumption 65-70% versus embedded optics
  • Power savings are a key draw for constrained operators handling AI traffic between core and edge
  • Vertical integration at its California indium phosphide fab yields ZR/ZR+ edge in transmission distance and supply chain control
Full summary
Jon Baldry from Nokia presents the company's 800 gig pluggable optical connectivity solutions for data center interconnection at Mobile World Congress, demonstrating through augmented reality how the technology reduces power consumption by 65-70% compared to embedded optics—a critical advantage for power-constrained data center operators managing AI-driven traffic between core and edge facilities. Nokia maintains its competitive edge in the 800 gig ZR and ZR plus optics market through vertical integration, manufacturing pluggables, subsystems, and optical chips at its indium phosphide fabrication facility in California, enabling superior transmission distances and supply chain control.
2026 OFC Nokia

800G Optical Innovation

  • Massive data center buildouts are surging demand for optical networking
  • Diversifying applications require innovative, customer-specific optical solutions
Full summary
Robert Shore, Head of Optical Network Marketing at Nokia, discusses the surging demand for optical networking solutions driven by massive data center buildouts that are diversifying applications and requiring innovative, customer-specific solutions.
2026 OFC Nokia

Connecting AI Clusters Across Multiple Data Center Sites

  • AI expansion beyond single data centers is driving distributed networking across campus sites
  • Nokia 7250 EXR18 half-petabit system delivers 576 ports of 800-gigabit connectivity
  • Enables multiple sites to operate as unified AI clusters
Full summary
Manish Gulyani, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Nokia, explains how AI infrastructure expansion beyond single data centers is driving demand for distributed networking across multiple campus sites, with Nokia's 7250 EXR18 half-petabit system delivering 576 ports of 800-gigabit connectivity to enable these sites to operate as unified AI clusters.
2026 Upperside World Congress Nokia

AI-Powered Network Defense & Quantum-Safe Solutions

  • Nokia presents modular architectures for automated data center interconnection spanning DCs to the WAN
  • Solutions feature AI agents for network operations, DDoS protection, and quantum-safe networks
Full summary
Roland Thienpont, Director of IP Division Product Marketing at Nokia, presents data center interconnection with automation capabilities using modular architectures. He discusses the network journey from data centers to wide area networks, featuring AI agents for network operations, DDoS protection, and quantum-safe networks.
Director’s Cut
2025 AI in Networking Nokia

Nokia: The Future of AI-Driven Operations

  • Nokia targets level four autonomy via a "divide and conquer" approach that splits network domains into specialized expert systems.
  • Standardization is emphasized as essential for multi-vendor environments.
  • A three-pronged strategy tackles skills shortages through accessible interfaces, consultative services, and SaaS.
Full summary
In this extended video, Wim Henderickx, CTO IP Division at Nokia, outlines Nokia's AI for networking vision focused on achieving level four autonomy through a "divide and conquer" approach that breaks complex network domains into specialized expert systems. He emphasizes standardization for multi-vendor environments and describes Nokia's three-pronged strategy to address skills shortages through accessible interfaces, consultative services, and Software-as-a-Service solutions.
2025 AI in Networking Nokia

The Future of AI-Driven Operations with Nokia

  • Nokia's "divide and conquer" strategy builds specialized expert systems per network domain.
  • Standardized interfaces are essential for autonomous, multi-vendor operations.
  • Protocols like MCP are called out as enablers of cross-vendor system collaboration.
Full summary
Wim Henderickx, CTO IP Division at Nokia, discusses how Nokia implements a "divide and conquer" strategy for autonomous network operations by creating specialized expert systems for different network domains. He highlights the need for standardized interfaces and protocols like MCP to enable collaboration between different vendor systems.
2025 Data Center Networking Nokia

AI Data Centers and the Hyperscale Model

  • AI infrastructure extends well beyond hyperscalers into multiple markets with distinct power and space constraints.
  • Geography shapes AI data center requirements, not a single hyperscale template.
  • Nokia's approach centers on partnerships, multivendor management, and comprehensive networking.
Full summary
Mike Bushong, Vice President of Data Center at Nokia, explains that AI infrastructure goes beyond just hyperscalers and spans multiple markets with distinct geographical constraints and requirements for power and space. He outlines how Nokia is addressing these needs through partnerships, multivendor management, and comprehensive networking solutions.
2025 Fiber Connect Nokia

The Path Forward for Next-Gen Fiber Access

  • Nokia's North American XGS-PON shipments have reached 95%.
  • Fiber cited as the most cost-effective multi-gigabit capacity solution with long-term scalability.
  • 25G PON is gaining momentum, with 50G and 100G in advanced trials.
Full summary
Stefaan Vanhastel, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Nokia, explains that fiber technology delivers the most cost-effective multi-gigabit capacity solution with long-term scalability for subscribers. His insights reveal that Nokia's North American XGS-PON shipments have reached 95%, with 25G solutions gaining market momentum and advanced trials of 50G and 100G technologies showing promising results for both residential and business applications.
2025 MPLS World Congress Nokia

Quantum, Optical IP & AI Driving Autonomous Systems

  • Nokia flags Quantum technology, Optical IP growth, and AI-driven networking as major industry trends.
  • The industry is progressing toward autonomous networks, analogous to self-driving vehicles.
Full summary
Wim Henderickx, CTO IP Division at Nokia, discusses major industry trends including Quantum technology, Optical IP growth, and AI-driven networking advancements. His insights highlight the progression toward autonomous networks, comparing them to self-driving vehicles.
2025 MWC Barcelona Nokia

Breakthrough Innovations for Networking

  • Bell Labs' century of breakthroughs spans transistors, cellular networks, Unix, and neural networks.
  • Current research focuses on AI, quantum technology, and space communication.
  • Projects include a lunar-orbiting network.
Full summary
Peter Vetter, President of Bell Labs Core Research at Nokia, showcases Bell Labs' century of achievements in modern technology, from transistors and cellular networks to Unix and neural networks. He outlines how Bell Labs maintains its innovative spirit through current work in AI, quantum technology, and space communication, including a lunar-orbiting network.
2025 MWC Barcelona Nokia

Welcome to AI World Congress

  • AI is driving increased networking demand for cloud interconnection.
  • Nokia acquired Infinera and partnered with Lenovo and Kyndryl.
  • The moves expand Nokia's optical and data center networking capabilities.
Full summary
At Mobile World Congress, Nokia's SVP and Chief Marketing Officer Manish Gulyani discusses how AI is driving increased networking demands for cloud interconnection and shaping the company's strategic direction. Through the acquisition of Infinera and partnerships with Lenovo and Kyndryl, Nokia is expanding its optical and data center networking capabilities.
2025 MWC Barcelona Nokia

AI for Connecting Everything

  • AI is central to MWC Barcelona discussions.
  • Organizations are focused on infrastructure connectivity and network readiness for AI deployment.
Full summary
Houman Modarres, Head of Enterprise Marketing at Nokia, discusses AI's central role at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, focusing on how organizations are addressing infrastructure connectivity and network readiness for AI deployment.
2025 MWC Barcelona Nokia

Opportunity Arises as AI Meets Telecom

  • AI and RAN technologies are increasingly converging in telecom.
  • Nokia is a founding member of the AI-RAN Alliance, now grown to 75 members.
Full summary
Aji Ed, Head of Cloud RAN at Nokia, examines the growing intersection of AI and RAN technologies in telecommunications, emphasizing the expanding collaboration between tech sectors. As a founding member of the AI-RAN Alliance, Nokia has helped foster a community that has grown to 75 members, reflecting the mutual interest between telecom and AI industries.
2025 OFC Nokia

Next Gen Coherent Pluggables

  • Nokia's Rob Shore ties optical network operator requirements to AI and data center growth.
  • Embedded coherent engines remain important alongside rising pluggable adoption.
  • Coherent pluggable solutions deliver extended reach at 800G speeds.
Full summary
Rob Shore, Head of Optical Network Marketing at Nokia, outlined major optical networking developments at OFC50, focusing on how AI and data center growth are impacting network operator requirements. He detailed the ongoing importance of embedded coherent engines while highlighting increased adoption of coherent pluggable solutions that deliver extended reach at 800G speeds.
2025 Predictions Showcase Nokia

AI, Innovation, and Network Automation in 2025

  • AI initiatives get adjusted in 2025 with renewed focus on practical innovation.
  • Network automation adoption increases.
  • Organizations embrace multi-vendor control solutions while adapting to workforce changes.
Full summary
Mike Bushong, Vice President, Data Center at Nokia, outlines three predictions for 2025 including AI initiative adjustments, renewed focus on practical innovation, and increased network automation adoption. His analysis suggests organizations will embrace multi-vendor control solutions while adapting to workforce changes and operational requirements.
2024 AI in Networking Nokia

Building AI-powered networks that sense, think, and act

  • Nokia's Cory Weppler explores autonomous networks that sense, think, and act to address modern complexity.
Full summary
Cory Weppler, Head of Technology Strategy for IP Network Automation at Nokia, explores the intersection of network automation and artificial intelligence, highlighting the need for autonomous networks to address modern complexities. He discusses the importance of having networks that can "sense", "think", and "act."
2024 Fiber Connect Nokia

Fiber's Access Future from 10G to 100G

  • Nokia sees fiber progressing from the current 10 Gig era toward future 100 Gig capabilities.
  • Proprietary chipset investments enabled higher-speed trials with partners like Google and Frontier.
Full summary
Stefaan Vanhastel, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Nokia, discusses the enduring nature of fiber infrastructure and its progression through various speed tiers, from the current 10 Gig era to future 100 Gig capabilities. He emphasizes how Nokia's investments in proprietary chipset technology have facilitated trials of higher-speed fiber networks with partners like Google and Frontier, expanding connectivity options for diverse applications beyond residential use.
2024 MPLS World Congress Nokia

The Network Automation Journey

  • Nokia's Wim Henderickx emphasizes the need for automation in human-intensive network operations.
  • He sees a potential transition toward machine-assisted operations.
Full summary
Wim Henderickx, Head of Technology and Architecture IP at Nokia, emphasizes the need for automation in the human-intensive network operations and the potential transition towards machine-assisted operations.
2024 MPLS World Congress Nokia

Nokia's Quantum Safe Networking & AI

  • Nokia's Heidi Adams discusses quantum safe networking and the use of AI in networking.
  • DDoS protection remains an ongoing priority.
Full summary
Heidi Adams, Head of Global Marketing for IP/Optical Networks at Nokia, discusses quantum safe networking and the use of AI in networking, along with the ongoing significance of DDoS protection.
2024 MPLS World Congress Nokia

Network Architecture Discussions

  • Nokia's Roland Thienpont highlights the value of the 25th edition of the MPLS event in Paris.
  • He cites detailed customer interaction and in-depth meetings.
Full summary
Roland Thienpont, Director of the IP Division in Product Marketing at Nokia, highlights the value of the company's participation in the 25th edition of the MPLS event in Paris, citing detailed customer interaction and in-depth meetings.
2024 MWC Showcase Nokia

Nokia Bell Labs from the Origins of AI to Automated Networking

  • Nokia Bell Labs applies AI across the entire network lifecycle, plus industrial automation.
  • It is exploring advanced AI on end devices and built a Nokia language model trained on 20,000 documents.
Full summary
Thierry E. Klein, President of Solutions Research at Nokia Bell Labs, emphasizes the company's extensive AI research, which is integral to various sectors including networking and industrial automation, and is applied throughout the entire lifecycle of a network. Klein also discusses the potential of running advanced AI algorithms on end devices and the development of a Nokia-specific language model trained on 20,000 Nokia documents.
2024 MWC Showcase Nokia

AI-Driven Network Optimization Yields 20% Boost

  • Nokia's AI and digital twin tools deliver a 20% average increase in network performance.
  • The AI also detects unserved demand, fine-tunes 5G antennas, and enhances worker safety.
Full summary
Volker Ziegler, Senior Technology Advisor and Chief Architect at Nokia, highlights the company's growing use of AI and digital twin technology in network design and optimization services, resulting in a 20% average increase in network performance. The AI application also aids in detecting unserved network demand, fine-tuning 5G antennas, and enhancing worker safety by identifying potential hazards and ensuring the use of appropriate personal protection equipment.
2024 OFC Nokia

Nokia's Quantum-Enhanced Encryption over Optical

  • Nokia's quantum-safe photonic key creation system enhances its existing optical encryption.
  • The system is used by banking, healthcare, and government vendors across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Full summary
Ljuban Kasikovic, SE for Optical, IP, SDN and DC at Nokia, discusses their quantum-safe photonic key creation system that enhances Nokia's existing encryption system, and is being used by vendors in banking, healthcare, and government sectors across Europe, Asia, and North America.
2024 OFC Nokia

New Optical Capabilities for the Metro Edge

  • Nokia launched the 1830 PSS, a Metro-optimized optical platform for diverse Metro Edge requirements.
  • The 1830 PSS targets 5G applications, higher-capacity enterprise access, and data center connectivity.
Full summary
Hector Menendez, Product Marketing Manager at Nokia, has announced the launch of the 1830 PSS (photonic service switch), a Metro-optimized optical platform designed to support diverse requirements at the Metro Edge, particularly beneficial for 5G applications, enterprises needing higher capacity access, and data centers requiring high capacity connectivity.
2024 ONUG Spring Nokia

Nokia's AI-Driven Enterprise Networking

  • Nokia's Houman Modarres describes a dual approach to AI: improving network efficiency and supporting data center infrastructure.
  • The data center focus targets large learning models.
Full summary
Houman Modarres, Head of Enterprise Marketing at Nokia, highlights the company's dual approach to AI in networking, focusing on improving network efficiency and supporting data center infrastructure for large learning models.
2023 Fiber Connect Nokia

Innovators will no longer worry about network speed

  • Nokia's Stefaan Vanhastel highlights fiber connecting everyone and everything at up to 25 gigabits per second and beyond.
  • Fiber enables e-health, e-learning, and greater business efficiency and innovation.
Full summary
Stefaan Vanhastel, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Nokia, emphasized the transformative potential of fiber in connecting everyone and everything, transforming business operations, and enabling high-speed innovation. He highlighted the role of fiber in providing access to essential services like e-health and e-learning, enhancing business efficiency, and facilitating the generation of innovative ideas due to its high speed of up to 25 gigabits per second and beyond.
2023 Mobile World Congress Showcase Nokia

Private Wireless meets Edge Computing

  • Nokia's Stephan Litjens cites leading private wireless traction across European industrial sites.
  • Next comes integrating industrial applications with high-performance networking.
Full summary
Nokia has established a leading position in the private wireless arena with traction at many industrial sites in Europe and beyond. What comes next? In this #MWC2023 video, Nokia's Stephan Litjens talks about integrating industrial applications with high-performance networking.
2023 MPLS World Congress (Upperside Conferences) Nokia

Maximizing Customer Engagement with Nokia's Latest Innovations

  • Nokia's Roland Thienpont showcases 800G, FP5 silicon, DeepField DDoS, and automation technologies at MPLS WC.
  • He reports strong customer engagement and detailed in-depth discussions at the event.
Full summary
Roland Thienpont, Director IP Division Product Marketing from Nokia explains: - Why he's excited to be at MPLS WC with detailed in-depth customer discussion - How they are showcasing 800G, FP5 silicon, DeepField DDoS, and automation technologies - How he's seeing strong customer engagement and expectation to return next year
2023 ONUG Spring Nokia

Nokia's Cloud Journey: Security, Agility & Automation for Enterprises

  • Nokia's Houman Modarres stresses security and agility as enterprises automate their journey to the cloud.
  • Integrating network support apps into CI/CD pipelines and a digital sandbox enable safer scenario planning.
Full summary
How can large enterprises confidently automate their journey to the cloud? Houman Modarres, Head of Enterprise Marketing from Nokia explains: - The importance of security and agility in cloud migration - Integrating network support applications into CI/CD pipelines for automation - Utilizing a digital sandbox for scenario planning and avoiding unintended consequences
2023 Predictions Showcase Nokia

What's next for 800G in transport networks in 2023?

  • Nokia's Arnold Jansen predicts whether 800G sees rapid and broad adoption in transport networks in 2023.
Full summary
Will 800G see rapid and broad adoption in transport networks in 2023? Nokia's Arnold Jansen makes their predictions for 800G in transport networks in 2023.
2023 Predictions Showcase Nokia

What's next for SD-WAN in 2023?

  • Nuage Networks' Saurabh Sandhir forecasts how the SD-WAN and SASE market evolves in 2023.
Full summary
How is the market for SD-WAN and SASE likely to evolve in 2023? Nuage Networks' Saurabh Sandhir makes his predictions for SD-WAN in 2023.
2023 Telco Cloud and Edge Nokia

Securing Telco Cloud Infrastructure

  • Nokia's Rodrigo Brito calls securing telco cloud infrastructure and 5G networks a top priority.
  • Major technology shifts prompt hackers to look for new attack vectors, requiring strategic planning.
Full summary
Securing telco cloud infrastructure, and 5G networks in particular, is top priority. Whenever there is a major shift in technology, hackers will look for new attack vectors. Rodrigo Brito, Head of Cybersecurity Business Line, Nokia, discusses strategic planning.
2020 State of NFV Report Nokia

NFV Transformation to Cloud Native

  • Nokia's Sandro Tavares says NFV is expanding into the radio access as CloudRAN becomes pervasive.
  • He describes executing the NFV transformation toward cloud-native infrastructure for future networks.
Full summary
NFV is expanding into the radio access with CloudRAN becoming a technology that is pervasive. Sandro Tavares, Global Head of Mobile Networks Marketing at Nokia, talks about how we’re starting to execute on the NFV transformation to cloud native infrastructure and enable the networks of the future.
2019 Next-Generation Central Office Report Nokia

NGCO - Service Agility in the 5G Core

  • Nokia's Sandro Tavares says a cloud-native core lets the network deliver capacity exactly where needed.
  • The new core architecture complements 5G possibilities.
Full summary
With a cloud-native core, the network is able to respond faster to deliver capacity exactly where it is needed, explains Sandro Tavares, Head of Campaign Strategy, Nokia. The new core architecture is really about complementing 5G possibilities.