INTRODUCTION
The network modernisation imperative
The network modernisation imperative
Networks have never been so important to our lives …
- A fully connected world is essential for digital and social inclusion, global equality of opportunity, and ubiquitous access to education, information, and healthcare
- High-speed, high-capacity networks are a pillar of the modern economy, a critical infrastructure supporting business innovation, productivity growth, and prosperity
- Global connectivity is a foundation for the advancement of knowledge—enabling worldwide collaboration and fostering a global community
Networks are becoming the critical fabric transporting data to and from AI models, agents, and assistants that promise not only to make our lives easier, but also to help solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
… which makes network modernisation essential
These trends are driving demand for capacity like never before. It’s placing pressure on operators to modernise their networks to meet current and future demand while trying to contain investments and operational costs.
Platform upgrades, automation, and AI-augmented operations can all help to achieve those aims and are often high on operators’ agendas.
But there is another benefit to modernisation initiatives that is often overlooked: They can also significantly reduce the network’s environmental impact.
Modernisation and sustainability: A synergistic journey
Operators should think about the overall value they receive from network modernisation alongside their sustainability efforts. Choosing and implementing the right technologies can deliver more capacity at lower cost and help towards sustainability goals.
Each stage of the network lifecycle presents specific challenges and requires specific approaches to maximise sustainability outcomes. This guide outlines how modernisation and sustainability can go hand in hand, highlighting best practices to keep in mind throughout network design, network management, and network evolution.
“Operators who neglect sustainability throughout their network automation journeys may miss out on synergistic energy saving opportunities.”
—STL Partners, “Advancing Sustainability Through Network Automation,” March 2024
In this eBook
Learn how modernisation can unlock additional sustainability benefits at three stages of the network lifecycle.
Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity.
We build the world’s most adaptive networks to support exponential growth in bandwidth demand. By harnessing the power of our networking systems, components, automation software, and services, Ciena revolutionizes data transmission and network management. With unparalleled expertise and innovation, we empower our customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era. For updates on Ciena, follow us on LinkedIn and X or visit the Ciena Insights webpage and Ciena website.
© 2025 Ciena Corporation. All rights reserved.