Amit Malik, Vice President, Ciena India
Ciena has been making significant strides in India, particularly in line with the Make in India initiative and the transition to 5G. In an interview with tele.net, Amit Malik, Vice President, Ciena India, discusses the company’s current focus areas and future growth prospects…
How does Ciena’s commitment to Make in India align with advancements in 5G mobile network technology?
The synergy between Make in India and 5G is profound. According to a report by NASSCOM, India is expected to reach 330 million 5G subscriptions by 2030, significantly contributing to the country’s digital transformation. As per GSMA estimates, 5G could benefit the Indian economy by Rs 36.4 trillion between 2023 and 2040. As India emerges as a key player in the global technology landscape, the development and deployment of 5G infrastructure are crucial.
At Ciena, in support of the government’s Make in India initiative, we are working with electronics manufacturing service partners to increase capacity for our routing and switching portfolio. By manufacturing select routing and switching platforms in India, we are helping the country play a pivotal role in the global 5G ecosystem.
How is AI being integrated into smart cities and other sectors, particularly in the context of private 5G networks?
AI is a transformative force across many sectors, and its potential is fully unlocked when it is combined with 5G. In smart cities, for example, AI-driven wireless sensors and cameras connected through 5G networks provide real-time data to improve traffic management, energy usage and public safety. Autonomous vehicles, a key element of smart cities, depend on AI for accident-free navigation and decision-making. Leveraging 5G’s high speed ultra-reliable low-latency communication allows vehicles to communicate with each other and infrastructure in real time, enhancing safety and efficiency.
In manufacturing, AI-powered robotics connected via private 5G networks are revolutionising agile factory operations. The combination of AI and 5G enables these robots to communicate seamlessly, ensuring faster, more efficient and flexible manufacturing processes. This is particularly important in industries where precision and speed are critical, such as automotive and electronics.
How is Ciena leveraging AI to optimise 5G networks?
At Ciena, we are leveraging AI to transform network operations, particularly in the 5G era. Our focus is on enhancing the efficiency, reliability and scalability of 5G networks by embedding intelligent AI-driven software control and automation directly in network infrastructure. We achieve this through predictive data-driven analytics and machine learning algorithms that monitor network performance in real time.
AI is instrumental in automating network operations. According to a recent Ciena survey, 60 per cent of communication service providers (CSPs) believe that AI will improve network operational efficiency by 40 per cent or more. By automating routine tasks like bandwidth allocation and network configuration, AI frees up human operators to focus on more complex issues, thereby reducing operational costs and improving overall efficiency.
We are also exploring AI’s potential to enhance customer experience. For instance, AI-driven insights can help CSPs personalise services based on real-time data, ensuring that customers receive the best possible experience tailored to their needs.
What are some of Ciena’s recent innovations?
Ciena’s recently launched WaveRouter family of routers are groundbreaking products. They are the industry’s first purpose-built coherent metro routers, designed to address the unique demands of modern 5G networks. What sets these routers apart is their ability to unify IP and optical capabilities. This convergence is essential for supporting the diverse range of 5G-enabled applications, ranging from IoT to enhanced mobile broadband. By simplifying network architecture, our WaveRouters reduce complexity and operational costs while improving performance.
Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the long-term impact of 5G and AI on industries in India?
The impact will be transformative. We are on the cusp of a new era where enhanced connectivity and advanced intelligence will drive unprecedented growth and innovation. Industries like manufacturing, healthcare and transportation will undergo significant changes, becoming more efficient, responsive and customer centric.
For India, this means becoming a global hub for 5G and AI-driven solutions while also improving the quality of life for its citizens through smarter cities, better healthcare and more sustainable practices. Ciena looks forward to being a part of this journey and continuing its efforts to bring advanced technologies to India, empowering businesses and communities alike.
