#Huawei #Vienna #Austria #AI Era #Broadband Congress

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into network infrastructure is shaping the future of connectivity and communications. During the recent Network X 2026 event in Vienna, the World Broadband Association (WBBA) hosted the Broadband Development Congress (BDC), where industry leaders gathered to discuss groundbreaking developments in network technology. A pivotal moment of the congress came when Bob Chen, President of Huawei's Optical Business Product Line, delivered an insightful keynote speech entitled "Reshaping Network Value for New Growth in the AI Era." This article summarizes Chen's key themes and highlights how he believes networks must evolve to meet the demands of AI-driven growth.

The Necessity of Change

Chen emphasized that for decades, the telecommunications sector has witnessed various service booms—from voice calls to high-quality video streaming—all reliant on robust network support. With the advent of AI, services are now changing at an unprecedented pace, marked by the emergence of large AI models comprised of trillions of parameters. The demand for bandwidth, latency, and reliability is shifting rapidly, compelling the entire industry to rethink traditional frameworks of network value.

The Three R's of Network Evolution

To address these challenges, Chen introduced three critical elements, known as the three R's: Rebuilding network architecture, reshaping business models, and redefining network operational management (OM).

1. Rebuild Network Architecture: Traditionally, network planning has been centered around administrative regions, segmented into national, provincial, and local networks. However, with the boom of AI-driven data centers (AIDCs), there is a pressing need to transition towards a model focused on these centers instead. Chen illustrated this shift by taking Zhongwei, China, as an example. Previously a minor traffic hub, it has transformed into a national computing center, drastically increasing its network traffic share. The key takeaway is that networks should be structured around core, regional, and edge data centers, enabling direct connections to facilitate faster connectivity and lower latency.

2. Reshape Business Models: In order to adapt to AI advancements, businesses in the network sector must evolve from merely selling bandwidth to offering integrated solutions that include bandwidth, latency, reliability, and computing services. Chen cited examples of companies leveraging AI to enhance their operational efficiency and to modify their service offerings according to customer needs. For example, a company utilizing AI for industrial design now demands ultra-low latency to optimize its production cycles. Consequently, operators can develop private line offerings that emphasize multifaceted service attributes instead of simple bandwidth metrics.

3. Redefine Network OM: As AI integration deepens, operational management of networks must become more intelligent. This encompasses everything from network planning and construction to maintenance and optimization. Chen noted that current issues in home networks, particularly Wi-Fi connectivity, could be proactively managed by AI systems that adjust settings in real-time to enhance user experience. Intelligent automation can significantly reduce operational costs while improving the overall reliability of services.

Conclusion

Bob Chen's perspective on the evolving demands of network management in the AI era is both timely and urgent. By adopting the three R's—rebuilding architecture, reshaping business models, and redefining operational management—networks can enhance their value and ensure sustainable growth as AI continues to shape the future of technology. Addressing these considerations will be paramount for companies like Huawei and others in the telecommunications sector aiming to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-centric world.

In conclusion, as we venture further into the AI era, the need for innovative thinking and practical application of AI advancements in network technology will become even more essential. The telecom industry must embrace these changes to meet evolving customer expectations and to harness new growth opportunities effectively.