Juniper Networks unveils Beyond Labs initiative to help to improve next-generation networks
Juniper Networks, a provider in secure, AI-driven networks, has unveiled Juniper Beyond Labs, a new initiative focused on improving the future of the networking and IT industries with research, pathfinding projects and experimental technology developments. Juniper Beyond Labs will leverage innovation centres in Sunnyvale, Bengaluru, India and Westford, Massachusetts.
Juniper Beyond Labs will collaborate with a community of academic and industry partners with a goal for sustainable edge networking technologies to help meet the future needs of a digital world.
Almost every aspect of the global economy now touches the network in some way, and this will only continue as AI, machine learning and cloud services continue to proliferate alongside an exponential increase in connected users and devices. This has created opportunities, but also infrastructure complexities, security vulnerabilities and environmental challenges that require new ways of deploying and managing network technology to improve the experience of network users and operators. Juniper Beyond Labs will help incubate big ideas and solutions to the world’s tough technology challenges.
For Juniper customers and partners, such as Eurofiber and Intel, along with the broader academic community like Purdue University, Juniper Beyond Labs will provide an opportunity to influence research directions and pathfinding projects. The resulting contributions could spur proof-of-concept demos and the ability to provide feedback to shape the direction of research. Participating members, will also have access to Juniper Beyond Labs research and innovation developed. As an example, Juniper will be extending its collaboration with Intel and work on the integration of the Intel FlexRAN reference architecture, private 5G networks, Juniper RAN Intelligent Controller and the Juniper cloud-native router on Intel Xeon processors, to enable new capabilities to support 5G transformation.
Juniper Beyond Labs research will focus on a cross section of networking domains, including IT, data centre, security, AI/automation, network operations, WAN and 5G/6G along with emerging areas, like quantum computing, where research is ongoing. In particular, Juniper Beyond Labs will prioritise sustainability as an integral part of network design principles and related use cases to help network operators meet sustainability targets. For example, the Juniper RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) platform today offers energy savings features such as traffic steering that allows efficient utilisation of network resources to meet capacity demands while avoiding additional capital investments.
Raj Yavatkar, chief technology officer, Juniper Networks, says “I’m a researcher at heart, so I’m thrilled that Juniper Beyond Labs will give us a newfound ability to research, tinker and experiment more freely with next-generation network technology to solve massive challenges the industry faces. Some of the solutions we develop could become commercially available, but the goal is to push the limits of what we think is possible to meet the needs of an evolving digital world.”
Eric Kuisch, chief operating officer, Eurofiber, says “Quantum computers will eventually challenge encryption techniques, which is why Eurofiber and Juniper Networks have launched a Quantum testbed in the Netherlands. Together with Juniper Beyond Labs we are innovating a new security approach, using quantum key distribution (QKD) and post quantum cryptography (PQC).
Dan Rodriguez, CVP network and edge solutions group, INTEL, says “Working to address industry challenges requires innovation that starts at the community level. Our collaboration with Juniper across network initiatives has helped to accelerate the RAN ecosystem with tangible business outcomes at mobile operators. We look forward to continuing this momentum through our participation in Beyond Labs to advance how the digital world connects.”
Will Townsend, VP and principal analyst, Moor Insights and Strategy, says “Network automation is key to making as-a-service, private LTE and 5G connectivity offerings a reality for enterprises. Juniper’s Beyond Labs efforts could position Juniper for success with automation and other adjacent enterprise services and applications.”
Sonia Fahmy, professor of computer science, Purdue University, says “As a computer science professor at Purdue, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Juniper with my undergraduate and graduate students. Our engagement with Juniper has been both rewarding and inspiring, providing us with valuable insights and knowledge. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue this collaboration through the Juniper Beyond Labs programme.”
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