Decoder with Nilay Patel How Ciena keeps the internet online, with CEO Gary Smith
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Jan 27, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Gary Smith, CEO of Ciena, a key player in high-speed internet connectivity, dives into the vital role his company plays in keeping the internet operational. He discusses innovations like Wavelength Division Multiplexing that enhance data transmission. Smith highlights the shift in internet infrastructure ownership from traditional telecom to tech giants, and addresses the geopolitical intricacies of global internet connectivity. Excitingly, he also mentions AI's growing demands on infrastructure and the challenges facing subsea cable networks.
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Ciena's Journey
- Gary Smith joined Ciena during the dot-com boom in 1997.
- He became CEO in 2001 amidst the dot-com crash.
Mobile to Fiber
- Internet usage is largely mobile until it reaches a cell tower.
- High-speed fiber networks are crucial for this transition.
Virtualizing Fiber
- Ciena virtualizes fiber, making a single fiber act like multiple fibers.
- This key technology enables internet scaling and high-speed data transfer.