Telecoms.com Podcast Juniper Networks, 6G and Open RAN
Mar 31, 2025
Neil McRae of Juniper Networks, a telecom expert, discusses the highlights from the recent MWC trade show. He dives into the ongoing debate between private 5G and Wi-Fi, and speculates on whether 6G will ever make a significant impact. The conversation touches on Open RAN, examining its challenges and the diminished excitement surrounding the term. With a mix of industry insights and a pinch of humor from his pinball den, McRae explores how innovation continues to evolve in the telecom space.
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Episode notes
MWC Observations
- Neil McRae noticed a lack of 6G presence at MWC.
- He believes focusing on 5G optimization and use cases like private networks is more important.
Private 5G vs. Wi-Fi
- Consider customer needs and business viability when choosing between private 5G and Wi-Fi.
- Private 5G suits large campuses, while Wi-Fi excels in other scenarios, so choose accordingly.
AI-Driven Networks
- AI and automation are crucial for managing increasingly complex networks.
- Human management alone isn't feasible due to the scale and criticality of network operations.