As the editors recap Light Reading's event series on network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN), technologies like 5G and edge computing arrive just in time to hurry the industry along its path to more modern networks and add plenty of drama.

Phil Harvey, Editor-in-Chief

September 24, 2019

2 Min Read
Podcast: 5G, Edge Computing Give SDN & NFV New Focus

Light Reading's event series on network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN) stopped in Dallas this time around. As usual, we talked about the opportunities and obstacles facing telecom service providers as they move more network functions to the cloud and aim to more easily create new products and services, shorten innovation cycles and bring in new revenue.

On September 19, just before happy hour, Light Reading editors Mitch Wagner, Kelsey Ziser and Phil Harvey gathered to empty their notebooks and recap the event in an echoey, unused conference room at the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas. They discussed AT&T's presentation about edge computing and how the technology, driven by the arrival of 5G and the proliferation of connected devices, is going to be a critical proving ground for NFV, SDN and new telecom infrastructure.

The trio also recapped the Women in Comms program, where we were reminded how technologies like 5G can be at once a catalyst and an obstacle to women in tech and telecom companies. Finally, the podcast wrapped up with some observations about how the carriers themselves have changed in the way they sell to enterprises. And, yes, there were some well-placed complaints about the conference coffee, as you might expect with this crew.

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Phil Harvey, US Bureau Chief, Light Reading

About the Author(s)

Phil Harvey

Editor-in-Chief, Light Reading

Phil Harvey has been a Light Reading writer and editor for more than 18 years combined. He began his second tour as the site's chief editor in April 2020.

His interest in speed and scale means he often covers optical networking and the foundational technologies powering the modern Internet.

Harvey covered networking, Internet infrastructure and dot-com mania in the late 90s for Silicon Valley magazines like UPSIDE and Red Herring before joining Light Reading (for the first time) in late 2000.

After moving to the Republic of Texas, Harvey spent eight years as a contributing tech writer for D CEO magazine, producing columns about tech advances in everything from supercomputing to cellphone recycling.

Harvey is an avid photographer and camera collector – if you accept that compulsive shopping and "collecting" are the same.

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