While various technologies meet at the telco edge, while 5G is seeking rampant adoption, the communication service providers are facing new challenges and opportunities. Join Cristina Rodriguez - Vice President, Data Center Group and General Manager, Wireless Access Network Division , Network Platforms Group and learn more on the latest trends in network transformation and how Intel is looking to address these needs.

While Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) continues to gain momentum, Communications Service Providers are already researching the ability to deploy Cloud Native Functions (CNF’s) in a cloud scale computing environment. To meet future NFV requirements Intel continues to add new CPU functionality to increase platforms performance while maintaining determinism. Besides new hardware enhancements this session will also take a brief look at further abstracting the I/O subsystem to facilitate the migration from Virtual Network Functions (VNF’s) towards Cloud Native Functions innovative solutions.

5G will require processing and storage capacity to move closer to the antennas. Infrastructure providers are well-placed to enable these new micro-datacenters for the MNOs to deploy their MEC service. If these resources can be assigned at the edge when required, MNOs will more efficiently use this capacity to deliver the key 5G use cases (e.g. Entertainment, Connected Car, Emergency services, or Industry 4.0).

Edge Computing becomes critical, especially for domains like IOT analytics, delivery of live and on demand content, autonomous vehicles, gaming VR/AR and mobile. How will Communication Service providers evolve and adapt the network, adequately provisioning to be able to deliver all of these services?

This session will provide an overview of the Intel® Network Builders University and the value of cutting edge technical training in the network transformation landscape. Learn how Communications Service Providers are using the program to educate their employees and to how to apply these resources to your organizational structure.

Network Transformation to 5G is a key need today. And as we work towards that end goal by transforming from fixed function purpose built hardware to a virtualized infrastructure on COTS (commercial off the shelf servers), we need a faster way to GTM and scale. Intel® Select Solutions for the Network provide the recipes for an optimized, validated & configured solution stack on latest Intel technologies that will help speed up deployment, drive scale & quickly provision services.

What does it take to separate the network into different domains, enabling distinct management of different parts of the network that are used for different services? Take part in an immersive conversation between Communication Service Providers on the benefits, challenges, and ways to move forward in Network Slicing in a 5G environment. The panel will be moderated by Cristina Rodriguez, Vice President, Data Center Group and General Manager, Wireless Access Network Division, Network Platforms Group, Intel.

Telefónica has been following emerging trends in transforming the Central Offices into Datacenters and has deployed the first virtualized Central Office in Madrid for testing with Customers. In this keynote, Telefónica will review the different initiatives in the industry for this transformation (CORD from Open Networking Foundation, Cloud CO from Broadband Forum, Virtual CO from OPNFV, …), how this transformation opens new possibilities around Edge Computing and the initial use cases tested in the first trials with customers using this technology.

Overall trends in Communications Service Providers platforms and services and why Edge is critical. Criteria for steps on journey from Appliances towards Cloud Native. NFV deployment models and required capabilities, with various learnings from projects WW, used principles and good patterns identified. Network Transformation impact to Processes and Organizations. Services from cross-domain applications on shared platforms. Summary of Intel enablement options.

Free flowing conversation addressing key topics from the audience