AI-driven network solutions provider Juniper Networks has announced a university funding initiative to fuel strategic research to advance network technologies for the next decade. Juniper’s goal is to enable universities, including Dartmouth, Purdue, Stanford and the University of Arizona, to explore next-generation network solutions in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), intelligent multipath routing and quantum communications.
As enterprises face increasing levels of complexity across enterprise, cloud, and 5G networks, investing today in these technologies will be vital to replacing laborious, manual activities as networks become mission important for practically every business. This can be accomplished, according to Juniper Networks, using automated, closed-loop workflows that employ AI and machine learning to scale and cope with the exponential expansion of new cloud-based services and applications.
The universities Juniper Networks has selected in support of this initiative are now beginning the research that, once completed, will be shared with the networking community. In addition, Juniper joined the Center for Quantum Networks Industrial Partners Program to fund industry research being spearheaded by the University of Arizona.
“Cloud services will continue to proliferate in the coming years, increasing network traffic and requiring the industry to push forward on innovation to manage the required scale out architectures,” said Raj Yavatkar, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Juniper Networks. “Juniper’s commitment to deliver better, simpler networks requires us to engage and get ahead of these shifts and work with experts in all areas in order to trailblaze. I look forward to collaborating with these leading universities to reach new milestones for the network of the future.”
Purdue, Dartmouth, Stanford, and University of Arizona
“With internet traffic continuing to grow and evolve, we must find new ways to ensure the scalability and reliability of networks,” said Sonia Fahmy, Professor of Computer Science, Purdue University. “We look forward to exploring next-generation traffic engineering approaches with Juniper to meet these challenges.”
“It is an exciting opportunity to work with a world-class partner like Juniper on cutting edge approaches to next-generation, intelligent multipath routing,” said George Cybenko, Professor of Engineering, Dartmouth University. “Dartmouth’s close collaboration with Juniper will combine world-class skills and technologies to advance multipath routing performance.”
“As network technology continues to evolve, so do operational complexities. The ability to utilize AI and machine learning will be critical in keeping up with future demands,” said Jure Leskovec, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Stanford University. “We look forward to partnering with Juniper on this research initiative and finding new ways to drive AI forward to make the network experience better for end users and network operators.”
“The internet of today will be transformed through quantum technology which will enable new industries to sprout and create new innovative ecosystems of quantum devices, service providers and applications,” said Saikat Guha, Director, NSF Center for Quantum Networks, University of Arizona. “With Juniper’s strong reputation and its commitment to open networking, this makes them a terrific addition to building this future as part of the Center for Quantum Networks family.”
