Building the Network of the Future ─ Getting Smarter, Faster, and More Flexible With a Software Centric Approach

This book is based on the lessons learned from AT&T’s software transformation journey in 2012 when rampant traffic growth necessitated a change in network architecture and design. Using new technologies such as NFV, SDN, Cloud and Big Data, AT&T’s engineers outlined and implemented a radical network transformation program that dramatically reduced capital and operating expenditures. This book describes the transformation in substantial detail. The subject matter is of great interest to telecom professionals worldwide, as well as academic researchers looking to apply the latest techniques in computer science to solving telecom’s big problems around scalability, resilience and survivability.

John Donovan, Chief Strategy Officer and Group President —AT&T Technology and Operations (ATO), is responsible for the corporate strategy function, technology development, network deployment and operations, and AT&T’s transition to a software-defined network. Donovan previously was executive vice president of product, sales, marketing and operations at VeriSign Inc., a technology company that provides Internet infrastructure services. At VeriSign, Donovan was responsible for leading its global sales organization, driving the expansion of broad solutions offerings, and integrating a global professional services capability. Before that, he was Chairman and CEO of inCode Telecom Group Inc., where he helped shape strategic direction and positioning for wireless network operators around the globe. Previously, Mr. Donovan was a partner with Deloitte Consulting, where he was the Americas Industry Practice director for telecom.

As President of AT&T Labs and Chief Technology Officer for AT&T, Krish Prabhu oversees the company’s global technology direction which includes network architecture and evolution as well as network, service and product design. He is also responsible for the intellectual property organization and Global Supply Chain. Krish has extensive background in technology innovation from his time at AT&T Bell Laboratories, Rockwell, Alcatel and Tellabs. He has previously served as COO of Alcatel, CEO of Tellabs, and CEO of Tekelec. He also previously served as a partner at Morgenthaler Ventures, where he assisted in developing information technology and communications start-ups. Krish earned a B.S. in physics from Bangalore University, an M.S. in physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and an M.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.