Sector Intelligence: Networking & Network Automation

This brief highlights recent updates in networking and network automation developments over the past month.

This brief covers advancements in global 5G connections, Enterprise software adoptions, and technology demonstrations relevant to networking and automation technologies.

5G Connections Growth

Global 5G connections reached 2.25 billion at the end of 2024, according to a report from 5G Americas and Omdia. North America led with 289 million connections, marking a 67 percent increase year-over-year. The Internet of Things (IoT) also saw growth, totaling 3.6 billion connections, with 438 million new connections added in 2024.

IP Infusion's OcNOS Adoption

Afribone, a telecommunications provider in Mali, adopted Internet Protocol Infusion's OcNOS open networking software in place of Cisco and MikroTik equipment. This transition supports an upgrade to Afribone's Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network, focusing on improving service delivery and enabling better infrastructure for fixed wireless and fiber services.

200G VCSEL Technology Demonstration

Keysight Technologies and Coherent showcased new 200G multimode VCSEL technology at the Optical Fiber Conference (OFC). This technology aims to enhance data throughput in data center, targeting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications.

Mainframe Optimization in the Public Sector

Information Services Group reported rising interest in mainframe optimization among U.S. state and local governments due to AI advancements. Agencies are assessing AI models for effective data management in light of budget constraints and evolving technology landscapes.

Bitwarden's Recognition

Bitwarden was named one of the fastest-growing applications in the 2025 Okta Businesses at Work report, reflecting its adoption in Enterprise password management amidst growing demands for security tools.

Bitdefender's Distribution Partnership

Bitdefender formed a distribution partnership with Techs + Together to offer its cybersecurity solutions to managed service providers. The partnership promises flexible billing and comprehensive support, enhancing cybersecurity capabilities for service providers.

Corning's GlassWorks AI Solutions

Corning launched its GlassWorks AI solutions, including the Contour Flow Cable, which aims to improve high-density fiber deployments needed for AI applications in data center.

SONiC PlugFest and Deployment Validation

Aviz Networks hosted the SONiC PlugFest, validating critical use cases for the Software for Open Networking in the Cloud (SONiC). The event reaffirmed SONiC's deployment capabilities in various networking environments and potential cost savings for enterprises adopting its technologies.

Conclusion

The updates from the past month showcase ongoing advancements and collaborations that enhance networking and network automation strategies in various industries. Organizations looking to optimize their networking technologies can find further insights in the linked articles.

1. Global 5G connections reach 2.25 billion by end of 2024
   5G connections reached 2.25 billion in 2024, with North America leading at 289 million and IoT connections totaling 3.6 billion.
2. Afribone adopts IP Infusion's OcNOS for network upgrade
   Afribone, a Mali provider, adopts IP Infusion's OcNOS to upgrade its MPLS network, replacing Cisco and MikroTik equipment.
3. Keysight and Coherent unveil 200G multimode VCSEL technology at OFC
   Keysight Technologies and Coherent Corp. showcase 200G multimode VCSEL technology aimed at improving data transfer in data center.
4. AI shifts public sector strategies on mainframes
   Information Services Group cites a growing interest in mainframe optimization among state and local governments in the U.S.
5. Bitwarden recognized as one of the fastest growing apps in 2025 Okta report
   Bitwarden is noted as the only password management tool in the Okta Businesses at Work 2025 report's top ten list.
6. Bitdefender and Techs + Together form distribution partnership for MSPs
   Bitdefender and Techs + Together form a distribution partnership for cybersecurity solutions aimed at managed service providers.
7. Corning launches GlassWorks AI solutions for data center
   Corning launched GlassWorks AI solutions, featuring the Contour Flow Cable, enhancing data center fiber deployments.
8. Aviz Networks hosts SONiC PlugFest, confirming Enterprise readiness and cost advantages
   SONiC PlugFest validated key deployment use cases, showcasing capabilities in virtualized networking and AI-powered workloads.

1. SolarWinds expands Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings in Asia-Pacific and Japan with new data center in Australia
   SolarWinds unveils a new SaaS data center in Sydney to enhance cloud solutions for customers across the APJ region.
2. Cloud Foundry Foundation announces schedule for Cloud Foundry Day focusing on AI and open source topics
   Cloud Foundry Foundation announces Cloud Foundry Day schedule for May 14, 2025, focused on open source and AI topics.
3. Sector Intelligence: Networking & Network Automation
   This brief covers recent updates in 5G growth, Enterprise software adoptions, and technological advancements in networking.
4. Sector Intelligence: Cloud Architecture and Platforms Insights
   This brief highlights developments in cloud architecture and platforms over the past month.
5. Mode launches perpetuals Decentralized Exchange (DEX) with AI integration
   Mode Trade offers an AI-powered DEX for retail traders, utilizing Orderly's infrastructure for improved market access.
6. Sector Intelligence: Enterprise AI Infrastructure and Developments
   This brief summarizes key updates in Enterprise AI technologies and infrastructure observed in March 2025, covering partnerships and product launches.
7. Sector Intelligence: Enterprise Local Area Network (LAN) and Campus Network as a Service (NaaS) Developments
   This brief outlines recent advancements in Enterprise LAN and Campus NaaS vendors, covering solutions and company initiatives.
8. Sector Intelligence: Cloud, Application Programming Interface (API) & Workload Security
   This brief highlights recent updates in cloud, API, and workload security involving partnerships, technology upgrades, and industry shifts.
9. Sector Intelligence: Observability and Threat Detection Developments
   Review recent advancements in cybersecurity partnerships, events, and vulnerabilities affecting Enterprise observability and threat detection.
10. Sector Intelligence: Afribone Adopts OcNOS for Network Upgrade
    This brief covers updates from notable vendors in Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technologies, including network upgrades and product announcements.
11. FatPipe, Inc. introduces Total Security 360 product for SMBs' cybersecurity needs
    FatPipe's Total Security 360 aims to reduce deployment complexity and insurance costs through an integrated cybersecurity solution.
12. Sector Intelligence: SnapLogic, Keysight Enhance Data Solutions
    This brief covers updates in Enterprise data, AI analytics, and storage technologies, highlighting recent advancements and initiatives.
13. Huawei recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Center Switching
    Huawei recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Center Switching, enhancing network efficiency.
14. BAE Systems to power new hybrid-electric bus fleet in San Francisco
    BAE Systems to provide 42 electric drive systems for San Francisco's hybrid-electric bus fleet, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions.
15. Daily Signals: Huawei Leader In Data Center Technology
    Huawei recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Center Switching. IBM acquires Hakkoda for enhanced data services.
16. Globe participates in GSMA Intelligence's Green Network Index study
    Globally, 70% of telecom operators are aligning with sustainability initiatives as energy costs rise.
17. SK hynix completes customer validation of Compute Express Link (CXL) 2.0-based DDR5
    SK hynix completes customer validation of a 96GB CXL 2.0 DDR5 memory product, enhancing Server performance and cost efficiency.