Is It Realistic to Talk About Autonomous Networking? – Main Stage Keynote
The idea of self-healing, autonomous networks has always been a tantalizing goal. While businesses and technology leaders have been talking about it for a long time, true autonomous networks remain elusive in production. AI is reviving the idea of autonomous networks with new capabilities, but at the same time “AI washing” makes it difficult for businesses to tell what’s real. In this session we’ll assess the state of autonomous networking and look at the emerging technological elements which will turn it from science fiction into fact.
Ben Hickey is a seasoned technology executive with over a decade of experience leading teams at the intersection of software, data, and business strategy. He’s known for turning complex technical challenges into scalable solutions, having overseen product development, operational optimization, and high-performing engineering groups. Ben is passionate about innovation, mentorship, and leveraging analytics to drive measurable impact. When he’s not architecting systems or inspiring his teams, he enjoys exploring emerging tech trends and contributing to community-driven open source initiatives.
