James Feger explores how AI workloads reshape fiber infrastructure decisions at Mountain Connect 2026
Session will examine how AI workloads are reshaping network architectures, from fiber design to automation and scalability
- Speakers: James Feger, strategic advisor at Adtran; Jim Brinksma, CTO at LightRiver
- Topics: AI workloads: New rules of fiber infrastructure
- When: Wednesday, August 12, 9:30 a.m. MDT
- Where: Mountain Connect, Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel, Denver, Colorado, USA https://mountainconnect.org
AI compute workloads are expanding beyond traditional hyperscale campuses, creating new demands for regional, utility and broadband networks. As traffic growth accelerates the shift to higher-capacity transport and introduces new low-latency requirements, operators must rethink traditional approaches to fiber architecture, spectrum utilization and data center interconnect design. The growing connection between compute, connectivity and power is reshaping infrastructure planning and investment priorities. To support future growth, providers need scalable architectures that balance operational efficiency, automation and long-term investment certainty.
In this discussion, James Feger and Jim Brinksma will examine how AI-driven compute is reshaping practical network architecture decisions, from fiber topology and power adjacency to regeneration strategies and automation. They will explore how operators can rethink network architectures to support multi-campus GPU fabrics and scalable data center interconnect deployments while improving operational readiness through zero-touch provisioning, automated span equalization and integrated monitoring. Together, they will discuss how growing AI infrastructure demands are influencing network design, deployment models and long-term planning. Attendees will gain practical insight into preparing networks for the next generation of compute-intensive applications.