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Talking points
Talking points

Eric Joyce examines GPON migration and network convergence strategies at Network X 2026

Panel discussion will explore seamless GPON-to-XGS-PON migration, converged access architectures and the growing bandwidth demands of AI-driven applications

  • Speakers: Eric Joyce, director of technology and solutions, EMEA at Adtran; Dan Grossman, principal at NetAccess Futures (moderator); Alexander Brait, head of Technical Competence Center at A1 Telekom Austria; Angel Campos, manager network engineering at Vodafone; Burhanettin Takanay, product management director at Argela
  • Topics: Panel discussion: Future-proofing fiber: GPON standardization, AI integration and convergence

  • When: Tuesday, October 13, 4:05 p.m. CEST
  • Where: Network X 2026, VIECON Congress & Convention Center, Vienna, Austria https://networkxevent.com

As AI, edge computing and cloud applications drive demand for higher-capacity, symmetrical connectivity, operators are under increasing pressure to evolve access networks without disrupting existing services. At the same time, they must balance performance, scalability and cost while supporting diverse deployment environments. The transition from GPON to XGS-PON represents a key step in that evolution, but migration strategies must also account for interoperability, operational efficiency and long-term investment protection. As network architectures continue to converge, providers are evaluating how fiber, coax and wireless technologies can work together to meet changing service requirements and customer expectations.

In this discussion, Eric Joyce will join a panel of industry experts to examine practical approaches to future-proofing broadband infrastructure. They will explore how Combo PON technologies can support seamless migration from GPON to XGS-PON, alongside the role of converged access strategies that combine fiber, coax and wireless technologies for different deployment scenarios. The panel will also consider how AI-driven applications, edge computing and emerging in-home storage and localized cloud concepts are influencing bandwidth requirements and network planning decisions. Attendees will gain insight into balancing capacity, service continuity, scalability and ROI as they prepare their networks for the next generation of connectivity.