Secure, Resilient IP Networks Highlighted as Foundation for AI-Era Growth
Industry leaders convened at the Net5.5G Intelligent IP Network Summit to discuss the critical role of secure and resilient networks in the AI era. New cybersecurity challenges and solutions were addressed.
The Net5.5G Intelligent IP Network Summit, held during the Global Ultra-Broadband Forum (UBBF) 2026 in Vienna in October 2026, focused on the essential role of secure and resilient networks for future growth. International bodies and industry players convened to address the evolving threat landscape driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
Discussions highlighted that AI accelerates and amplifies cyberattacks, disrupting traditional security balances. Representatives from ITU-T SG13 and AV-TEST emphasized the need to elevate security and resilience as strategic imperatives, embedded by design into network architecture. GSMA Intelligence presented its "a target architecture for telecoms cybersecurity" white paper, outlining "Native Security" and "in-depth defense" as key pillars.
The GSMA white paper also warned of future threats from quantum computing, urging adoption of new cryptographic algorithms and practices to counter potential decryption of harvested data. In response, ITU-T SG13 and WBBA launched the "Build Resilient, Secure IP Networks Together" initiative, encouraging global carriers to enhance network security for service continuity.
Speakers, including representatives from Huawei, discussed how AI is shifting from an efficiency tool to a network monetization engine, underscoring the need for a secure and resilient foundation for sustained growth. Carrier executives shared strategic roadmaps for network security and autonomous operations. Egypt's National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) received an award for its policy work in network resilience.
The summit concluded by signaling an industry consensus towards developing intelligent networks defined by high quality, security, and resilience, essential for navigating the complexities and opportunities of the AI era.