Aviatrix Blog 
As the cloud networking experts, Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share, including several who joined Aviatrix in New York at the NASDAQ tower.
Our next hero spotlight is on Carlo Pio Luigi Ciciriello, Chief Hybrid Cloud and Multicloud Architect. See our previous hero spotlights here.
Background: An Education that Never Ended
Carlo started out with a passion for tech that led him to pursue a degree in telecommunications engineering, a solid foundation for his career.
“With over 17 years of dedicated experience in the networking and cloud architecture domain, my journey in technology has been both enriching and dynamic,” he said.
Today, he’s a Chief Network Hybrid Cloud and Multicloud Architect who specializes in designing, implementing, and optimizing complex network infrastructures for enterprises and service providers. “My role allows me to blend hands-on technical expertise with strategic consulting, ensuring robust and scalable solutions for my clients,” Carlo explained.
Carlo has held the title of Certified Technical Trainer since 2010, collaborating with universities and educational institutions to deliver specialized courses in leading technologies such as Cisco, VMware, and Huawei. He’s also a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), empowering individuals through tailored courses focused on Azure technologies, a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), and is close to finalizing the achievement of the OpenCA Master Architect certification by The Open Group.
Driven by a genuine passion for technology, Carlo is dedicated to deciphering trends and advancing the field of networking, ensuring that he remains at the forefront of this dynamic industry.
The Evolution of Networking
From 2007 to 2024, Carlo has witnessed remarkable transformation in the networking industry.
“When I first started, networking was primarily about connecting devices within a local area network (LAN) and ensuring basic internet connectivity,” he explained. “However, the landscape has evolved dramatically, driven by technological advancements and the ever-growing demand for more efficient, secure, and scalable networks.”
He described some of the eras he’s witnessed:
- The early years — “The focus was on improving bandwidth and reliability. Technologies like Ethernet and Wi-Fi became more robust, and the introduction of IPv6 addressed the limitations of IPv4, paving the way for the exponential growth of connected devices.”
- The rise of virtualization in the late 2000s and early 2010s — “This change revolutionized data centers, enabling more efficient resource utilization and laying the groundwork for cloud computing.”
- The advent of cloud computing — “By the mid-2010s, enterprises began migrating their workloads to the cloud, leveraging the scalability and flexibility it offered. This shift necessitated the development of new networking paradigms, such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), which provided greater control and automation over network resources.”
- Into the 2020s — “The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into networking became a game-changer. AI-driven network automation and predictive analytics have enabled proactive management and optimization of network performance, reducing downtime and enhancing user experiences. The convergence of networking and security, often referred to as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), has also become a critical focus, addressing the growing cybersecurity challenges in an increasingly connected world.”
- The rise of multicloud and hybrid cloud environments — “Organizations now require seamless connectivity and consistent security across diverse cloud platforms, leading to innovations in cloud networking and security solutions. Additionally, the deployment of 5G networks has opened up new possibilities for ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity, driving advancements in IoT and edge computing.”
“It has been an incredible experience to be part of this dynamic industry, and I am excited to see what the future holds,” Carlo said.
The Network is the Cloud: The Invisible Thread
When asked what “the network is the cloud” meant to him, Carlo said it is “the invisible thread that weaves together the fabric of our modern world, where every byte and bit find their place in the grand tapestry of information.”
“In essence, he said, “‘The Network is the Cloud’ is an ode to the limitless potential of technology, a celebration of the unseen forces that shape our digital destiny. It is the harmony of innovation and imagination, a testament to the power of connectivity in an ever-evolving world.”
Chief Architect: Helping Customer’s Businesses and Mentoring Employees
One of the things Carlo enjoys most in his role as Chief Architect is the profound impact he can have on his customers’ businesses. “In this role, I have the privilege of designing and implementing cutting-edge solutions that not only meet but exceed the unique needs of each client,” he said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how these solutions drive efficiency, innovation, and growth, transforming their operations and enabling them to achieve their strategic goals.”
He also enjoys mentoring and inspiring others. “Teaching others not only empowers them but also deepens my own understanding and keeps me sharp,” he said. “ I always pass on the mindset of ‘stay hungry, stay foolish’ to my students, encouraging them to remain curious and open to new possibilities. As the poet William Butler Yeats once said, ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ This quote perfectly encapsulates my passion for igniting curiosity and ambition in those I teach.”
He spoke about the importance of humility. “In this field, staying humble is crucial because there is always room for improvement. The ever-evolving nature of technology means that learning never stops, and there is always something new to discover and master.”
The Next Ten Years in Cloud Networking
Carlo foresees significant transformations in cloud networking over the next ten years:
- The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into cloud networking — “AI-driven network automation and predictive analytics will become the norm, allowing networks to self-optimize, self-heal, and proactively address issues before they impact performance. This will lead to unprecedented levels of efficiency and reliability, fundamentally changing how we manage and interact with network infrastructures.”
- The trend towards multicloud and hybrid cloud environments will continue to gain momentum — “Organizations will increasingly adopt multicloud strategies to leverage the best features of different cloud providers, ensuring flexibility, redundancy, and cost optimization. This will drive the development of more sophisticated cloud networking solutions that seamlessly integrate and manage resources across multiple platforms.”
- Security will remain a top priority — “The concept of SASE will evolve, providing comprehensive security solutions that integrate network security functions with wide area networking capabilities. This will ensure secure, high-performance access to applications and data, regardless of location.”
- Edge computing will also play a crucial role — “As IoT continues to expand, the need for low-latency, high-bandwidth connections will drive the deployment of edge computing infrastructure. This will bring computing power closer to the data source, reducing latency and improving the performance of real-time applications.”
- The development of 5G and beyond will further enhance cloud networking capabilities — “The ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity offered by 5G will enable new applications and services, such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and advanced healthcare solutions. This will require cloud networks to be more agile and scalable, capable of supporting a vast array of connected devices and applications.”
“In summary, the next ten years will see cloud networking evolve into a more intelligent, secure, and integrated ecosystem,” he said.
Outside of Work
Outside of business hours, Carlo dives into a world of jazz and blues music. “I’ve been strumming the guitar since I was 13, and while I may not be the next Jimi Hendrix, it’s a fantastic creative outlet that keeps me sane,” he said. “Picture me in my living room, jamming out to some smooth blues, much to the delight (or dismay) of my neighbors!”
He also enjoys walking in nature, reading everything from the classics to manga, building with LEGO, and, “as an Italian,” enjoying good wine and food, or passionately supporting Juventus F.C.
“Life’s too short not to enjoy the little things, right?” he asked.
Curious about other cloud networking heroes like Carlo?
- We’ll keep highlighting networking professionals on this blog.
- Learn more about the Cloud Networking Heroes program and apply on The Cloud Network Community.