Manish Krishnan: How this tech innovator is changing the digital landscape

Photo courtesy of Manish Krishnan

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The ever-evolving technological realm requires the ability to adapt quickly, possess problem-solving skills, and effectively communicate. Pursuing a career in technology demands a mix of hard and soft skills. The sector is teeming with ambitious individuals keen to make their mark. Amidst this competitive backdrop, certain professionals distinguish themselves by mastering the complexities of the field and rising as leaders, setting the stage for a remarkable presence in the tech community. Meet Manish Krishnan, a technology leader who brings an impressive collection of knowledge and skills to the tech table. 

Throughout his career, Krishnan has specialized in building data centers, backbone networks, and internet security products. Krishnan’s track record highlights various roles he has held throughout his career, including positions at Google, Cisco, Nokia, and Juniper Networks. These work experiences proved to be rich with knowledge and skill-building opportunities through the various challenges they presented to Krishnan. 

At Google, Krishnan holds the position of Senior Technical Program Manager, leading the effort to build Google’s global backbone network and spearheading the initiative to ensure the next-generation network that meets the demand of high-speed and secure networking. This infrastructure is crucial for supporting advancements in AI and ML, where speed, reliability, and security are vital for success. 

With profound expertise in networking software technologies and hardware like routers, switches, and multi-cloud networking and a solid background in innovative networking protocols and security features including IP and MAC security, Krishnan is pivotal in crafting the next generation of networks that are automated, scalable, and secured Additionally, he has several patents in network automation and service chaining, technologies that are key to creating secure multi-cloud networks

Manish Krishnan, a leading expert in network design, sheds light on the challenges and opportunities presented by the next generation of networks in the age of AI and ML.

“The surging adoption of AI and ML workloads is placing immense strain on network infrastructure,” says Krishnan. “These data-intensive applications demand exceptional speed, coupled with software-driven automation for network management, failure prediction, and robust security solutions.”

Krishnan emphasizes the critical need for a paradigm shift beyond traditional horizontal scaling with power-hungry routers and switches. “The future lies in developing energy-efficient processors capable of handling exponential growth while maintaining sustainability,” he concludes.

Krishnan’s extensive expertise is evident in his contributions to the networking industry, including his active involvement in developing global internet standards for  IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) RFCs (Request for Comments). The IETF RFCs play a crucial role in setting industry standards that ensure interoperability and guide the evolution of Internet architecture. By contributing to these foundational documents, Krishnan directly influences the direction and standards of network technology, ensuring they meet modern demands and integrate advanced features.

His achievements also include multiple patents in key areas of networking, such as hybrid cloud networking, secured network service chaining, and scalability in network automation and maintenance. These innovations not only showcase his ability to identify and address critical industry gaps but also reflect his forward-thinking approach to crafting solutions that enhance network efficiency and functionality. Mr. Krishnan’s contributions to the IETF and his groundbreaking patents are pivotal, demonstrating his profound impact on shaping the future of networking technologies.

In addition to his significant technical contributions, Manish Krishnan is deeply invested in nurturing the broader networking community. As a Senior Member of the IEEE, Krishnan actively participates in advancing technological standards and innovation within the field. His involvement with other networking communities like NANOG, allows him to influence the direction of network operations and development on a global scale. Krishnan’s commitment to contributing to the internet networking community is evident as he dedicates time to guiding emerging professionals and sharing insights that help shape their careers in technology.

Furthermore, his role as a startup advisor at various ventures showcases his dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit, where he assists startups in refining their market strategies and product developments. Krishnan’s extensive involvement in these community activities and professional groups highlights his dedication not just to technological advancement but also to the human connections that drive the industry forward.