Next generation networks are being realised by the convergence of wired and wireless converged networks. This has the potential to provide seamless services to the end user, providing freedom of movement between metropolitan/enterprise and indoor/outdoor coverage while maintaining continuity of applications experience. However, this requires significant changes to existing wired and wireless network management systems. These changes balance innovative cognitive networking with a call for the “Calm Technology” of Ubiquitous Computing. The result is an experiential architecture that can learn and reason to provide mechanisms that enable a user to accomplish his or her tasks without regard to device, media, and/or technology. This talk will provide new insight into the challenges of such architectures, and describe a novel autonomic architecture that can dynamically synthesise knowledge about the context of its users, the environment, and the capabilities and constraints placed on the network at any given time in order to dynamically adapt its functionality to that which is required. Several different use cases, including traditional networking as well as cognitive radio, will be examined. This talk will conclude with a summary of the standardisation efforts being undertaken in the Autonomic Communciations Forum, and how these works will provide a solid foundation for interoperability.