At Cisco Live US 2026, you’ll find a flurry of networking automation sessions, labs, and workshops catering to IT professionals looking to master the tools driving the future of network management.
From Static to AI-Ready
The enterprise network is undergoing a transformation from a static infrastructure into a dynamic, programmable, and AI-ready platform. This shift is driven by the increasing demand for automation, flexibility, and scalability in modern networks.
Cisco is at the forefront of this transformation, with its IOS XE software now playing a key role in enabling AI-driven networking. This software allows network administrators to create a more programmable and adaptable network infrastructure, which is essential for deploying AI and machine learning (ML) models in real-time.
ACR and Telemetry: The Building Blocks of AI-Ready Networking
Another crucial aspect of AI-ready networking is the use of Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and telemetry. ACI allows administrators to define and apply network policies based on the application’s requirements, making it easier to manage complex network environments.
Telemetry, on the other hand, provides real-time monitoring and analytics, enabling network administrators to identify potential issues before they become critical. By combining ACI and telemetry, network administrators can create a more autonomous and adaptive network infrastructure.
What this means
The implications of AI-ready networking can’t be overstated. As networks become more dynamic and programmable, IT professionals can expect to see significant reductions in network downtime and improved overall network performance.
By leveraging AI and ML models, network administrators can proactively detect and resolve issues, reducing the need for manual intervention. This, in turn, will enable organizations to focus on more strategic initiatives and drive business outcomes.
