Cisco unveils AI-ready network innovations to modernize enterprise infrastructure

Cisco has introduced a new wave of AI-driven networking solutions designed to simplify operations, strengthen security, and enable automated, large-scale connectivity across enterprise campuses, branches, and industrial networks for the next generation of AI workloads

Following the launch of its AI-ready secure network architecture, Cisco has announced a broad set of innovations aimed at modernizing enterprise networks for the artificial intelligence (AI) era. The updates focus on automation, scalability, and embedded security — all crucial to supporting data-intensive AI workloads and low-latency connectivity at the enterprise edge.

Cisco executives emphasized that enterprise networks must now be capable of handling massive compute and bandwidth requirements driven by AI, while remaining simple to manage and secure. The company’s new architecture delivers automated deployment and integrated protection across distributed environments within minutes.

AgenticOps and AI-powered management

At the core of Cisco’s innovation strategy is AgenticOps, a new operational model where AI agents collaborate with human teams to prevent network disruptions and improve efficiency. Central to this model is Cisco’s Deep Network Model, a domain-specific large language model integrated with its network management suite.

New features include:

·         Unified Network Visibility: The Global Overview feature in the Meraki Dashboard will offer a single cloud-based view of Catalyst Centre-managed networks. Beta testing begins in November 2025.

·         Simplified Campus Management: A cloud-managed fabric architecture will streamline provisioning and troubleshooting, available broadly by Q1 2026.

·         Agentic Workflow Automation: Already available, this allows AI to perform tasks like device onboarding, Wi-Fi setup, and switch migrations through simple text commands.

·         Collaborative AI Troubleshooting: The AI Canvas, now in alpha testing, provides real-time, cross-domain diagnostics through natural-language interactions.

Smarter, faster branch deployments

To address growing deployment demands, Cisco’s Unified Branch initiative introduces automation tools that drastically shorten setup times. Using Cisco Validated Designs and Agentic Workflows, IT teams can deploy and secure new branches within minutes.

For instance, a retailer expanding across India could remotely configure 50 store networks from a central dashboard, with automated security and monitoring — eliminating the need for on-site IT experts.

New AI-optimized devices and built-in security

Cisco also unveiled new AI-optimized networking hardware:

·         8200 and 8400 Series Secure Routers for high-performance, low-latency routing with integrated firewalls (available Q4 2025).

·         Wi-Fi 7 Access Points (CW9171I, CW9174) and CW9800L Controller, offering intelligent, high-speed wireless connectivity for enterprise environments.

On the security front, Cisco Secure Access now extends zero-trust protection across all SD-WAN products, forming a complete SASE solution. Additionally, the new Cisco Access Manager, powered by Cisco ISE, introduces identity-based access controls for users, devices, and IoT assets — ensuring every connection remains authenticated and protected.

Cisco’s latest innovations signal a clear move toward AI-driven, self-managing networks that merge automation, visibility, and integrated security — positioning the company as a key enabler of the next-generation digital enterprise.