Cisco UK & Ireland Blog

Networking’s Act Two: Integrated, Intelligent, Intuitive

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{This is the 6th and final post in a series of that explore the impact of the network on our world to mark the 40th anniversary of Cisco, previous chapters can be found here}

The network is entering a second act that will be defined by intelligence and integration at an unprecedented scale. In a race between the ‘hyperscalers’ like Microsoft, Google, Amazon and others, the convergent network is poised to prove its worth as the adaptive, proactive force behind quantum computing and the next phase of the AI era. The network will once again play a pivotal role in rewiring the way we live, work, and play.

Quantum networking will be the next frontier

Quantum computing promises unparalleled processing power, but it needs quantum-ready networks to unleash its full potential. These networks could enable ultra-secure communication, with some suggesting that data could become unhackable with quantum encryption, offering far-reaching defences against cyberattacks in areas like financial transactions and sensitive government information.

Quantum entanglement could one day enable instant communication across vast distances, removing latency issues entirely – critical for innovations like space exploration and real-time planetary coordination.

Companies like Cisco are already preparing for quantum integration, innovating in ways that will avoid ripping out and replacing networks, and instead building technology that can bridge the gap between the past and the future.

AI-driven networks will make connectivity smarter

The convergence of AI and the network has made both more intelligent and adaptable, capable of predicting and fixing problems before they happen. AI networks could make connectivity seamless, dynamically rerouting data to ensure streaming or gaming experiences are flawless. Networks will become personalised and secure, prioritising data for different activities at different times and places while detecting and neutralising cyber threats in milliseconds. These capabilities position AI as the “brain” of future networks.

Connected things will reimagine everyday life

Between now and 2030, the world will connect another 500 billion devices – a surge that will transform everyday life. Our homes are already becoming data centres, powering and managing connected vehicles, home energy systems, our heating and cooling, household appliances, and more. Wearables, AR glasses, and AI-powered innovations will mean we’ll carry personal “mini data centres” with us. Advances in projection technology could replace screens, turning hands or surfaces into displays. The network will adapt and persist. But will the smartphone? Immersive experiences like Apple’s VisionPro and Meta’s VR glasses promise richer collaboration and entertainment but demand immense bandwidth and reliability.

The network will adapt and persist

Networks have consistently met the challenge of securing, powering, and scaling to support our hyper-connected world. If the history of the network teaches us anything, it’s that any speculation about what the network can do in the short term will be eclipsed by how it will help us adapt and overcome the limits of what it means to be human in the long term.

 

 

Authors

Chintan Patel

Chief Technology Officer

Cisco UK & Ireland

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1 Comments

  1. Mientras leía sobre la convergencia de la IA y el networking, me hizo reflexionar sobre cómo las empresas pueden adoptar estas tecnologías para mejorar su capacidad de adaptarse y ser más proactivas en entornos dinámicos. En mi experiencia, contar con herramientas que potencien la automatización y la inteligencia integrada es clave para escalar operaciones y optimizar resultados. Para aquellos interesados en soluciones que impulsen la conversión y la comunicación, recomiendo visitar https://embudo.com.ar una plataforma que ayuda a maximizar el rendimiento en marketing digital y ventas con un enfoque estratégico e innovador.