Cisco Unveils Agile Services Networking Architecture for AI-Ready Connectivity

A service provider architecture for AI-ready connectivity

Service providers are standing on the precipice of a networking future driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Investments are surging and organizations across the globe are ramping up their AI strategies. According to the 2024 Cisco AI Readiness Index, 50% of companies have committed a significant portion of their budget -- between 10-30% -- to AI. McKinsey's state of AI 2024 report reveals that 65% of organizations are already implementing generative AI across marketing, sales, product development, and services. The rapid adoption of AI is impacting the nature of traffic flowing across service provider networks. For instance, S&P Global Market Intelligence expects 62% of total data by 2027 will be processed at the edge. Meanwhile, a recent Lightwave white paper cites 40% of internet content providers reporting that AI workloads are driving up to a 30% increase in data center interconnect (DCI) capacity. As AI transforms the networking landscape, service providers can embrace the full potential of this technological revolution and achieve more in a competitive landscape. The unique demands of AI connectivity and the strategic role of service providers Workloads for generative AI and agentic AI are unlike anything we've seen before. Not only do they require vast amounts of processing power to train and refine models, but they also need scalable and reliable network connectivity to input and analyze new data into AI models for real-time inferencing. While centralized networking can support the massive requirements for AI training, a more distributed network transport model will be required for real-time inferencing applications -- often occurring closer to the end user and data sources for faster response times. Service providers are in a unique position to capture a key role in the emerging AI ecosystem. They control the networks that connect the locations where AI data is generated and where AI applications are consumed, and the data centers where AI training and inferencing applications process massive data sets. Building blocks for AI-ready networks Connecting all this AI traffic requires service providers to rethink how they architect their network to support demanding and dynamic requirements for bandwidth, speed, service performance, resiliency, latency, and security. Our commitment to service providers is to help them evolve their networks in the following ways: An architecture for AI connectivity Today, we are excited to introduce Cisco Agile Services Networking, an architecture for AI connectivity that enables service providers to monetize the delivery of assured services and networking. Agile Services Networking incorporates key portfolio innovations: Agile Services Networking in action Of course, our customer's perspective on attaining a simplified network is always the most important voice in the room. Swisscom Executive Vice President of Networks, Markus Reber, shared his thoughts with us about the work we accomplished together: "We partnered with Cisco, adopting their Agile Services Networking architecture from end-to-end and implementing Silicon One-based 8000 series routers, which perfectly aligned with our sustainability and business goals. In our journey so far, we have been able to converge 20 MPLS networks into 1 SRv6 network with an astounding 90% reduction in power." You can see the whole story here. A bright future for service providers It's clear that AI will continue to have a revolutionary impact. Visit our Cisco Agile Services Networking web page to see how we can help you ensure that your networks are simplified, resilient, and intelligent -- ready to unlock the new services of tomorrow. Get AI-ready connectivity.

Cisco Empowers Service Providers to Reimagine Networks for AI

, /CNW/ -- -- (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking and security, today announced new solutions to enable service providers to deliver AI connectivity. Service providers are set to play a critical role in defining how, where, and when data from artificial intelligence (AI) applications moves across networks. With these solutions, can enable service providers to handle the increase in data volume and variety, and monetize the services supporting AI traffic. These innovations also showcase the evolution of Silicon One, with new devices that enable customers to build networks with the flexibility AI services require. The data created by AI applications needs to be processed closer to the edge and closer to users, requiring better access speeds, service performance, resiliency and data security. is offering service providers a path forward with Agile Services Networking - an architecture for AI connectivity that enables service providers to monetize the delivery of assured services and networking. "The AI revolution is a massive potential tailwind for service providers," said Jeetu Patel, EVP and Chief Product Officer, . "AI, and especially the advent of AI agents, will mean an incredible influx of new digital workers who will be working together and communicating constantly. 's Agile Services Networking is the blueprint for service providers as they look to capitalize on the opportunities of AI by meeting the demand for high-bandwidth, secure, and energy-efficient connectivity." Powering AI Connectivity, Delivering New Services Service providers are in a unique position in the AI ecosystem. They own and operate the networks that connect where AI data is generated and where AI applications are consumed. They also own and operate the data centers where AI training and inferencing applications process massive data sets. Agile Services Networking is an architecture designed to remove complexity with simplified networking that converges network layers and services. It can assure experiences with resilient networks and services enabled by AI-powered automation, observability, and security. And, service providers can monetize services deployed closer to their end-users from a network architecture optimized for intelligent service delivery. To deliver this architecture, is introducing: Together, these new innovations supply service providers with the tools necessary to evolve their networks, develop new service offerings, and monetize the delivery of assured services. Agile Services Networking is also a more energy efficient and less resource-intensive architecture. When compared to traditional, centralized deployments, one edge architecture use case utilizing the 8000 series was projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 324 metric tonnes CO2e across an assumed product lifetime and all product life phases when combined with 's Takeback and Reuse program, and lower energy consumption by 80%. The first of 's Silicon One-powered 8000 series is generally available today; additional models are targeted to ship in spring and summer of 2025. The first of 's new Coherent Pluggable Optics are also targeted to begin shipping in spring of 2025. The Network Automation and Assurance features are available now. Partnering to capitalize on the AI opportunity As AI continues to drive rapid change in how networks are built, managed, and optimized, 's partnerships with service providers are more crucial than ever. Global Service Providers, including Arelion, , BT business, Colt, Lumen, Megaport, OTE (Deutsche Telekom) and Swisscom, have expressed excitement for the capabilities introduced by Agile Services Networking. Read more here. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco. and the logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of and/or its affiliates in the and other countries. A listing of 's trademarks can be found at http://www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship between and any other company. Futures Disclaimer: Many of the products and features described herein remain in varying stages of development and will be offered on a when-and-if-available basis. The delivery timeline of these products and features is subject to change at the sole discretion of , and will have no liability for delay in the delivery or failure to deliver any of the products or features set forth herein. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cisco-empowers-service-providers-to-reimagine-networks-for-ai-302373215.html

Cisco Agile Services Networking: What Partners Should Know

Cisco Systems took to Cisco Live EMEA 2025 on Tuesday to unveil Cisco Agile Services Networking, a new architecture for AI connectivity that will help service providers monetize the delivery of assured services and networking. It's what the tech giant is calling a "blueprint" for service providers for AI connectivity and related services, according to San Jose, Calif.-based Cisco. Cisco Agile Services Networking includes new hardware, like the new Silicon One and Cisco 8000 products, which have been designed to bring AI traffic closer to the network edge to reduce latency and costs. Ahead of Cisco Live EMEA, Greg Owens, director of service provider product and solutions marketing for Cisco, sat down with CRN to talk about agile networking strategy, the integration of AI in Cisco's products for more automation and cost savings, and the importance of partners in helping service providers monetize new networking services. Here's what solution providers need to know about Cisco Agile Services Networking.