The thinking network: Making every node count

AI agents and cloud-led orchestration will transform enterprise networks into intelligent systems that act, predict, and optimise before issues arise.

- BY SAJAN PAUL

Enterprise networking in 2026 is set to evolve into intelligent, experience-driven platforms that enhance human capability through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation.

Networks will move from reactive to predictive systems, with AIOps making real-time decisions and agentic AI orchestrating experiences across the full infrastructure stack.

One can also expect full-stack convergence transitioning from concept to standard practice, enabling unified intelligence that manages wired, wireless, and wide-area networks (WAN) as a seamless system. Perhaps most significantly, IT professionals will shift from troubleshooting to strategy, partnering with AI copilots to manage thousands of endpoints efficiently while focusing on innovation.

Here are four key predictions for how AI and cloud-led innovation will reshape enterprise networking into a proactive, self-optimising foundation for digital business.

#1 AIOps WILL OUTWEIGH WIFI SPECIFICATIONS

In 2026, the way enterprises operate wireless networks will fundamentally change. AIOps will no longer be optional. While enhancements such as multi-link operation, wider channels, and deterministic latency continue to advance, their full potential will only be realised through AI's ability to make complex spectrum decisions far faster than human operators.