Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way networks are built, managed and secured. AI networking is now much more than just a utility, emerging instead as the key enabler of innovation. As enterprises push forward, the challenge is not simply keeping up with AI’s demands, but ensuring the network actively accelerates adoption and business value.

The trend suggests that networking is the foundation for AI success, with enterprises that modernize across all domains being best positioned to unlock new opportunities, according to Bob Laliberte, principal analyst at theCUBE Research.

“AI is fundamentally reshaping enterprise networks from end to end,” he said. “At the back end, high-performance interconnects are essential for scaling GPU clusters used for training and inference. At the front end, Wi-Fi, private 5G and edge networks are critical for collecting and feeding the data that fuels AI models. Across the wide area network, organizations need secure, low-latency connectivity to move increasing amounts of data between distributed sites and AI data centers. Tying it all together, generative, predictive and agentic AI are transforming how networks are managed.”

Those dynamics will take center stage on Sept. 18 during “The Networking for AI Summit,” an exclusive broadcast from theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. The event will feature industry leaders, including Cisco Systems Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Juniper Networks, Meter Inc. and Extreme Networks Inc., alongside insights from Laliberte and principal analyst Zeus Kerravala of ZK Research, a division of Kerravala Consulting, offering IT leaders and strategists practical guidance on building AI-ready networks. (* Disclosure below.)

Here’s what to expect from theCUBE’s coverage of “The Networking of AI Summit“:

Why AI networking is at the heart of innovation

Enterprises know that keeping networks static won’t cut it in the AI era. In fact, 97% of IT networking executives believe they’ll need to upgrade their infrastructure to successfully deploy AI, according to Cisco’s internal research. Cisco has responded with innovations that include new data center tools and pre-configured AI hardware, but its biggest push centers on preparing for AI networking with a focus on agentic AI and improving security and observability. Features such as the Cisco AI Canvas, its domain-specific AI Assistant and its expanded firewall and zero-trust options are designed to make networks proactive as AI systems increasingly act autonomously.

That urgency underscores the stakes in AI networking: Enterprises that modernize their networks will position themselves to harness AI at scale, while those that don’t risk falling behind, according to Laliberte.

“Enterprises that can’t modernize their back-end, front-end and WAN networks will risk falling behind peers who do and can harness AI at scale,” Laliberte noted. “For their customers, that could result in slower innovation cycles and missed opportunities. For technology partners, it’s a chance to step up as trusted advisors and help organizations build the agile, AI-ready networks that will define market leaders in the years ahead.”

HPE’s recent acquisition of Juniper Networks Inc. underscores how seriously vendors are investing in building AI-native networking foundations. The move expands HPE’s portfolio with a secure, end-to-end stack designed to support enterprises modernizing for AI. At the same time, HPE has introduced an AI-powered copilot for its Aruba Networking EdgeConnect platform, aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and enabling more proactive, agentic AI networking operations. Others in the market are also experimenting with AI-driven platforms, reflecting the broader momentum across the industry.

“Enterprises should view networking for AI as an opportunity to modernize and upgrade highly distributed network environments,” Laliberte said. “In the near term, we expect to see the continued adoption of Ethernet in AI data centers, the rise of private 5G and Wi-Fi 7 to fuel front-end data collection, increased attention to prioritizing WAN traffic and AI-driven operations that enable a transition from reactive to proactive — ensuring optimized performance and experiences. Enterprises have already recognized the importance of the network in achieving business goals; AI technology will further magnify its significance.”

TheCUBE event livestream

Don’t miss theCUBE’s coverage of “The Networking for AI Summit” on Sept. 18. Plus, you can watch theCUBE’s event coverage on-demand after the live event.

How to watch theCUBE interviews

We offer you various ways to watch theCUBE’s coverage of “The Networking for AI Summit,” including theCUBE’s dedicated website and YouTube channel. You can also get all the coverage from this year’s events on SiliconANGLE.

TheCUBE Insights podcast

SiliconANGLE also has podcasts available of archived interview sessions, available on iTunes, Stitcher and Spotify, which you can enjoy while on the go.

SiliconANGLE also has analyst deep dives in our Breaking Analysis podcast, available on iTunes, Stitcher and Spotify.

Guests

During “The Networking for AI Summit,” theCUBE will bring together innovative leaders who are shaping the next era of enterprise networking. Viewers can expect candid insights and forward-looking strategies from voices shaping the future of AI networking.

(* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for “The Networking for AI Summit.” Sponsors of theCUBE’s event coverage do not have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Image: SiliconANGLE