Cisco Systems introduced a suite of AI-optimized networking solutions, including new routers, switches, and software, marking a significant step toward autonomous network operations. Announced during Cisco Live (June 8–12), these developments are part of Cisco’s broader shift toward its “AgenticOps” strategy—an AI-driven approach to automating the lifecycle of intelligent agents within IT environments.
In collaboration with NVIDIA, Cisco is engineering networks specifically tailored for AI workloads. Central to this initiative is the company’s proprietary large language model (LLM), the Deep Network Model, which underpins the latest version of Cisco’s network management software. This domain-specific LLM enables automation of network tasks such as issue detection, root cause analysis, and workflow execution—dramatically reducing troubleshooting time from hours to seconds.
At the core of Cisco’s AI-powered platform is the Cisco AI Assistant, a natural language interface currently in public beta. It leverages the Deep Network Model to support IT teams in managing network operations more efficiently. Another upcoming feature, AI Canvas, is a collaborative interface designed to enhance coordination between security operations, DevOps teams, and network administrators. Cisco plans to make AI Canvas available to select customers for trial use in fall 2025.
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On the hardware front, Cisco launched new models across its key product lines:
Secure Routers: Models 8100 through 8500, offering up to triple the throughput of previous generations, aimed at meeting the growing demands of branch network traffic.
Catalyst Series LAN Switches: The new 9350 and 9610 models deliver up to 51.2 Tbps throughput and sub-5-microsecond latency, supporting advanced AI applications with quantum-resistant networking security.
Meraki Access Points: The 9179F, equipped with Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB) technology, supports both URWB and Wi-Fi in a single device.
Industrial Switches: Designed for rugged environments and AI-powered operations, enhancing Cisco’s capabilities in edge and IoT deployments.
Cisco’s integrated management platform now enables centralized control across Catalyst, Meraki, and industrial devices, simplifying administration across diverse environments.
Underpinning all of these innovations is Cisco’s AgenticOps framework. This next-generation operational model transcends DevOps, DevSecOps, and MLOps by orchestrating the full lifecycle of AI agents—from initial development and deployment to ongoing testing, optimization, and retraining. It encompasses the creation of AI agents that interact with enterprise resources and autonomously perform complex tasks at machine speed. Cisco describes AgenticOps as an orchestration layer powered by real-time telemetry, automation, and its decades of networking expertise.
The AgenticOps concept, which is gaining traction across the industry, is also being explored by startups like AutoGPT, CrewAI, LangGraph, OpenDevin, and AgentOS.
With this strategic push, Cisco aims to redefine network operations in the AI era—streamlining infrastructure management while empowering IT teams with intelligent, autonomous tools.
