Artificial intelligence represents the most significant technology transition in a generation, reshaping how service providers think about infrastructure. Unlike traditional internet traffic, AI workloads generate massive upstream data flows, require real-time processing and often operate at the edge. Each request is unique, limiting the effectiveness of caching and increasing the need for scalable, resilient architectures. As a result, networks can no longer function simply as transport layers; they must evolve into intelligent platforms capable of handling unpredictable demand and delivering consistent performance.
To meet these requirements, providers are rethinking how networking, compute, security, observability and automation integrate across the stack. Agile service networking models aim to simplify deployment, accelerate service delivery and provide the high-performance scalability AI applications require. Advances in unified silicon, routing platforms, optical networking and automation are helping modernize infrastructure while supporting sovereignty, security and operational efficiency. As AI adoption accelerates, the ability to design networks that are both intelligent and durable will determine how effectively service providers participate in the emerging AI value chain.
Discover how Cisco is delivering the foundation for the AI era at Mobile World Congress 2026: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/events/mobile-world-congress.html
Jason Teller:
We are at the biggest technology transition in a generation. AI is redefining everything just like the internet decades ago. Back then, Cisco was helping service providers connect the world and make the impossible possible. And now we're going to do it again. We are looking forward to showcasing at Mobile World Congress, how we'll enable service providers to build the critical infrastructure for AI?
Przemyslaw Kania:
Great technology alone isn't enough to succeed throughout huge transition like this. You need partners you can trust. For decades, Cisco has been the partner for leading service providers. Now we are committed to helping them design, build, and innovate at scale to get them ready for AI. Our commitment hasn't changed, but networks must change.
Jason Teller:
Today's networks were not built for the scale, complexity and unpredictability of AI. AI workloads send huge amounts of data upstream for processing and training. And each of these AI requests is unique. There cannot be caching, just real-time processing, often happening at the edge. Networks are not just pipes anymore. Networks must become platforms for intelligence and resilience.
Przemyslaw Kania:
Cisco makes this real by integrating networking, compute, security, observability, automation. This integration sets us apart, just like we helped redesign service providers networks for internet, we now will lead with agile service networking. It is disruptive infrastructure that simplifies network deployment. It speed-ups service delivery, delivers the high performance scalability, reliability that AI needs. All this is made possible by our unified silicon advanced routing platforms, optical networking, pluggable optics, and AI power automation and assurance. With security building-
Jason Teller:
This isn't about helping service providers just keep up in the AI economy. This is about enabling them to play a key role in the AI value chain by innovating together. Innovation only succeeds when it's built to last. And at Mobile World Congress will show service providers how Cisco is the trusted partner that helps them seize the opportunity and move forward in the AI era.