AI-Powered Predictive Networks: Simplifying the Network Management Maze

Predictive networking, a relatively novel approach, can foresee network problems by tapping into a vast set of network telemetry datapoints and identifying patterns that may cause an issue. Simply put, it uses machine learning techniques to look through how a network has been behaving in the past to predict how it will behave in the future.

The premise is similar to how the weather department predicts the probability of a snowstorm by factoring in thousands of weather metrics. As a result, when a predicted snowstorm sets in, citizens can be well-prepared to handle it.

Cisco Predictive Networks is one key innovation that offers to bring predictive networking to life. By integrating AI-powered predictive abilities into their networking products, Cisco aims at resolving several challenges associated with the older reactive approach.

In Cisco’s 2022 Global Networking Trends Report, responding to disruptions (45 percent) was one of the top cited networking challenges of 2021. This statistic highlights two major focus areas:

• With digital initiatives, networks are growing more complex
• Network disruptions are becoming more prominent
  

Cisco aims to simplify network management as well as reduce disruptions with their predictive networks. The integration will be available to an entire spectrum of networking devices – from cloud-based network adapters to home-based Wi-Fi routers.

But how would predictive networks benefit people on the ground?

Organizations can optimize their network infrastructure by dynamically adjusting bandwidth allocation, routing paths and load balancing. This ensures that critical applications receive priority, enhancing overall productivity.

AI-driven optimization also minimizes downtime, reduces latency and streamlines network management, leading to cost savings and improved user experiences. 

End users benefit from seamless connectivity, faster application response times and consistent performance. Whether they are accessing cloud services, collaborating remotely or using IoT devices, the network adapts intelligently to their needs.

Just as predictive networks can prevent possible disruptions, they can also fight off cybersecurity threats by leveraging the same concept. By applying machine learning for policy automation, organizations can build a security model that automatically manages access and permissions across objects.

AI algorithms can analyze patterns, identify suspicious behaviour and trigger alerts. This proactive approach minimizes the impact of security incidents, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining compliance. Organizations gain peace of mind knowing that their network is actively defending against threats, reducing the risk of data breaches and reputational damage.

For customers, this means greater confidence in their networking implementation. Whether they are accessing corporate resources from the office, at home or on the go, the network protects their data and privacy. Seamless authentication, encrypted communication and threat prevention mechanisms ensure that end users can work confidently without worrying about cyberattacks.

The growing number of IoT devices is a direct challenge to enterprise connectivity. Cisco’s Predictive Networks support Wi-Fi 6/6E, enabling organizations to handle a multitude of devices simultaneously. With the use of AI for improving Wi-Fi performance, organizations can overcome segmentation and device classification challenges so they can better prioritize critical devices (such as medical equipment or production machinery) over non-essential ones (like smart speakers).

Visibility and management tools allow IT teams to monitor device behaviour, troubleshoot issues and ensure optimal performance across the network.

This further makes Wi-Fi connectivity reliable, which enhances productivity, especially for mobile workers or those relying on handheld devices. Whether it’s tracking inventory, accessing patient records or controlling smart devices, connectivity remains consistent.

Network administrators face unexpected challenges daily. Predictive network handling equips them with insights and recommendations to handle these curveballs. AI algorithms can predict potential issues, such as congestion, performance bottlenecks or hardware failures. Administrators then receive actionable suggestions for preventive measures.

This proactive approach minimizes downtime, reduces troubleshooting efforts and ensures a smooth user experience. Predictive handling makes it possible to resolve common network issues that arise during office activities. Whether it’s a dropped call, a slow download or an interrupted video stream – the chances of such interruptions are lower than ever.

Traditional network lifecycle management for networking devices involves manual handovers between different phases (requirements gathering, planning, design and simulation). This approach can lead to delays and inefficiencies.

By introducing AI-powered prediction, organizations can automate the manual processes and replace them with highly vigilant algorithms that can identify vulnerabilities faster.

This leads to a smoother service experience for the IT service management teams. Whether it’s a new upgrade, an IoT deployment or a cloud service, they’re prepared well in advance.

Reduced lead times mean faster access to critical services. For example, a factory deploying IoT sensors can start monitoring production lines promptly, enhancing operational efficiency.

Cisco Meraki combines cloud management, a comprehensive product portfolio and AI-driven features to create more efficient workspaces. By integrating AI predictive networks, it empowers organizations to adapt and deliver better user experiences. It caters to organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.

Its unique selling point lies in its cloud-based management. Organizations can configure, monitor and troubleshoot their network infrastructure from a centralized dashboard accessible via the web. This eliminates the need for on-premises controllers and streamlines network administration.

Meraki Health, part of the larger Meraki offering, leverages AI and machine learning to enhance network performance, security and efficiency. It’s an AI and data-powered network management tool that helps IT teams proactively troubleshoot issues, automate operations and plan for future network architectures.

By analyzing historical data and learning network congestion patterns, Meraki Health optimizes network efficiency. It dynamically adjusts channel allocation during peak usage, ensuring seamless connectivity for end users. 

In addition, Cisco’s wireless solutions further simplify network management with the following targeted offerings.

Cisco APs are designed for high-performance connectivity for users and devices, ensuring seamless roaming and advanced security features. Cisco APs contribute to AI predictive networks by providing telemetry data.

This data is ingested by AI/ML engines to predict user experience issues, such as coverage gaps, interference or performance bottlenecks. The AI-driven insights help optimize AP placement, channel selection and power levels.

Wireless controllers are responsible for enabling centralized management, policy enforcement, scalability and guest access features.

Through a network controller and management dashboard, telemetry data from the network is ingested and processed by AI/ML engines to identify anomalies, eliminate false positives and suggest remediation actions.

The network controllers provide end-to-end visibility, configuration management, automated monitoring and dynamic optimization.

Network controllers leverage AI/ML techniques to analyze telemetry data, predict events and guide remediation. By learning from historical data, controllers enhance incident response times and ensure business continuity.

CDW has achieved the highest level of partnership with Cisco and collaborates closely for networking projects. With a large pool of certified engineers who understand the intricacies of Cisco’s predictive technologies, we lead the way for making predictive networking happen.

We can help customers deploy and optimize these cutting-edge Cisco solutions that provide consistent security, full network intelligence and better user experiences across wired and wireless networks. This means greater network reliability, reduced operational costs and a user-centric approach – which is our strongest suit.

We also offer assessment, design, configuration, installation, aggregation and training services to customers.

In summary, CDW’s partnership with Cisco enables organizations to engineer predictive networks that learn, predict and plan. Together, we redefine connectivity, making 24/7 uptime happen while saving time and resources.

Predictive networking offers a much more sustainable approach for managing complex networks and facilitates rapid digitization. In an increasingly cloud-enabled world where fault-free networking is key, Cisco’s leading predictive network offerings are paving the way for a paradigm shift.

Many of Cisco’s solutions, such as Cisco Meraki and wireless technology, now include AI prediction capabilities.

As the future leans towards predictive approaches in network management, organizations must strategize their network transformation journey. CDW Canada, with over 20 years of expertise and our close collaboration with Cisco, can help you navigate this new landscape.