Predictive Networks

Predictive Networks is a technology paradigm, primarily developed and commercialized by Cisco, that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to forecast and proactively address network issues before they affect users. Cisco began investing in this technology around 2019, with the goal of creating self-healing networks that can learn, predict, and plan. The technology officially launched with commercial products in 2023.

The core of the technology is a predictive analytics engine that collects and analyzes vast amounts of network data, including telemetry, traffic patterns, device performance, and user behavior. By leveraging big data analytics and ML models like Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), the system identifies trends and patterns to predict potential disruptions, performance degradation, and security threats. This allows IT teams to shift from reactive troubleshooting to proactive network management, rerouting traffic before a failure occurs or applying corrective actions automatically. The system continuously learns from past incidents to improve the accuracy of its predictions.

Predictive Networks is offered as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, making it accessible without new hardware or software installations. The technology is being integrated across Cisco's portfolio, with initial availability in products like ThousandEyes WAN Insights for SD-WAN customers. This service provides proactive alerts, policy recommendations, and path optimization guidance. The business model is designed to reduce operational costs, prevent downtime, and improve the overall digital experience for clients across various industries. The technology addresses the increasing complexity of digital infrastructure and the rising frequency of sophisticated cybersecurity threats.

Keywords: predictive analytics, network management, artificial intelligence, machine learning, proactive maintenance, network automation, SD-WAN, SaaS, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, network performance, big data analytics, telemetry data, self-healing networks, Cisco, ThousandEyes, network observability, fault prediction, operational efficiency, user experience