Reimagining networking with Agentic AI: a new chapter for network operations

The changing face of networking

Networking has changed dramatically. Across the UK, nearly half of organisations are struggling to fill networking roles, and the skills required are evolving fast. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from being a niche interest to a necessity, with most new roles now expecting some level of AI ‘know-how’. For anyone responsible for keeping networks running smoothly, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.

What does Agentic AI actually mean?

If you’ve heard the term ‘Agentic AI’ and wondered what it’s all about, you’re not alone. Think of it as having a team of digital experts working alongside your IT staff. Imagine your network as a hospital: the Large Language Model (LLM) acts like a GP, diagnosing a wide range of issues and pointing you in the right direction. When something more complex arises, for example a tricky wireless performance issue, the LLM hands the case over to a specialist AI agent, much like a GP referring you to a specialist consultant. The benefit of this approach is that you can describe problems in plain English, the AI takes care of the technical details, and you approve any fixes before they are applied.

Why now is the time to embrace AI in network operations

Networks today need to be agile, secure, and ready for anything. AI isn’t here to replace IT teams, it’s here to make their lives easier. With Agentic AI, you get round-the-clock monitoring, automated issue resolution, and fewer operational headaches. In fact, organisations using these technologies have seen troubleshooting times drop dramatically, fewer support tickets and significant savings in operational costs.

How has AI for networking evolved?

AI networking has matured quickly, and there are different levels of AI assistance. At its simplest, you can ask questions about your network in everyday language and get instant answers. In more mature solutions, AI can spot issues automatically, guide your team through fixes and take care of some problems on its own. The most advanced systems, like Agentic AI, are always on, constantly learning from your environment and taking proactive steps to keep networks running smoothly.

One of the most exciting developments is the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which helps AI systems ‘speak’ directly to your network infrastructure. Think of it like a surgical team diagnosing the problem and then having access to the right tools to perform the procedure. MCP lets AI retrieve vital information, make informed decisions and carry out corrective actions safely and efficiently, using the tools available autonomously.

What is the true impact of AI in network operations?

In practice, AI creates a network environment that is not only smarter, but also significantly more resilient. Manual tasks that once took hours are reduced to minutes, enabling IT teams to focus on higher-value initiatives rather than routine troubleshooting. Problems and issues are identified and resolved faster, helping your network adapt seamlessly to evolving business requirements and unexpected challenges.

Security is also significantly enhanced, with AI systems providing continuous, proactive monitoring for abnormal network behaviour. Beyond day-to-day operational efficiency and security, Agentic AI plays a crucial role in supporting the adoption of new networking technologies and solutions. By guiding IT teams through deployment and configuration aligned to industry best practice, AI helps maximise return on investment and ensures that new systems are integrated smoothly and effectively.

Addressing common concerns

It’s natural to have questions. Some worry about giving AI too much control, however most vendors take a ‘human-in-the-loop’ approach. Others wonder if AI will make mistakes, and in reality, it can, but they are built with safeguards, and this is why human oversight remains critical. Ultimately, IT teams know their network best, and their input ensures that decisions are accurate.

Accuracy is key when it comes to AI being used in real world networks, and AI systems improve the longer they observe a network. Accuracy grows over time, and purpose-built networking models are already showing up to 20% better accuracy than general AI models.

Looking ahead

Networking is entering a new era, and Agentic AI is at the heart of it. Whether you’re planning upgrades, adopting new technologies, or just trying to keep things running smoothly, AI can be your co-pilot. It helps you make better decisions, respond faster, continually optimise networks and stay ahead of issues before they occur.

If you are ready to see what Agentic AI can do for your organisation, contact your Softcat account team or complete this form to start the conversation.