
Autonomous Networks
Using AI to Advance Operations in SP and Enterprise Domains
Cisco Press
Will be published approx. on 31. October 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
640 pages
978-0-13-547336-8 (ISBN)
Description
Autonomous Networks: Using AI to Advance Operations in SP and Enterprise Domains is a practical, forward-looking guide to the next generation of network operations-where AI, automation, observability, and closed-loop control enable networks to operate with greater speed, scale, and resilience while reducing manual intervention.
As enterprise and service provider environments become increasingly complex, traditional reactive operations can no longer keep pace. This book explains how autonomous networking combines model-driven telemetry, distributed tracing, AIOps, automation frameworks, MLOps, and IT service management integration to create intelligent systems capable of sensing conditions, making decisions, and executing actions in real time.
Written for network engineers, architects, operations teams, and technology leaders, this vendor-agnostic guide provides a clear roadmap for evolving from basic automation initiatives to fully autonomous network operations. Readers will learn how to implement AI-driven operational models across both enterprise and service provider environments while addressing security, governance, compliance, and organizational transformation.
Through real-world case studies, architectural patterns, and industry-aligned frameworks, the authors demonstrate how narrow AI, generative AI, closed-loop automation, and predictive analytics can improve network reliability, operational efficiency, and service assurance at scale.
Whether you are modernizing existing infrastructure or building next-generation intelligent networks, this book delivers actionable strategies for designing, operating, and securing autonomous networking environments in an increasingly AI-driven world.
As enterprise and service provider environments become increasingly complex, traditional reactive operations can no longer keep pace. This book explains how autonomous networking combines model-driven telemetry, distributed tracing, AIOps, automation frameworks, MLOps, and IT service management integration to create intelligent systems capable of sensing conditions, making decisions, and executing actions in real time.
Written for network engineers, architects, operations teams, and technology leaders, this vendor-agnostic guide provides a clear roadmap for evolving from basic automation initiatives to fully autonomous network operations. Readers will learn how to implement AI-driven operational models across both enterprise and service provider environments while addressing security, governance, compliance, and organizational transformation.
Through real-world case studies, architectural patterns, and industry-aligned frameworks, the authors demonstrate how narrow AI, generative AI, closed-loop automation, and predictive analytics can improve network reliability, operational efficiency, and service assurance at scale.
Whether you are modernizing existing infrastructure or building next-generation intelligent networks, this book delivers actionable strategies for designing, operating, and securing autonomous networking environments in an increasingly AI-driven world.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Indianapolis
United States
Publishing group
Pearson Education (US)
Target group
Professional and scholarly
ISBN-13
978-0-13-547336-8 (9780135473368)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Stefan-Alexandru Manza, CCIE # 15687, is a Distinguished Architect in the office of the CTO at Cisco Systems. In his current role, he focuses on strategic adoption of new technology trends such as observability, automation, and AI within Cisco and by Cisco's key enterprise and SP customers.
Josh Halley, CCIEx3 No. 11924, is a Principal Architect in the office of the CTO at Cisco Systems, where his current role focuses on domains related to up-and-coming and burgeoning new technology trends and innovation, engaging in large and complex strategic negotiations, and working with C-Levels to set technology strategy and direction within their organizations. Over the years Josh has worked in many differing roles at organizations, ranging from technology companies to banking and finance and management consulting.
Josh Halley, CCIEx3 No. 11924, is a Principal Architect in the office of the CTO at Cisco Systems, where his current role focuses on domains related to up-and-coming and burgeoning new technology trends and innovation, engaging in large and complex strategic negotiations, and working with C-Levels to set technology strategy and direction within their organizations. Over the years Josh has worked in many differing roles at organizations, ranging from technology companies to banking and finance and management consulting.
Content
1 Network Autonomy
2 Regulations Impact on Autonomous Networks
3 Observability and Data Sources
4 Conventional and Task-Specific AI/ML Models Usage for Autonomous Networks
5 Generative AI in the Context of Autonomous Networks
6 Automated Execution and Testing
7 Closed Loop Command and Control
8 Communication Service Provider Autonomous Networks Vision
9 Enterprise Domain Vision
10 Autonomous Networks Considerations-Organizational Change
2 Regulations Impact on Autonomous Networks
3 Observability and Data Sources
4 Conventional and Task-Specific AI/ML Models Usage for Autonomous Networks
5 Generative AI in the Context of Autonomous Networks
6 Automated Execution and Testing
7 Closed Loop Command and Control
8 Communication Service Provider Autonomous Networks Vision
9 Enterprise Domain Vision
10 Autonomous Networks Considerations-Organizational Change