Generative and Agentic AI Networking Revolution

Co-Authored by Fred Hsu, Distinguished Solutions Engineer

The world of technology is in the midst of a shift, driven by the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). We've witnessed Generative AI (GenAI) capture the imagination with large language models (LLMs) and large training models, and now, with the emergence of Agentic AI, it is poised to redefine enterprise networks. At Arista, we believe that networking is on the cusp of a major transformation, where AI will not just be a tool, but a trusted partner to network engineers. Arista is diligently addressing both AI-driven networking powered by Arista AVA™ and networking for AI with its best-of-breed Etherlink™ portfolio. This promises to reshape networking design, management, and security for the networks of tomorrow.

AI Agents In Networking 

Imagine a world where network engineers can offload the tedious and time-consuming tasks of network design, diagnostics, and deployment to intelligent AI agents. This is an imminent reality. AI agents will become invaluable tools, acting as collaborators that empower network engineers to focus on higher-level strategic initiatives. These agents will dramatically improve network designs for workloads, workflows, and workstreams by:

• Automating Complex Designs: AI agents will be able to design and develop network changes powered by Arista’s Validated Design (AVD) data models. By leveraging the best practices, testing, and guardrails of AVD, the configurations generated by agents are controlled and validated.
• Proactive Diagnostics and Remediation: By continuously monitoring the network with streaming telemetry.  AI agents can inherently detect anomalies, predict potential issues, and even take corrective actions before they impact users.
• Streamlining Deployments: AI agents can automate the configuration, testing, and validation of network changes, ensuring consistency and reducing the risk of human error during deployments.

Agentic AI Needs Networked Data:

The intelligence of any AI system is only as good as the data it's trained on. Arista's differentiated and patented technologies, Arista EOS^® (Extensible Operating System) and NetDL™ (Network Data Lake), form the powerful nucleus and foundation for AI-driven networking.

• Arista EOS: Our single, consistent software platform, EOS, provides the open and programmable interface necessary for AI agents to interact with the network. Its state-sharing architecture and rich set of APIs allow AI agents to gather real-time network state, telemetry, and other critical data.
• Arista NetDL: NetDL serves as the central repository for all network and related data, creating a single source of truth for AI agents. By consolidating data from various sources, including device state, traffic flows, events, and security alerts, NetDL provides the comprehensive context that AI agents need to make intelligent decisions. This data-centric approach, combined with the power of AI and machine learning, unlocks unprecedented levels of automation and security.

Arista AI Agents in Action 

Here at Arista, we are not just theorizing about the potential of AI agents; we are actively building and deploying them. We are bringing agentic capabilities directly to our customers with AVA, a powerful tool integrated into our CloudVision^® platform. Ask AVA allows network operators to use natural language to query their network's state, troubleshoot issues, and gain deeper insights, simplifying network operations and making powerful analytics from NetDL accessible. Internally, we are also enhancing our own operations with tools like Support AVA. This sophisticated chatbot is leveraged by our Technical Assistance Center (TAC) team to tap into our vast knowledge base, providing our engineers with rapid, accurate answers to streamline customer support and accelerate issue resolution.

AI Ecosystem is Open and Evolving 

The journey towards a fully AI-driven network is just beginning, but the path forward is clear. By combining the power of Generative and Agentic AI with the robust data and programmability of Arista's EOS and NetDL, and by embracing open standards like MCP, we are empowering network engineers to build, manage, and secure the networks of the future. The next evolution of networking is here, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation. We are excited to collaborate with industry leaders and build on those relationships with innovators such as AMD, Arm, Anthropic, Broadcom, OpenAI, Penguin, Pure Storage, and Vast to expand the AI partnerships. 

It is an exciting time in AI for Networking and Networking for AI! Welcome to the modern new world of Agentic AI.

References:

Register here for the latest webinar in our series, Demystifying AI: Networking Choices

Arista - AI Ecosystem of Innovators Video

Arista AVA White Paper