Will AI Replace Your Networking Job, or Just Make You Better At It?

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The future of networking isn't about whether AI will transform our industry—it's about how quickly professionals will adapt to these inevitable changes. In this candid discussion, Drew Lentz unpacks the major developments from recent industry events, particularly Cisco Live, where AI dominated conversations across the vendor landscape.

AI Canvas, Cisco's entry into agentic AI, signals a pivotal shift in how networks will be managed going forward. But rather than viewing these advancements as threats to job security, Drew frames them as powerful amplifiers of human capability. As he reflects on Andy Jassy's comments about AI adaptation, the message becomes clear: those who embrace AI as a collaborative tool will thrive, while those who resist may find themselves left behind on the platform as the train departs.

The podcast showcases remarkable innovations happening throughout the wireless ecosystem. Hamina's newly released AI features can automatically generate walls from Google Images floor plans, saving engineers countless hours of manual work. The strengthening partnerships between vendors like NetAlly, Ekahau, and Sidos demonstrate how collaboration is accelerating tool capabilities beyond what any single company could achieve.

Drew also shares a thought-provoking analogy comparing private 5G to cell phone holsters—technically perfect solutions that somehow missed the mark on mass adoption. This refreshing perspective challenges us to look beyond technical specifications to consider real-world implementation challenges.

Looking ahead, Drew reveals his plans to use Alethea testing equipment to benchmark access point performance under heavy client loads, offering to test specific APs the community is curious about. This hands-on approach reflects his commitment to bringing practical insights that go beyond marketing claims.

Connect with Drew to share your thoughts on which wireless technologies deserve deeper testing, or join the conversation about how AI is reshaping your day-to-day networking experience. The industry is evolving rapidly—are you evolving with it?

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