Gartner® Hype Cycle for Enterprise Networking, 2026

Is your enterprise network strategy ready for what’s next?

For IT and network leaders navigating AI, multi-cloud, and evolving security demands — discover what’s changing and how to stay ahead with the latest Gartner insights.

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📊 Based on insights from the Gartner Hype Cycle for Enterprise Networking, 2026

🔍WHY THIS REPORT MATTERS

  • AI is transforming how networks operate and scale
  • Multi-cloud and edge environments are increasing complexity
  • Security must evolve to address emerging risks, including post-quantum threats
  • Technologies like SASE are moving toward mainstream adoption

📊 GARTNER INSIGHTS

Here are some of the key themes we feel shaping enterprise networking:

“AI-driven operations, distributed architectures, and evolving security requirements are reshaping enterprise networking.”
“Cross-cloud environments and edge deployments are increasing complexity and changing traffic patterns.”
“Post-quantum cryptography and SASE are becoming key priorities for future-ready networks.”

🧠 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

To stay competitive, organizations need to:

  • Build AI-ready networking foundations
  • Simplify cross-cloud connectivity
  • Support edge and IoT environments at scale
  • Embed security directly into network architecture

🔵 HOW AT&T CAN HELP

AT&T solutions are designed to help enterprises adapt to this shift:
AT&T SD-WAN
→ Enables agile, crypto-ready network foundations
AT&T NetBond + Total Access Orchestration
→ Simplifies secure cross-cloud connectivity
AT&T Edge Network Solutions
→ Supports scalable IoT and distributed environments
AT&T SASE
→ Delivers secure access across users, apps, and locations

❓ FAQS

What is the Gartner Hype Cycle for Enterprise Networking?

From our understanding, it is a framework that evaluates the maturity and adoption of emerging networking technologies, helping organizations make informed decisions.

Why is AI important in enterprise networking?

AI enables automation, predictive insights, and improved performance, helping reduce operational complexity.

What is cross-cloud networking?

Cross-cloud networking enables secure and efficient connectivity across multiple cloud platforms and environments.

Why is post-quantum cryptography important?

It prepares organizations for future security risks posed by quantum computing, ensuring long-term data protection.

What is SASE and why does it matter?

SASE combines networking and security into a unified model, enabling secure, scalable access in distributed environments.

Ready to take the next step?

👉 Access the full Gartner report and start planning your network strategy

Click here to view the full report


Gartner, Hype Cycle for Enterprise Networking, 2026, Mike LeibovitzJonathan ForestKaren BrownAndrew Lerner, 22 May 2026. Gartner and Hype Cycle are trademarks of Gartner, Inc., and/or its affiliates. This graphic was published by Gartner, Inc. as part of a larger research document and should be evaluated in the context of the entire document. The Gartner document is available upon request from AT&T.