Juniper Networks reveals major AI-driven network upgrades

Juniper Networks has introduced significant enhancements to its AI-Native Networking Platform, which aims to deliver exceptional wired and wireless experiences. These advancements are designed to offer continuous learning, expanded digital experience twinning, and streamlined access control features.

The new Marvis Experience Application Experience Insights leverages continuous learning to enhance the understanding of Zoom meetings and Microsoft Teams calls. This feature applies data science techniques to predict call quality prior to the commencement of video sessions, building on existing capabilities which identify the origins of post-call issues.

Juniper's cloud-hosted Wired, Wireless and Access Assurance products now include innovative features to proactively find and fix network, application, and security issues. Among these are Marvis Minis, an extension to the wired network that diagnoses authentication problems and offers solutions without user intervention.

The newly introduced service levels ensure premium user experiences by monitoring key metrics in real time. These metrics include throughput, switch health, connection rates, switch bandwidth utilisation, and more. This allows for proactive management of wired network performance.

An exclusive AI-Native Dynamic Spectrum Capture feature has been added to address wireless interference with unprecedented visibility into the RF spectrum. Additionally, the Wired Dynamic Packet Capture function now extends to wired networks, facilitating the detection and resolution of network issues through automatic packet capture in the cloud.

Marvis Actions have been enhanced to further support wired network troubleshooting. These actions now identify and resolve issues such as misconfigured switch ports and Access Point loops, in addition to existing capabilities that address missing VLANs and high CPU usage, among others.

To enhance network security, Juniper has simplified posture validation via UEM/MDM integration. This integration with leading solutions such as Jamf and Microsoft Intune ensures that devices comply with corporate security standards before joining the network.

The Mist Access Assurance service now supports seamless onboarding at over 10,000 eduroam-connected locations globally, catering to various user groups, including home users, visitors, and university staff through a range of authentication methods.

According to Sudheer Matta, GVP Products for Campus and Branch at Juniper Networks, the new features address key customer concerns by proactively meeting user demands and ensuring the performance of critical applications such as Zoom and Teams, irrespective of user location.

The advancements have been lauded by industry professionals. Bryan Ward, Lead Network Engineer at Dartmouth College, noted the new features' ability to swiftly identify collaboration call issues, enhancing operational efficiency.

Brandon Butler, Research Manager for Enterprise Networks at IDC, highlighted the importance of AI-enhanced network operations (AIOps) in tackling the complexities of modern enterprise networking. The enhancements to Juniper’s platform are seen as significant steps forward in this area.