The future is Zero-Touch and Zero-Ops: What enterprises expect from network infrastructure in 2026
By Shibu Paul, VP International Sales, Array Networks
As organisations look ahead to 2026, expectations for network infrastructure are changing fast. Customers want digital services to function perfectly, employees operate remotely and new apps are introduced every week. Networks can no longer depend on costly manual work, extensive change cycles or antiquated command-line setups in this environment. Organisations want systems that are self-healing, self-managing and accessible.
Two concepts, Zero-Touch and Zero-Ops, are influencing the next phase of enterprise networking as 2026 approaches closer. Both have automation at their core, but their effects go far beyond productivity. They promise a more intelligent, predictable and fast-growing network ecosystem.
Zero-Touch: Automation that reduces human effort
Removing manual procedures from network setup and management is the key objective of Zero-Touch. In the beginning, engineers would work for hours installing servers, firewalls and internet routers often box by box. Zero-Touch uses cloud-based controllers and pre-made templates to automatically configure and activate devices.
Zero-Touch will be more than a “nice-to-have” feature by 2026. It will become standard practice.
Key supporting data:
– The global Zero-Touch Provisioning market, valued at around USD 3.5 billion in 2024, is expected to grow as enterprises adopt automated deployment strategies, potentially reaching USD 8.1 billion by 2032 on a CAGR of 11%.
– Demand for automated provisioning is growing as companies scale deployments across remote sites, cloud and IoT infrastructures.
A few shifts will drive this change:
– Remote work as the default: Network devices must be installed throughout branch offices, residences, edge locations and even pop-up sites. Teams can set up equipment without having to send engineers on site because of Zero-Touch.
– Cloud-first models: Configurations may be rapidly deployed across hundreds of devices due to centralised cloud administrators.
– Fast-paced business demands: Networks have to rapidly adapt to new policies, segments and applications as digital services emerge. Automation enables efficient expansion.
IT professionals feel relieved of pressure with Zero-Touch. They can focus on strategy, security and innovation rather than focusing on monotonous activities. Because the technology uses verified templates rather than human input, it also minimises errors.
Zero-Ops: Networks that run themselves
Zero-Ops goes beyond Zero-Touch with regard to automation during installation. Network systems that manage everyday tasks with minimal assistance from humans are referred to as “zero operations.” This includes concepts that promise self-healing, self-monitoring, real-time optimisation, autonomous troubleshooting and self-securing infrastructures that align with enterprise goals.
Just to put it briefly, the network becomes an operations team within itself.
Supporting facts and figures:
– According to Gartner projections, the share of enterprises automating more than half of their network activities is expected to climb from less than 10% in mid-2023 to ~30% by 2026.
– Over half of enterprises will leverage AI functions to automate “Day 2” network operations – routine maintenance, performance monitoring and updates by 2026 (up from under 10% in 2023).
Organisations are expecting networks in 2026 to:
1. Fix problems before users notice
Here, AI-driven surveillance will be essential. The system will identify irregularities promptly and take steps to fix them, such as redirecting traffic or providing more bandwidth, rather than anticipating breakdowns or interruptions.
2. Predict failures
Networks will be able to notify employees of possible problems days or even weeks in advance by using previous actions and present information. This improves reliability and reduces disruption.
3. Reduce noise
Conventional surveillance devices generate a limitless amount of notifications. Zero-Ops configurations minimise noise by merely displaying insights that can be put to use and letting the system take care of basic maintenance on its own.
4. Adapt in real time
Networks that support digital payments, online games, online meetings and Internet of Things devices will automatically adapt to shifting loads and circumstances.
Organisations can get closer to IT infrastructures that function well with minimal maintenance by implementing Zero-Ops. This is particularly crucial given the growing scarcity of skills in networking and security.
AI and analytics: The silent engines behind Zero-Touch and Zero-Ops
Strong analytics are necessary for each of these concepts to be successful.
Network operations will be significantly impacted by AI by 2026. AI will help networks understand their surroundings more than any manual method, from recognizing unexpected trends to learning how traffic normally operates.
Notable statistics from industry research include:
– AI-driven automation can reduce operational costs by up to 30% and automate up to 60% of routine network maintenance tasks.
– 69% of network engineers report that AI helps them predict network failures before they happen, bolstering uptime.
– AI configuration management can reduce human errors by ~70%, directly supporting Zero-Ops aims.
Real-time analytics will help spot performance issues, identify security threats, optimise routing, improve user experience, automate policy enforcement
Organisations want intelligent networks that can provide precise information and support their decisions, not just automated networks.
Security expectations rise with automation
Security needs to evolve as networks develop into more self-sufficient. Organisations will expect Auto-updated security policies, continuous threat scanning, built-in segmentation, adaptive response to attacks & lower risk of misconfiguration
The similar AI engines which operate Zero-Ops will help with recognising inappropriate behaviour, identifying dangers and responding quicker than employees.
Automation transforms into a security tool in various manners. It lowers the possibility of human error, which is still one of the primary explanations for breaches of security.
Why enterprises want Zero-Touch and Zero-Ops now
A number of factors are coming together to accelerate the process of adoption:
– Digital infrastructure is growing at an exponential rate.
– IT departments are overworked and finding it difficult to maintain their spirits up.
– Applications are now more extensively available than before.
– Shorter interruptions and consistent performance are what executives at companies want.
– Organisations are being forced to accomplish more with less due to cost challenges.
Organisations are no longer prepared to put up with extended troubleshooting sessions or installation cycles. They want networks that stay ahead of challenges and enable teams to stay focused on development.
A new era of network operations
The integration of Zero-Touch and Zero-Ops will transform network structure and operation by 2026. The network will be regarded as a dynamic, self-driven system that changes according to company requirements rather than as an inflexible backbone.
Industry leaders like Gartner and AT&T highlight that agentic NetOps, AI infrastructure, and zero-trust frameworks will define enterprise networking strategies. Meanwhile, telecom and enterprise sectors are already experimenting with autonomous networks that promise agility and efficiency.
Organisations will search for technology and partners that can provide this degree of automation and intelligence. Additionally, the initial users of this change will benefit from increased security, quicker innovation and a smoother user experience.
Networking in the future will be autonomous rather than solely automated. And more quickly than anyone anticipated, that future is approaching.