Cisco today released its inaugural State of Wireless Report, revealing that Wi-Fi has evolved into a strategic growth engine capable of delivering a multiplier effectâ??where a single network investment drives compounding returns across employee productivity, customer engagement, and revenue. Based on a survey of over 6,000 global wireless professionals, the report underscores that as organizations reach an inflection point in connectivity demand, those who prioritize wireless strategically are achieving significantly higher business value than their peers.

This business value is governed by the "wireless AI paradox": while AI is a primary driver of wireless ROI, it may also fuel operational complexity and security risks. Whether this dynamic becomes a barrier or a competitive advantage depends on how organizations navigate it. The report provides a strategic roadmapâ??integrating AI-driven automation, modern security, and specialized expertiseâ??to help address these potential challenges. By taking this holistic approach, the report suggests, organizations are four times more likely to achieve strong returns, turning their wireless infrastructure into a powerful competitive edge.

Modern wireless drives better outcomes for customers, operations, employees, and revenue

The rise of the Internet of Things, AI workloads, and high-bandwidth applications like 4K/8K streaming and AR/VR are now the primary drivers for wireless modernization. As organizations adapt to these demands alongside shifting workplace trends like hot desking and BYOD, they are significantly increasing their wireless budgets:

Those already modernizing are experiencing a multiplier effectâ??where an investment in wireless generates multiple positive business outcomes:

"The enterprise workforce is evolving into blended teams of humans, AI agents, and automated systems, all operating together at machine speed. Wi-Fi is the foundation that makes that possible, connecting every endpoint, protecting every interaction, and unlocking the operational insights that drive smarter decisions across the business," said Anurag Dhingra, SVP & GM, Enterprise Connectivity & Collaboration, Cisco. "AI is both the biggest opportunity and the biggest test for enterprise networks right now."

The survey shows organizations are accelerating the refresh of wireless networks, with an increasing percentage of respondents planning to upgrade to the 6GHz spectrum. Nearly three in five organizations report plans to deploy Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 in the next year for modernized connectivity.

The Wireless AI Paradox

While AI drives innovation, it introduces three interconnected areas thatâ??when successfully navigatedâ??make organizations four times more likely to achieve wireless ROI (4:1 or higher). To harness this competitive advantage, organizations should consider prioritizing:

About the Cisco State of Wireless Report

The Cisco State of Wireless Report is an inaugural global study based on interviews with 6,098 wireless decision-makers and technical specialists in organizations with at least 250 employees across 30 markets and a range of industries. Research was conducted by Sandpiper Research & Insights.

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About Cisco

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco.

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SOURCE Cisco Systems, Inc.

SOURCE: Cisco Systems, Inc.

Caroline Sprague, csprague@cisco.com

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