From AI-native networks and FR3 spectrum to supply-chain cyber risks, Keysight sees foundational shifts shaping the next decade of connectivity
As organizations prepare for 2026 and beyond, Keysight Technologies has shared a set of forward-looking technology predictions highlighting how AI, next-generation wireless, and cybersecurity will redefine digital infrastructure. Drawing on real-world deployments and collaboration with global customers, ecosystem partners, and standards bodies, these insights reflect the practical challenges and opportunities emerging across telecom, enterprise IT, and industrial environments.
According to Keysight, one of the most significant developments is the evolution of wireless networks toward 6G, with the FR3 spectrum emerging as a critical bridge between traditional sub-6 GHz bands and millimeter wave. While FR3 opens new possibilities for capacity and performance, it also introduces complex engineering challenges, including massive antenna arrays, advanced packaging, thermal management, and power efficiency. These constraints mean that progress in 6G will depend as much on hardware innovation as on spectrum availability.
“AI, connectivity, and security are converging faster than enterprises are prepared for—and 2026 will be the inflection point.”
— Scott Register, Vice President of Security Solutions, Keysight Technologies
Artificial intelligence is also expected to move from an optimization layer to a foundational element of network architecture. In contrast to 5G, where AI was largely centralized on the network side, 6G will embed intelligence across both network infrastructure and user devices. This shift toward more autonomous, agentic AI systems will require careful co-design of models with the physical layer to manage latency, energy consumption, and real-time decision-making at the edge.
Another defining capability of future networks will be integrated sensing and communication. Keysight predicts that sensing will transition from experimental research into a monetizable network feature, enabling applications such as elder care monitoring, smart manufacturing coordination, infrastructure observation, and defense use cases. Achieving this will require high-precision sensing, seamless integration with communications, and efficient switching between operational modes, all without fundamentally redesigning existing network deployments.
On the security front, Keysight warns that increased digital automation is creating new systemic risks. As manufacturing and industrial environments consolidate control of multiple subsystems into centralized, automated platforms, a single point of compromise can expose entire operations. In 2026, enterprises are expected to place greater emphasis on protecting these centralized control layers as part of evolving cybersecurity strategies.
Supply chain security is also set to become more complex. Rather than targeting only large, well-defended enterprises, attackers are increasingly likely to focus on smaller, less protected suppliers whose disruption could cripple major downstream organizations. This could include ransomware attacks on niche component manufacturers or software supply chain compromises aimed at critical industrial systems, amplifying the impact far beyond the initial target.
Together, these predictions point to a future where connectivity, intelligence, and security are deeply intertwined. Keysight emphasizes that success in this new era will depend on holistic design approaches that balance performance, power efficiency, resilience, and trust as networks and enterprises evolve toward AI-native, 6G-ready architectures.