This trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future as IoE demands even more device types (for example, low-powered sensors) and connection models (such as mesh networking). Without simplification, systems will become fragile and prone to operating incorrectly.

Meanwhile, one of the building blocks to manage network complexity is Software-Defined Networking (SDN). SDN aims to make network elements programmable in a unified way to simplify applications on top of the network. The Cisco Open Network Environment (ONE) initiative is part of the overall SDN architecture.