HPE Partners with Juniper Networks to Build AI-Native Network Infrastructure for 2026 Milan Winter Olympics

As the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics enters its critical operational phase, stable, high-speed, and secure network infrastructure has become the digital backbone of the world’s largest winter sports event. HPE has recently announced a strategic collaboration with Juniper Networks to deliver an end-to-end intelligent network solution for the Games. Powered by AI-native technology and enterprise-grade hardware, the solution covers more than 40 competition and non-competition venues, providing reliable, around-the-clock connectivity for event management, broadcast transmission, audience services, and athlete support, setting a new benchmark for smart networks in Olympic history.

Spanning over 22,000 square kilometers, the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics features diverse venues including alpine skiing and ice sports facilities. The network must meet strict requirements for high-concurrency access, ultra-low latency transmission, and full-range security. To address the complex geographical environment and demanding performance standards, HPE and Juniper Networks have integrated their technological strengths and deployed more than 1,500 enterprise-class switches, over 4,900 wireless access points, supported by high-performance routers, next-generation firewalls, and intelligent session routers. This architecture enables seamless roaming across venues and supports massive data transmission for 4K/8K live broadcasts, real-time scoring, and intelligent security monitoring, ensuring zero data loss and uninterrupted operations.

At the core of the solution, the HPE Mist AIOPs platform delivers full-stack automation and “self-driving” network operations. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, the platform monitors network traffic in real time, predicts potential failures, and automatically optimizes channel configurations, improving operational efficiency by more than 70% compared with traditional manual management. Even during peak hours with dense audience access, the system dynamically adjusts resource allocation to maintain stable Wi-Fi performance. Meanwhile, Juniper Networks’ end-to-end security capabilities provide deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, and data encryption, creating a robust defense against cyber threats and protecting sensitive Olympic data.

This collaboration marks the first joint appearance of HPE and Juniper Networks at a top-tier global sports event since HPE’s acquisition of Juniper Networks, fully validating the maturity and scalability of their integrated technology portfolio. According to HPE representatives, the Winter Olympics represent an extreme test for network technology. The project team completed equipment deployment, stress testing, and emergency response plans months in advance, optimizing hardware performance for low-temperature outdoor environments and high-mobility scenarios. Every smooth connection—from daily communications in the Olympic Village to real-time timing and scoring at venues and global viewing experiences—relies on the technical capabilities of HPE and Juniper Networks.

As digitalization continues to reshape the sports industry, intelligent networks have become essential infrastructure for the Olympic Games. The AI-native network adopted by the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics not only safeguards the event but also establishes a new standard for network construction in large-scale international activities. Built on HPE’s full lineup of network hardware—including switches, wireless APs, firewalls, and routers—combined with AI-driven operations and security, the solution delivers highly reliable, secure, and efficient network services.

Looking ahead, HPE will continue to innovate in intelligent networking and apply the technical experience and best practices from the Winter Olympics to smart cities, large venues, enterprise campuses, data centers, and other industries. The success of the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics will serve as an important milestone for HPE and Juniper Networks, accelerating the global shift toward AI-native, self-driving, and fully secure enterprise networks, using technology to power a more connected digital world.