AI Back-End Networks Switch Sales Surpass Front-End Networks for the First Time in 2Q2026, According to Dell'Oro Group

Ethernet Further Extends Its Lead in AI Back-End Networks

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recently published report from Dell'Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the telecommunications, security, networks, and data center industries, 2Q 2026 marked a major inflection point as switch sales in AI back-end networks surpassed those in front-end networks for the first time. Meanwhile, Ethernet further extended its lead in AI back-end networks, helping mitigate supply constraints.

"AI back-end networks have grown at such a rapid pace that, within just three years of their emergence, spending surpassed that of the large, well-established front-end network market," said Sameh Boujelbene, Vice President at Dell'Oro Group. "Not only is switch spending growth in back-end networks outpacing front-end networks, but the market size has also become larger in absolute terms. This represents a major shift with significant implications for Ethernet switch vendor positioning and market share. Supply availability will also play an increasingly important role in shaping the competitive landscape and overall market growth. We expect the market to remain supply-constrained, rather than demand-constrained, for at least the next one-to-two years."

Additional highlights from the 2Q 2026 Data Center Switch – AI Back-end Networks Report:

About the Report

Dell'Oro Group's Data Center Switch – AI Back-end Networks Quarterly Report provides an in-depth look at switches deployed in AI back-end networks to connect accelerated servers. The report contains in-depth market and vendor-level information on manufacturers' revenue; ports shipped; and average selling prices for both Modular and Fixed Managed and Unmanaged Ethernet Switches, for speeds ranging from ≤100 Gbps to ≥3.2 Tbps. It also covers revenue split by various regions and various customers segments — including the Top 4 US Cloud providers, Top 3 China Cloud providers, AI Model Builders, Neocloud, and large enterprises. For more information about the report, please contact us at [email protected].

About Dell'Oro Group

Dell'Oro Group is a market research firm that specializes in strategic competitive analysis in the telecommunications, security, enterprise networks, and data center infrastructure markets. Our firm provides in-depth quantitative data and qualitative analysis to facilitate critical, fact-based business decisions. For more information, contact Dell'Oro Group at +1.650.622.9400 or visit https://www.delloro.com.

SOURCE Dell'Oro Group