Agentic AI is revolutionizing fields like software development, knowledge work, and customer support. In networking, it promises the same potential: a shift toward “virtual operators” capable of reasoning across infrastructure with the precision of a senior engineer. Drawing on NetFabric’s deployments in diverse environments, this talk provides a fact-driven exploration of this promise. We move beyond the hype to discuss the tangible potential of an AI-first approach while surfacing the practical limitations and technical roadblocks. By specifically examining the challenges of high-volume log analysis, we demonstrate what it takes to move from human-first monitoring to AI-first systems that deliver meaningful, autonomous actions.