What is intent-based networking (IBN)?
As users, devices, and distributed applications have grown in number, the networking environment has become exponentially more complex. IBN transforms a hardware-centric, manual network into a controller-led network that captures business intent and translates it into policies that can be automated and applied consistently across the network. The goal is for the network to continuously monitor and adjust network performance to help assure desired business outcomes.
How does it work?
IBN builds on software-defined networking (SDN), by using a network controller that acts as a central control point for network activity. Such controllers are crucial for network abstraction that lets IT treat the network as an integrated whole. Controller-led networks in all domains (including access, WAN, data center, and cloud) collaborate and extend their benefits throughout the enterprise and help make digital transformation a reality.
The closed-loop system of IBN operates with the following functional building blocks to deliver intent, or support for, the business or IT outcomes that your organization needs.
- Translation: The capture and translation of intent into policies the network can act on.
- Activation: Installation of these policies across the physical and virtual network infrastructure, using networkwide automation.
- Assurance: Use of analytics and machine learning to continuously monitor the network to verify that the desired intent has been applied and the business outcomes are being achieved.
Features and benefits
Learn what intent-based networking can do for you.
Simplified operations
Centralize and automate network policy for efficiency, agility and zero trust access.
Proactive management
Combine network analytics and machine learning to solve issues before they arise.
Security throughout
Detect and contain threats everywhere, in real time with integrated network security.
Investment for innovation
Realize continuous IT and business innovation, built on a suite of open networking platforms.
Explore solutions that are built on intent-based networking
WAN
Cisco SD-WAN securely connects any user, any application, anywhere, with the power of the cloud.
Data center
Cisco Nexus Dashboard provides complete control from a single pane of glass. Cisco ACI solutions deliver automation. Cisco Secure Workload secures your data center.
Security
Enterprise network security aligns and optimizes the network with security to thousands of locations from one interface.
See what customers are saying
Drive results with a more secure, resilient network
Deploy faster with a strategic plan, migration strategy, and roadmap. Drive operational excellence with services to help improve security and visibility.
Recommended resources
Blog
Data center suite gaining IBN support
New features in Cisco Data Center Network Assurance and Insights can add business value.
Solution overview
Cisco solutions for IBN
Bridge the gap, make your network work should work for you and meet your business needs.
At-a-Glance
Cisco multidomain integrations for IBN
Define policies once, and enforce and monitor across domains.
