Managing large scale networks back then required endless hours. And actually a lot of manual configurations. One misstep, and entire systems could collapse. A single incorrect firewall rule or VLAN misconfiguration could paralyze global operations overnight. A messy deal, right?
Today, that paradigm has changed much. All thanks to intent-based networking (IBN). Networks are not just following commands, instead understanding the complete business intent. Let’s understand how!
What actually is Intent-based networking?
Intent based networking changes the complete network management game. Everything shifts from all things manual to complete automation.
Instead of typing complete details, one simply has to declare an intent. For example, HR data must be encrypted and accessible only by the HR team. The IBN system then translates the entire intent into specific configurations. That too across routers, switches, and even firewalls.
Why does traditional network management no longer work?
Networks today span hybrid clouds. There are mobile workforces, IoT devices, and a lot of applications. Traditional network management heavily used to rely on reactive, manual fixes. This can’t keep up. One single misconfiguration can lead to multiple compliance violations, data breaches, and costly downtimes as per Slurp’it.
Now, How does IBN work in network management?
- Complete translation and validation
IBN systems start by converting business intent into network configurations. It then validates them against existing infrastructure.
- Automated implementation
Once validated, configurations are automatically rolled out network-wide. Hence everything is accurate, consistent, and fast. This minimizes human error and operational friction as per Slurp’it.
- Continuous assurance
IBN makes sure that the network’s live state continuously matches the declared intent. If any discrepancies arise, the system self-corrects. Or maybe notifies the IT team before issues even escalate as per Slurp’it.
- Insights and analytics
IBN offers real time analysis. Hence businesses get entire visibility into traffic trends, anomalies, and policy enforcement. So that you can make decisions faster!
What are the benefits of intent based networking?
Intent based networking comes with extreme benefits, a few notable ones are:
- Reduced downtime. Since the issue detection is done proactively, there are less outages
- Since policy enforcement is done consistently, there are less human errors that happen. If any threats emerge, IBN quarantines the segments
- If a business needs to launch a new app or expand into any new region, they just have to set a new intent. And IBN handles the rest, starting from backend setup to complete compliance alignment
- Intent based networking initially comes with huge investment, but the labor costs ahead and compliance costs in the coming years decrease much.
Challenges and considerations that come with network management!
It’s important for you to know that IBN isn’t without hurdles. Following are the challenges and considerations that come with network management:
- Initially it is very complex. Deploying IBN demands deep knowledge of your existing architecture. You have to be aware of your compliance needs, and the outcomes you are expecting.
- Many IBN solutions are proprietary. Choose platforms that support multi-vendor environments. This will help you to avoid long-term constraints.
- Moving from manual CLI controls to abstract intents may feel like losing control. But in reality, it’s about smarter control. You will have to have a mindset and skill set shifts within teams.
- Not all legacy hardware plays well with IBN. Hybrid compatibility should be known well during transitional phases.
How can a business future proof your network?
Ready to adopt IBN? Follow these steps:
- Make sure to audit your current infrastructure, like topology, device inventory, traffic patterns, and all the trouble areas
- Define business centric intents. Try talking to departments. Understand their network needs. How much speed, visibility, security do they want?
- Learn about all the platforms like Cisco DNA Center, Juniper Apstra, or Aruba NetEdit based on scalability and ecosystem fit.
- Start small. We will suggest you to pilot in a single department or location.
- Lastly, invest in talent. Get policy architects on board!
How does a business get a competitive edge through IBN in network management?
There are multiple areas of benefits. Deployments happen faster. Security improves. Scaling globally gets easier. The operational overhead decreases. And the end user experience improves a lot as per Slurp’it.
Networks today must be much more intelligent and adaptive. Network management, especially intent based networking, comes with extreme benefits. IBN isn’t just a tool. It’s a mindset. That brings in business like never before. So, are you ready to think about agility? Think about intent? For more information on network management, contact us at Slurp’it!
