Many vendors are shifting focus from software-defined networking (SDN) to intent-based networking. Although still an emerging technology, the basic idea behind intent-based networking is to enable a user to determine how a network behaves by choosing and applying policies across an infrastructure via a combination of automation and machine learning. While many have dismissed intent-based networking as another marketing buzzword, the technology has gained momentum over the past couple years. Here are a handful of vendors concentrating on intent-based networking.
Cisco is arguably the most notable company focused on the technology. Last June, the company announced its intent-based networking initiative as part of its “vision to create an intuitive system that anticipates actions, stops security threats in their tracks, and continues to evolve and learn.” Since then, Cisco has built upon the initiative. In January, for example, the company announced new capabilities, including the Cisco Network Assurance Engine for network verification and the Cisco DNA Center Assurance technology. More recently, Cisco pushed intent-based networking with the release of SD-WAN vAnalytics and Meraki Insight.
Apstra is making a splash in the world of intent-based networking as well. In June 2016, Apstra announced the general availability of Apstra Operating System software engineering vs computer science 1.0, making it the first vendor-agnostic, closed-loop, fully intent-based networking system, according to the company. Since then, AOS has undergone a number of updates. Last month, for instance, the company announced AOS 2.1 with Intent-Based Analytics (IBA), which enables a network operator to specify how they want the network to behave and continuously validates the network operators’ intent.
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