Intent-based Networking (IBN)

- Overview

Intent-based networking (IBN) is an emerging technology concept that aims to replace the manual process of configuring networks and responding to network issues with a deeper level of intelligence and an intended state. 

Instead, network administrators define an outcome or business goal (i.e., intent), and the network software figures out how to achieve that goal with the help of artificial intelligence (AL) and machine learning (ML).

IBN systems not only automate time-consuming tasks and provide real-time visibility into network activity to verify a given intent, but also predict potential deviations from that intent and prescribe the actions required to ensure that intent. This greater intelligence makes the network faster, more flexible, and less error-prone.

- Traditional Intent-based Networking (IBN) 

Intent-based networking (IBN) is a form of network management that combines artificial AI, network orchestration, and ML to automate management tasks across the network. 

IBN aims to improve network operations and uptime by reducing the need for manual network configuration.

How IBN works:

• Define intent: Network administrators define desired outcomes or business goals
• Translate intent: Network software translates business intent into policy
• Monitor and adjust: The network continuously monitors and adjusts its performance to achieve desired outcomes

Benefits:

• Simplify operations: IBN centralizes network policy control and automates management
• Proactive management: IBN uses analytics to identify and resolve issues before they occur
• Improve service quality: IBN optimizes service quality for end users
• Scalability: Unlike traditional network management methods, IBN can scale well at a low cost

- Intent-based Networking vs Traditional Networking

Intent-based Networking (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.

IBN works by allowing network administrators to define a desired outcome or business objective (intent) and then the network automatically figures out how to achieve that goal using software. 

Essentially translating the high-level intent into specific network configurations and actions, all while continuously monitoring and adjusting to ensure the desired state is maintained through a closed-loop system involving translation, activation, and assurance phases; effectively automating network management based on the intended business goal rather than manual configuration.

Key components of IBN:

• Translation: Captures and translates the user's intent (business objective) into actionable network policies.
• Activation: Automatically applies the translated policies across the network.
• Assurance: Continuously monitors the network state to verify if the desired intent is being achieved and takes corrective actions if necessary.

How IBN differs from traditional networking:

• High-level abstraction: Instead of configuring individual devices, administrators define the desired network behavior at a higher level.
• Automation: The network automatically implements changes based on the defined intent, reducing manual intervention.
• Closed-loop system: Continuous monitoring and feedback loop ensures the network remains aligned with the desired intent.

Benefits of IBN:

• Simplified network management: Reduces complexity by translating business needs into network configurations.
• Faster deployment: Automated provisioning and configuration leads to quicker network changes
• Improved agility: Enables rapid response to changing business requirements
• Reduced errors: Automation minimizes human errors in network configuration