Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Word of the Day: intent-based networking (IBN)

Word of the Day WhatIs.com
Daily updates on the latest technology terms | March 27, 2019
intent-based networking (IBN)

Intent-based networking (IBN) is a network administration model that uses artificial intelligence (AI), network orchestration and machine learning (ML) to automate administrative tasks across a network.

The goal of IBN is to reduce the complexity of creating, managing and enforcing network policies and decrease the manual labor associated with traditional configuration management. For example, an IBN command may look like this:

Allow accounting applications to access server ABC, but do not allow manufacturing applications to access.

The IBN management application will then determine which devices and routes match the business intention and make the appropriate configuration changes automatically.

 

Intent-based networking and software-defined networking are similar in many aspects. Both approaches rely on a centralized controller to manage distributed devices on the network instead of individually managing each device from its own management console. Both approaches have the ability to understand network configuration and interaction across multiple devices.

 

Where the two approaches differ, however, is in how they are addressed at the administrator level. SDN continues to have a device-centric view of the network and commands are primarily about how devices should operate, but intent-based networking commands are issued from a business perspective. This second-level abstraction is the primary difference when it comes to intent-based networking vs. SDN.

Quote of the Day

 
"IBN is about the network having a clear understanding of the purpose, use and importance of all the applications it runs." - Andrew Froehlich

Learning Center

 

What is intent-based networking and how does it work?
Intent-based networking has a lot of potential. It also has a lot of hype. Cut through the confusion surrounding intent-based networking with this infographic that illustrates the steps involved.

What is the relationship between intent-based networking and SDN?
What do SDN and intent-based networking have in common? You might have been wondering, so we went ahead and asked for you.

Forward Networks' software enables intent-based networking
Forward Networks has won TechTarget's Network Innovation Award in recognition of its assurance and verification platform. Learn more about the company's intent-based networking software.

Intent-based networking reality check for 2019
In 2019, intent-based networking is more of a futuristic possibility than a tangible reality. But don't disregard the IBN concept altogether. Instead, take the time to explore the IBN options currently available and learn why enterprises should care.

Intent-based networking vs. SDN: How do they differ?
When comparing intent-based networking vs. SDN, one major difference is how the two technologies use abstraction in their commands. SDN commands remain device-centric, for example, while intent-based networking focuses on business policy.

Quiz Yourself

 
The survey results taught us that one in three network administrators ____ interested in learning more about software-defined networking.
a. was
b. were

Answer

Stay in Touch

 
For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com

Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!

FOLLOW US

TwitterRSS
About This E-Newsletter
This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for.
TechTarget

TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com

Copyright 2018 TechTarget. All rights reserved.

No comments: