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

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |June 13, 2018

intent-based networking (IBN) Intent-based networking (IBN) is a policy-driven approach to network management that eliminates the need for network engineers to configure each switch or router manually. IBN software uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate administrative tasks across a network and machine learning to improve outcomes. The ultimate goal of IBN is to create self-managing networks and software-defined networking plays a critical role. According to Gartner research, 75 percent of current networks are still managed manually. This means that network engineers must write scripts and program the switches and scores of other devices that support an enterprise network through individual command line interfaces (CLIs). In contrast, intent-based networking software centralizes the creation, management and enforcement of policy. This means that engineers can use intent-based algorithms to specify how a particular event or desired event should be handled. Software will calculate what is required to deliver an intent under changing network conditions and automatically optimize outcomes across different devices, without requiring engineers to touch network devices individually. IBN requires drastically less administrative input, and that input can be through a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). Although IBN is still in the early stages of development, Gartner predicts that it will play a role in at least a thousand enterprise networks by 2020. Quote of the Day "Intent-based networking systems promise a new way to deliver network services. But the concept needs to be fine-tuned before it can usher in a new era of network automation." - Chuck Moozakis   Trending Terms machine learning command line interface AI network automation network configuration management GUI   Learning Center Cisco intent-based networking to beat out open OS, company claims At the Cisco Live conference, CEO Chuck Robbins said despite opening its hardware to other network operating systems, a majority of customers prefer Cisco intent-based networking, relegating white box switching to niche status. 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. Intent-based networking and network automation: A primer Network automation software efforts must overcome the hype of intent-based networking and deliver on promises. Learn more about the basics of intent-based networking and how to can redefine how enterprise networking apps and services are delivered. Intent-based networking systems: More questions than answers Intent-based networking systems build on the promise of AI and machine learning. But the methodology still needs to sort itself out. Sorting the hype from the truth with intent-based networking systems Recent announcements around intent-based networking systems have raised focus on the technology. But what does IBN need to be effective? Writing for Business The system administrator's question was "Will the cost savings of a multi-user environment make up for the difficulty of deploying ____ A. it?" B. it"? 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 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, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2018 TechTarget. All rights reserved.