What is intent-based networking and how does it dramatically reduce the time to deliver new services?

Intent-based networking is a software-enabled automation process that uses machine learning and orchestration levels to improve network operations and uptime. By describing the business outcomes operators wish to achieve, the network transforms those goals into the configuration needed to achieve them without the operator manually coding and executing each component. Consider, for example, the need for secure communication between two networks. An intent would broadly state that a secure tunnel is needed between Network A and Network B. Operators would specify which traffic should use the tunnel and any other general characteristics desired. However, the CSP wouldn’t specify how the tunnel will be implemented, such as the number of devices to use or which specific features and parameters to turn on.

Instead, intent-based networking automatically configures all devices when a service description is provided. It then offers ongoing assurance checks between the network’s intended and operational states, using closed-loop validation to verify the configuration’s correctness continuously.

Intent-based networking is a declarative network operation model. It contrasts with traditional imperative networking, which requires network engineers to specify the sequence of actions needed on individual network elements and creates significant potential for error.

What Problems Does Intent-Based Networking Solve?

Manual operations have traditionally driven networking, command-line interface (CLI)-based management systems, or automation scripts. These network operations are commonly affected by human errors, which result in network outages.

There are several ways in which intent-based networking reduces errors and risks while improving operational efficiencies.

• Validates intent objects before network application: High-level representations of desired outcomes are checked against networkwide policy for errors.
• Instantaneous roll-back or roll-forward: When deployment fails, operators apply the appropriate versioned intent object to restore a known good state.
• Limits failure impact and scope during rollout: A well-defined policy minimizes the consequences of implementing new intent.
• Intent-based fallback: The system maintains desired outcomes despite outages or errors by reconfiguring elements or using alternative mechanisms.

Commercial, intent-based network systems for mission-critical and scaled deployments are now possible thanks to modern network orchestration systems. Once the infrastructure has been deployed, intent-based networks dramatically reduce the time it takes to deliver reliable services from days or weeks to minutes.

Intent-Based Networking (IBN) represents a transformative approach to managing network infrastructure, revolutionizing how businesses deploy and maintain their network environments. Symphonica’s role in this landscape is pivotal, as it leverages advanced no-code orchestration and automation capabilities to streamline these processes, aligning perfectly with the principles of IBN.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see how Intent-Based Networking can transform your network infrastructure and drive business outcomes efficiently. See you at Booth 225 during the Digital Transformation World!