Cisco Reveals Intuitive, Intent-Based Networking Solutions
Cisco Reveals Intuitive, Intent-Based Networking Solutions by Robbie Pleasant
Cisco has revealed a new networking solution, designed to learn and adapt to security threats as they appear. This new intent-based solution comes after years of research and development, and includes a lengthy portfolio of hardware and software solutions, under the Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA).
Cisco’s new solution is designed to create an intuitive system, so it can optimize network operations and defense by learning, adapting, automating, and protecting against changing threats. For instance, the Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) uses Cisco’s Talos cyber intelligence to locate known attack signatures, spot anomalies, and anticipate issues in real-time.
The new intuitive network is based on intent, context, and intuition; intent-based networking lets IT move from traditional processes to automating intent to manage multiple devices in little time, while the context-based data interpretation helps provide new insights, and the network’s machine-learning lets it develop intelligent intuition to provide predictive insights.
There are a number of technologies and services used in the Cisco DNA suite, which are designed to work together as a single system. The DNA Center is a centralized management dashboard for IT teams, allowing IT to centralize management of all network functions, while DNA Services help customers embrace intuitive networking with a portfolio of services that utilize the company’s experience, best practices, and tools. Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) uses automated policy enforcement and network segmentation, simplifying network access and automating tasks such as configuration, provisioning, and troubleshooting.
Cisco is also introducing a new family of switches, centered on the demands of mobility, cloud, IoT, and security. This new Cisco Catalyst 9000 family provides DNA software capabilities by subscription as a pre-bundled software suite or a-la-carte components, and is available across the entire enterprise networking portfolio.
Additionally, the Encrypted Traffic Analytics uses Cisco’s Talos cyber intelligence and machine learning to analyze metadata traffic patterns, locating and identifying signs of known threat, even within encrypted traffic. There’s also the new Network Data Platform and Assurance analytics platform, which categorizes and correlates the data running on the network, turning it into predictive analytics, business, intelligence, and actionable insights via machine learning.
Cisco is also releasing a new DevNet DNA Developer Center, providing developers and IT professionals with resources to create network-powered applications that can integrate within their IT systems and workflows. Included in this are new learning tracks, sandboxes, and developer support resources for building skills and using APIs.
Early field trials are currently underway. The Catalyst 9300 and 9500 Series will be available this month, with the 9400 Series available in July, DNA Center and SD Access in August, Encrypted Traffic Analytics in September, and Network Data Platform, Assurance, & SD-Access in November.
For more information, visit www.cisco.com.