Four pillars
The principle of intent-based networking is essentially very simple: aligning the network as closely as possible to the business in terms of security, automation, quality of service and analytics.
- Security: this is about dynamic access control. Depending on who logs in where, Cisco DNA Center assigns the right security policy. This does not happen on the firewall, but on the switch port. This approach allows finely-meshed security.
- Automation: the network administrator no longer has to manually access each port on each switch. Configuration is automatic, in line with the defined security policies.
- Quality of service: more and more telephone and video traffic runs via the network. Cisco DNA Center ensures that specific applications – such as video conferencing solutions – are given priority. Configuration takes just a few minutes, while on a classic network it is a time-consuming manual job.
- Analytics: Cisco DNA Center is responsible for monitoring the company network. If there is a problem, the network administrator can very easily find the cause.
More efficiency
The major benefit of the whole software defined networking approach lies in the efficiency gains. Thanks to extensive automation, the network manager no longer needs to perform a large amount of repetitive manual work – thus freeing up time for management tasks that really add value to the network.
The built-in analytics make it possible to identify problems more quickly, and it is also much easier to find and implement a solution. The system maintains log data for every client on the network. This allows a company's helpdesk to get to the heart of a problem very quickly.
A first for Realdolmen
Above all, the principle of intent-based networking makes it possible to manage network access more quickly and efficiently, and also more specifically. Realdolmen carried out the first concrete implementation of Cisco DNA Center in Belgium at Huis Madou, the umbrella group of various city and municipality organizations – VVSG, OVSG and GSD-V. The result is already remarkable. The three organizations work on a single network – managed and secured via Cisco DNA Center – while remaining completely separate.
Interested or more info?
Would you like to know more about Cisco DNA Center? Contact us via products@realdolmen.com.