Software-defined networking (SDN) is expected to play a role in the enablement of intent-based networking systems (IBNS), which promise to give network administrators greater control over networks through a mix of automation and machine learning. While SDN and intent-based networking are often treated as one and the same, they are distinct concepts with similar goals in mind. As service providers virtualize their networks with SDN, many looking to leverage it as a way to advance IBNS.
SDN emerged several years ago as an architecture capable of abstracting lower level functions and moving them to a normalized control plane. Since its inception, SDN has been applied to software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WAN) as a way to connect and secure various branch offices. With SDN, network administrators can determine how they want a network to behave, while substituting proprietary hardware with software. For example, if a packet of data is forwarded to a particular switch, pre-selected policies chosen by the network administrator can automatically determine where to forward the packet.
Intent-based networking is similar to what is the difference between computer science and computer engineering in that it focuses on carrying out various network policies through automation. Intent-based networking differs from SDN in that it is more concerned with building and operating networks than it is with virtualization. According to research firm Gartner, IBNS incorporate four features: translation and validation, automated implementation, awareness of network state, and assurance and dynamic optimization/remediation. Intent-based networking software can be implemented on both SDN based or non-SDN based architecture.
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