In a world where global IP traffic is set to nearly triple, and 10 billion more IoT devices will join the network by 2022, staying ahead is key. Cisco’s SD-Access is the answer, unlocking new opportunities in a connected world.
Cisco’s SD-Access is a major leap in enterprise networking. It creates a network that can predict actions, block threats, and keep learning. This innovation comes from Cisco’s years of research, aiming to meet the future’s needs for managing millions of devices.
Key Takeaways
- Cisco’s SD-Access is an intent-based networking solution that revolutionizes enterprise networking.
- It anticipates actions, stops security threats, and continuously evolves and learns.
- SD-Access is designed to help businesses unlock new opportunities in the era of increasing connectivity and distributed technology.
- The solution is the result of Cisco’s years of research and development to reinvent networking for the future.
- SD-Access is a key component of Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture, empowering businesses with advanced network automation and machine learning capabilities.
Understanding Intent-Based Networking: The Foundation of SD-Access
The world of enterprise networking is changing fast. Intent-based networking is leading this change. It lets IT teams manage networks automatically, making it easier to handle millions of devices in minutes.
This shift from old ways to new software-driven methods boosts agility and productivity. It also improves performance.
The Evolution from Traditional to Intent-Based Networks
Old networks use slow, manual methods that can’t keep up with today’s business needs. Intent-based networking changes this. It lets IT focus on what needs to happen, not how to do it.
This approach uses data in a smart way. It offers new insights, better security, and faster work.
Key Components of Intent-Based Architecture
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN): SDN is key to intent-based networking. It separates control and data planes for easier management and automated rules.
- Network Access Control (NAC): Intent-based networking has strong NAC. It makes sure only the right devices and users can connect, boosting security.
- Identity-Based Networking: It uses user and device identity for detailed access rules. This makes the network safer and more secure.
- Context-Aware Security: It uses info like where you are and what you’re doing to adjust security. This keeps threats at bay.
Business Benefits and Use Cases
Cisco’s SD-Access shows the value of intent-based networking. It automates rules and makes networks easier to manage. This cuts costs and reduces security risks.
It also makes scaling up easy, improves user experience, and helps follow rules. It’s a key part of digital transformation.
“Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) simplifies operations and lowers costs by automating policy enforcement, resulting in significantly simpler operations and reduced impact of security breaches.”
Cisco TrustSec, Software-defined access (SD-Access), DNA Center
Cisco’s intent-based networking is powered by three key technologies: Cisco TrustSec, Software-defined access (SD-Access), and DNA Center. These solutions work together to automate policy enforcement, segment networks, and manage everything centrally for businesses.
Cisco TrustSec has a policy enforcement plane based on Security Group Tag (SGT) assignments. It also uses dynamic provisioning of the security group access control list (SGACL). Recent updates to Cisco TrustSec make policy updates more reliable and scalable. They use HTTPS, REST protocol API, and JSON data interchange format.
Cisco SD-Access uses automated policy enforcement and network segmentation over a single network fabric. This simplifies network access for users, devices, and things. SD-Access is widely adopted in various industries, including Operational Technology (OT), Healthcare, Universities, Large Enterprises, and Finance.
Cisco DNA Center is an intuitive, centralized management dashboard. It gives IT teams an intent-based approach for design, provisioning, policy, and assurance. DNA Center lets organizations create policies based on their business intent. These policies are then translated into network and device-specific configurations.
| Technology | Key Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Cisco TrustSec |
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| Cisco SD-Access |
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| Cisco DNA Center |
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Cisco TrustSec, SD-Access, and DNA Center form the core of Cisco’s intent-based networking solution. They enable enterprises to streamline network management, enhance security, and drive automation. This is done through Cisco identity services engine, secure group tagging, network automation, and scalable group management.
The Power of Network Automation and Machine Learning
Cisco’s new network fabric uses network automation and machine learning. It makes operations smoother, security better, and business value higher. The network fabric, powered by virtual networks and group-based policy, sorts and connects lots of data. It uses machine learning to turn this data into useful insights.
Automated Policy Enforcement
The Cisco DNA Center platform makes policy enforcement automatic. This cuts down network setup time by 67% and fixes issues 80% faster. It saves time and ensures the network follows rules everywhere in the company.
Machine Learning Integration
The network fabric uses machine learning to find and stop threats early. It keeps the network running smoothly. The platform’s assurance and analytics tools give a clear view of the network’s health. They spot problems before they affect business.
Real-time Analytics and Insights
Cisco’s Network Data Platform uses machine learning to make network data useful. It helps IT teams make smart choices, use network resources better, and match tech investments with business goals.
“Cisco DNA Center provides us with the tools we need to simplify network management, automate routine tasks, and unlock the full network infrastructure.”
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Automated Policy Enforcement | 67% reduction in network provisioning time, 80% improvement in issue resolution |
| Machine Learning Integration | Proactive threat detection, performance optimization, and real-time network insights |
| Network Data Platform | Transforms network data into valuable business intelligence for data-driven decision making |
Enhanced Security Features and Encrypted Traffic Analytics
Cisco’s SD-Access solution is a big leap in network security. It uses advanced features and Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) technology. The SGT exchange protocol, security group tags, and SGACL work together. They create a strong, identity-based access control system. This system stops threats like ransomware from spreading.
Cisco’s Encrypted Traffic Analytics is a major breakthrough. It can spot known attacks in encrypted traffic without decrypting it. This keeps security high while keeping data private. It uses Cisco’s Talos cyber intelligence and machine learning to find threats in encrypted traffic with high accuracy.
“Encrypted Traffic Analytics addresses the growing challenge of cyber-attacks hidden in encrypted traffic, a significant concern for organizations today.”
SD-Access with ETA uses machine learning and advanced analytics. It helps network administrators find and stop security threats. This makes Cisco’s SD-Access a leading solution in the digital age.
DNA Center: Centralized Management and Control
Cisco’s SD-Access solution uses the DNA Center. It’s a dashboard that gives IT teams full control over the network. DNA Center makes network management easier, allowing for quick design, setup, policy enforcement, and analytics.
Network Design and Provisioning
Network design and setup are now easy with DNA Center. Its user-friendly interface lets you make and apply network changes fast. This cuts down the time needed for network updates from weeks to hours.
With DNA Center’s automation, you can update your network with just one click. This ensures your network stays consistent and reliable.
Policy Management and Implementation
DNA Center helps you manage access policies accurately. Centralized management means the right policies are applied everywhere. This makes network management simpler and boosts security.
Assurance and Analytics Dashboard
The DNA Center dashboard shows your network’s health and performance. It offers real-time analytics and insights. This lets you spot and fix issues early, reducing downtime and improving network efficiency.
DNA Center changes how you manage your network. It brings everything together in one place. This makes network provisioning easier, policy enforcement simpler, and gives you valuable network analytics. It helps you make your network better and safer.
Catalyst 9000 Series: Next-Generation Network Infrastructure
Cisco’s Catalyst 9000 Series switches are at the forefront of networking. They meet the digital age’s demands with unmatched security, programmability, and performance. This marks a new era in how businesses manage their networks.
The heart of the Catalyst 9000 Series lies in its innovative hardware and software. It introduces 400G interfaces, tackling the bandwidth needs of today’s applications. For instance, Catalyst 9100 Access Points support over 20 users at speeds above 1Gbps, ensuring smooth connectivity.
The Catalyst 9400X Supervisors push performance limits, supporting up to 480G per slot. They connect up to 384 devices at 10Gbps speeds in one system. The Catalyst 9500 and 9600 Series switches offer high-density interfaces, including 400G and 200G, for enterprise campuses and data centers.
The Catalyst 9000 Series is not just about power. It comes with advanced security features like AES-128 and MACsec-128. It also has Cisco TrustSec® for both wired and wireless networks. With Flexible NetFlow technology and encrypted traffic analytics, it offers real-time visibility and control, ensuring a secure network.
Customers buying Catalyst 9000 switches get access to Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA) software. This is through a subscription model, either with Cisco ONE software suites or a-la-carte components. This move to software-centric networking helps businesses stay ahead with the latest features and enhancements.
The Catalyst 9000 Series is a game-changer in enterprise networking. It offers the performance, security, and agility needed for success in the digital age. As businesses face today’s challenges, these next-generation switches provide a solid foundation for a future-proof network.
Implementation and Migration Strategies
Switching to Cisco’s SD-Access solution can be easy with the right plan. Cisco’s DNA Services gives you all the help you need. It helps you change your network quickly and with confidence.
Planning and Assessment
Start by checking your current network setup. See where Cisco’s new networking can help the most. Cisco’s team will help you figure out what you need, design the best SD-Access setup, and make a plan just for you.
Deployment Best Practices
- Use Cisco DNA Center to manage your SD-Access network easily.
- Use network automation and machine learning to make your IT work better. This keeps your network safe and up-to-date.
- Put in strong security, like Cisco TrustSec, to keep your network safe from threats.
- Make your network fast and easy to use with Cisco Catalyst 9000 switches and Wireless Access Points.
Working with Cisco and its trusted partners makes moving to SD-Access easy. You’ll see big improvements in network migration, deployment strategies, and IT efficiency.
“Cisco’s DNA Services have been key in our network transformation and SD-Access adoption. Their expertise and support were essential for a smooth and effective deployment.”
Network Segmentation and Policy Management
Cisco’s SD-Access is a key part of their intent-based networking solution. It changes how we manage network access. It uses automated policy enforcement and network segmentation to make access controls simpler.
This method lets IT teams control network access better. It improves security and makes management easier. SD-Access helps organizations set global policies easily, securing access across different locations.
At the core of SD-Access is identity-based access control and secure group access. IT assigns users and devices to security groups. This lets them set role-based access control policies for what resources they can use. This process is automated, ensuring the rules are followed everywhere in the network.
Cisco DNA Center is the central management tool for SD-Access. It gives a single view of the network. This tool helps administrators manage the network, including setting and enforcing policies automatically.
SD-Access unlocks the power of intent-based networking. It makes access control better, boosts security, and simplifies network management. By using this solution, businesses can prepare their networks for the future and meet new technology needs.
Real-World Success Stories and Case Studies
Global companies are moving fast into digital transformation. Cisco’s new networking solutions are key to their success. Many top companies have tested Cisco’s tech, showing big wins in digital transformation, network efficiency, and enterprise networking.
Enterprise Implementation Examples
NASA, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Scentsy, and UZ Leuven have all used Cisco’s latest tech. NASA said Cisco’s Catalyst 9000 series met their high security needs, beating their old setup. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. saw a big change with Cisco’s intent-based networking, making it easier to manage their ships.
Scentsy quickly saw how Cisco’s Catalyst 9000 switches made their IT work better. They found it easy to set up and manage their network.
Measurable Business Outcomes
Cisco’s enterprise networking solutions have brought real benefits to companies. Cisco IT manages thousands of switches worldwide. Their new setup in Sydney, Australia, shows how Cisco’s digital transformation works.
They used 22 Catalyst 9300 switches to boost Ethernet capacity by five times. This saved them a lot of money, up to $1,000 per access point. Cisco DNA Center also made setting up new networks much faster, taking just 15 minutes.
| Enterprise | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|
| NASA | Exceeded mission-critical security and segmentation requirements with twice the performance |
| Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | Transformed IT’s ability to securely and remotely provision cruise ships globally |
| Scentsy | Experienced immediate IT efficiency gains with straightforward and simple provisioning |
These stories show how Cisco’s network efficiency solutions help companies succeed. They make it easier for businesses to stay ahead in the digital world.
Conclusion
Cisco’s intent-based networking solutions are revolutionizing the industry. They bring a new era of networking with advanced hardware and software. This makes networks smarter and more automated, freeing up IT teams to focus on big goals.
Networks are now key to business success, and Cisco is leading the way. Their network innovation and digital era networking solutions open up new chances for growth. The future of enterprise networks is all about combining intelligence, automation, and security.
Choosing Cisco’s approach to networking boosts efficiency and unlocks business growth. It makes network management easier, improves security, and increases agility. This way, businesses can handle the modern tech world with confidence.
