For the better part of computer networking history, hardware has dominated. It’s a faction of IT that predominantly relies on devices. However, emerging networking technologies are more software-focused. Cisco DNA is part of that networking revolution.
Cisco DNA is based on what’s touted as the next big thing in networking: an intent-based network. Such tools can automate network management by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
According to Gartner, a small percentage of enterprises, excluding the big ones, have over 75 percent network automation. More enterprises need to embrace automation in networking to embrace its advantages.
In this article, we will explore the following:
- Cisco DNA software.
- How it can benefit your organization.
- What challenges you may face.
- Whether or not it’s the right step for you.
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So What Exactly Is Cisco DNA?
Cisco DNA, or Digital Network Architecture, is a network architecture from Cisco that serves as a blueprint for automated, expandable, and modern networks. It centralizes network management with the Cisco DNA Center, which serves as a dashboard for monitoring, securing, and managing the network components.
Cisco DNA takes a policy-based approach to the network, which, in turn, is based on identity. More importantly, Cisco DNA is based on intent-based networking, a modern network administration approach.
Intent-based networking is more business logic-focused as network administrators can define the outcomes for the network, and the software can turn these instructions into enforceable policies, implemented and validated automatically.
Using monitoring and analytics, the Cisco DNA Center continuously ensures that the network is in the desired state and performs according to the defined objectives. It can even automate remediation to resolve issues that occur.
Cisco DNA software is available for different devices in your network, with software licenses available for routers, switches, and wireless devices.
There are different tiers for license subscriptions and an Enterprise option for large corporations.
Benefits of Cisco DNA
Cisco DNA tools are designed to take network architecture to the next level while increasing convenience.
Here are some of the benefits you can reap with this technology from the networking industry leader:
Automation of Workflows
Cisco DNA Center, which is the backbone of Cisco DNA, focuses on automating the workflows of the network, especially in an environment with multiple domains.
By automating the network workflows, this architecture and the software controlling it allows the network teams to focus on the more important things. They no longer need to resolve every little issue manually. There are fewer problems for them to deal with on a day-to-day basis.
Moreover, automation efficiently deploys resources for networking needs based on the objectives. It can also adjust those resources to meet real-time demands, allowing better network performance.
More Visibility Across the Network
One of the main advantages of using Cisco DNA Center is that it serves as a central point for visibility across the network architecture. Most enterprises today have complex network architecture with a legacy and new equipment hybrid.
The dashboard of Cisco DNA Center is intuitive and brings everything into one place. It can configure, control, and monitor different devices and functions within the network. It can also allow you to automate other processes and functions.
Even if your network is spread on different continents, it can be managed with a single platform with a user-friendly interface.
Robust Security
The main advantage of intent-based networking is that it offers enhanced security that limits access only to those authorized. With zero-trust policies, dynamic segmentation of endpoints, and user behavior monitoring, Cisco DNA software makes the network more secure.
With a view of the entire network, admins can mitigate risks proactively. But what is more impressive is that it uses analytics to detect threats in real time and deal with them before they get big.
In other words, your network team doesn’t have to wait for an incident to indicate problems. The software can detect smaller events and fix them automatically with everything based on the policy.
Quicker Provisioning and Deployment
Thanks to automation, enterprises can dramatically reduce their deployment and provisioning times. With less and less intervention by IT teams, the software does the bulk of the provisioning and deployment work.
With SD-WAN tools integrated into Cisco DNA Center, you can also provision your network remotely. As a result, your network becomes much more efficient as devices get deployed as needed according to the workload demands.
AI/ML Analytics
Cisco DNA is based on advanced technologies that use data to analyze the state and performance of the network. Instead of focusing efforts on network operations, IT teams can work to improve the performance and user experience with the help of analytics.
With over 150 actionable insights, the system delves deep into different segments and components of the network to find issues and ways to improve performance, even if there aren’t any issues. The result is a more optimized network that aligns more with the organization’s business goals.
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What About the Drawbacks of Cisco DNA?
While Cisco DNA is a stellar product from the company, it has a few drawbacks, one of which consumers frequently complain about. Cisco produces reliable networking products, but its license terms and conditions are some of the strictest in the market.
The same problem occurs with Cisco DNA, or more accurately, when buying Cisco equipment like their latest Catalyst Switches. For instance, purchasing a Cisco DNA license is mandatory if you order the Catalyst 9200 Series switches. They also mandate licensing for Network Stack, but that is included.
Ideally, customers should be free to choose whether to use Cisco DNA with their switches or other equipment. While you would benefit from using Cisco DNA for switching, many consumers do not appreciate the mandatory license. By default, it’s Cisco DNA Premier Tier, which is the most expensive one.
This issue doesn’t occur when you buy such equipment from PivIT, a leading networking equipment supplier.
As a supplier, PivIT's offerings of Cisco switches (for example, Catalyst 9200 or 9300 series) do not have the same constraints. The switches have the base perpetual Cisco DNA licenses (Essential or Advanced tier). As a result, customers can skip paying extra for DNA licensing.
Other than the mandatory licensing issue, some software shortcomings are not significant. For instance, the reporting on the Cisco DNA Center is limited and does not offer customization.
In the End, Is It Worth It?
Cisco DNA provides a blueprint for a modern network. Its highlight is the Cisco DNA Center which can work with not just Cisco-produced equipment but also devices from other manufacturers.
Depending on your network's size, this software's licensing fee can be high. However, it will help you bring your OpEx down as your network will be far more efficient and secure. That means fear issues, virtually zero downtime, and solid protection against threats.
That said, the mandatory licensing term is a bit frustrating. You may end up paying a lot more than you need to, even if it’s just the equipment you’re interested in. That’s not the case if you procure your Cisco network switches and routers with PivIT.
Overall, it’s a reliable solution and a step in the right direction if network automation is one of your strategic goals. With intent-based networking, you’ll be well on your way toward automating administration and improving security significantly.
