Cisco’s 2017 Cisco Data Network Architecture (DNA), a product line that transforms the data center from software defined to intent-based networking, was introduced by the company. Cisco’s CEO proclaimed the new line as the way forward for large-scale environments. However, don’t get too excited.
Certifications are a good indicator of the technology’s traction. Cisco updated its CCNA Data Center at the same time as they announced DNA. Training won’t be available for a while. DNA is still being adopted.
Cisco released the 1.1 version for DNA in January. We’re now taking a high-level view of what DNA does compared with ACI and whether it’s worth upgrading.
What is Cisco ACI?
Since its inception in 2014, Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure has been the leading data center networking tool. ACI was a significant step forward in automation and scalability. It also offers a great user experience. It even has a GUI.
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ACI started trainingIn the years that followed its release, ACI enabled admins to fine-tune automation across data centers large and small. ACI simplified DC networking by removing the need to manually set up a network environment. Traditional configuration of multiple Nexus switches in the same environment required manual intervention. Administrators can configure and manage all devices configured by ACI as one entity through the APIC. It is a time- and money-saver.
ACI provides this functionality through an app-oriented platform. ACI is not tied to VLANs or subnets, routing, or trunks. Instead, it uses a leaf spine-leaf topology (CLOS), which is simple and scalable. This makes it easy to expand as needed.
ACI’s HTML5-based GUI made it stand out from an automation perspective. It simplified the setup process by removing administrators from the tedious task of configuring equipment via the CLI or REST API. ACI also offers integration as a major benefit. ACI brought together technologies such as virtualization and container networking as well as orchestration to simplify network configurations.
There is much more to this technology. However, these are the basics.
What is Cisco DNA?
Cisco DNA (Digital Network Architecture), is a core component of a purpose-based networking solution. It’s a great term. But what does it mean?
Cisco DNA is similar to ACI. It allows network engineers the ability to create policies and deploy new networks online with just a few clicks. DNA takes this one step further. The DNA Center is the centralized automation platform and management platform that controls the entire network via APIC-EM, the enterprise version.
Cisco DNA interprets the user’s intent and applies the policies to the rest. Cisco DNA provides all the benefits of the ACI, including easy deployment and application policy templates. It also allows for automated IWAN deployments and management. Cisco DNA automates the entire process, eliminating the need to configure each piece of Cisco equipment.
From a single point, it is possible to roll out new policies, deploy new networks, and support new applications that operate locally, across the WAN and in the cloud. This creates a more organic network that is easier for your support staff to manage and reduces the risk of human kill.
Which one is right for me? Nexus 9000 or Catalyst 9000
A marketing campaign called “The Network” was created using DNA. Intuitive.” Which took over Cisco Live! Last year. The Network. Intuitive. Cisco has created a system that combines both the benefits of ACI and DNA.
The intuitive network comes with a price: an aggressive price.
