Intent Based Networking management with conflict detection and policy resolution in an enterprise network

Abstract

Intent-Based Networking (IBN) is a novel networking paradigm that allows networks to be autonomously configured, continuously assured, and to be highly adaptable to high-level intentions of network users and operators. In IBN systems, conflict detection and policy resolution modules are crucial to intent activation to enforce correct network configurations. To this end, in this study, we propose an extensible intent model, complemented with a conflict detection algorithm. We also propose a policy resolution algorithm that is based on a two-dimensional analysis of intent endpoints and time spans. To better showcase the efficiency of our algorithm, we also developed an enterprise-based IBN intent management web application for network users and administrators. Our evaluation experiments reveal the effectiveness of our algorithms in terms of reliable resolutions and fast response time.