Also known as: DNA Center, DNAC, Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center
Quick Definition
Cisco's SDN controller and network management platform providing centralised automation and analytics.
Cisco DNA Center (Digital Network Architecture Center) is Cisco's centralised SDN controller and management platform. It provides intent-based networking: administrators define what they want the network to do, and DNA Center configures the devices automatically. DNA Center exposes northbound REST APIs for integration with external tools and uses southbound APIs (NETCONF, RESTCONF) to configure Cisco devices. It includes features for provisioning, assurance, security segmentation, and telemetry.
DNA Center is different from Cisco vManage (SD-WAN controller) and Cisco FMC (Firepower Management Center). DNA Center manages enterprise campus and branch switching/routing/wireless.
An API architectural style that uses HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to interact with network resources.
An architecture that separates the network control plane from the data plane, enabling centralised programmability.
APIs on an SDN controller that allow applications and management tools to communicate with the controller.
APIs on an SDN controller that communicate with and programme the network devices below.
Cisco DNA Center (Digital Network Architecture Center) is Cisco's centralised SDN controller and management platform. It provides intent-based networking: administrators define what they want the network to do, and DNA Center configures the devices automatically. DNA Center exposes northbound REST APIs for integration with external tools and uses southbound APIs (NETCONF, RESTCONF) to configure Cisco devices. It includes features for provisioning, assurance, security segmentation, and telemetry.
DNA Center is different from Cisco vManage (SD-WAN controller) and Cisco FMC (Firepower Management Center). DNA Center manages enterprise campus and branch switching/routing/wireless.
Cisco DNA Center falls under the Automation domain of the 200-301 exam. Understanding it in context with related terms like sdn and northbound-api is essential for answering scenario-based questions correctly.