Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.2AutomationMedium
A network architect is designing a new campus network using Cisco SD-Access. They need a mechanism to integrate the SD-Access fabric with external services, such as identity management systems or custom automation scripts, to dynamically provision user access policies. Which component provides the northbound API for such integrations in a Cisco SD-Access deployment?
- ACisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
- BCisco Software-Defined Access Fabric Edge Node
- CCisco Catalyst 9000 Series Switches
- DCisco DNA Center
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Cisco DNA Center
Cisco DNA Center is the central management and orchestration platform for Cisco SD-Access. It provides the northbound REST APIs that allow external systems and automation tools to interact with and control the SD-Access fabric, including policy provisioning and user access management.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cisco ISE is a critical component for policy enforcement and authentication in SD-Access, but it itself integrates with DNA Center; DNA Center provides the primary northbound API for the fabric.
- B. A Fabric Edge Node is a data plane component that connects endpoints to the fabric; it does not provide northbound APIs for fabric-wide integration.
- C. Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series Switches act as fabric nodes (control, edge, border) and receive instructions, but they do not expose northbound APIs for overall fabric management.
Cisco DNA Center Northbound APIs
A set of RESTful APIs exposed by Cisco DNA Center that allow external systems to programmatically interact with and manage the SD-Access fabric and other network services.
- Enables integration with ITSM, orchestration, and custom applications.
- Provides programmatic access to network inventory, topology, policy, and assurance.
- Centralized control point for SD-Access automation.
Memory trick: DNA Center is the 'center' for SD-Access integration, connecting the 'world'.