Catalyst Center is Cisco’s SDN controller for SD-Access and a general network-management platform that also operates outside an SDN deployment. Cisco renamed it from Digital Network Architecture Center (DNA Center), or DNAC, in 2023; exam questions may use either name. section 22.2.3
Its AI-assisted operational capabilities include:
- AI endpoint analytics identifies and classifies endpoints through deep packet inspection, then assigns policies. section 22.3.3
- AI-enhanced radio resource management analyzes historical RF data, predicts wireless conditions, and recommends configurations. section 22.3.3
- The machine reasoning engine performs root-cause analysis and may take corrective action during network problems. section 22.3.3
Figure 22.7 The Cisco SD-Access fabric, consisting of a physical underlay of switches and a virtual overlay of VXLAN tunnels. Cisco Catalyst Center is the SDN controller.
The SD-Access fabric diagram connects Catalyst Center’s controller role with the physical underlay and VXLAN overlay. section 22.2.3
