topic Re: Cisco DNA Intent API and Know Your Network API in Network Platform API

Cisco DNA Intent API and Know Your Network API

Mitrixsen — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 08:51:44 GMT

Hello, everyone.

I am studying for my ENCOR exam which includes Cisco DNA APIs. I have a question about the Intent API. This is a type of northbound API that allows us to interact with Cisco DNA, make some configurations, retrieve information from it regarding clients, devices, etc. Is there any difference between an Intent API and a Know your Network API, or are they possibly the same thing?

Know your Network APIs have the following option:

Which uses this URL - https://sandboxdnac.cisco.com/dna/intent/api/v1/network-device.

So are Intent APIs also Know your Network APIs or what is the relationship between them here?

Thank you.
David

Re: Cisco DNA Intent API and Know Your Network API

bigevilbeard — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 10:29:58 GMT

You know how all thumbs are fingers, but not all fingers are thumbs? The same (sort of) All KYN (Know Your Network)APIs are Intent APIs, but not all Intent APIs are KYN APIs. Think of it like this

Intent API = The entire northbound API framework (covering provisioning, assurance, automation, etc.).
KYN APIs = A subset of Intent APIs focused on network visibility and monitoring.

The Catalyst Center's API documentation would groups them under "Intent API" because they all follow the intent based paradigm. The KYN APIs are just one categorywithin the Intent APIs, specifically for assurance and analytics.

Hope this helps.

Re: Cisco DNA Intent API and Know Your Network API

Chloeharper — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 12:08:34 GMT

Think of it like this: Intent API (umbrella) │ ├── Know Your Network (device info, health, clients, etc.) ├── Site APIs ├── Policy APIs ├── Topology APIs └── Others... When you use a Know Your Network API you are still using the Intent API, but with a specific set of functions focused on retrieving network state and information.