Introduction

The Cisco Crosswork Network Automation suite helps service providers automate and optimize network operations. It offers scalable, intent-driven, and closed-loop automation to improve efficiency and agility. The Crosswork Network Controller (CNC) is a key component of this suite, providing centralized control and network programmability.

For details on the Cisco Crosswork Network Automation product suite, see Cisco Crosswork Essentials and Advantage Suites Data Sheet.

Crosswork Network Controller

The Crosswork Network Controller integrates streaming telemetry, big data, and model-driven APIs to transform service provider network operations. Built on a microservices architecture, CNC offers:

  • Streaming telemetry for real-time insights.
  • Big data analytics to enable informed, data-driven decision-making.
  • Model-driven APIs for seamless integration with network operations and third-party systems.

While the Crosswork Network Automation suite provides a broad framework for end-to-end automation, the Crosswork Network Controller focuses on delivering granular network control and programmability, making it a cornerstone of intent-driven, closed-loop network operations.

Crosswork Network Controller APIs

The Crosswork Network Controller APIs are northbound application programming interfaces (APIs) built on RESTful architecture. These APIs accept and return messages over HTTPS, as defined in the API contract for each operation. To access the APIs, you must use a standard JSON Web Token (JWT)-based bearer token authentication. You can access the APIs using any programming language or an HTTP client tool.

What can you do with Crosswork Network Controller API?

With the Crosswork Network Controller API, you can:

  • Manage and monitor network devices programmatically
  • Configure network services (L2VPN, L3VPN, SR-TE policies)
  • Collect and analyze streaming telemetry data
  • Automate device onboarding and zero-touch provisioning
  • Perform network topology queries and path analysis
  • Manage user roles and access control
  • Set up fault monitoring and event notifications
  • Execute backup and restore operations