Comparing the actual and desired state of a network and taking action if they are not in sync. Intent-based networking is a method of managing a network by defining the intent of the network and then continuously comparing the actual and desired state of the network. If the two states are not in sync, the system will take action to bring the actual state in line with the desired one. This is different from manual processes of configuring networks or reacting to network issues. It also differs from dynamically changing the network infrastructure in real-time through one centralized location, or automatic discovery of cross domain links between IP and optical networks.