An example method including identifying an intent-based stateful network having a first endpoint, a second endpoint, and one or more devices performing stateful network functions between the first endpoint and the second endpoint. Further, constructing a causality graph of the network, the causality graph having a plurality of nodes for each of the one or more devices performing stateful network functions, wherein the connecting comprises connecting the first endpoint, the second endpoint, and the one or more devices performing stateful network functions to show causal relationships between the first endpoint and the second endpoint and the one or more devices performing stateful network functions. Also, determining whether the connections between the first endpoint, the second endpoint, and the one or more devices performing stateful network functions provide a path from the first endpoint and the second endpoint, and updating, incrementally, the causality graph as a change to the network occurs.