Cisco SD-WAN: Usage, Configuration, and Case Scenario

Cisco SD-WAN is a powerful solution that enables businesses to centrally manage and optimize their network connectivity using a cloud-based approach. It offers significant advantages over traditional WAN architectures, such as enhanced agility, improved application performance, and robust security. This blog post provides a technical overview of Cisco SD-WAN, covering its usage, configuration, and real-world case scenarios.

What is Cisco SD-WAN?

Cisco SD-WAN is a software-defined networking (SDN) solution that decouples the control plane from the data plane. This separation allows for centralized management and control of the network while maintaining distributed data forwarding. Cisco SD-WAN leverages a centralized controller, the Cisco SD-WAN Manager, to manage and monitor the entire network. The Cisco SD-WAN Manager communicates with edge devices, known as vEdge routers, which are strategically placed at branch offices and other remote locations. These vEdge routers are responsible for forwarding traffic and enforcing policies1.

Cisco SD-WAN offers a compelling set of features that make it an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes:

• Centralized Management: Cisco SD-WAN provides a central point of control for the entire network, simplifying management and monitoring tasks2.

• Increased Agility: Cisco SD-WAN empowers businesses to quickly provision new connections and adapt the network to changing needs2.

• Improved Application Performance: By prioritizing traffic and intelligently steering it over the optimal path, Cisco SD-WAN optimizes application performance2.

• Enhanced Security: Cisco SD-WAN incorporates a variety of security features, including encryption, firewall, intrusion prevention, DNS security (Cisco Umbrella), Secure Internet Gateways (SIGs), and Cisco Secure Access integration. This multi-layered approach safeguards the network from evolving threats1.

• Reduced Costs: By reducing reliance on expensive MPLS connections and optimizing bandwidth utilization, Cisco SD-WAN can help businesses achieve cost savings2.

• Simplified Onboarding and Provisioning: Cisco SD-WAN streamlines the onboarding and provisioning of new devices and services through automation and out-of-the-box policies, accelerating deployment and reducing complexity2.

• Network Health Maintenance: Cisco SD-WAN utilizes telemetry and management tools to provide real-time insights into the health of clients, the network, and applications, enabling proactive monitoring and troubleshooting2.

• AI and ML Integration: Cisco SD-WAN incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance network performance and security. AI and ML algorithms analyze network traffic patterns, predict potential issues, and optimize traffic routing for a superior user experience2.

How to Configure Cisco SD-WAN

Configuring Cisco SD-WAN involves a series of well-defined steps:

1. Installing the Cisco SD-WAN Manager: The Cisco SD-WAN Manager is typically deployed as a virtual machine, either on-premises or in the cloud3.

2. Adding vEdge Routers: vEdge routers are the edge devices that connect branch offices and remote locations to the SD-WAN fabric. They can be physical or virtual appliances1.

3. Configuring Policies: Policies are defined within the Cisco SD-WAN Manager to control traffic routing, prioritization, and security2.

4. Monitoring the Network: Cisco SD-WAN provides comprehensive tools for monitoring network performance, identifying potential issues, and troubleshooting problems2.

To further elaborate on the configuration process, Cisco provides detailed documentation and resources:

• Configuration Guides: Cisco offers a range of configuration guides, including the System and Interfaces Configuration Guide, Routing Configuration Guide, and Security Configuration Guide. These guides provide in-depth instructions and best practices for configuring various aspects of the SD-WAN solution4.

• Transforming Legacy Networks: Cisco outlines five key steps for transforming a legacy network into an SD-WAN fabric:

• Separate transport from the service side of the network.

• Centralize routing intelligence and enable segmentation.

• Secure the network automatically.

• Influence reachability through centralized policy.

• Simplify orchestration and provisioning6.

SD-WAN Interconnects

Cisco SD-WAN Interconnects provide a streamlined way to integrate Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Cisco Meraki SD-WAN topologies. This feature simplifies the management of multiple SD-WAN deployments by providing a central pane of glass within the Meraki dashboard7.

Configuration Catalog

The Cisco SD-WAN Configuration Catalog offers a repository of predefined, optimal configurations designed to streamline network deployments. By leveraging these best-practice configurations, businesses can reduce the risk of human error and ensure that their SD-WAN deployments adhere to industry standards8.

Real-World Case Studies of Cisco SD-WAN Deployments

Cisco SD-WAN has been successfully implemented across various industries, delivering tangible benefits to businesses of all sizes. Here are a few examples:

• Retail Chain: A retail chain with numerous branches deployed Cisco SD-WAN to enhance network performance and reduce costs. By prioritizing traffic for critical applications like point-of-sale systems, the retailer ensured seamless operations and an improved customer experience. The use of broadband internet connections instead of expensive MPLS links resulted in significant cost savings9.

• Healthcare Organization: A healthcare organization leveraged Cisco SD-WAN to improve network security and reliability. Network segmentation and encryption protected sensitive patient data, while the use of multiple WAN connections ensured high availability for critical applications and services10.

• Financial Services Firm: A financial services firm implemented Cisco SD-WAN to optimize application performance and reduce latency. By prioritizing traffic for real-time trading applications, the firm achieved the low latency required for efficient trading operations. The strategic use of MPLS and broadband internet connections provided both performance and cost benefits9.

These case studies demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of Cisco SD-WAN in addressing industry-specific challenges and driving business outcomes.

Licensing Options for Cisco SD-WAN

Cisco SD-WAN offers flexible licensing options to cater to the diverse needs of businesses.

It's important to note that Cisco SD-WAN functionality is subscription-based. While perpetual licenses like Network Essentials and Network Advantage are available for traditional routing features, an active subscription is required to utilize the full capabilities of Cisco SD-WAN12.

Hardware and Software Components Required for Cisco SD-WAN

Cisco SD-WAN deployments require a combination of hardware and software components:

Hardware:

• vEdge Routers: These edge devices can be physical or virtual appliances, providing connectivity and enforcing policies at branch offices and remote locations. Examples include Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISRs), vEdge 1000 series, and vEdge Cloud1.

Software:

• Cisco SD-WAN Manager: This centralized controller manages and monitors the entire SD-WAN fabric3.

• Cisco SD-WAN Validator: This component authenticates and onboards vEdge routers, facilitating their seamless integration into the SD-WAN overlay6.

• Cisco SD-WAN Controller: This component distributes routing information and policies, ensuring efficient traffic flow and optimized network performance14.

Deployment Options:

Cisco SD-WAN offers flexible deployment options to suit different business needs and resources:

• Cisco Cloud: This option provides a fully managed cloud environment for hosting the SD-WAN control components.

• Private Cloud: Businesses can deploy SD-WAN in their own private cloud environments.

• On-Premises: For organizations with specific requirements or preferences, on-premises deployment is also supported1.

Multi-tenancy:

Cisco SD-WAN supports multi-tenancy, enabling service providers to offer managed SD-WAN services to their customers. This capability allows service providers to efficiently manage and segment network resources for different tenants, ensuring isolation and security1.

Conclusion

Cisco SD-WAN is a comprehensive solution that empowers businesses to transform their WANs, achieving increased agility, optimized application performance, and enhanced security. By centralizing network management and control, Cisco SD-WAN simplifies operations and reduces complexity. The solution's flexible licensing options and deployment models cater to the diverse needs of organizations, while its advanced features, such as AI/ML integration and SD-WAN Interconnects, provide a future-proof foundation for network evolution.

Cisco's vision for SD-WAN as a key enabler of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Security Service Edge (SSE) architectures further strengthens its value proposition. By integrating with cloud-native security features, Cisco SD-WAN provides a holistic approach to network security, protecting businesses from evolving threats.

To learn more about Cisco SD-WAN and explore its potential for your organization, visit the Cisco website or contact a Cisco representative.

Works cited

1. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Components > Data Plane | Cisco Press, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=3203553

2. What solutions are offered by Cisco SD-WAN? - Netify, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.netify.com/learning/what-solutions-are-offered-by-cisco-sd-wan/

3. Recommended Computing Resources for Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Control Components Release 20.14.x, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/routers/sdwan/release/notes/compatibility-and-server-recommendations/ch-server-recs-20-14-combined.html

4. User Documentation for Cisco SD-WAN Release 20, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/routers/sdwan/config/vEdge-sdwan20.html

5. Cisco SD-WAN - End-User Guides, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/routers/sd-wan/products-user-guide-list.html

6. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Getting Started Guide, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/routers/sdwan/configuration/sdwan-xe-gs-book/system-overview.html

7. Cisco SD-WAN Interconnects - Meraki Documentation, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://documentation.meraki.com/MX/Networks_and_Routing/Cisco_SD-WAN_Interconnects

8. Cisco unveils SD-WAN Configuration Catalog to streamline industrial deployments, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://blogs.cisco.com/industrial-iot/cisco-unveils-sd-wan-configuration-catalog-to-streamline-industrial-deployments

9. BFD in Cisco SD-WAN Use Cases | Orhan Ergun, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://orhanergun.net/bfd-in-cisco-sd-wan-use-cases

10. Case Studies: SD-WAN Deployments in Healthcare - Netify, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.netify.com/learning/case-studies-successful-sd-wan-deployments-in-healthcare/

11. Cisco DNA Software for SD-WAN and Routing Ordering Guide, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/software/dna-subscription-routing/guide-c07-740642.html

12. Cisco DNA Software SD-WAN and Routing Matrix, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.cisco.com/c/m/en_us/products/software/sd-wan-routing-matrix.html

13. What is SD-WAN? - NetworkAcademy.io, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.networkacademy.io/ccie-enterprise/sdwan/what-is-sd-wan

14. What are the Components of SD-WAN? - PyNet Labs, accessed on February 12, 2025, https://www.pynetlabs.com/components-of-sd-wan/