Cisco Learning Network Webinar: Getting Started with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

Webinar Information

• Hosted by: The Cisco Learning Network
• Recorded: Yes, recording will be available within 5 business days
• Hosts: Raju (Community Manager), Previne (Presenter), Peter (Demo Presenter)

Housekeeping Notes

• Questions: Use the Q&A panel for any questions
• Audio Issues: Use the call-in telephone number if experiencing audio problems
• Post-Webinar Survey: Will appear at the end of the session, feedback appreciated
• Recording Availability: Will be on-demand; details shared in the chat window

Agenda

1. Overview of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN architecture
2. SD-WAN Components
3. Controller Deployment Options
4. SD-WAN Feature Overview
5. Onboarding Methods for Edge Routers
6. Demo on SD-WAN Manager Dashboard

Key Topics Covered

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Overview

• Components: Orchestration Plane, Management Plane, Control Plane, Data Plane
• Rebranding: vManage -> Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager, vBond -> Validator, vSmart -> Controller

SD-WAN Architecture

• Orchestration Plane: Assists in device onboarding, authenticates via device certificate, org name, and certificate serial number
• Management Plane (vManage): Centralized configuration and monitoring, API interface
• Control Plane (vSmart): Distributes routes and policies via Overlay Management Protocol (OMP)
• Data Plane: Edge routers (Hardware/Software), forwards traffic and supports features like QoS, routing protocols

Controller Deployment Options

1. On-Prem: Deployed in data centers or on virtual machines, controlled by enterprise IT
2. Cisco Cloud Hosted: Deployed in AWS/Azure, managed by Cisco
3. Managed Service Provider (MSP): Deployed by third-party providers, either private or public cloud
4. Rebranding Changes: Controller components renamed in new software releases

SD-WAN Features

• OMP (Overlay Management Protocol): Manages SD-WAN overlay network
• TLOC (Transport Locator): Identifies transport points for WAN routers
• Color: Tags identifying transport types (e.g., MPLS, Internet)
• Site ID: Unique identifier for physical locations
• System IP Address: Permanent identifier, similar to router ID in traditional networks
• VPN: Provides segmentation (e.g., VPN 0, VPN 1, etc.)
• Policy Types: Centralized (control/data policies) and localized policies

Device Onboarding Methods

• Prerequisites: Validator reachability, authorized whitelist, valid state, optional template creation
• Methods: Hardware Devices
  1. Plug and Play: Automated onboarding via DHCP-enabled connection
  2. Bootstrap: Download and apply bootstrap configuration
  3. Manual: Upload device details manually, apply bootstrap config
• Methods: Virtual Devices
  1. Manual Activation: Copy chassis number and token ID, install root certificate

Demo on SD-WAN Manager Dashboard

• Overview Dashboard: Controllers, WAN edges, certificate status
• Monitoring: Devices, tunnels, security
• Configuration: Templates for devices/features, policies (centralized/localized)
• Maintenance: Software upgrades and repository management
• SSH Access: Integrated tool for direct device management
• Cloud Deployment Tools: Extend SD-WAN to cloud environments

Resources

• Links and guides available for further reading and community engagement
• Active community for SD-WAN and cloud networking inquiries

Q&A and Closing

• No remaining questions from the audience
• Reminders about post-webinar survey and on-demand recording
• Encouragement to participate in online discussions

Thank you to all presenters and attendees!