I have encountered a job in LinkedIn that needs SD-WAN skills so I thought I would make a refresher about it.

Cisco SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) is a technology that simplifies the management and operation of a wide area network (WAN) by separating the networking hardware from its control mechanism. It enables businesses to efficiently connect their branch offices, data centers, and cloud resources over large geographic distances.

Key Components:

1. vEdge Routers: These are the hardware devices deployed at branch offices, data centers, and cloud environments. They provide secure connectivity to the SD-WAN fabric.
2. vSmart Controllers: These centralized controllers provide policy and configuration management for the SD-WAN network. They enforce security and routing policies across the network.
3. vBond Orchestrator: This is the orchestrator responsible for the initial authentication and bringing up the secure connections between the vEdge routers and the vSmart controllers.
4. vManage Dashboard: This is the centralized management interface for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting the SD-WAN network. It provides visibility into the network performance and security posture.

Key Features:

1. Application Optimization: Cisco SD-WAN optimizes application performance by dynamically routing traffic based on application requirements and network conditions. It uses techniques like WAN optimization, traffic shaping, and Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize critical applications.
2. Secure Connectivity: SD-WAN ensures secure connectivity by encrypting traffic using strong encryption standards like AES. It also provides segmentation to isolate sensitive traffic and prevent lateral movement of threats.
3. Centralized Management: The vManage dashboard offers a single pane of glass for managing the entire SD-WAN infrastructure. It simplifies configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks, reducing operational overhead.
4. Dynamic Path Selection: SD-WAN dynamically selects the best path for traffic based on factors like link quality, latency, and packet loss. It can utilize multiple WAN links simultaneously to optimize performance and reliability.

Basic Configuration Steps:

1. Deploy vEdge Routers: Install and connect vEdge routers at branch offices, data centers, and cloud environments.
2. Connect to vBond Orchestrator: Configure the vEdge routers to establish secure connections to the vBond orchestrator for authentication and initial provisioning.
3. Connect to vSmart Controllers: Establish secure connections from the vEdge routers to the vSmart controllers for policy and configuration management.
4. Configure Policies: Define application-aware policies on the vSmart controllers to control traffic routing, QoS, and security parameters.
5. Monitor and Troubleshoot: Utilize the vManage dashboard to monitor network performance, application usage, and security events. Troubleshoot connectivity issues and optimize network configuration as needed.

Benefits of Cisco SD-WAN:

1. Improved Performance: SD-WAN optimizes application performance and ensures reliable connectivity across distributed environments.
2. Enhanced Security: By encrypting traffic and enforcing security policies centrally, SD-WAN protects against threats and ensures compliance with industry regulations.
3. Simplified Management: Centralized management and automation capabilities reduce the complexity of managing a distributed network infrastructure.
4. Cost Savings: SD-WAN enables organizations to leverage cost-effective internet connections alongside traditional MPLS links, reducing operational expenses.

Cisco SD-WAN is a powerful technology that simplifies the management and operation of wide area networks while improving performance, security, and scalability. By leveraging software-defined networking principles, organizations can achieve greater agility and efficiency in connecting their distributed locations and cloud resources.