Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.2ArchitectureMedium
A network engineer is implementing SD-WAN in an enterprise with multiple branch offices and two data centers. The design requires dynamic path selection based on application performance, centralized policy enforcement, and secure overlay tunnels over diverse WAN transports, including MPLS and broadband internet. Which component is responsible for orchestrating these functions and providing a single pane of glass for management?
- ASD-WAN Analytics Engine
- BSD-WAN Controller
- CSD-WAN Edge Router
- DSD-WAN Orchestrator
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. SD-WAN Orchestrator
The SD-WAN Orchestrator (e.g., Cisco vManage) is the centralized management plane for the entire SD-WAN solution. It provides a single pane of glass for configuration, policy definition (including application-aware routing), monitoring, and orchestrating all components, including controllers and edge devices.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The SD-WAN Analytics Engine collects and analyzes telemetry data but is not the primary component for configuration and orchestration.
- B. The SD-WAN Controller (e.g., vSmart) establishes and maintains the control plane, distributing routing and policy information, but the orchestrator provides the 'single pane of glass' for management.
- C. The SD-WAN Edge Router (e.g., vEdge/cEdge) sits at the branch/DC edge and enforces policies, but doesn't orchestrate the entire solution.
SD-WAN Orchestrator
A centralized management platform in an SD-WAN architecture that provides a single pane of glass for configuring, monitoring, and managing the entire SD-WAN fabric.
- Centralized configuration and policy deployment.
- Provides overall visibility and control.
- Orchestrates communication between controllers and edge devices.
Memory trick: Orchestrator 'conducts' the whole SD-WAN band.