Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.2ArchitectureMedium

A network architect is designing a new campus fabric using Cisco SD-Access. The design specifies that the control plane for the fabric should maintain a mapping system for all endpoints within the fabric, allowing for location-independent addressing and efficient routing. Which specific SD-Access node role is responsible for this function?

  1. AFabric Border Node
  2. BFabric Edge Node
  3. CFabric Control Plane Node
  4. DFabric Wireless LAN Controller
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Fabric Control Plane Node

The Fabric Control Plane Node in Cisco SD-Access is responsible for maintaining the mapping system (using LISP Map-Server/Map-Resolver) that tracks the location of endpoints within the fabric. This allows for location-independent addressing and efficient routing of traffic to endpoints regardless of their physical attachment point.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Fabric Border Nodes connect the SD-Access fabric to external networks, acting as a gateway.
  • B. Fabric Edge Nodes connect endpoints to the fabric and encapsulate traffic, but they do not maintain the global mapping system.
  • D. Fabric Wireless LAN Controllers integrate wireless access points into the fabric, but the control plane mapping is handled by a dedicated node role.

SD-Access Control Plane Node

In Cisco SD-Access, this node role acts as the LISP Map-Server and Map-Resolver, maintaining a database of endpoint-to-location mappings for all devices within the fabric.

  • Uses LISP (Locator/ID Separation Protocol) for mapping.
  • Separates endpoint identity (EID) from routing locator (RLOC).
  • Enables host mobility and location-independent addressing.
  • Essential for efficient forwarding within the fabric.

Memory trick: SD-Access Nodes: Edge for clients, Border for outside, Control for maps.

More Architecture questions