Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.2ArchitectureEasy
A global enterprise is evaluating options for connecting its branch offices to its data centers and cloud resources. The company needs to ensure optimal application performance, improve security, and reduce operational costs. Which solution provides intelligent path selection, centralized management, and application-aware routing capabilities to meet these goals?
- ASite-to-site IPsec VPN over the public internet
- BDirect dark fiber connections to all branches
- CTraditional MPLS VPN with static routing
- DSoftware-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
SD-WAN solutions offer intelligent path selection based on application requirements, centralized management for simplified operations, and enhanced security, making them ideal for connecting branch offices efficiently and cost-effectively.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Site-to-site IPsec VPNs over the public internet provide security but typically lack intelligent path selection, centralized management, and performance optimization for various applications.
- B. Direct dark fiber connections are prohibitively expensive and complex for connecting numerous branch offices, and they don't inherently provide intelligent path selection or centralized management.
- C. Traditional MPLS VPN with static routing lacks the application-aware routing, centralized management, and dynamic path selection capabilities needed for optimal application performance.
Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN)
SD-WAN is a virtual WAN architecture that allows enterprises to leverage any combination of transport services—including MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet services—to securely connect users to applications.
- Centralized control and management.
- Intelligent path selection for applications.
- Enhanced security and cost reduction.
Memory trick: SD-WAN: Smartly Directing WAN Access Now.