The Role of the WAN Edge in Cisco SD-WAN Architecture

D.

In a Cisco SD-WAN architecture, the WAN Edge plays a critical role in connecting the enterprise branch to the wide area network (WAN). The WAN Edge acts as the edge router for the branch, providing a secure and optimized connection to the enterprise data center or the cloud.

The WAN Edge is responsible for the data plane, which means that it is responsible for forwarding traffic between the enterprise branch and the data center or cloud. The WAN Edge performs packet switching, packet filtering, and other network functions that are required to deliver network services to the branch.

The WAN Edge also serves as the control plane, responsible for building and maintaining the network topology. It does this by exchanging routing information with other WAN Edges and the centralized controller in the data center or cloud. The WAN Edge learns about network topology changes and adapts to them by dynamically updating its routing tables and forwarding paths.

Additionally, the WAN Edge provides a management plane that allows centralized configuration and monitoring of the WAN Edge routers. The management plane provides a single point of control for the WAN, making it easy to manage and troubleshoot the network. The management plane also provides orchestration to assist with the automatic provisioning of WAN Edge routers and overlay networks.

In summary, the WAN Edge in a Cisco SD-WAN architecture plays a critical role in connecting the enterprise branch to the WAN. It serves as the data plane, control plane, and management plane for the network, responsible for forwarding traffic, building and maintaining the network topology, and providing centralized configuration and monitoring.