Which statement best describes the Cisco SD-WAN solution?
- The Cisco SD-WAN solution is a software-based, virtual IP fabric overlay network relying on LISP and VXLAN for both wired and wireless LANs.
- The Cisco SD-WAN solution allows service providers to accelerate WAN services directly for enterprise customers.
- The Cisco SD-WAN is a hardware-based solution that covers switching, routing, voice, and VPN for small to medium-sized businesses.
- The Cisco SD-WAN solution is a software-based, virtual IP fabric overlay network that builds a secure, unified connectivity over any transport network (the underlay).
Explanation: The Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN solution represents a significant shift from older, hardware-based legacy WAN models to a secure, software-based, virtual IP fabric overlay. This overlay architecture is designed to build unified connectivity over any transport network, known as the underlay, which can include the public internet, MPLS, Metro Ethernet, and LTE/4G/5G.
Key characteristics of this solution include:
- Decoupling Planes: It separates the data plane forwarding from the control plane, allowing for centralized intelligence, automation, and simplified management.
- Integration: It fully integrates routing, security, centralized policy, and orchestration into large-scale networks.
- Transport Independence: Because it is software-based and virtualized, it can run over any transport circuits, enabling an active-active mix of different link types to optimize capacity and reduce costs.
- Security: It utilizes a zero-trust security model with strong encryption, end-to-end segmentation, and certificate-based identity for all devices.
In contrast, the option mentioning LISP and VXLAN describes the Cisco SD-Access solution, which is intended for wired and wireless LANs rather than the WAN.
Related exam: Modules 23 – 26: Checkpoint Exam: Software-Defined Networking Answers (CCNP ENCOR v9)
