Introduction to SD-WAN

Hi Lagapides, I am working in ISP company, is it possible to install SDWAN concept in ISP network

Hello Gayathri

Typically, SD-WAN is primarily geared towards the multi-site enterprise, where the WAN of each site can be enhanced and managed more holistically. Interconnections between remote sites can enjoy multiple benefits, including high availability, reliability, quality of service, and many others.

Note here that there are certain topological network characteristics that are required to make SD-WAN useful. SD-WAN typically requires multiple remote sites, each connected via one or more WAN links over a third-party network (such as the Internet).

Now Cisco’s SD-WAN solution is massively scalable, so as far as the size of ISP networks go, it can be used without issue on an ISP’s network. However, how useful it will actually be for an ISP depends highly upon the topology and network infrastructure of the ISP itself. Does the ISP in question have multiple remote sites (or network regions) that it interconnects over other (third party?) networks? This is not typically the infrastructure associated with ISPs.

So how useful it will actually be, depends upon the use cases intended to be deployed as well as the topology of the ISP’s network.

A more typical scenario for ISPs is to create an MPLS network to serve its customers.

Now having said all of this, it is possible for an ISP to sell “SD-WAN as a service” for its own customers over its own network. In such a case, Cisco’s SD-WAN solution would be appropriate. But in this case, the SD-WAN would be deployed to serve customers, rather than the internal needs of the ISP itself.

I hope this has been helpful!

Laz

2 posts were merged into an existing topic: Introduction to SD-Access

Hello Serge

Concerning the use of DNA for the CCIE exam, take a look at this NetworkLessons note about it.

Now although not essential for certification, having access to Cisco DNAC can be helpful. You don’t necessarily need a separate license for SD-Access labs that are useful for preparing CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure. However, you will require a valid DNAC license to fully utilize the features of the Cisco DNA Center in general.

Cisco DNA Center offers various licensing tiers, such as Cisco DNA Essentials, Cisco DNA Advantage, and Cisco DNA Premier. Each tier provides different levels of functionality and features, but as far as I know, none of them are free, and none offer any sandbox/testbed options.

If you do have access to such licenses, for a CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab setup, you might consider using the Cisco DNA Advantage or Cisco DNA Premier license, as they offer a comprehensive set of features, including SD-Access capabilities that you will likely need for your CCIE practice.

Let us know how you get along!

I hope this has been helpful!

Laz