Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components from Pluralsight

In this course, you'll gain knowledge about the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases. The Cisco SD-WAN is a distributed architecture based consisting of a number of new SD-WAN protocols and components.

The WAN is static and not very agile. It was built for a different era. In this course, Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components, you’ll learn foundational knowledge and gain the ability to design the Cisco SD-WAN solution. First, you’ll explore the Cisco SD-WAN and its core features. Next, you’ll discover control and data plane components and responsibilities. Finally, you’ll learn how to extend the Cisco SD-WAN network. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of the Cisco SD-WAN needed to design and architect its components and features.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Highlighting Cisco SD-WAN

The Cisco SD-WAN Components

The Cisco SD-WAN Core Functionality

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on designing and architecting Cisco SD-WAN components and features, catering to advanced learners in networking

Offers a solid foundation for understanding Cisco SD-WAN, its architecture, and use cases

Teaches foundational knowledge and skills to design Cisco SD-WAN solutions, fostering professional growth in networking

Covers key aspects of Cisco SD-WAN, including its core features and various use cases

May not be suitable for absolute beginners in networking

Reviews summary

Comprehensive cisco sd-wan design principles

According to students, this course offers a well-structured and in-depth exploration of Cisco SD-WAN architecture and components. Learners praise its clear explanations and strong focus on design principles, crucial for real-world deployments. However, a consistent point raised is the need for more practical labs or configuration examples to complement the theoretical content. The course also assumes a strong networking background, with some students finding it challenging without prior CCNA/CCNP knowledge, indicating it's not suited for beginners.

It effectively teaches critical design considerations for SD-WAN solutions.

"I particularly appreciated the focus on design principles, which is crucial for real-world deployments."

"Excellent course for network architects! It thoroughly covers the design considerations for Cisco SD-WAN, which is exactly what I needed."

"This course definitely prepares you for designing robust SD-WAN solutions."

The course is highly organized with logical flow and clear explanations.

"This course is incredibly well-structured and covers the Cisco SD-WAN architecture in great detail. The explanations are clear, and the logical flow from components to fabric setup is excellent."

"Absolutely fantastic! ...The breakdown of control and data plane components was particularly insightful."

"I found the course to be very well-structured and the concepts clearly explained, making complex topics easier to grasp."

Reviewers consistently wish for more practical labs and demonstrations.

"I would have loved to see more practical labs or configuration examples. While the design principles are good, without the hands-on aspect, it feels a bit theoretical."

"My main feedback would be for more hands-on demonstration or lab simulations. Theory is good, but practical application makes it stick."

"For me, the only missing piece was more interactive elements or labs. It's a solid theoretical foundation, but applying it is another challenge."

Learners need a strong networking foundation, not for beginners.

"The content is dense and sometimes hard to follow without significant prior experience with Cisco networking."

"The prerequisites are not clearly stated, and if you don't have a strong CCNA/CCNP background, you'll struggle."

"It's not a beginner-friendly course, and I felt overwhelmed at times without enough foundational lessons."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components with these activities:

Review core concepts of WANs and SD-WAN

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Review foundational concepts and ensure a solid understanding of Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs).

Browse courses on WAN

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Review textbooks or online resources on WANs and SD-WANs.
Summarize key concepts and definitions.
Take practice quizzes or review questions to test understanding.

SD-WAN Protocol Analysis

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Analyze and troubleshoot common SD-WAN protocols to deepen your understanding of their functionality.

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Set up a lab environment with Cisco SD-WAN devices.
Configure and enable different SD-WAN protocols, such as VXLAN and GRE.
Capture and analyze network traffic using tools like Wireshark.
Identify and resolve common protocol issues, such as packet loss and latency.

Configure Cisco SD-WAN with VMware NSX

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Integrate Cisco SD-WAN with VMware NSX to enhance your understanding of hybrid networking solutions.

Browse courses on VMware NSX

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Review the documentation and tutorials on Cisco SD-WAN and VMware NSX integration.
Set up a lab environment with both Cisco SD-WAN and VMware NSX components.
Configure the interconnections between the SD-WAN devices and the NSX environment.
Test and verify the integration, including traffic flow and security policies.

Seven other activities

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Follow tutorials on Cisco SD-WAN components

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Explore tutorials that provide hands-on demonstrations of Cisco SD-WAN components, such as vManage, vSmart, and vEdge routers.

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Identify relevant tutorials on Cisco's website or other reliable sources.
Set up a lab environment or use an online simulator.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and configure the Cisco SD-WAN components.
Troubleshoot any issues encountered.

Engage in discussion forums and peer study groups

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Connect with fellow learners, exchange knowledge, and clarify concepts through active participation in discussion forums and peer study groups.

Browse courses on SD-WAN

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Join relevant online forums or discussion groups.
Participate in discussions, asking questions and sharing insights.
Organize or join study groups for regular collaboration.

Create a Cisco SD-WAN Design Plan

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Design and plan a Cisco SD-WAN network to enhance your understanding of its components and features.

Browse courses on SD-WAN Architecture

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Review the course materials on Cisco SD-WAN architecture and components.
Identify the specific requirements and constraints of your network environment.
Design the network topology, including the location of SD-WAN appliances and the connectivity between sites.
Configure the SD-WAN devices and implement security measures.
Test and validate the network design to ensure optimal performance.

Attend Cisco webinars and workshops on SD-WAN

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Gain insights and stay updated on the latest developments in Cisco SD-WAN by attending webinars and workshops conducted by Cisco experts.

Browse courses on Cisco SD-WAN

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Check the Cisco website for upcoming webinars and workshops.
Register for relevant events.
Attend the events and actively participate.

Practice configuring Cisco SD-WAN overlays

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Reinforce understanding of SD-WAN overlays by completing practical exercises in configuring and managing overlays using Cisco SD-WAN.

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Set up a network topology with multiple sites and an overlay network.
Configure overlay tunnels, policies, and routing.
Simulate traffic and monitor the performance of the overlay.
Troubleshoot and optimize the overlay configuration.

Develop a Cisco SD-WAN design document

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Apply knowledge gained in the course by creating a detailed design document that outlines the architecture, components, and configuration of a Cisco SD-WAN solution for a specific scenario.

Browse courses on Cisco SD-WAN

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Gather requirements and define the scope of the SD-WAN solution.
Design the SD-WAN architecture, including topology, components, and overlays.
Specify the configuration parameters for each component.
Document the design and provide justifications for the choices made.

Participate in Cisco certification exams

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Validate knowledge and skills by obtaining a Cisco certification in SD-WAN or a related field.

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Identify relevant Cisco certifications.
Study and prepare for the exam.
Take and pass the certification exam.

Career center

Learners who complete Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Architect

Network Architects design, build, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks meet the needs of the organization, and they troubleshoot and resolve network problems. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course can help Network Architects gain the knowledge and skills needed to design and architect Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Engineer

Network Engineers plan, install, maintain, and troubleshoot computer networks. They ensure that networks are reliable, efficient, and secure. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course can help Network Engineers gain the knowledge and skills needed to design and architect Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

IT Manager

IT Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization's IT systems are reliable, efficient, and secure. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course can help IT Managers gain the knowledge and skills needed to design and architect Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

IT Director

IT Directors plan, organize, and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization's IT systems are aligned with the organization's business goals. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course can help IT Directors gain the knowledge and skills needed to design and architect Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Director

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design, build, and maintain cloud computing systems. They ensure that cloud systems are reliable, efficient, and secure. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course can help Cloud Architects gain the knowledge and skills needed to design and architect Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze, design, and implement computer systems. They work with users to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course can help Systems Analysts gain the knowledge and skills needed to design and architect Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Data Architect

Data Architects design, build, and maintain data systems. They ensure that data systems are reliable, efficient, and secure. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course may be useful for Data Architects who want to learn more about designing and architecting Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

Software Architect

Software Architects design, build, and maintain software systems. They ensure that software systems are reliable, efficient, and secure. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course may be useful for Software Architects who want to learn more about designing and architecting Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They ensure that databases are reliable, efficient, and secure. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about designing and architecting Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems. They ensure that networks are protected from unauthorized access and attack. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course may be useful for Network Security Engineers who want to learn more about designing and architecting Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts analyze, design, and implement computer systems. They work with users to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course may be useful for Computer Systems Analysts who want to learn more about designing and architecting Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

IT Specialist

IT Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They install, configure, and maintain computer hardware and software. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course may be useful for IT Specialists who want to learn more about designing and architecting Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Specialist

Information Systems Manager

Information Systems Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of an organization's information systems department. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization's information systems are aligned with the organization's business goals. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course may be useful for Information Systems Managers who want to learn more about designing and architecting Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Systems Manager

IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on the use of computer systems. They help organizations to plan, implement, and manage their IT systems. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course may be useful for IT Consultants who want to learn more about designing and architecting Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are reliable, efficient, and secure. The Designing Cisco SD-WAN Architecture and Components course may be useful for Network Administrators who want to learn more about designing and architecting Cisco SD-WAN components and features. The course covers the Cisco SD-WAN solution, its core features, and various use cases, as well as control and data plane components and responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator