Cisco is recognised as a leader in the Magic Quadrant for their capability and contribution to the SD-WAN market. Cisco's portfolio includes Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN which incorporates advanced integrated security, licensed software, and management and orchestration tools. In combination with Cisco Umbrella, Cisco SD-WAN is capable of delivering a complete SASE solution with SD-WAN. According to Gartner's analysis, Cisco supports approximately 46,000 enterprise customers with SD-WAN solutions on a global scale. These customers represent a diverse range of sizes and industries. Looking ahead over the next 18 months, we anticipate that Cisco will focus on enhancing their security dashboard. We also predict that Cisco will increase integrations with third-party providers in the Security Service Edge (SSE) space. This strategy is likely to support a dual-vendor approach to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and improve cloud onramp capabilities for multi-cloud implementations.
What are the Pros & Cons of Cisco Systems SD-WAN?
Consider the items below when creating your vendor shortlist.
Cisco Systems SD-WAN Pros and Cons
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | ✓ Cloud Integration: Strong integration with cloud platforms. | ❌ Complexity: The solution can be complex to configure and manage. |
| 2 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | ✓ Comprehensive Cybersecurity: Provides extensive cybersecurity features. | ❌ Hardware Dependency: Dependency on specific hardware may limit flexibility. |
| 3 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | ✓ WAN Optimisation: Offers WAN optimisation for improved performance. | ❌ Premium Solution: Positioned as a premium solution with higher costs. |
| 4 | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | hyelland | 21/10/2024 04:06 PM | ✓ App Path Analytics: Provides detailed insights into application paths for better network management. | |
| Pros | Cons |
Hand-on review of Cisco Systems SD-WAN
We started by configuring a basic setup of Cisco SD-WAN within our network demo lab by initially referring to the Cisco SD-WAN Design Guide. Within this phase, the overall goal was to achieve setup of basic network architecture which is detailed within the Cisco Bring up Process. The setup of the Cisco SD-WAN Manager, Validator, and Controller forms the basics of establishing a stable and network framework.
Once the initial phase was completed, we optimised network performance across bandwidth and Quality of Service (QoS). Using the Cisco SD-WAN Manager, I configured QoS settings based on a set of commonly used SaaS applications.
The steps involved creating class maps within the Localised Policy section under Configuration > Policies. Each class map was assigned to a specific queue to align with our network’s traffic management objectives.
Using the QoS Map section, I defined the bandwidth and buffer allocations for each queue. The QoS Mapconfiguration demonstrated that the network was capable of managing data loads effectively with optimal performance levels.
The configuration of SASE security required referring to the Enterprise Firewall Configuration Guide. The setup involved establishing zone-based firewall policies with firewall rules and rule sets, and then applying these policies to the defined zone pairs. This step resulted in an initial network security posture to defend against potential security vulnerabilities.
The management of Cisco SD-WAN (via the Cisco SD-WAN Manager) provides continuous monitoring, real-time insights into traffic, application performance, and network health. The Cisco SD-WAN Manager offers quick configuration adjustments in response to network changes, including QoS settings and security policies. Troubleshooting and diagnostic tools enable IT teams to rapidly address and resolve network issues, which reduces downtime and ensuring network stability.
The final aspect of the configuration process addressed multi-cloud integration which is one of the main Cisco Systems SD-WAN selling points. Following the Cloud OnRamp Configuration Guide, I implemented settings which setup our demo cloud connectivity with optimised traffic for cloud application performance.
In conclusion, the configuration of Cisco SD-WAN addressed aspects of network architecture which included performance optimisation, security, management, and multi-cloud integration.
Cisco's SD-WAN has evolved over time with improvements and fixes made in response to user feedback and technological advancements. Initially, users found Cisco SD-WAN complex and challenging to understand without gaining significant experience via training. While Cisco SD-WAN remains complex, improvements to simplify the solution have been made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which partners does Cisco SD-WAN support?
Cisco Systems' SD-WAN supports a partners through their Technology Alliances Program. These partners facilitate integration testing and validation, documentation, sales, marketing, and technical support. Some of the key partners include:
Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is a secure cloud services platform, offering compute power, database storage, and other functionality .
Cloudflare: Cloudflare's zero-trust network-as-a-service (NaaS) platform connects users dynamically with identity-based security controls delivered close to users.
Google Cloud: Google Cloud is a leader in enterprise cloud computing, delivering a broad range of innovative solutions that leverage Google's experience with highly reliable, and scalable cloud technology.
iboss: iboss cybersecurity defends today's borderless networks against advanced threats and data breaches.
LiveAction: LiveAction software offers patented network visualisation, real-time analytics with deep control, and monitoring specifically for the WAN.
LogicMonitor: LogicMonitor is a fully automated, cloud-based infrastructure monitoring platform for enterprise IT and managed services.
In addition to the above, Cisco has partnered with Microsoft to provide Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with Azure Virtual WAN.
Cisco also works with Zscaler to simplify traffic routing from the branch and establish secure local internet breakouts.
NTT Communications Corporation has adopted Cisco SD-WAN powered by Viptela and Meraki, as well as Meraki Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity solutions.
What industries does Cisco deliver solutions for?
- Cities and Communities
- Education
- Financial Services
- Government
- Healthcare
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Oil and Gas
- Retail
- Smart buildings
- Sports, Media and Entertainment
- Transportation
- Utilities
What regulations does Cisco comply with?
Export and Contract Compliance: Cisco is obliged to comply with U.S. and local country export/import laws and regulations, including U.S. anti-boycott laws and the regulations of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security. Cisco products are also subject to export controls under the laws and regulations of the European Union (EU) and other applicable countries.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Compliance: Cisco complies with WEEE, Battery, and Packaging Regulations, including the EU WEEE Directive, the EU Battery Directive, and the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. These directives aim to promote the reuse and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, and packaging.
Product Safety and Data Integrity: If a Cisco product contains a permanently affixed battery, it should only be removed or replaced by Cisco or an authorized service agent for product safety and data integrity reasons.
Regulatory Compliance for Specific Products: Cisco also complies with specific regulations for its various products, such as international regulatory and safety compliance information for the Cisco IoT Series Routers and domestic and international regulatory compliance and safety information for the Cisco Wired and Wireless Routers and Access Points.
Compliance with Specific Country Regulations: Cisco products also comply with specific country regulations, for example, the Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers comply with European standards as described in the EU Directive (Directive 2006/95/EC and 2004/108/EC).