Understanding the ENSDWI Course: Advanced Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) Concepts

Introduction

Modern businesses depend on reliable, secure, and efficient WAN connectivity to enable the cloud, users distributed and crucial applications. Traditional WAN structures based around MPLS or static models of routing aren't adequate to manage today's changing multi-cloud and multi-cloud environments. This is why Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is now the preferred solution for companies looking to modernize their network infrastructure. Cisco's SD-WAN powered by Viptela is among the top SD-WAN solutions around the globe, renowned for its flexibility, cloud-readiness, and robust security capabilities.

To assist the network professionals and engineers in understanding the latest technology, Cisco provides its ENSDWI (Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions) course. The course is a deep dive into the workings of Cisco SD-WAN that covers everything from deployment, templates and routing, security, and policies. In this post, we'll go over each aspect of the ENSDWI course in depth and review the six key learning modules that comprise its foundation, helping you know exactly what you'll get from the course.

1. Overview of the ENSDWI Course

It is the ENSDWI course is intended for network architects, engineers, and administrators who want to gain expertise in the deployment and management of Cisco's SDWAN solutions. It is a combination of theoretical ideas as well as hands-on training to provide an understanding of the SD-WAN Fabric Operation, Control Plane, Data Plane, and Cloud On-Ramp Security Advanced policies.

At the time you finish the course, you'll be able to:

Design SD-WAN topologies

Install edge routers and controllers

Set up local and centralized policies

Implement segmentation for enterprise traffic separation

Secure communication overlaid

Connect branches securely to cloud platforms

Optimize application performance

Troubleshoot the SD-WAN infrastructure

The content of the course is split into six main modules, each focused on one of the core areas in Cisco's SDWAN tech. These modules directly correspond to the pages shared by clients.

Let's look at the various modules in depth.

2. Module 1: SD-WAN Solution Overview & Components

This is the core of the SD-WAN learning pathway. In this course, you'll gain an extensive knowledge of the structure and components, as well as the operational models of Cisco Viptela SD-WAN.

Key Concepts Covered: SD-WAN Solution Overview

What is SD-WAN, and the reasons why are businesses adopting it

Separation of the control plane from the data plane

Tunnels with secure overlay (IPsec/GRE)

Segmentation from end-to-end

Application-aware routing

Zero-touch provisioning

SD-WAN Architecture Components:

vBond Orchestrator acts as the first authentication and orchestration component that enables all SDWAN components to securely communicate.

VSmart Controller is the central controller of the SD-WAN network that handles routing updates, policies, and security.

vManage NMS is an interface-based central management dashboard to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot.

The WAN Edge Routers - The devices are installed at the data center and cloud sites that create secure overlay tunnels.

Students discover how these components work through secure connections based on DTLS/TLS and how they create the SD-WAN's control, data plane, and.

The module sets the scene for further exploration in subsequent sections.

Read the full module:

3. Module 2: SD-WAN Deployment Options & Licensing

Once you are familiar with the structure, the next step is to understand the different deployment options and the licensing model. Cisco SD-WAN is able to be used in various settings based on the business needs.

Deployment Options Include:

On-premises controllers are deployed in your data center to have full control

Cloud-hosted controllers - Powered by Cisco through its Cisco-hosted vManage, the vBond, as well as vSmart

Hybrid deployment - Combination of cloud and on-prem control

Physical and virtual Edge routers for WANs. Options include ISR, CSR, and vEdge.

Licensing:

The SD-WAN licensing model of Cisco is inspired by:

Bandwidth of the network (TLOC licensing for bandwidth)

Feature tier (Essential, Advantage, Premier)

Security add-ons, such as Firewall and IPS/IDS. Cloud Security and URL filtering

This module makes sure that you are aware of the deployment of SD-WAN, but it also teaches you how to prepare to ensure that you have the right licensing for enterprise networks.

Key Concepts Covered: SD-WAN Deployment Option & Licencing

4. Module 3: Onboarding, Provisioning & Templates

This is among the most important components in the ENSDWI course. It helps you effectively integrate gadgets into an SD-WAN fabric and control them from a central location with templates.

Key Topics:

ZTP - Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) for plug-and-play onboarding

Bootstrap process

Certificates of the device and identity

Templates for devices to be configured on vManage

Using feature templates to:

VPN interface

OMP

System

AAA

Logging

Routing protocols

Additionally, you will learn how to connect templates to various devices, saving massive amounts of time during deployments for enterprises.

This course takes you from a theoretical understanding to practical operation and equips you with the necessary skills to effectively manage SD-WAN devices in the production network.

Key Concepts Covered: Viptela Onboarding & Provisioning

5. Module 4: Unicast Routing Overview in SD-WAN

Although SD-WAN is focused primarily on overlays, policies, and other features, routing is still an essential element. This module will explain the way routing functions within the fabric of SD-WAN.

Topics Covered:

OMP (Overlay Management Protocol)

What happens when OMP routes work, TLOCs, or service route function

BGP as well as OSPF connections to SD-WAN

IPv4 as well as IPv6 route propagation

The redistribution of routes is done between overlays and underlays.

ECMP and preferred route routing

The ENSDWI course will guide you through how SD-WAN seamlessly combines with traditional routing to allow for a smooth transition from old WAN environments.

This module makes sure that you are able to establish solid routing principles prior to implementing security and policies.

Key Concepts Covered: Control Plane & Data Plane Operation

6. Module 5: Viptela Security Components

Security is among the main foundations that make up Cisco SD-WAN. This module delves into the ways security is enforced throughout the SD-WAN network.

Key Security Components:

Secure connections for control using TLS/DTLS

The encryption of data planes (IPsec tunnels)

Access control based on Role (RBAC)

Application firewall

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

DNS security and URL filtering

Segmentation using VPNs

Certificate authentication and tokens

Cloud security integrations, such as Cisco Umbrella and Zscaler Cloud-based firewall services, are further explained.

Enterprises frequently rely on SD-WAN not just to channel traffic efficiently, but as a way to secure all branches without the need for costly firewalls on site. This module shows you how security features are integrated into the SDWAN infrastructure.

Key Concepts Covered: Viptela Security Components

7. Module 6: SD-WAN Viptela Policy Overview

The final and most advanced modules of ENSDWI can be found in the SD-WAN policy framework. Cisco SD-WAN makes use of policies to regulate the flow of traffic, routing decisions, as well as app performance and security.

Two Core Types of Policies:

Centralized policies

Apply to the vSmart controllers

Control routing, Traffic Engineering, and control of application routes

Examples include control-policy, data-policy, and SLA-based routing.

Localized policies

Apply directly to WAN Edge routers

Useful for shaping interfaces, ACLs, QoS, and zone-based firewalls.

Most devices are device-specific

Policy Use Cases Include:

Application-aware routing

Topologies of Hub-and-Spoke vs Full Mesh

Traffic segmentation

Service insertion (firewalls, IDS, etc.)

Traffic shaping and QoS

URL filtering/domain filtering

Knowing the power of the policy engine is crucial in becoming a real SD-WAN specialist, and this module helps you gain an understanding of the policy engine.

Key Concepts Covered: SD-WAN Viptela Policy Overview

8. Why the ENSDWI Course Is Essential for Network Engineers

The ENSDWI course isn't an additional certification program. It is in line with the way modern enterprise networks work in the present. This is why it's important:

Demand for the industry

Businesses across the globe are moving towards a transition from the traditional WAN to SD-WAN. Engineers with the right skills are in high demand.

Skills that are practical and real-world.

You'll learn about routing, deployment templates, policies, as well as cloud security and integration.

Solid foundation for CCNP & CCIE Enterprise

ENSDWI is a contributor to the CCNP Enterprise specialty certifications.

Hands-on experience

Real labs will help you gain confidence when designing and troubleshooting SD-WAN networks.

Key Concepts Covered:

Conclusion

This ENSDWI training is a complete course that provides you with the skills and knowledge required to create, deploy, and manage Cisco's Viptela SD-WAN solution. The course covers six core modules: SD-WAN overview, the deployment model, templates for onboarding routing security, policies, and routing. This course helps you prepare for real-world networking issues in the enterprise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly is the ENSDWI course all about?

Its ENSDWI class (Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions) concentrates on the deployment, configuration, as well as taking management of Cisco SD-WAN networks with Viptela technology. It includes SD-WAN components, templates, and routing policy, security, as well as troubleshooting.

Who should attend the ENSDWI course?

This course is perfect for network professionals, WAN administrators, enterprise network architects, and other professionals who are preparing to take Cisco CCNP Enterprise or working in multi-site or cloud-connected networks.

What essential skills will I acquire in this course?

You will be taught how to configure SD-WAN controllers inboard WAN Edge devices design templates using vManage to implement policies and routing, activate the security feature, and then troubleshoot SD-WAN fabric operations.

Are there any requirements for ENSDWI?

It is recommended that students be able to comprehend the fundamentals of networking as well as routing protocols (BGP/OSPF/EIGRP). Experience with Cisco routers and WAN technologies is beneficial.

Does ENSDWI assist in obtaining Cisco certifications?

Yes. ENSDWI is a concentrated exam alternative for the CCNP Enterprise certification. It helps to develop the foundational knowledge needed in preparation for certification. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure (SD-WAN) certification.

Does the ENSDWI course have hands-on labs?

The course offers extensive hands-on labs that cover the onboarding of devices, creating templates and routing configuration, as well as policy implementation and troubleshooting in the SD-WAN network.

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