Exploring vEdge Routers: The Backbone of Cisco SD-WAN

• Role: Ensures data packets are sent between sites efficiently based on configured routing policies.
• How It Works:
  • Routes traffic using the Overlay Management Protocol (OMP), which maintains communication with vSmart controllers.
  • Makes decisions based on policies such as application performance, QoS, and network conditions.

• Role: Establishes secure connections between sites using IPsec encryption.
• How It Works:
  • vEdge routers create encrypted tunnels to other vEdge devices across different transport networks (MPLS, broadband, LTE, satellite).

• Role: Routes traffic based on application type and performance requirements.
• How It Works:
  • Identifies and classifies application traffic in real-time.
  • Selects the optimal transport path for each application, ensuring low latency, high bandwidth, and reliability.

• Role: Supports multiple transport types simultaneously.
• How It Works:
  • Allows businesses to combine MPLS, broadband, LTE, and satellite links for a cost-effective and resilient network.
  • Automatically reroutes traffic in case of link failure or degradation.

• Role: Implements policies defined in vManage and distributed by vSmart controllers.
• Types of Policies:
  o Data Policies: Control traffic flow between sites.
  o Security Policies: Enforce segmentation and access control.
  o Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritize critical applications over less important traffic.

• Designed for on-premises deployments at branch offices, data centers, and remote sites.
• Equipped with hardware encryption for high-performance secure communication.

• vEdge 100 Series
  o Ideal for small branches or remote sites.
  o Compact design with support for basic routing and security features

• vEdge 200 Series
  o Suitable for medium to large branch offices.
  o Higher throughput and additional interface options for scalability.

• vEdge 5000 Series
  o Designed for large data centers.
  o Supports high-performance routing with extensive connectivity options

• Deployed in cloud environments or virtualized data centers.
• Provide the same functionality as physical devices but with the flexibility of running on virtual platforms.

• vEdge Cloud
  o Runs on hypervisors like VMware ESXi, KVM, or public cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.
  o Perfect for organizations migrating to or operating in a multi-cloud environment

• CSR 1000v (Cisco Cloud Services Router)
  o A virtualized router offering SD-WAN capabilities.
  o Provides scalability and supports hybrid deployments.

• High Performance
  • Designed to handle large volumes of traffic with minimal latency.
  • Hardware models come with dedicated encryption modules for secure and fast data transmission.

• Integration with vManage
  o Receives configurations and policies from vManage.
  o Automatically updates with the latest software and security patches.

A global logistics company uses vEdge routers to:

• Connect Branches: Establish secure and high-performance connections between warehouses and headquarters.
• Optimize Application Performance: Route critical applications like inventory management and shipment tracking over the best available paths.
• Leverage Cost-Effective Transport: Use broadband and LTE alongside MPLS for cost savings and redundancy.

1. Improved Security: End-to-end IPsec encryption protects data across the network.
2. Enhanced Application Performance: Application-aware routing ensures critical apps get the best performance.
3. Reduced Costs: Supports affordable transport links like broadband and LTE.
4. Simplified Management: Seamlessly integrates with vManage for centralized control.
5. High Resilience: Automatic failover and real-time path selection ensure uninterrupted connectivity.