Multi-site organisations
WAN performance or visibility varies across locations.
Branch links that choose a path around current conditions.
SD-WAN measures available WAN paths and uses centrally managed policy to steer traffic according to application, performance and security requirements.
How it works
Concept model
- 01 · Watch Measure every WAN path Latency · loss · jitter
- 02 · Decide Check traffic against policy Application · priority · security
- 03 · Move Use the approved path Routing · failover · validation
A conceptual sequence used to explain the service, not a customer deployment.
What it is
A software-defined WAN approach that separates traffic policy and central management from the individual underlay links connecting sites.
- 01
Current-WAN and application assessment
- 02
Central traffic and security policy
- 03
Application-aware path selection
- 04
Failover and performance validation
Who it is for
Application priorities
Different traffic types require explicit treatment.
Changing connectivity
The link mix or branch architecture is being reviewed.
What you get
Policy
Application intent expressed centrally.
Path choice
Traffic can use the path approved for current conditions.
Visibility
WAN links and application behaviour are easier to review together.
Validation
Failover and policy behaviour can be tested deliberately.
What CDS delivers
- Multi-path WAN transport designMPLS, broadband and LTE/5G underlays
- Centralised, application-aware policy steeringTraffic steered by application, performance and risk
- Zero-touch branch provisioningNew sites online without a technician on-site
- Integrated security policy at the WAN edgeSecurity applied where traffic leaves the branch
- Available as a CDS Managed SD-WAN serviceDesigned, deployed and, optionally, operated by CDS
Platforms CDS builds on
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN · Meraki SD-WAN.
- Catalyst SD-WAN (Viptela)Enterprise SD-WAN fabric and overlay
- vManage / vSmart / vBondOrchestration, control and policy planes
- Meraki MXCloud-managed SD-WAN for distributed sites
- Application-aware routingPath steering by application and performance
How we deliver it
- Step 1
Assess
Review sites, links, contracts, applications and current pain points.
- Step 2
Design
Define topology, application policy and security requirements.
- Step 3
Prove
Validate the architecture and operating assumptions.
- Step 4
Deploy
Roll out through an approved sequence and test the result.
Questions about this service
How does SD-WAN choose a path?+
It measures available WAN paths and applies centrally managed policy based on application, performance and security requirements.
Does SD-WAN replace every existing link?+
Not necessarily. The underlay mix depends on the current environment, business requirements and approved design.
Start with the conditions around sd-wan.
Describe the current environment, the change you are considering and what the result must support.