Introduction
Cisco SD-WAN provides multiple methods to configure Devices as below.
- Centralised configuration thru vManage using Device Templates. Device Templates can be further divided into 2 types.
- Using Feature Template
- Using CLI Templates
- Configuration Groups
- Direct configuration on Edge routers with CLI using SSH/Console etc (Not recommended but can be utilised for Initial onboarding or during troubleshooting etc.
In this article we dives into Cisco SD-WAN basic feature templates for edge routers, empowering you to streamline deployments and enforce consistent configurations across your network.
Understanding Feature Templates
Cisco SD-WAN utilizes two main template types:
- Device Templates: These define the overall configuration for a specific device type (e.g., ISR 4000 Series). We can associate a Device Templates with multiple device models. If we create Device Template using CLI template, then we need to provide full CLI configuration of device with option to set variables.
- Feature Templates: These granular templates configure individual features like VPN, OSPF, or system parameters. A Feature Template can be used in multiple Device Templates. Also you can associate different devices types to single feature Template.
Feature templates are the building blocks. You create them for each function you want to enable on an edge router. Cisco SD-WAN it easy for End user to create full configuration of devices without needing End-user to know the full CLI commands. Cisco SD-WAN provides forms within the vManage GUI to configure these features.
Core Feature Templates for Edge Routers
Several feature templates are crucial for basic edge router operation in Cisco SD-WAN. Cisco SD-WAN vManage contains Factory default feature templates of these feature which can be used if no specific changes are needed for particular Feature Teamplate/s. Here are few examples of Feature Templates.
- System Configuration: This template defines essential settings like hostname, time zone, and system-ip, site-id, organisation-name etc.
- Interfaces: This template configures physical and logical interfaces on the router, including IP addresses, subnet masks, and VLAN memberships.
- VPN / VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding): This template establishes VPN/VRF instances for traffic segregation within the SD-WAN overlay.
- Overlay Routing: This template configures routing protocols (OSPF, BGP) for data forwarding across the SD-WAN overlay network.
- Policy Routing: This template dictates how traffic flows across different WAN paths based on pre-defined policies (e.g., prioritising voice over data).
There are plenty of other Feature Templates available on Cisco SD-WAN vManage GUI for Devices Configuration which can be used for specific purposes.
Configuration Variables
Devices can have many device specific parameters that are unique per device e.g. Hostname, Interface Names, IP Addresses, Static Routes etc. To account for that Cisco SD-WAN provides three types of values when creating Feature Templates.
- Default – When you first open a feature template, for each parameter that has a default value, the scope is set to Default (indicated by a check mark
), and the default setting or value is shown. This value can’t be changed and if you want to a different value then you would need to either use Global or Device Specific variable. - Global – A Global variable (indicated by a globe icon
) means that it’s a static value that will be applied to all devices where this feature template is attached. A Global variable can be used where you want it same across all devices. - Device-Specific – If Device Specific variables (indicated by a host icon
) are assigned to a template, vManage will ask user to provide the values during template attach process.
Benefits of Feature Templates
- Simplified Configuration: Feature templates eliminate the need for manual configuration on each edge router, saving time and reducing errors.
- Consistency: Templates ensure all edge routers have the same base configuration, promoting network stability and predictability. Feature Templates can be shared by multiple Devices sharing similar Network Design.
- Centralized Management: vManage acts as a single source of truth for configurations, simplifying management and troubleshooting.
- Scalability: Templates are easily applied to multiple devices, making it efficient to provision new edge routers.
Best Practices for Feature Templates
- Start with Factory Defaults: Leverage Cisco-provided default templates as a starting point. If a specific divation is required from default templates, then user can create a new Feature template/copy-edit any existing Feature Teamplate to customize as per specific needs.
- Document Your Templates: Maintain clear documentation for each template, outlining its purpose and configuration details.
- Test Thoroughly: Before deploying templates to production, rigorously test them in a lab environment to ensure proper functionality.
- Use Version Control: Implement version control for templates to track changes and revert if necessary. Provide a clear description of Device/Feature Template.
By effectively utilising Cisco SD-WAN basic feature templates, you can streamline edge router configuration, enforce consistency, and simplify management of your SD-WAN network.
Here are some further recommendations guides:
IOS-XE 17.x : Cisco SD-WAN – Configuration Guides – Cisco
Viptela OS 20.x : User Documentation for Cisco SD-WAN Release 20 – Cisco