Cisco SD-Access is a solution within Cisco DNA, which is built on intent-based networking principles. Cisco SD-Access provides visibility-based, automated end-to-end segmentation to separate user, device, and application traffic without redesigning the underlying physical network1. Cisco SD-Access also enables programmable overlays that allow network virtualization across the campus,branch, data center, and cloud2. Cisco SD-Access has two main components: the fabric and the policy3.
The fabric is the network overlay that consists of interconnected nodes that provide a consistent and scalable way of delivering network services and functions. The fabric nodes are classified into four types: edge nodes, border nodes, control plane nodes, and intermediate nodes. The edge nodes are the access switches or wireless controllers that connect to the end devices. The border nodes are the routers or switches that connect the fabric to external networks, such as the Internet, WAN, or data center. The control plane nodes are the routers or switches that maintain the mapping between the endpoint identifiers and the network locators. The intermediate nodes are the routers or switches that provide transit services within the fabric3.
The policy is the network configuration that defines the network behavior and outcomes, based on the business intent and requirements. The policy is composed of three elements: the endpoint groups, the contracts, and the virtual networks. The endpoint groups are the logical containers that group the endpoints based on their attributes, such as user identity, device type, or application. The contracts are the rules that specify the allowed interactions between the endpoint groups, such as the protocols, ports, and quality of service. The virtual networks are the logical partitions that isolate the endpoint groups and contracts from each other, based on the network scope and security3.
Cisco SD-Access addresses the following challenges and benefits:
It simplifies the network design and management, as it reduces the complexity and variability of the network elements and interfaces.
It enhances the network security and compliance, as it enforces granular and dynamic policies based on the endpoint identity and context, rather than the network topology and IP addresses.
It improves the network performance and user experience, as it optimizes the network path, load balancing, and traffic engineering based on the network conditions and application requirements.
It enables the network agility and scalability, as it supports the rapid deployment and integration of new devices, applications, and services, without affecting the existing network operations.
References:
Cisco Software-Defined Access - Cisco Software-Defined Access Solution Overview
What Is Software-Defined Access? - SD-Access - Cisco
Cisco SD-Access Architecture Overview
