When does class start/end?
Class hours may vary, please reach out to contact@ascendientlearning.com if you have any questions.
Cisco SD-WAN Operations, Troubleshooting, and Best Practices
This five-day course covers deployment options, troubleshooting workflows, and operational best practices for Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN version 20.18.x. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN simplifies WAN operations,...
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$4,495 USD
Duration
5 days
Course Code
SDWOTS-NTO
Available Formats
Virtual, Classroom
Overview
Course Description
This five-day course covers deployment options, troubleshooting workflows, and operational best practices for Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN version 20.18.x. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN simplifies WAN operations, enhances security, and improves application performance across any transport (MPLS, Broadband, LTE, VSAT). Learners will design, configure, and operate Catalyst SD-WAN from Day 0 provisioning to advanced troubleshooting, policy control, and application visibility. Reference platforms include WAN Edge routers (vEdge and cEdge) running Cisco IOS-XE 17.18.x and Catalyst SD-WAN Manager (formerly vManage). Catalyst SD-WAN enables agility, security, and cost optimization for modern enterprises. This course emphasizes proactive troubleshooting, AI-driven insights, Splunk-based observability, and automation to reduce MTTR and improve operational resilience. Sustainability note: Cloud-managed orchestration reduces hardware overhead and operational energy footprint.The course qualifies for 40 Cisco Continuing Education Credits (CE).
Who Can Benefit
The primary audience for this course is as follows:
- Engineering and Planning team evaluating WAN evolution
- Personnel involved in SD WAN Design, Implementation and Operation
- Network Operations team with SD WAN solution
- Cisco partners who sell and support SD WAN solutions
Prerequisites
The knowledge and skills that the learner should have before attending this course are as follows:
- Familiarity with WAN Networks
Course Details
Course Details
Course Outline: Module 1: Cisco SD-WAN Introduction
- Introduction and Background
- Catalyst SD-WAN Concepts
- Solution Architecture Overview
- AI-driven Operations Overview
Module 2: Cisco SD-WAN: Control Plane
- Deploying Control Components (Manager, Controller, Validator)
- Control Connections with Validator
- Device and Controller Identities
- Overlay Management Protocol (OMP) Fundamentals
- Troubleshooting Control Connections
Module 3: Cisco SD-WAN: Data Plane
- Establishing Data Plane Tunnels
- BFD Operations and Monitoring
- Data Plane Security Considerations
Module 4: Templates
- Feature Templates Overview
- Device Templates
- CLI Templates
- Best Practices for Template Deployment
Module 5: Policy Framework
- Control Policies
- Centralized and Local Control Policies
- Data Policies and Application-Aware Routing
- VPN Membership Policies
- Security Policies
- AppQoE and QoS Policies
- Creating and Deploying Policies
Module 6: Data Plane Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting BFD and Tunnel Issues
- Control Connection Related Problems
- Firewall and NAT Issues
- OMP and Routing Debugging
- cEdge Datapath Debugging
Module 7: Troubleshooting Policies
- Control Policy Failure Scenarios
- Data Policy and App-Route Policy Troubleshooting
- Points of Failure in Centralized Policies
- Policy Deployment Failures on Manager, Controller, WAN Edge
Module 8: Management and Operations
- Customer Deployment Use Cases
- Controller Redundancy and Migration
- Multi-Segment Overlay
- Secure Internet Access with Cisco Secure Access DNS Security
- Cloud OnRamp for SaaS and IaaS
- Operational Best Practices
Module 9: SD-WAN Multi-Tenant
- Multi-Tenant Architecture Overview
- Tenant Provisioning and Isolation
- Certificate Management
Module 10: Splunk Integration for Observability and Security Analytics
- Overview of Splunk Integration
- Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN App and Add-on for Splunk
- Configuring Syslog and NetFlow Inputs
- Building Dashboards for QoS and Security Events
- Best Practices for SOC Visibility
Lab Outline:
- Lab 1: Onboard Catalyst SD-WAN Controller
- Lab 2: Onboard Catalyst SD-WAN Validator
- Lab 3: Onboard WAN Edge (cEdge) Devices
- Lab 4: Explore SD-WAN Manager GUI
- Lab 5: Configure and Deploy Control Plane
- Lab 6: Configure and Deploy Data Plane
- Lab 7: Create and Apply Feature Templates
- Lab 8: Deploy Centralized and Local Policies
- Lab 9: Troubleshoot Control and Data Plane Issues
- Lab 10: Troubleshoot Policy Deployment Failures
- Lab 11: Configure TLOC Extension
- Lab 12: Configure Secure Internet Access with Cisco Secure Access DNS Security
- Lab 13: Automate SD-WAN Operations using REST API and Python
- Lab 14: Implement Cloud OnRamp for SaaS
- Lab 15: Splunk Integration for SD-WAN Logs and Dashboards
Schedule
6 options available
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May 18, 2026 - May 22, 2026 (5 days)
Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 option(s) below Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT- Enroll
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Jun 22, 2026 - Jun 26, 2026 (5 days)
Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 option(s) below Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT- Enroll
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-
Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 21, 2026 (5 days)
Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 option(s) below Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT- Enroll
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Sep 21, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026 (5 days)
Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 option(s) below Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT- Enroll
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Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026 (5 days)
Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 option(s) below Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT- Enroll
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Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 4, 2026 (5 days)
Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT Language English Select from 1 option(s) below Virtual | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT- Enroll
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FAQ
Does the course schedule include a Lunchbreak?
Classes typically include a 1-hour lunch break around midday. However, the exact break times and duration can vary depending on the specific class. Your instructor will provide detailed information at the start of the course.
What languages are used to deliver training?
Most courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. Some courses will have the word "FRENCH" marked in red beside the scheduled date(s) indicating the language of instruction.
What does GTR stand for?
GTR stands for Guaranteed to Run; if you see a course with this status, it means this event is confirmed to run. View our GTR page to see our full list of Guaranteed to Run courses.
How do I find an Ascendient Learning training location?
We have training locations across the United States and Canada - View a complete list of classroom training locations.
Which delivery formats are available?
At Ascendient Learning, we offer training that is Instructor-Led, Online, Virtual, and Self-Paced.
Does Ascendient Learning deliver group training?
Yes, we provide training for groups, individuals and private on sites. View our group training page for more information.
What does vendor-authorized training mean?
As a vendor-authorized training partner, we offer a curriculum that our partners have vetted. We use the same course materials and facilitate the same labs as our vendor-delivered training. These courses are considered the gold standard and, as such, are priced accordingly.
Is the training too basic, or will you go deep into technology?
It depends on your requirements, your role in your company, and your depth of knowledge. The good news about many of our learning paths, you can start from the fundamentals to highly specialized training.
How up-to-date are your courses and support materials?
We continuously work with our vendors to evaluate and refresh course material to reflect the latest training courses and best practices.
Are your instructors seasoned trainers who have deep knowledge of the training topic?
Ascendient Learning instructors have an average of 27 years of practical IT experience and have also served as consultants for an average of 15 years. To stay current, instructors spend at least 25 percent of their time learning new, emerging technologies and courses.
Do you provide hands-on training and exercises in an actual lab environment?
Lab access is dependent on the vendor and the type of training you sign up for. However, many of our top vendors will provide lab access to students to test and practice. The course description will specify lab access.
Will you customize the training for our company’s specific needs and goals?
We will work with you to identify training needs and areas of growth. We offer a variety of training methods, such as private group training, on-site of your choice, and virtually. We provide courses and certifications that are aligned with your business goals.
How do I get started with certification?
Getting started on a certification pathway depends on your goals and the vendor you choose to get certified in. Many vendors offer entry-level IT certification to advanced IT certification that can boost your career. To get access to certification vouchers and discounts, please contact info@ascendientlearning.com.
Will I get access to content after I complete a course?
You will get access to the PDF of course books and guides, but access to the recording and slides will depend on the vendor and type of training you receive.
How do I request a W9 for Ascendient Learning?
View our filing status and how to request a W9.
Reviews
Thorough explanations by the instructor along guide and practical training sim of software.
ExitCertified gave me some good trainings and I got to learn through doing labs.
They were very good. They made sure everyone was able to get into the training and got all of the material needed for class.
Very interactive and in-depth course that really got me ready for the industry
The training was very good to understand the concepts and how to set up things .
