Implementation & Deployment¶

This chapter provides step-by-step implementation procedures for deploying Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, including controller deployment, WAN edge onboarding, device templates, configuration groups, and comprehensive testing validation.

Chapter Overview¶

The implementation phase transforms architectural designs into a functioning SD-WAN fabric. This chapter delivers detailed deployment procedures for:

SD-WAN controllers (vManage, vSmart, vBond)
WAN edge onboarding using Zero Touch Provisioning
Device templates and configuration groups
Hub and branch site deployment
Integration with Catalyst Center and SD-Access
Testing, validation, and cutover procedures

Sections in This Chapter¶

5.1 Deployment Strategy Overview - Phased deployment approach
5.2 Pre-Deployment Checklist - Readiness verification
5.3 SD-WAN Manager Deployment - vManage cluster setup
5.4 SD-WAN Controller Deployment - vSmart configuration
5.5 SD-WAN Validator Configuration - vBond orchestration
5.6 Certificate Management - PKI and certificate workflows
5.7 WAN Edge Onboarding (ZTP) - Zero Touch Provisioning
5.8 Device Templates - CLI and feature templates
5.9 Configuration Groups & Profiles - Configuration management
5.10 Hub Site Deployment - Data center WAN edge deployment
5.11 Branch Site Deployment - Branch office deployment
5.12 SD-Access Handoff Configuration - Fabric integration
5.13 Catalyst Center Integration - Unified management setup
5.14 Testing & Validation - Comprehensive test procedures
5.15 Go-Live Cutover Runbook - Production cutover procedures
5.16 Rollback Procedures - Fallback and recovery procedures
5.17 Multi-Vendor Integration - Third-party device integration
5.18 Fabric Handoff Implementation - SD-Access integration details
5.19 Detailed Test Cases - Test case library
5.20 Lab Validation Checklist - Pre-production validation

Deployment Phases¶

Phase 1: Controller infrastructure (vManage, vSmart, vBond)
Phase 2: Lab validation and pilot sites
Phase 3: Branch site rollout
Phase 4: Hub site deployment
Phase 5: Production cutover and optimization

Part of: Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Implementation Guide | Previous: ← Policies | Next: Operations →