Cisco IWAN on Cisco APIC-EM Configuration Guide, Release 1.3.x

Cisco IWAN Application Overview

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This chapter contains the following sections:

• About the Cisco IWAN Application
• Basic Workflow for Accessing the Cisco IWAN Application
• Deploying Cisco APIC-EM
• Accessing the Cisco IWAN Application
• Cisco IWAN Application Home Page

About the Cisco IWAN Application

The Cisco Intelligent WAN (Cisco IWAN) application runs on the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller - Enterprise Module (Cisco APIC-EM).

Cisco IWAN extends Software Defined Networking (SDN) to the branch sites with an application-centric approach that is based on business policies and application rules. This allows IT, centralized management with distributed enforcement across the network.

Cisco IWAN automates deployments with an intuitive browser-based user interface. A new router can be provisioned faster without any knowledge of the Command Line Interface (CLI). Business priorities are translated into network policies based on Cisco best practices and validated designs. Cisco IWAN reduces the time required for configuring advanced network services such as DMVPN, PKI, AVC, QoS and PfR through the use of automation and simple, predefined workflows.

Cisco IWAN uses an application-centric approach to offer the following benefits:

• Reduced operational costs—Cisco IWAN helps IT deliver an unparalleled user experience over any connection while lowering operational costs.
• Simplified IT operations—Cisco IWAN uses a software-based controller model, automating and centralizing management tasks to ensure faster, more successful deployments.
• Eliminates network complexity—Cisco IWAN leverages Cisco APIC-EM to abstract network devices into one system, eliminating network complexity and providing centralized provisioning of the infrastructure to speed up application and service roll outs.

Basic Workflow for Accessing the Cisco IWAN Application

Deploying Cisco APIC-EM

You access the Cisco IWAN application from the Cisco APIC-EM graphical user interface (GUI). To use Cisco IWAN, you must first deploy Cisco APIC-EM.

You can deploy Cisco APIC-EM on either a server (bare-metal hardware) or within a virtual machine in a VMware vSphere environment. You can also deploy Cisco APIC-EM as either a single host or in a multi-host environment.

For detail instructions about how to deploy Cisco APIC-EM, see the following chapters in the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller Enterprise Module Deployment Guide :

• Deploying Cisco APIC-EM
• Preparing Virtual Machines for Cisco APIC-EM

Accessing the Cisco IWAN Application

You access the Cisco IWAN application from the Cisco APIC-EM GUI.

Procedure

Step 1 From Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, enter the IP address or the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the Cisco APIC-EM.

Step 2 Enter your username and password, and then click Log In.

Step 3 Review and confirm the Telemetry Disclosure, which appears only when you log in for the first time, and then click Confirm. The Cisco APIC-EM GUI appears.

Step 4 From the Cisco APIC-EM GUI left navigation pane, click IWAN. The Cisco IWAN application home page opens. See Cisco IWAN Application Home Page.

Cisco IWAN Application Home Page

If you are a first time user, the Cisco IWAN home page provides an enhanced user experience by allowing you to configure IWAN in a workflow-based model. The wizard steps embedded in the Cisco IWAN application, guide you through the setup and configuration process.

Figure 2-1 Cisco IWAN Application Home Page—New System Initial Login

After you have configured and provisioned Cisco IWAN, the home page provides more information. For example, it displays hub and branch provisioning status, device status, and application status as shown in the following figure.

Figure 2-2 Cisco IWAN Application Home Page—After Provisioning