Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN FAQ

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The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product. Learn more about how Cisco is using Inclusive Language.

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Updated:June 6, 2023

Table of Contents

 

 

Overview

Q.  What is the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN solution?
A.  Cisco and AWS have co-innovated to create a unique, dynamic WAN service that allows building of a global network using automation for intuitive network management and a central policy framework for advanced security. The Cisco and AWS integration allows you to traverse the AWS global backbone to access workloads from anywhere, provide site-to-site communication, and allow interregional workload connectivity. Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN delivers a secure, flexible, and highly available middle mile leveraging the global AWS backbone. The joint networking solution enables simplified management, on-demand deployment, and optimized performance.
Q.  What benefits does the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN solution offer?
A.  Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN provides enterprise customers with simplified management and automated provisioning via the following:

      Secure and resilient cloud access: Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN delivers secure cloud and middle-mile networking with end-to-end encryption over the AWS private backbone and common segmentation applied across global site-to-site, site-to-cloud, and cloud-to-cloud environments.

      Simplified IT: Remove operational complexity and deploy a global network on demand in minutes. The Cisco and AWS joint solution simplifies management and operations with full network stack automation, centralized provisioning, and orchestration via Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager.

      Increased performance and visibility: The integration delivers a high-performance, dynamic SD-WAN fabric along with improved application performance through a guaranteed service-level agreement and consistent uptime of 99.99%* across a global network, with monitoring capabilities for the underlay as well as overlay.

* For multi-availability zone (multi-AZ) deployments – AWS Cloud WAN Service Level Agreement.

Q.  What makes Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN unique?
A.  Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN is unique because the integration is centered around a co-innovated architecture that is designed for higher performance and provides a more comprehensive networking solution than traditional networking. It offers simplified management through automation via a single portal and greater security with native segmentation and unified global policy across SD-WAN and cloud environments.
Q.  Who is the solution designed for?
A.   

      Organizations with deployments across multiple AWS regions who want to establish connectivity from their SD-WAN branches to their global workloads.

      Organizations looking for alternative middle-mile network connectivity options that offer flexible consumption, reliability, and reduced costs compared to traditional options.

      Organizations wanting to leverage the segmentation options, end-to-end security, and private backbone available with AWS Cloud WAN and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN for secure cloud and middle-mile access.

      Organizations looking for a managed solution for their cloud workloads’ connectivity.

      Organizations considering or using both Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and AWS today.

Q.  What are the different use cases for Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN?
A.   

      Site to AWS Cloud: Automate Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN fabric extension to access AWS workloads, keeping the control with enterprise IT.

      Cloud region to cloud region: Leverage segmentation policies to allow AWS workloads in different regions to communicate securely.

      Site to site: Simplify SD-WAN provisioning for regional site aggregation and optimized site-to-site connectivity using AWS’s global cloud network as the middle mile.

Q.  How does AWS Cloud WAN differ from AWS Transit Gateway?
A.  AWS Cloud WAN is a global WAN connectivity solution that is managed as a service by AWS, whereas AWS Transit Gateway (TGW) is a regional construct and could be compared to a DIY service where you can build global networks by peering TGWs with each other and managing routing yourself.
AWS Cloud WAN provides automation using a centralized policy document and dashboard for visibility, while TGW requires management using AWS or third-party automation tools like Cisco SD-WAN.
Q.  When is the solution available?
A.  The solution is available beginning with Cisco IOS ® XE SD-WAN Release 17.12 and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Release 20.12, scheduled for the second half of 2023.

Deployment

Q.  How do I deploy and manage Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN?
A.  This solution can be deployed using the Cisco SD-WAN Cloud OnRamp for Multicloud feature in Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager.
Q.  What are the components of the solution?
A.  You need the following as part of the solution:

1.     Cisco Catalyst 8000V Edge Software license (priced by bandwidth)

2.     AWS Cloud WAN (priced by regions, edge connections, and data usage)

Ordering and licensing

Q.  How is the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN solution ordered?
A.   

1.     The Catalyst 8000V can be ordered through the AWS Marketplace with the Pay-as-You-Go (PAYG) offer or through Cisco Commerce as Bring Your Own License (BYOL).

2.     The AWS Cloud WAN solution will be billed on a PAYG model in your AWS account.

Q.  What licensing options are available?
A.  Cisco DNA Advantage license is required. Learn more about Cisco DNA Software for SD-WAN and Routing here.

Resources

Q.  Where can I find more information about the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN solution?
A.   

      Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN AAG

      Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN demo video

      Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN webinar

      Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with AWS Cloud WAN podcast

      Cisco SD-WAN Cloud OnRamp

 

 

 

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