Overview

This chapter contains the following sections:

About the Cisco IWAN Application

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

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

Cisco IWAN automates deployments with an intuitive browser-based user interface. A new router can be provisioned faster, without requiring the use of router CLI commands.

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.

The application-centric approach offers 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.
  • Reduced 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 rollouts.

Tutorial Videos

Several tutorial videos are available, describing use of the IWAN app.

 

Table 2-1 Tutorial Videos

Tutorial
Description

Deployment Considerations

Issues to review before using the IWAN app, including firewall policy, NAT, controller placement, and so on.

Installation Overview

Installing the APIC-EM controller and IWAN app.

Provisioning the Hub/Transit Sites

Provisioning primary hub and transit hub sites.

Application Policy

Configuring application policies.

Provisioning a Brownfield Branch

Provisioning a brownfield (with pre-existing configurations) branch device.

Workflow for Accessing the Cisco IWAN Application

 

Table 2-2 Basic Workflow for Accessing Cisco IWAN

No.
Action
Reference

1

Deploy Cisco APIC-EM.

Deploying Cisco APIC-EM

2

Install the latest version of the IWAN application.

Installing or Upgrading the Cisco IWAN Application

3

Log into Cisco APIC-EM to access the Cisco IWAN application.

Accessing the Cisco IWAN Application

4

Use the Cisco IWAN application tools.

Accessing the Cisco IWAN Application

Access the Cisco IWAN application from the Cisco APIC-EM GUI.

Procedure


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

Step 2blank.gif Enter a username and password, and then click Log In.

Step 3blank.gif (When logging in for the first time) Review and confirm the Telemetry Disclosure, and then click Confirm. The Cisco APIC-EM GUI appears.

Step 4blank.gif 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

The IWAN App home page shows configuration and monitoring options.

Before Provisioning

At initial setup, the only active configuration option is Configure Hub Site & Settings. The IWAN App provides a step-by-step workflow to guide you through the setup and configuration process.

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

 

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After Provisioning

After you have configured and provisioned Cisco IWAN, the home page provides more information and options. 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 App Home Page—After Provisioning

 

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Task Area
Function
Reference

Configure Hub Site & Settings

Configure and setup the hub site.

Managing Hub Sites

Manage Branch Sites

Add and provision branch sites and view site status information.

Managing Branch Sites

Administer Application Policy

Categorize and define application policies based on the application bandwidth.

Administering Application Policies

Monitor & Troubleshoot

Monitor and troubleshoot sites.

Monitoring and Troubleshooting Sites

Application Dashboard

At-a-glance information about:

  • Application Categories
  • Application Policy Groups
  • Application Path Preference

Provisioning Dashboard

Site provisioning status.

Site Dashboard

At-a-glance information about:

  • Newly Discovered Devices
  • Hub Site Status
  • Branch Site Status
  • Scheduled Jobs