Item: Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I am using SDA in part of my Campus infrastructure. It supposed to be easier to administrate , fewer manpower, it turns out the the solution need a dedicated team to deal with all the bugs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Automation for daily activities (DNA)
Telemetry (DNA)

Cons

NOT Micro segmentation for Broadcast and multicast
NOT Supporting Multicast over SD transit
NOT Supporting silent host
Demanding advantage license

Integrations with other Cisco products

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

It helps with 802.1X

Support Rating

I get different answers from the CX, whole bunch of TAX cases. Unclear roadmap

Other Software Used

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Cisco Prime LAN Management Solution

I dont see the point to use VXLAN in a campus environment that dont have the need of stretched L2 environment (fully aware about VXLAN header and SGTs ) LISP and BGP Crave a advantage licenses (extremely expansive )

Using Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)

Users and Roles

16 - The total number of end users using a SDA network is about 2500.

Support Headcount Required

7 - Network operation team , campus network experience (routing, switching , ISE)

Business Processes Supported

ZTP
Segmentation
standardized configuration

Innovative Uses

SGT/Segmentation
Assurance and troubleshooting

Likelihood to Renew

Evaluating Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) and Competitors

Products Replaced

Yes - A traditional Layer 2 (L2) campus network based on HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) networking equipment follows a hierarchical design consisting of Access, Distribution, and Core layers.

Key Differentiators

Ease of Use
Other

Automation , ease to use , elimination of L2 and spanning tree

Evaluation Lessons Learned

To implement an eBGP-VXLAN EVPN network using Cisco hardware, with an automation framework powered by Ansible

Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) Implementation

Implementation Rating

At the beginning, we had to open a TAC case for every single step during the implementation phase.

Implementation Details / Implementation Partner

Implemented in-house
Third-party professional services

Cisco CX

Implementation Phases

Yes

Change Management Lessons

Change management was a big part of the implementation and was well-handled

Implementation Issues

Complexity
License related questions

Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) Training

Training Types Used

Online Training
In-Person Training

In-Person Training

Online Training

I rated the training an 8 because overall, it was well-structured, and the instructor was highly knowledgeable on the subject matter. The content was relevant, and I appreciated the clear explanations of complex topics. However, I felt that some sections were covered too quickly, making it difficult to fully absorb the information before moving on. Additionally, I would have liked more time dedicated to Q&A, as there were moments when I had questions but didn’t get the opportunity to ask them due to time constraints. Adding more interactive discussions or hands-on exercises could further enhance the learning experience and make it even more engaging

Configuring Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)

Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) Support

Cisco SD-Access Customer Support Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem	Poor followup Less knowledgeable Support doesn't seem to care Slow Initial Response

Using Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)

Usability

It is difficult to start using the product due to its unfamiliar name and acronyms. ,The task should be accomplished in a specific order to ensure success

Usability Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
None	Unnecessarily complex Difficult to use Requires technical support Inconsistent Slow to learn Cumbersome Feel nervous using Lots to learn

Pros

Cons

Do you think Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) delivers good value for the price?

Are you happy with Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)'s feature set?

Did Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) live up to sales and marketing promises?

Did implementation of Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) go as expected?

Would you buy Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) again?

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