The Lazy Networker

Cisco SD-WAN uses device and feature templates to manage configurations efficiently across multiple devices. Here’s a breakdown of how these templates work:

• Device Templates: These are specific to a device model, such as vEdge routers, and are used to configure the complete operational setup of a device. A device template consists of one or more feature templates. Device templates can be customized for different locations or roles within a network.
• Feature Templates: These templates define configurations for specific software features on Cisco SD-WAN devices. They can be applied across multiple device types and are used to configure parameters like system settings, interfaces, routing protocols, and security settings. Feature templates can be mandatory or optional, and some have default configurations that can be overridden.
• Parameter Scope: Parameters in feature templates can have different scopes:
  • Device Specific: Values are unique to each device and are entered when attaching a device template to a specific device. Examples include system IP address, hostname, and GPS location.
  • Global: Values apply to all devices using the template, such as DNS server settings or interface MTUs.
• CSV Files: Device-specific settings can be managed using CSV files. Each row in the CSV file corresponds to a device, with columns for parameters like device ID, IP address, and hostname. These files are uploaded when attaching a device template to a device.
• Template Creation: Templates can be created from feature templates or via the CLI. Mandatory feature templates and some optional ones have default configurations. Custom templates can be created to tailor configurations to specific needs.
• Configuration Management: Templates help in managing configurations across multiple devices, reducing human error and scaling issues. They support features like zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) and automatic rollback, ensuring efficient and error-free deployment.

These templates streamline the configuration process, making it easier to manage and scale Cisco SD-WAN networks.