This guide covers hardware & VMware prerequisites, setting up EVE-NG, and installing Cisco SD-WAN components (vManage, vBond, vSmart, vEdge).
1. Prerequisites
Hardware Requirements
- CPU: 8+ cores (Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI enabled)
- RAM: 16GB+ (32GB+ recommended for large labs)
- Storage: 100GB+ SSD (for performance)
- Network: Bridged networking for external access
VMware Workstation Requirements
- VMware Workstation Pro (Recommended) or Player
- Nested Virtualization enabled (for running EVE-NG inside VMware)
- EVE-NG Installed (ISO or OVA method)
- EVE-NG Network Adapter set to Bridged
2. EVE-NG Setup on VMware
If you haven’t installed EVE-NG yet, follow this guide:
📌 How to Install EVE-NG on VMware Workstation
Once EVE-NG is running, find its IP address using:
bashCopyEditip a
Access EVE-NG via browser:
cppCopyEdithttp://<EVE-NG-IP>/
3. Download Cisco SD-WAN Images
You need to get the Cisco SD-WAN images for EVE-NG.
These images are available on Cisco’s official website (Cisco Software Downloads).
🔹 Required Images for Cisco SD-WAN Deployment:
vManage(Orchestrator)vBond(Authentication Controller)vSmart(Control Plane)vEdge(Data Plane)
🚨 Make sure you download KVM/QEMU-compatible images (not ESXi/OVA).
4. Upload & Configure SD-WAN Images in EVE-NG
- Connect to EVE-NG via SSH:bashCopyEdit
ssh root@<EVE-NG-IP> - Navigate to QEMU Directory:bashCopyEdit
cd /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/ - Create Folders for Each Image:bashCopyEdit
mkdir -p viptela-vmanage-<version> mkdir -p viptela-vbond-<version> mkdir -p viptela-vsmart-<version> mkdir -p viptela-edge-<version> - Upload Images (via WinSCP or SCP Command)
- Use WinSCP to upload images into the respective folders.
- Alternatively, use SCP from another system:bashCopyEdit
scp <local-path-to-image>.qcow2 root@<EVE-NG-IP>:/opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/viptela-vmanage/
- Rename Image to “hda.qcow2”bashCopyEdit
mv <original-image-name>.qcow2 hda.qcow2 - Fix PermissionsbashCopyEdit
/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions
5. Deploy Cisco SD-WAN Nodes in EVE-NG
Step 1: Create a New Lab
- Open EVE-NG Web GUI → New Lab
- Name the lab (e.g.,
SD-WAN-Lab)
Step 2: Add Cisco SD-WAN Devices
- Click “Add a Node”
- Choose vManage, vBond, vSmart, and vEdge
- Assign at least:
- vManage: 8GB RAM, 4 vCPUs
- vBond: 4GB RAM, 2 vCPUs
- vSmart: 4GB RAM, 2 vCPUs
- vEdge: 2GB RAM, 1 vCPU
- Save and Start the Nodes
6. Initial Configuration of SD-WAN Components
Once the devices boot up, access them via console (telnet in EVE-NG).
vManage Setup
- Login with default credentials:pgsqlCopyEdit
Username: admin Password: admin - Assign Basic Configurations:bashCopyEdit
config terminal system host-name vManage system-ip 1.1.1.1 site-id 100 organization-name "YourOrg" exit commit
vBond Setup
- Set hostname, system IP, and site ID:bashCopyEdit
config terminal system host-name vBond system-ip 2.2.2.2 site-id 200 organization-name "YourOrg" exit commit
vSmart Setup
- Configure hostname, system IP, and site ID:bashCopyEdit
config terminal system host-name vSmart system-ip 3.3.3.3 site-id 300 organization-name "YourOrg" exit commit
vEdge Setup
- Configure hostname, system IP, and site ID:bashCopyEdit
config terminal system host-name vEdge system-ip 4.4.4.4 site-id 400 organization-name "YourOrg" exit commit
7. Establish Control Connections
- Ensure vManage, vBond, and vSmart can communicate.
- Check connectivity using:bashCopyEdit
show control connections - Verify tunnel status:bashCopyEdit
show ip route
8. Web Access & Final Configuration
- Open a browser and go to:cppCopyEdit
https://<vManage-IP>:8443 - Login with:
- Username: admin
- Password: admin
- Complete initial setup via the GUI.
9. Troubleshooting & Tips
Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Nodes not starting | Increase RAM & CPU in EVE-NG VM settings |
| No network connectivity | Use Bridged Adapter in VMware & ensure correct IP settings |
| Can’t access vManage Web GUI | Check HTTPS port (8443) & restart vManage |
| Control connections not forming | Verify IP configs & firewall rules |
10. Conclusion
You’ve successfully installed Cisco SD-WAN on EVE-NG within VMware! 🎉
🔹 Next Steps:
- Integrate real WAN/LAN connections.
- Add vEdge Cloud or physical cEdge routers.
- Test policy-based routing and QoS.

Leave a comment