The Lazy Networker

Tag: eve

  • How to Install Cisco SD-WAN on EVE-NG

    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

    1. Connect to EVE-NG via SSH:bashCopyEditssh root@<EVE-NG-IP>
    2. Navigate to QEMU Directory:bashCopyEditcd /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/
    3. Create Folders for Each Image:bashCopyEditmkdir -p viptela-vmanage-<version> mkdir -p viptela-vbond-<version> mkdir -p viptela-vsmart-<version> mkdir -p viptela-edge-<version>
    4. Upload Images (via WinSCP or SCP Command)
      • Use WinSCP to upload images into the respective folders.
      • Alternatively, use SCP from another system:bashCopyEditscp <local-path-to-image>.qcow2 root@<EVE-NG-IP>:/opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/viptela-vmanage/
    5. Rename Image to “hda.qcow2”bashCopyEditmv <original-image-name>.qcow2 hda.qcow2
    6. Fix PermissionsbashCopyEdit/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions

    5. Deploy Cisco SD-WAN Nodes in EVE-NG

    Step 1: Create a New Lab

    1. Open EVE-NG Web GUI → New Lab
    2. Name the lab (e.g., SD-WAN-Lab)

    Step 2: Add Cisco SD-WAN Devices

    1. Click “Add a Node”
    2. Choose vManage, vBond, vSmart, and vEdge
    3. Assign at least:
      • vManage: 8GB RAM, 4 vCPUs
      • vBond: 4GB RAM, 2 vCPUs
      • vSmart: 4GB RAM, 2 vCPUs
      • vEdge: 2GB RAM, 1 vCPU
    4. 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

    1. Login with default credentials:pgsqlCopyEditUsername: admin Password: admin
    2. Assign Basic Configurations:bashCopyEditconfig terminal system host-name vManage system-ip 1.1.1.1 site-id 100 organization-name "YourOrg" exit commit

    vBond Setup

    1. Set hostname, system IP, and site ID:bashCopyEditconfig terminal system host-name vBond system-ip 2.2.2.2 site-id 200 organization-name "YourOrg" exit commit

    vSmart Setup

    1. Configure hostname, system IP, and site ID:bashCopyEditconfig terminal system host-name vSmart system-ip 3.3.3.3 site-id 300 organization-name "YourOrg" exit commit

    vEdge Setup

    1. Configure hostname, system IP, and site ID:bashCopyEditconfig terminal system host-name vEdge system-ip 4.4.4.4 site-id 400 organization-name "YourOrg" exit commit

    7. Establish Control Connections

    1. Ensure vManage, vBond, and vSmart can communicate.
    2. Check connectivity using:bashCopyEditshow control connections
    3. Verify tunnel status:bashCopyEditshow ip route

    8. Web Access & Final Configuration

    1. Open a browser and go to:cppCopyEdithttps://<vManage-IP>:8443
    2. Login with:
      • Username: admin
      • Password: admin
    3. Complete initial setup via the GUI.

    9. Troubleshooting & Tips

    Common Issues & Fixes

    IssueSolution
    Nodes not startingIncrease RAM & CPU in EVE-NG VM settings
    No network connectivityUse Bridged Adapter in VMware & ensure correct IP settings
    Can’t access vManage Web GUICheck HTTPS port (8443) & restart vManage
    Control connections not formingVerify 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.