Device templates are a key component of Cisco SD-WAN deployments, providing a centralized way to manage configurations for multiple devices. Instead of configuring each device individually, administrators can define a standard template that includes all necessary parameters, ensuring consistency across the network. For vSmart controllers, which serve as the policy and control plane elements in SD-WAN, using device templates helps maintain a stable and uniform configuration environment.
The vSmart controller is responsible for managing the exchange of routing information and enforcing network-wide policies. Because of this role, it is critical that its configuration is precise and consistent. Manual configuration for each vSmart can be time-consuming and prone to errors, particularly in large-scale deployments. Device templates address these challenges by allowing network engineers to prepare a predefined set of configuration elements and apply them across one or more devices at once.
Benefits of Using Device Templates for vSmart
Centralizing configuration through templates offers several benefits. The most obvious is improved efficiency. By defining configurations once and applying them to many devices, the time spent on repetitive tasks is greatly reduced. This also improves accuracy since the same configuration elements are reused, minimizing the risk of inconsistencies.
Another benefit is improved scalability. As networks grow, new vSmart controllers can be onboarded quickly by attaching them to an existing device template. This eliminates the need to start configurations from scratch and ensures that new devices immediately comply with organizational standards.
Templates also simplify management when changes are required. Instead of updating each vSmart individually, an administrator can make the necessary adjustments in the template and push the changes to all associated devices in one step. This makes the network more responsive to operational changes and reduces the risk of configuration drift.
Understanding Feature Templates and Device Templates
In the Cisco SD-WAN architecture, there is a distinction between feature templates and device templates. Feature templates control specific configuration aspects such as system settings, VPN parameters, and interface configurations. Each feature template is modular and reusable, meaning it can be applied across multiple device templates.
A device template is essentially a collection of these feature templates. It serves as the master configuration file for a device or group of devices. When creating a device template, an engineer selects which feature templates will be included for system configuration, VPN setup, interfaces, and routing protocols. Some parameters in these templates can be fixed, while others are marked as variables that must be specified when attaching a device.
For vSmart, a typical device template will include a system template defining identifiers, a VPN 0 template for transport connectivity, a VPN 512 template for management connectivity, and any routing protocol templates such as OSPF if dynamic routing is required.
Planning for a vSmart Device Template Deployment
Before deploying a template to vSmart, some preparation is necessary. First, ensure that the SD-WAN fabric is fully operational. The vManage, vSmart, and vBond controllers must be online, and their control connections should be established. Device certificates should be valid to allow secure communication.
The vSmart device intended for configuration must be visible in vManage’s device list. If it is not, onboarding must be completed first. This includes assigning it a chassis number and token to establish trust in the SD-WAN fabric.
Address planning is also important. The transport network for VPN 0 and the management network for VPN 512 must have clearly defined IP addressing schemes. For each vSmart, this includes determining the interface IP addresses, system IP, site ID, and any relevant routing protocol configurations.
Decisions about feature templates should be made at this stage as well. For example, you will need to decide on the VPN interface templates, the system template parameters, and whether to include OSPF or other dynamic routing protocols.
Overview of the Lab Scenario
The goal of this lab exercise is to configure OSPF on VPN 0 for vSmart devices using a device template. This involves creating a template named vSmart-TEMP with a description for documentation purposes. Within this template, the basic system parameters will be defined through a system feature template. The transport VPN 0 and management VPN 512 will each be configured along with their associated Ethernet interfaces.
Once the template is built, it will be attached to a vSmart device. During this attachment, variable parameters such as hostname, system IP, site ID, and interface IP addresses will be specified. The configuration will then be pushed to the device, and its status will be verified.
Role of OSPF in VPN 0
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a dynamic routing protocol often used in VPN 0 to facilitate routing between WAN edge devices and controllers. By configuring OSPF in the vSmart device template, you ensure that every vSmart attached to the template will have consistent OSPF settings without manual intervention.
This approach simplifies network expansion since new vSmart controllers automatically adopt the same routing parameters. It also helps maintain routing stability by ensuring that all controllers are advertising and learning routes in a uniform manner.
Step-by-Step Preparation Process
The first step is to log into vManage and verify the presence of the target vSmart device. Confirm that it appears under the list of devices and that its status indicates it is reachable. If necessary, update the software version to match the templates you plan to deploy, as mismatched versions can cause compatibility issues.
Next, prepare the list of parameters for the template. These will include:
- Template name and description
- Basic system settings including device type
- VPN 0 settings for transport, including the interface and OSPF configuration
- VPN 512 settings for management, including its interface
- Variable parameters such as interface IP addresses, hostname, system IP, and site ID
Decide which of these should be fixed and which should be variable. In many cases, values like IP addresses and hostnames are unique per device and should be marked as variables, while routing parameters and interface descriptions can be fixed.
Defining Feature Templates
Feature templates are the building blocks of the device template. In this scenario, you will create the following:
System feature template: This will define the device type as vSmart and specify the hostname, system IP, and site ID as variables. This allows each device to have its own identifiers while still using the same template.
VPN 0 feature template: This will contain the configuration for the transport VPN. It will reference a VPN interface template for the physical interface connected to the WAN. OSPF settings will be included here to ensure dynamic routing in the transport network.
VPN 512 feature template: This will contain the configuration for the management VPN. It will reference a VPN interface template for the management Ethernet port.
Interface feature templates: These will define the physical parameters of each interface, such as IP address, description, and status. IP addresses will be marked as variables to accommodate different devices.
Building the Device Template
With the feature templates prepared, the next step is to create the device template. In vManage, navigate to the templates section and choose to create a new template from feature templates. Provide the template name and description, then add the relevant feature templates for system settings, VPN 0, VPN 512, and their respective interfaces.
Ensure that all variable fields are properly identified. This is critical to avoid conflicts when applying the template to multiple devices. For example, if the interface IP for VPN 0 is not marked as a variable, the same IP could be assigned to multiple vSmart controllers, causing routing conflicts. Once all feature templates have been added and variables defined, save the device template. At this stage, the template is ready for attachment to a vSmart device.
Avoiding Deployment Errors
Common issues in deploying vSmart device templates include incorrect interface assignments, mismatched VPN IDs, and unmarked variable fields. Another frequent error is forgetting to apply the OSPF configuration to the correct interface in VPN 0, which can lead to missing routes in the control plane.
To prevent these problems, double-check the mappings between feature templates and the device template. Verify that the interface names in the templates match the physical interfaces on the vSmart device. Also, confirm that all required routing protocols are enabled and configured with the correct parameters.
Verifying Template Readiness
Before attaching a vSmart to the new device template, review each feature template to ensure accuracy. Pay close attention to the OSPF configuration in VPN 0 and the interface details in VPN 512. Make sure that all variable parameters are clearly labeled, as these will need to be entered during device attachment.
It is also a good idea to keep a backup of any existing configuration before applying a new template. This allows for quick rollback if unexpected issues arise.
Starting the Template Creation Process in vManage
With the preparation complete, the next phase involves creating the device template for vSmart within vManage. This process begins by accessing the templates section of the vManage dashboard. From here, the option to create a new device template is selected, which will allow the integration of previously planned feature templates.
In vManage, the navigation path to start this process is Configuration > Templates > Device. Once on the Device Templates page, select the option to create a new template. You will be prompted to choose between creating a template from scratch or using existing feature templates. In this lab, the approach is to create the device template from feature templates, enabling the reuse of modular configuration components.
Defining the Template Name and Description
When the creation window appears, the first step is to provide a name and description for the device template. In this case, the name entered is vSmart-TEMP, and the description is vSmart-TEMP-Description. These identifiers help distinguish this template from others in the environment and provide a quick reference for its intended purpose.
Using clear and descriptive names for templates is good practice, especially in environments where multiple administrators are involved. This prevents confusion when selecting templates during deployment or troubleshooting.
Adding the System Feature Template
The system feature template is the foundation of the vSmart device template. It defines essential parameters such as hostname, system IP, site ID, and the device type. When adding this feature template to the device template, select vSmart-System from the available options. Within this system template, ensure that certain parameters are marked as variables. These include the hostname, system IP, and site ID, allowing them to be specified individually for each vSmart device during attachment.
The system IP serves as the unique identifier for each vSmart controller within the SD-WAN fabric, so it must be unique across all devices. Similarly, the site ID ensures that the controller is correctly associated with its physical location or network segment.
Configuring Transport VPN 0
The next step is to add the transport VPN, which is designated as VPN 0. In the device template configuration, locate the section for Transport & Management VPNs. From here, add the VPN 0 feature template, named vSmart-VPN-VPN0 in this lab example. This VPN will handle communication between the vSmart controller and the WAN edge devices.
Within the VPN 0 configuration, attach a VPN interface template. In this case, the interface template is named vSmart-VPNINT-VPN0-E1, indicating that it applies to Ethernet1. The interface template should define parameters such as interface name, IP address, description, and administrative status. The IP address field should be marked as a variable to allow each device to have a unique transport address.
Configuring OSPF in VPN 0
Since the lab objective includes enabling OSPF for VPN 0, the VPN 0 feature template will also include the OSPF configuration. Inside the OSPF settings, specify the process ID, area ID, and network statements. The process ID can remain consistent across devices, but network statements will depend on the IP address assigned to the interface.
The OSPF configuration must be associated with the correct interface in VPN 0. Assign the interface to the desired OSPF area, typically area 0 for backbone routing in most SD-WAN topologies. The hello and dead intervals can be left at their default values unless specific tuning is required for the environment.
Configuring Management VPN 512
The management VPN, designated as VPN 512, is added next. This VPN allows the vSmart controller to communicate with vManage and other controllers for management purposes. In the device template, add the VPN 512 feature template, named vSmart-VPN-VPN512.
Just like VPN 0, VPN 512 requires an associated interface template. The template vSmart-VPNINT-VPN512-E0 is used here, representing Ethernet0. Within this interface template, parameters such as the IP address, description, and administrative status are defined. The IP address is again set as a variable to ensure that each vSmart can have its own management IP.
Verifying the Template Structure
Before saving the template, review the structure to confirm that all necessary feature templates are included. The device template should now contain:
- The vSmart-System template for basic device information
- The vSmart-VPN-VPN0 template with its Ethernet1 interface and OSPF configuration
- The vSmart-VPN-VPN512 template with its Ethernet0 interface
Check that all variable fields are correctly marked. Missing variables will result in the same values being pushed to all devices, potentially causing conflicts.
Saving the Device Template
Once the template is verified, click the Create button to save it. The new device template, named vSmart-TEMP, will now appear in the list of available templates in vManage. At this stage, the template exists but is not yet associated with any devices.
It is important to note that creating the device template does not immediately change the configuration on any vSmart controller. The template must first be attached to a device, and the configuration changes must be pushed from vManage.
Initiating the Device Attachment Process
Attaching a device to the new template begins by locating the vSmart-TEMP template in the list. Click on the three-dot menu to the right of the template name and select Attach Devices. A panel will appear showing a list of devices eligible for attachment.
From the available devices, select the desired vSmart controller. Click the arrow button to move it into the selected devices list. This indicates that the device will be linked to the chosen template.
Specifying Variable Parameters
After selecting the device, the next step is to provide values for the variable parameters defined earlier. These include:
- Interface IP for Ethernet1 in VPN 0: 200.1.1.3/24
- Interface IP for Ethernet0 in VPN 512: 192.168.10.3/24
- Hostname: vSmart
- System IP: 200.1.1.13
- Site ID: 1
These values must be accurate, as they determine the device’s identity and its ability to communicate within the SD-WAN fabric.
Updating and Validating the Configuration
With all variables entered, click the Update button to save them. The system will then present an overview of the device template and the specific values that will be pushed to the selected vSmart device. This review step is essential to confirm that all parameters are correct before proceeding.
From here, click Next to move to the final validation stage. The configuration for the vSmart device is displayed, showing the applied VPN settings, interface configurations, and OSPF parameters. This view allows for a last-minute check to ensure nothing has been overlooked.
Pushing the Configuration to vSmart
Once the configuration has been reviewed, click the Configure Devices button to push the template to the vSmart controller. This action triggers vManage to send the complete configuration to the device over the management channel.
During the push process, vManage will display the status of the configuration deployment. A green success indicator will appear if the configuration is applied without errors. If issues are detected, error messages will be shown, and corrections will need to be made before reattempting the push.
Importance of the Status Verification
Verifying the status after deployment ensures that the vSmart controller is now running with the intended configuration. The green status icon signifies that all template components were applied successfully. If the status shows partial success or failure, it indicates that some elements may not have been applied, and further investigation is required.
In a real-world environment, status verification is critical for operational assurance. It confirms that the vSmart controller is correctly configured to communicate with the SD-WAN fabric and to participate in OSPF routing within VPN 0.
Troubleshooting Deployment Issues
In cases where the template fails to apply, common causes include incorrect interface names, mismatched VPN IDs, missing variables, or IP address conflicts. Reviewing the error log in vManage can provide specific clues about what went wrong.
If the issue relates to interface configuration, confirm that the names used in the VPN interface templates match those on the actual vSmart hardware. For OSPF-related errors, ensure that the network statements match the assigned IP addresses and that the interface is correctly associated with the OSPF process. If necessary, make adjustments to the feature templates or the variable parameters and re-push the configuration.
Best Practices for Template Deployment
When deploying templates in a production network, it is advisable to test the configuration in a lab environment first. This allows for verification of the settings without impacting live services. Additionally, maintaining a standard naming convention for templates and feature templates makes it easier to identify their purpose and reduces the risk of applying the wrong template to a device.
Another good practice is to maintain documentation for each template, including a list of variables and their expected values. This assists other administrators in understanding how the template works and what needs to be entered during attachment.
Configuring Advanced Parameters in vSmart Templates
Once the foundational setup of vSmart templates is complete, advanced configurations can be introduced to enhance performance, optimize routing, and ensure robust network security. These parameters often involve fine-tuning OSPF settings, defining interface behaviors, and establishing redundant paths to prevent outages. By extending the capabilities of the initial template, administrators can leverage the SD-WAN controller’s power to enforce consistent, policy-driven behavior across all vSmart nodes.
In the advanced section of the template, interface-specific options such as MTU size, bandwidth allocation, and administrative states are configured. Adjusting the MTU size to match the underlying transport network ensures that packets are transmitted without fragmentation. Similarly, bandwidth settings can be aligned with actual WAN capacity, allowing the centralized controller to distribute traffic more efficiently. Administrative states, which define whether an interface should be active or shut down, can also be templated to align with site readiness or maintenance schedules.
Fine-Tuning OSPF Settings for VPN 0
Optimizing OSPF in VPN 0 for vSmart involves adjusting network timers, area assignments, and interface network types. These adjustments improve convergence times and enhance routing stability across the WAN. The hello and dead intervals, which determine how frequently OSPF neighbors communicate and how quickly they detect failures, can be customized based on the reliability of the underlying links. Lower intervals may be suitable for high-speed, low-latency connections, while higher values may be preferable for less stable transport.
Another key parameter is the OSPF reference bandwidth, which impacts how the protocol calculates the cost for each link. By setting this to a realistic value based on the fastest link in the network, the routing decision process becomes more reflective of actual network performance. Interface network types, such as broadcast, point-to-point, or non-broadcast multi-access (NBMA), can be explicitly defined to match the topology and reduce unnecessary OSPF traffic.
Enhancing VPN 512 Management Plane Configurations
VPN 512 serves as the dedicated management network in Cisco SD-WAN deployments. Fine-tuning this VPN within the vSmart template is crucial for maintaining secure and uninterrupted access to the orchestration and management plane. Within the template, administrators can specify dedicated static routes for management access, ensuring that out-of-band control remains available even during WAN disruptions.
Access control lists (ACLs) can be integrated directly into the VPN 512 configuration to restrict management traffic to known, trusted sources. This prevents unauthorized devices from attempting to connect to the SD-WAN control plane. DNS settings, NTP servers, and syslog destinations can also be preconfigured in the template, standardizing time synchronization and logging across all vSmart instances.
Applying Feature Templates Across Multiple vSmart Instances
The real strength of device templates in Cisco SD-WAN lies in their ability to be applied across multiple devices with minimal adjustments. By defining key parameters as variables, the same template can serve many vSmart instances across different locations. This eliminates the need to create separate templates for each device and ensures that updates or changes are uniformly applied.
When attaching additional vSmart devices to an existing template, the variable values—such as interface IP addresses, hostnames, system IPs, and site IDs—are populated according to each device’s role in the network. Once these values are entered, the configuration push process ensures that all devices are synchronized with the latest operational settings. This consistency plays a significant role in maintaining predictable network behavior.
Monitoring Template Deployment and Status
After applying a template to a vSmart device, monitoring its deployment status is critical to ensuring that configurations have been successfully pushed. The management dashboard displays deployment progress and highlights any configuration errors. If an error occurs, the system provides detailed feedback indicating which part of the configuration failed, enabling quick troubleshooting.
Successful deployment is indicated by a green status icon next to the device name. Administrators can also verify operational status by examining real-time interface statistics, routing tables, and OSPF neighbor relationships directly from the centralized interface. Continuous monitoring ensures that any deviation from the intended configuration is detected and addressed promptly.
Integrating Policy Templates with vSmart Device Templates
Beyond the core system and interface configurations, vSmart templates can integrate with centralized policy templates to manage traffic flows across the SD-WAN fabric. These policies define how data packets are handled, routed, or prioritized, based on parameters such as application type, source, and destination.
By linking a centralized policy to a vSmart device template, administrators ensure that all devices applying that template will also enforce the associated policy rules. This centralized approach simplifies large-scale policy deployment and reduces the risk of inconsistent configurations between devices. Policies can include security filtering, application-aware routing, and quality of service (QoS) profiles, enhancing the overall performance and security posture of the network.
Best Practices for Version Control and Template Management
Effective template management involves maintaining version control to track changes and rollback if necessary. In Cisco SD-WAN, templates can be cloned to create new versions before making changes. This approach preserves the previous configuration as a backup and allows administrators to test new settings without risking production stability.
It is recommended to document every change, including the rationale and expected outcome, in a change log. This record not only supports internal troubleshooting but also helps with compliance requirements in regulated industries. Periodic reviews of templates ensure that they remain aligned with the organization’s operational and security standards.
Troubleshooting Template Application Issues
When deploying or updating a vSmart template, occasional issues may arise due to variable mismatches, unsupported parameters, or conflicting configurations. Troubleshooting begins by reviewing the error messages provided during the deployment process. These messages often indicate the specific field or section causing the problem.
Common problems include incorrect IP addressing, mismatched OSPF area configurations, and unsupported interface settings. In some cases, the issue may be caused by an outdated software version on the vSmart device, requiring a firmware upgrade before applying the template. System logs and real-time debug outputs can provide additional insights during troubleshooting.
Scaling Template Deployment in Large Environments
As SD-WAN deployments grow, the number of vSmart devices under management increases. Scaling template deployment requires careful planning to minimize downtime and avoid overwhelming the control plane. One strategy is to apply templates in a phased manner, starting with non-critical devices before rolling out to the entire network.
Automation tools can assist in this process, enabling administrators to schedule template pushes during maintenance windows or low-traffic periods. Bulk editing features in the management interface allow for simultaneous variable updates across multiple devices, streamlining large-scale configuration changes.
Leveraging Templates for Disaster Recovery
Device templates play an essential role in disaster recovery planning. In the event of a hardware failure or site outage, a replacement vSmart device can be quickly brought online by applying the preconfigured template and entering the necessary variables. This dramatically reduces recovery times compared to manually reconfiguring the device from scratch.
By storing templates in an offsite repository, organizations ensure that critical configurations are preserved even in the event of a data center outage. Regularly testing the disaster recovery process ensures that templates remain current and effective under real-world conditions.
Synchronizing Templates with Network Changes
In dynamic network environments, changes in topology, IP addressing, or application requirements may necessitate updates to vSmart templates. Synchronizing these updates with live devices requires coordination to prevent disruptions. The centralized template management interface provides tools to preview changes before pushing them to production.
The preview function displays a side-by-side comparison of the current device configuration and the proposed template changes. This allows administrators to assess the impact and verify that no unintended settings will be applied. Once validated, the changes can be committed, and the devices will automatically synchronize with the updated template.
Combining vSmart Templates with Analytics
Integrating vSmart templates with analytics platforms provides deeper insight into the network’s performance and the effectiveness of applied configurations. By correlating template versions with performance metrics, administrators can identify whether certain configuration changes result in measurable improvements or unintended degradation.
Analytics also help identify patterns that may require template adjustments, such as recurring OSPF neighbor flaps, high interface error rates, or uneven bandwidth utilization. Proactive adjustments based on these insights improve network stability and optimize user experience across the SD-WAN fabric.
Final Thoughts
In summary, deploying device templates on vSmart within a Cisco SD-WAN environment offers a highly structured and repeatable approach to managing configurations across multiple devices. By utilizing feature templates for essential functions such as OSPF on VPN0, administrators can create consistent settings, ensure uniform deployment, and avoid the time-consuming process of configuring each device individually.
The ability to attach devices to predefined templates, apply variables for specific parameters like interface IPs, hostnames, and system identifiers, and push these configurations in a controlled manner enhances operational efficiency and network stability. This centralized management approach reduces the likelihood of human error, accelerates provisioning, and allows for easier scaling as network demands grow. Ultimately, this method not only streamlines initial deployments but also simplifies ongoing maintenance, troubleshooting, and updates, contributing to a more reliable and secure SD-WAN infrastructure.