Syncing SD-WAN Policies between CSO and Devices: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the realm of software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN), managing policies and intents is a critical task. However, accidents can happen, and users may inadvertently delete deployed intents in the user interface (UI). In such cases, syncing SD-WAN policies between the Contrail Service Orchestration (CSO) and devices becomes essential to restore the network to its previous state. In this article, we will delve into the process of syncing SD-WAN policies between CSO and devices, providing a comprehensive guide for network administrators.

Understanding CSO and SD-WAN Policies

Before we dive into the syncing process, it’s essential to understand the role of CSO and SD-WAN policies in the network. CSO is a management and orchestration platform that enables the creation, deployment, and management of SD-WAN services. SD-WAN policies, on the other hand, define the rules and configurations for traffic routing, security, and quality of service (QoS) in the network.

SD-WAN policies are created and deployed through the CSO UI, which provides a centralized management interface for network administrators. Once deployed, these policies are pushed to the SD-WAN devices, which enforce the rules and configurations defined in the policies.

The Impact of Deleted Deployed Intents

When a user accidentally deletes deployed intents in the CSO UI, the corresponding SD-WAN policies are removed from the devices. This can lead to network disruptions, as the devices may not have the necessary configurations to route traffic correctly. In such cases, syncing SD-WAN policies between CSO and devices becomes crucial to restore the network to its previous state.

Syncing SD-WAN Policies: A Step-by-Step Guide

To sync SD-WAN policies between CSO and devices, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Identify the Affected Devices

  Identify the devices that were affected by the deleted deployed intents. This can be done by checking the CSO UI or by running a command on the device to verify the policy configuration.

• Step 2: Retrieve the Policy Configuration

  Retrieve the policy configuration from the CSO database or from a backup. This will provide the necessary information to recreate the deleted policies.

• Step 3: Recreate the Deleted Policies

  Recreate the deleted policies using the retrieved policy configuration. This can be done through the CSO UI or by using APIs.

• Step 4: Redeploy the Policies

  Redeploy the recreated policies to the affected devices. This can be done through the CSO UI or by using APIs.

• Step 5: Verify Policy Configuration

  Verify that the policy configuration has been successfully synced between CSO and the devices. This can be done by running a command on the device or by checking the CSO UI.

Best Practices for Managing SD-WAN Policies

To avoid accidents like deleted deployed intents, it’s essential to follow best practices for managing SD-WAN policies. Here are some recommendations:

• Use Version Control

  Use version control to track changes to SD-WAN policies. This will enable you to revert to a previous version in case of an accident.

• Backup Policy Configurations

  Backup policy configurations regularly to ensure that you have a copy of the current configuration.

• Use APIs for Automation

  Use APIs to automate policy deployment and management. This will reduce the risk of human error.

• Monitor Policy Configuration

  Monitor policy configuration regularly to detect any changes or discrepancies.

Conclusion

Syncing SD-WAN policies between CSO and devices is a critical task in case of deleted deployed intents. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, network administrators can restore the network to its previous state and ensure that SD-WAN policies are correctly enforced. Additionally, by following best practices for managing SD-WAN policies, network administrators can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that the network is always configured correctly.

In summary, syncing SD-WAN policies between CSO and devices requires careful planning, execution, and monitoring. By understanding the role of CSO and SD-WAN policies, identifying affected devices, retrieving policy configuration, recreating deleted policies, redeploying policies, and verifying policy configuration, network administrators can ensure that the network is always running smoothly and efficiently.