Essential Tools Used in SD-WAN Training Labs

Hands-on labs are an essential part of any SDWAN training program. These labs replicate real-world network environments and help learners practice configuration, deployment, and troubleshooting in a practical way.

To create realistic and useful lab experiences, specific tools and platforms are used. In this blog, we’ll explore the key tools commonly used in SD-WAN training labs and explain how each tool helps develop job-ready networking skills.

1. SD-WAN Architecture Components

Every SD-WAN lab is built around the core architectural components of the SD-WAN solution. These include:

• vBond Orchestrator

• vManage

• vSmart Controller

• WAN Edge Devices

Each component plays a specific role in the SD-WAN control and data plane.

1.1 vBond Orchestrator

vBond is responsible for authenticating devices and coordinating control connections across the SD-WAN network.

Why it’s used in labs:

• Demonstrates device authentication

• Simulates initial network onboarding

• Helps understand secure tunnel establishment

1.2 vManage

vManage is the centralized interface for managing the SD-WAN network. It allows administrators to push configurations, monitor performance, and apply policies.

In training labs, it is used for:

• Creating and applying templates

• Monitoring WAN edge health

• Deploying routing and security policies

This tool is a key part of every SDWAN training program.

1.3 vSmart Controller

vSmart is the component that distributes routing information and enforces policies across the SD-WAN network.

Why it’s included in labs:

• Teaches policy-based routing

• Simulates segmentation and control plane communication

• Helps understand route distribution logic

1.4 WAN Edge Devices

These devices sit at the branch or edge of the network. They handle real-time data traffic and form encrypted tunnels with other sites.

Lab uses include:

• Configuring site-to-site connectivity

• Testing failover and link switching

• Practicing IPsec tunnel creation

These components are foundational in any SDWAN course.

2. Dynamic Path Selection

Dynamic path selection is one of SD-WAN’s key features. It automatically chooses the best network path for traffic based on real-time link performance.

Why it’s used in labs:

• Simulates multiple WAN links

• Tests traffic movement during link degradation

• Helps visualize how SD-WAN adapts to network conditions

This feature shows the intelligence of SD-WAN beyond static routing.

3. Network Emulation Tools

Emulation tools allow learners to build SD-WAN topologies virtually, without needing physical devices. Two popular tools include:

3.1 EVE-NG (Emulated Virtual Environment – Next Generation)

EVE-NG is widely used for building and running full virtual SD-WAN topologies in training labs.

Used for:

• Running Cisco vManage, vBond, vSmart, and WAN Edges

• Packet capturing and traffic simulation

• Designing multi-device topologies

EVE-NG is a preferred choice for both beginner and advanced SDWAN training labs.

3.2 GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator 3)

GNS3 is a simpler emulator ideal for basic network labs and CLI practice.

Used in training to:

• Build small topologies

• Practice routing and tunneling

• Understand SD-WAN components at a basic level

While less powerful than EVE-NG, it is helpful in early stages of training.

4. Virtualization Platforms

Most SD-WAN components are delivered as virtual machines. Virtualization software helps in running and managing these VMs.

4.1 VMware Workstation / VMware ESXi

These platforms host virtual appliances like vManage and WAN Edge devices.

Why they’re used in labs:

• Run multiple VMs on one system

• Enable snapshots for easy recovery

• Allow isolated network testing environments

Virtualization is essential in making lab setups cost-effective and flexible.

5. Monitoring and Access Tools

Monitoring and command-line tools help learners understand what’s happening in the network and access devices for manual configuration.

5.1 Wireshark

Wireshark is used for capturing and analyzing packet flows in SD-WAN tunnels.

In labs, it helps with:

• Viewing control and data plane communication

• Analyzing protocol behavior

• Troubleshooting connectivity issues

5.2 PuTTY / SecureCRT

These tools allow SSH or console access to SD-WAN components.

Used for:

• CLI-based configuration

• Viewing logs and debugging

• Running interface and routing commands

Even in GUI-based environments, CLI practice is a must in any SDWAN course.

6. Cloud Platforms

Modern SD-WAN connects not only branch offices, but also cloud environments. That’s why labs now include cloud platforms like:

• AWS (Amazon Web Services)

• Microsoft Azure

• Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

In labs, cloud integration is used to:

• Simulate branch-to-cloud tunnels

• Test routing and policy enforcement in hybrid networks

• Learn cloud on-ramp configuration

Understanding cloud connectivity is essential for working on real-world enterprise SD-WAN setups.

Conclusion

Tools used in SD-WAN training labs help learners bridge the gap between theory and practice. From core components like vManage and vBond, to emulators like EVE-NG, to analysis tools like Wireshark, each tool plays a role in building technical confidence.

Effective SD-WAN training isn't just about reading concepts—it’s about working with real setups, breaking things, fixing them, and learning how everything connects.

If you're preparing for Cisco SD WAN Training, ensure your lab practice includes these tools. They are essential for building real skills that network professionals need today.