Which SD-WAN component is responsible for the initial setup of policies before deployment?

The vManage component of an SD-WAN architecture is crucial for managing the overall network lifecycle, including the initial setup of policies before deployment. It serves as the centralized management console that enables operators to create, monitor, and modify the policies that govern how traffic flows through the network.

By leveraging vManage, network administrators can define security policies, application-aware routing policies, and other configurations necessary for optimal network performance. These policies can be pushed to the vEdge devices upon deployment, ensuring that all connected sites operate under the same guidelines and rules right from the start.

In contrast, while components like vSmart and vBond play important roles in the SD-WAN ecosystem—such as policy distribution and establishing secure connections—they are not primarily responsible for the initial configuration and policy setup. The vEdge devices are responsible for forwarding traffic and implementing the policies received from vManage but do not engage in the policy creation or initial setup process.