Shooting for the Stars: Achieving Optimal Network Performance through Cisco SD-WAN Network Monitoring

Greetings, fellow network administrators. The Force has led you here, to this article on the path to Cisco SD-WAN network monitoring. The art of network administration is not unlike that of mastering the ways of the Force - it requires patience, discipline, and a deep understanding of the interconnected systems at play.

Warning! No characters were harmed in the making of this article.

We seek to achieve perfect balance in all aspects of our lives, including our networks. With the help of Cisco SD-WAN network monitoring tools, we can harness the power of the Force to achieve this balance and keep our networks running smoothly.

In this article, we will explore solutions and how to achieve Cisco SD-WAN network monitoring, uncovering the secrets to achieving network mastery and preventing issues before they arise.

Although this article focuses specifically on Cisco SD-WAN network monitoring, the principles and best practices discussed here can be applied to standard network monitoring as well. By learning how to effectively monitor and manage your network, you can gain greater visibility and control over your systems, identify and troubleshoot issues quickly, and ultimately optimize network performance.

Whether you are dealing with SD-WAN or traditional network infrastructure, the tips and techniques shared in this article can help you achieve your network management goals and enhance your overall network performance.

Here are some examples of how Cisco SD-WAN network monitoring tools can enhance your network performance:

• Real-time visibility: Cisco SD-WAN monitoring tools provide real-time visibility into your network traffic, allowing you to quickly identify and address issues as they arise. For example, you can monitor bandwidth usage to ensure that critical applications have the necessary resources to perform optimally.
• Proactive issue detection: With Cisco SD-WAN monitoring tools, you can proactively detect and troubleshoot issues before they impact network performance. For instance, you can set up network monitoring alerts to notify you when network latency exceeds a certain threshold, allowing you to take action before users experience performance degradation.
• Enhanced security: Cisco SD-WAN monitoring tools can help you monitor and secure your network against potential threats. For instance, you can use these tools to detect and block malicious traffic, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure compliance with security policies.
• Network optimization: By monitoring your network traffic and analyzing network usage patterns, you can identify areas where network optimization is needed. For example, you can identify which applications are consuming the most bandwidth and optimize network settings to prioritize their traffic.

These are just a few examples of how Cisco SD-WAN network monitoring tools can enhance your network performance. By leveraging these tools, you can gain greater visibility into your network, improve security, and optimize performance to provide a better user experience.

If you are uncertain about the distinction between those tools and a dedicated network monitoring tool, fear not. We will guide you on your journey towards optimal network monitoring.

To expand your knowledge and gain clarity, seek the wisdom of our network specialists by booking a free demo.

While it may seem tempting to use the same network monitoring tool as your SD-WAN vendor, there are reasons why you should opt for a dedicated SD-WAN network monitoring tool instead.

Firstly, using the same monitoring tool as your SD-WAN vendor may limit your ability to monitor other network devices and services, thereby impeding your ability to achieve a complete view of network performance. This lack of vendor neutrality can also prevent you from optimizing network performance.

Furthermore, SD-WAN vendors may provide basic monitoring capabilities, but these tools may not offer the same level of functionality as dedicated network monitoring tools. Customizable dashboards and detailed analytics are examples of the features that may be lacking.

Dependence on vendor support is another factor to consider. By relying on your SD-WAN vendor's support team, you may not be able to address issues on your own, which could lead to delayed issue resolution.

In addition, SD-WAN vendors may charge extra fees for their monitoring tools or bundle them with other services, resulting in higher costs compared to dedicated network monitoring tools.

Finally, dedicated network monitoring tools offer greater flexibility to customize dashboards, alerts, and other settings to fit your specific requirements, while SD-WAN vendors may limit this flexibility.

In conclusion, it is important to carefully evaluate your options and choose the tool that best meets your specific needs, rather than blindly relying on your SD-WAN vendor's monitoring tool.

Obkio is an efficient network performance monitoring and troubleshooting solution that provides a host of benefits for monitoring Cisco SD-WAN. With Obkio, you can enjoy easy setup and configuration, thanks to its intuitive interface that requires no technical expertise.

Obkio provides end-to-end network performance visibility, real-time monitoring of network traffic, bandwidth usage, and application performance, allowing IT professionals to identify and troubleshoot issues before they become major problems.

Additionally, Obkio includes automated network testing and alerts, which help IT professionals identify and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

With Obkio's vendor neutrality, you can monitor any network devices and services, even those outside the Cisco SD-WAN solution, providing greater flexibility and a more comprehensive view of network performance.

Obkio offers various pricing plans, including flexible subscription-based plans, that cater to different business needs and budgets.

Moreover, Obkio provides easily accessible online documentation, including user guides, tutorials, and video walkthroughs, that make it easy for IT professionals to get up and running with the tool quickly and find answers to any questions they may have. This documentation also includes network monitoring best practices for network monitoring and troubleshooting, helping IT professionals optimize their network performance and identify issues more efficiently.

Overall, Obkio is a powerful and user-friendly solution for monitoring Cisco SD-WAN that offers comprehensive network performance monitoring, automated issue resolution, and flexible pricing options.

If you're seeking an affordable, easy-to-use solution to monitor your Cisco SD-WAN, Obkio is undoubtedly worth your consideration.

Are you prepared to elevate your network monitoring to new heights? Don't let anything hold you back from achieving network excellence -

• 14-day free trial of all premium features
• Deploy in just 10 minutes
• Monitor performance in all key network locations
• Measure real-time network metrics
• Identify and troubleshoot live network problems

As with all powerful tools, Cisco SD-WAN can present a few challenges that may impact network performance and user experience. Nevertheless, with the right SD-WAN monitoring solution in place, IT professionals can quickly identify and resolve these issues, ensuring optimal network performance and user experience.

Below are some common Cisco SD-WAN issues and how SD-WAN monitoring can help:

• Bandwidth and performance issues: High bandwidth and CPU usage can cause performance issues that impact user experience. SD-WAN monitoring proactively identifies these issues, allowing IT professionals to take action before users are impacted.
• Network visibility challenges: Cisco SD-WAN networks can be complex, with many different devices and protocols in use. SD-WAN monitoring provides IT professionals with a comprehensive view of network performance, so they can quickly identify any issues that arise.
• Complexity of deployment: Deploying and managing Cisco SD-WAN can be challenging, especially for organizations with limited IT resources. SD-WAN monitoring streamlines the deployment and management process, making it easier to get up and running quickly and efficiently.

In summary, SD-WAN monitoring is an essential tool for organizations using Cisco SD-WAN. It provides the visibility and insights needed to identify and resolve common issues quickly, ensuring optimal network performance and user experience.

With the right SD-WAN monitoring solution in place, organizations can maximize the benefits of Cisco SD-WAN and stay ahead of potential challenges.

Again, monitoring your Cisco SD-WAN network is essential to ensure optimal network performance and user experience. While SD-WAN can bring significant benefits to your organization, it also introduces new complexities and potential challenges.

Implementing an effective network monitoring solution, such as Obkio, can help you proactively identify and resolve issues, optimize network performance, and ensure a smooth migration to SD-WAN.

In this guide, we'll explore the key considerations and steps involved in implementing Cisco SD-WAN monitoring with Obkio, enabling you to achieve optimal network performance monitoring and stay ahead of any potential challenges.

Hey there, traditional monitoring solutions – you're great and all, but you're not giving us the whole picture! If you're relying solely on device-focused monitoring or SD-WAN native features, you're missing out on some seriously juicy insights into your network's performance.

To get you started, We offer a free trial that allows you to experience the benefits of its SD-WAN monitoring solution firsthand.

With the free trial, you'll gain access to all of Obkio's features and capabilities, including real-time monitoring of network traffic, bandwidth usage, and application performance.

You'll also be able to test Obkio's automated issue resolution and vendor-neutral monitoring capabilities, which provide a comprehensive view of your network performance.

If you're planning to migrate to Cisco SD-WAN, you need to ensure that your network is in top shape. Deploying a monitoring solution before migration is essential to minimize downtime and ensure optimal network performance. At Obkio, we offer a master solution to monitor your network's performance during the migration process.

Our solution uses synthetic UDP traffic and Monitoring Agents to monitor your network's performance closely. Deploying Monitoring Agents in key network locations like local networks, remote offices, headquarters, data centers, or clouds can help you get a comprehensive view of your network's performance.

To showcase the effectiveness of our solution, check out the graph above. It shows the performance of a branch office during their migration from a low-bandwidth MPLS connection to an SD-WAN service with two broadband connections.

The graph clearly depicts the migration process, and the SD-WAN appliance quickly switched over to the secondary ISP during a packet loss incident.

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of network architecture? Understanding the intricacies of your Cisco SD-WAN network is crucial for achieving top-notch performance and reliability.

Your network's architecture consists of various components such as the underlay, overlay, LAN, and last mile that can affect its performance. Additionally, Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) can introduce new communication paths that require support from your Service Provider.

To maximize the benefits of your SD-WAN monitoring solution, it's imperative to have a profound understanding of your network's structure. This way, you can detect potential performance issues and deploy an efficient monitoring solution that encompasses all network components.

Check out the image below to see how an SD-WAN network site communicates with a Data Center, Head Office, or IaaS. Get ready to delve deep into your network architecture and optimize your Cisco SD-WAN performance!

In an SD-WAN architecture, performance issues can arise from a variety of sources, including:

• The underlay, which includes the physical infrastructure such as cables and routers that support the network.
• The Internet, including the local loop, provider's edge router, ISP backbone, and peering point. Internet VPN IPSec between the site and ZScaler (Firewall As A Service).
• The overlay, which includes IPsec tunnels between sites.
• The LAN, LAN monitoring including SD-WAN edge devices, core and distribution switches, and access switches.
• The last mile, which is often the weakest link and can suffer from low speeds, limited route diversity, and single points of failure.
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), which can create additional communication paths that may require support from your service provider in case of issues.

To ensure optimal performance and reliability, it's important to monitor and troubleshoot issues across all components of your SD-WAN architecture, from the underlay to the last mile and beyond.

Pro-Tip: You can also use Obkio to monitor Dual-WAN networks.

Are you ready to take your network performance to the next level? If so, installing Obkio Network Monitoring Agents is a critical step in deploying your SD-WAN monitoring solution.

Installing Network Monitoring Agents behind your Cisco SD-WAN appliance will allow you to monitor network performance from an end-user perspective.

This approach provides insight into how your network is performing from the user's point of view, making it easier to identify and address any issues that may impact user experience.

Monitoring your network's performance from the end-user perspective will ensure that all critical business applications are performing optimally.

With Obkio Network Monitoring Agents in place, you can proactively identify and troubleshoot performance issues, improving overall network efficiency and uptime.

Think of it as having your own personal network trainer, helping you achieve your network's peak performance.

This is the setup we recommend:

• 1 Local Agent per network location (data centers, remote offices etc.)
• 3 Public Monitoring Agents to monitor the Internet

After implementing the following setup, your network visibility will increase significantly:

• ISP #1 connection
• ISP #2 connection
• The End-User (load balanced between the connection using the SD-WAN algorithm)
• The SASE Service

Once you deploy Obkio Network Monitoring Agents, they will create Monitoring Sessions using synthetic UDP traffic to monitor all network paths.

By measuring metrics like latency, jitter, and packet loss, these Agents can identify any performance issues that may arise.

If any issues are detected, the Agents will notify network administrators to take prompt action and avoid any negative impact on the network.

With SD-WAN monitoring tools like Obkio, businesses can be proactive in detecting and addressing network issues, ultimately leading to improved network efficiency and uptime.

Say goodbye to network headaches and hello to a well-functioning network!

Monitoring your network performance from different perspectives is critical to achieving optimal network efficiency and uptime in your Cisco SD-WAN environment. You can compare the actual performance of your network against the promises made by your SD-WAN vendors by setting up multiple monitoring sessions.

For example, you can configure a monitoring session between a local Monitoring Agent and a remote agent located in your branch office.

You can also set up another monitoring session between the local agent and a remote agent located in your data center.

Lastly, you can configure a monitoring session between the local agent and a remote agent located in the cloud.

With this monitoring setup, you can gain a comprehensive view of your network performance. For instance, you can monitor the performance of your WAN connections, including ISP A and ISP B connections. You can also see the performance from an end-user perspective, load-balanced between connections using the SD-WAN algorithm.

If any performance issues arise, you'll get alerted immediately so you can fix them before they become major problems.

By taking a proactive approach, you can optimize network efficiency and uptime, leading to happier end-users and a more productive workplace.

With this powerful tool, you can get a 360-degree view of your network's performance, continuously monitor network metrics, and detect any issues that may arise.

No need to stress about slow application performance or disconnections anymore! With automatic alerts and real-time performance views provided by the Chord Diagram you can quickly identify the root cause of any issues and take action to fix them.

Here are some ways the Chord Diagram can help you:

• Visualize traffic patterns between network components: The Chord Diagram displays traffic patterns between various network components, making it easy to identify which components are sending and receiving traffic.
• Identify network congestion: The Chord Diagram displays the amount of traffic flowing between different network components, making it easy to identify areas of network congestion or network overload.
• Monitor performance in real-time: The Chord Diagram displays performance metrics in real-time, so you can quickly identify any issues that may arise and take action to resolve them.

With Obkio's SD-WAN monitoring solution, you can ensure maximum uptime and efficiency for your business-critical applications. Don't wait any longer - unlock your Cisco network's full potential and optimize your network performance today!

Obkio's SD-WAN monitoring solution offers a sweet Chord Diagram that's like a visual symphony of your network's performance. It's like a futuristic music video that shows all the Monitoring Agents and their connections with each other.

The colors of the lines between the Monitoring Agents tell you how well the network sessions are performing. Think of it like a rainbow of performance, with red indicating the most severe issues and other colors indicating less severe problems.

With the Chord Diagram, you'll be able to quickly identify any performance issues or bottlenecks that may be holding back your Cisco network.

Obkio's SD-WAN monitoring solution is like having your own personal conductor, keeping your network in perfect harmony.

First things first, when you're checking out your Obkio dashboards, keep your eyes peeled for those bright red lines. Those bad boys are like emergency flares, signaling that there's some serious trouble brewing. So, forget about the boring yellow and green lines, and focus on the red stuff first!

And hey, we know you're not one to slack off, especially when it comes to network performance. So, take a leaf out of Branch 3's book in the screenshot below, and get crackin' on those pesky issues in the most affected locations.

Thanks to Obkio's kickass monitoring solution, you can easily pinpoint the gnarliest problems plaguing your Cisco SD-WAN network and give 'em the priority they deserve.

Then hold onto your hats because Dashboard View is here to save the day!

This feature is like having your very own personal control center, where you can view all your key network metrics in one convenient page. No more sifting through endless data sets and feeling lost in the network abyss. With Dashboard View, you can easily compare information from all your Monitoring Agents and uncover any performance issues like a pro.

It's like having superhuman x-ray vision for your network, allowing you to spot any pesky problems in a flash! And the best part? You can customize the graphs to show data for different time frames, giving you the ultimate bird's-eye view of your network's performance.

Check out the sample Dashboard below for Branch 3. This bad boy is loaded with all sorts of performance graphs that'll make you feel like a tech wizard. And with the selected view showing performance metrics for the last 8 hours, you'll have all the data you need to save the day!

With Column 1, you can get a bird's-eye view of the UDP monitoring session performance from the Branch 3 Monitoring Agent to the SD-WAN user experience Monitoring Agents. And those three rad graphs? They show you the Internet SD-WAN user experience, as well as the experience of the Internet connections (ISP 1 & ISP 2). It's like a virtual trip to the network doctor's office!

And who doesn't love graphs, right? Column 2 is where the SNMP Polling (Device Monitoring) for the SD-WAN Edge Equipment comes into play. Obkio performs SNMP monitoring on the Monitoring Agent and presents metrics for CPU Usage and Bandwidth Usage in the most delightful graphs you've ever seen.

Now, let's talk about Column 3. Here's where you'll find performance metrics for two crucial applications that keep your business running: Zoom performance and Microsoft Teams. Obkio provides HTTP Application Performance and VoIP Quality metrics in super easy-to-read graphs that'll make your network admin heart sing.

With all this detailed network information at your fingertips, you'll be able to identify any performance issues and troubleshoot them like a boss!

Oh no, it looks like our Cisco SD-WAN network is shooting for the stars and hitting a black hole! But don't worry, we'll navigate this space-time anomaly faster than the speed of light.

After conducting a thorough analysis, we've discovered a major issue affecting all traffic on both ISPs. It's like a supernova exploding - not exactly what we had in mind!

But fear not, space travelers, we can pinpoint the root cause of this issue like a seasoned astronaut. It seems like the problem is happening on a network segment that is common to both ISPs, like the Milky Way's asteroid belt or the Kuiper Belt.

Thanks to our trusty Obkio monitoring solution, we've identified the culprit - high CPU usage. It's like a spacecraft's engine running out of fuel - when the device can't handle the load, it can lead to major malfunctions.

So let's grab our space toolkits and get to work fixing this issue. We'll have our Cisco SD-WAN network soaring through the galaxy again in no time!

With Obkio's historical data available on the Dashboard, you can channel your inner detective and investigate network performance like a pro! It's like being the Sherlock Holmes of the networking world.

By analyzing the performance metrics, you can spot patterns, triggers, or deviations from the baseline. It's like piecing together clues to solve a mystery and finding out whodunit!

Take a closer look at the screenshot above and you'll see a pattern that suggests an intermittent network issue. It's like a band of mischievous network gremlins are causing chaos and then hiding in the shadows. But fear not, my fellow network warriors, with Obkio, you can shine a light on these gremlins and put them in their place!

Although the pattern may not follow a specific sequence, one thing is clear - there's a hungry monster lurking in the shadows that needs to be fed. But instead of food, it needs more resources to manage the throughput. Think of it like a ravenous monster that just can't get enough bandwidth to satisfy its appetite!

So, let's grab our magnifying glasses and get to work solving this network mystery.

Do you need to identify and troubleshoot any issues with your WAN and Internet connections? Fear not, for Obkio has got your back!

And if you need even more firepower on your interstellar journey, look no further than Obkio Vision - a free visual Traceroute tool that runs continuously to pinpoint the exact location and cause of any issues affecting your network.

Obkio Vision Quality Matrix

With Obkio Vision Quality Matrix, you can boldly go where no one has gone before and confirm if the network problem is happening on your end.

But if you're still not sure, Obkio's got a whole arsenal of tools to help you out, from Traceroutes to Network Maps to Quality Matrix.

These tools can help you navigate through the vast reaches of space and figure out if the problem is happening towards a specific location over the Internet or if it's just one particular site that's taking the hit.

So strap on your spacesuits and get ready to conquer any network issues that come your way with Obkio!

Obkio Vision Network Map

You may need to open a support case with your ISP as the issue is on their side.

Obkio Vision Traceroutes

If you discover that the issue is on your Internet Service Provider's end, it's time to don your detective hat and get to work on solving the mystery.

First, reach out to your ISP's tech support team and provide them with screenshots from Obkio Vision's Monitoring Sessions, Dashboards, or Traceroutes to show them exactly what's going on. It's like presenting evidence in a space court!

For real-time updates, use Live Monitoring mode and share Live Traceroute results with your ISP by giving them a public link. It's like sharing your favorite space adventure, but with a much more important purpose!

And if your ISP needs more data to investigate further, you can create a temporary Read-Only User account in your Obkio account so they can access everything they need. It's like giving them the keys to your spaceship!

But if the issue is within your own network, fear not, we've got you covered like a protective spacesuit.

If you're experiencing CPU or bandwidth issues, consider upgrading your Internet connection bandwidth with your ISP to ensure you have all the resources you need. It's like fueling up your spaceship for a long journey!

Check your network devices for outdated firmware, software issues, or limited resources that may be causing high CPU usage. In some cases, you might need to upgrade to a larger device to fix the problem. It's like upgrading your spaceship's engines to handle more interstellar travel.

And don't forget to check your firewall logs to make sure your network traffic is legit. Large data backups during business hours or unauthorized access could be causing issues. Prioritize your traffic in your firewall to make sure critical applications get the bandwidth they need - it's like mapping out the best route to a new galaxy.

Are you ready to conquer the challenges of the network world and boldly go where no one has gone before? Don't let your network turn into a tangled web - keep it under control with the right monitoring strategies.

Stay ahead of the game with a proactive attitude, continuous network monitoring, and the readiness to tackle any issues that come your way. It's like exploring a new galaxy - you never know what you'll encounter, but with the right tools and mindset, you can handle anything.

With the superpowers of SD-WAN monitoring, your business can soar to new heights and reach the farthest reaches of space. It's like having a rocket booster strapped to your spaceship!

So let's charge ahead, warriors of the network, and emerge victorious with optimal performance of your Cisco network. It's like navigating through the asteroid belt, but with the right monitoring tools, you can avoid any obstacles that come your way.

And rule the network world like the true space explorers you are!