SD-WAN Solution Characteristics and Architecture
Short answer
AD SD-WAN solutions separate control and data forwarding planes and include centralized orchestration with zero-touch provisioning.
Question
Key Takeaways
The question asks for descriptions of SD-WAN solutions based on their technical definition (architecture and management) rather than business outcomes or performance guarantees.
This question tests the core architectural components of SD-WAN, specifically its separation of control and data planes and its reliance on centralized orchestration. The correct options describe the fundamental technical mechanisms that define SD-WAN solutions.
Common mistake: Many learners choose E (cost savings) because it is a primary business driver for adopting SD-WAN. However, cost savings are a result of using cheaper underlays (like broadband), not an inherent description of the solution's operational efficiency in the context of the exam's specific wording.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
SD-WAN is fundamentally an application of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles to wide-area networks. Therefore, like SDN, it relies on the separation of the control plane (management logic) from the data forwarding plane (packet switching). This separation allows for centralized management and programmability. Additionally, SD-WAN solutions are characterized by centralized orchestration platforms that manage policies across the network and Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) to automate the deployment of edge devices. These two features (Options A and D) are the defining technical characteristics of SD-WAN architecture.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B is incorrect because while SD-WAN can run on commodity hardware, it is not defined by allowing variations in specialized switching hardware; many vendors use proprietary appliances. Option C is incorrect because SD-WAN improves performance through path selection but is not 'inherently protected' against slow performance; it mitigates issues but does not eliminate them entirely. Option E is a common distractor; while SD-WAN leads to cost savings, this is achieved primarily by replacing expensive MPLS circuits with cheaper broadband connections (underlay economics), not necessarily through 'improved operational efficiencies' as the primary mechanism described in standard definitions. The exam focuses on the 'what' (architecture) rather than the 'why' (business case).
Community Comment Notes
Community consensus is split between AD and DE. Several users argue for DE based on business value, noting that 'cost savings is the best answer'. Others, correctly identifying the technical nature of the question, support AD, citing the separation of planes and ZTP as key SD-WAN features. One user noted that cost savings come from circuit types, not just operational efficiency, supporting the rejection of E.
Exam Strategy
When asked what describes a technology 'solution', look for architectural definitions (how it works) rather than benefits (why you buy it). For SD-WAN/SDN questions, always prioritize concepts like 'separation of control/data planes' and 'centralized orchestration' over generic IT benefits like 'efficiency' or 'security'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't cost savings (E) a correct answer?
Does SD-WAN separate control and data planes?
Community Votes
57% of anonymous learners picked answer AD. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 8 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 8
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UAW 👍 2Answer is: AE An SD-WAN uses a "centralized control function to securely and intelligently route traffic across the WAN". This enhances application performance and provides a high quality user experience, resulting in increased business productivity, agility and "lessened costs" for IT. According to source: https://techacad.net/what-is-sd-wan-software-defined-wide-area-network/
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The1BelowAll 👍 2separates the control plane and data forwarding plane is more of a design principle. Cost savings is the best answer and why we choosing SD-WAN over traditional solutions.
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kalulosu 👍 1I think correct ans are A and D A. Control and data forwarding planes are kept separate: In the SD-WAN architecture, the control and data forwarding planes are kept separate to centralize management and policy enforcement across the network and to streamline data forwarding. This separation allows for flexible management and rapid deployment. This separation allows for flexible management and rapid network changes. D. Solutions include centralized orchestration, control, and zero-touch provisioning. SD-WAN solutions feature centralized orchestration and control, simplifying configuration and management of the entire network. Zero-touch provisioning also enables rapid deployment of new devices, improving operational efficiency. This allows administrators to easily manage complex networks.
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ba7a09d 👍 1SD-WAN is a form of SDN, separate control/forwarding planes. SD-WAN uses Orchestration and ZTP. Both of these are true. Now look at the choice of E regarding cost savings. SD-WAN does enable cost savings, but not due to operational efficiencies. Instead these costs savings are from enabling the use of commodity circuits such as broadband over the use of expensive MPLS circuits. Operational efficiencies provides many technical benefits, but cost savings is questionable. So A & D for me.
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Redrum702 👍 1The question is which two answers describe the SDWAN solutions? A/D
Show 3 more comments
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LordAndy 👍 1The correct answer is A and D
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anonymousch 👍 1DE are the correct answers.
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4f873c4 👍 1The correct answer is AD
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