The following two methods can be used to set up and activate SD-WAN Edges:
- In the Zero Touch Provisioning technique- in order to activate the Edges, you will need to first power them on and then connect them to the internet.
- Email- The Edges are sent to the customer’s location using this technique, which involves sending them with the factory-default configuration. When the Edges are not activated, they do not have any configuration or credentials that would allow them to connect to the enterprise network. The individual who will be responsible for installing the Edges at the location receives an email from the administrator that contains information on how to activate the Edges. The individual to whom the email is delivered proceeds to activate the Edges by following the instructions that are provided.
The tasks that can be done with each activation method are shown below in the table:
|
Activity |
Zero Touch Provisioning (Central NOC Activates) |
Email (Office Admin Activates) |
|
No IT Visit Required |
|
 |
|
No Pre-staging Required |
|
|
|
No Security Risk if Box Is Lost |
|
|
|
No Site-by-site Link Profile Needed |
|
|
|
No Device Tracking Needed |
|
|
|
Requires Email to Office Admin |
|
|
|
Requires Knowledge of Device to Site |
|
Edge Auto-activation can be used to turn on SD-WAN edges.
With Edge Auto-activation, you can turn on Edges and connect them to the Internet to make them work. Edge Auto-activation can be done with the New Orchestrator UI.
By using this strategy, there is no longer a requirement for an activation link. Through the utilization of this functionality, the Service Provider is able to preconfigure the Edges and then have them supplied to customers. Simply turning on the Edges and connecting the cords to the internet is all that is required of the consumers in order to activate the Edges.
This type of Edge activation is also useful in situations where the individual at the remote site is unable to connect a laptop, tablet, or phone to the SD-WAN Edge. As a result, they are unable to utilize an email or click on an activation code or URL.
