Cisco SD-Access is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to provide automated policy-based segmentation, secure onboarding (using technologies like Cisco Identity Services Engine), and scalable management for a diverse set of endpoints, including IoT devices. It abstracts the network into logical groups, making it ideal for isolating and securing IoT traffic at scale, which aligns perfectly with the university’s requirements.

The most logical first step is to review the App-Route policy. Cisco SD-WAN uses application-aware routing to steer traffic based on business intent. The issue likely stems from an incorrect or suboptimal policy that is not consistently directing the CRM traffic onto the best available path (e.g., a low-latency MPLS link versus a broadband internet link). Validating and tuning this policy is the core SD-WAN troubleshooting step for application performance problems.

Cisco Secure Access, which integrates technology from Duo and Secure Firewall, is designed specifically for Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). It provides secure, context-aware access to individual applications (not the network) based on user identity, device health, and other policies, without the need for a traditional VPN. This aligns perfectly with the requirement for contractor access.

The Control Plane Node’s core function is to maintain the Locator/ID Separation Protocol (LISP) mapping database. This database tracks which endpoint (ID) is connected to which fabric edge node (Locator). The CPN distributes this information so that edge nodes can establish optimal VXLAN tunnels for direct data plane communication, separating the control and data planes for greater scalability and agility.

Motion-based recording is the key feature. Instead of continuously uploading full video streams, the MV camera analyzes motion locally and only uploads relevant clips to the cloud when motion is detected. This dramatically reduces WAN bandwidth consumption. The cloud dashboard still provides access to these event-based clips for review and management.

The Local Gateway deployment model is designed for this exact scenario. It allows organizations to connect their existing PSTN infrastructure (like a Cisco Unified CM or SIP trunks) to the Webex Calling cloud. Call control and user management reside in the cloud, but PSTN breakout happens locally through the customer’s own gateways, providing a flexible migration path.

An Endpoint-to-Cloud test is ideal. It involves installing a lightweight ThousandEyes agent on an endpoint device (like a laptop in the Asian office). This test will show the complete network path from that specific user’s location, through their local ISP, across the internet, and into Microsoft’s network, clearly identifying where latency, loss, or jitter is introduced.

The core objective of BCS High-Value Experience is strategic partnership. It uses Cisco’s expertise, insights from telemetry (like Cisco DNA Center Assurance), and best practices to help customers proactively transform their network—optimizing it for new applications, improving security posture, and planning for growth—thus directly linking network operations to positive business results.

OpenTelemetry is a CNCF-backed open-source standard. Its role in Full-Stack Observability is to provide a unified, vendor-agnostic method for instrumenting applications and infrastructure to produce telemetry. This allows data from diverse sources (Cisco and non-Cisco) to be collected in a consistent format and correlated in an observability platform, breaking down data silos.

Cisco SD-Access is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to provide automated policy-based segmentation, secure onboarding (using technologies like Cisco Identity Services Engine), and scalable management for a diverse set of endpoints, including IoT devices. It abstracts the network into logical groups, making it ideal for isolating and securing IoT traffic at scale, which aligns perfectly with the university’s requirements.0