Which Cisco SD-WAN feature simplifies branch deployment through automated controller discovery and onboarding?

• A. EtherChannel hashing
• B. STP convergence
• C. VRF leaking
• D. Zero-touch provisioning

Answer: (D)

Zero-touch provisioning automates branch deployment by enabling a new SD-WAN edge to automatically discover and enroll in the controller fabric with no on-site configuration. When the device powers up, it uses DHCP/DNS to locate the vBond orchestrator, presents its bootstrap identity, and securely fetches the initial configuration and policies from vManage via vSmart. vBond authenticates the edge and helps bring it into the overlay, after which vManage pushes templates and certificates to complete onboarding. This remote, hands-off process lets many branches be deployed quickly without manual setup.

Other options address unrelated networking concerns: EtherChannel hashing relates to link aggregation, STP convergence to loop prevention, and VRF leaking to routing domain separation.