Which SD-WAN component handles the edge device in the fabric, enabling data-plane operations?

• A. vSmart
• B. vManage
• C. vBond
• D. WAN Edge

Answer: (D)

The edge device in an SD-WAN fabric that handles data-plane operations is the WAN Edge. This device is responsible for forwarding user traffic, establishing and terminating the overlay tunnels between sites (such as IPsec or other encapsulated paths), and enforcing policies and QoS at the edge. In short, the WAN Edge performs the actual data forwarding and local decision-making needed to move traffic across the network.

The other components play different roles. vBond is involved in bootstrapping and establishing initial trust and control-plane connectivity, helping edge devices join the fabric. vSmart runs the control plane, distributing policies and guiding how traffic should be steered through the network. vManage provides centralized management and monitoring of the fabric. While they coordinate and configure the network, they do not carry and forward user data like the WAN Edge does.