Implementing WAAS using 3925 and 2911 Cisco routers

[urvininocente]

Dear all,

I am new to Cisco WAAS and therefore I would like to request some help regarding the following scenario:

I have a star network (1 hub and 5 spoke) topology where each satellite site is connected via a 2 MB  (symmetric)  to the Head-Quarters (Central node). In order to be able to concentrate all servers (services) at the head-quarters and improve the users experience in remote sites when accessing network services that are located at the head-quarters we want to implement Cisco WAAS instead of increasing the existing bandwidth.

At the head-quarters we are using a 3925 Cisco router and at the remote locations we are using 2911 Cisco routers. Last but not least there will be approximately 75 concurrent users from remote sites accessing resources at the head-quarters.

Currently I am planning to use the following:

·At the head-quarters I am planning to use a Cisco Wide Area Application Services (WAAS) Module: SM-SRE-900-K9 with an Enterprise license (for large deployment) in the Cisco router 3925

·At the remote sites I am planning to use a Cisco Wide Area Application Services (WAAS) Module: SM-SRE-700-K9 with an Enterprise license (for medium deployment) in the Cisco router 2911

Is there anything else that I am missing or need to take into consideration for deploying the WAAS.

Regards,

Screech

[Bhavin Yadav]

Hi Screech,

I am not design expert but looking at your deployment, few suggestions.

1. Please try to use fully blown WAE instead of SM SRE module at data centre / hub site.

2. You will also need a dedicated WAE hw for central management purpose.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

PS: Please mark this ans Answered, if this answers your question.

[urvininocente]

Bhavin,

Is the dedicated WAE hw for central management purpose a required component? What is the difference between using a full blown WAE instead of a  Sm SRE module.

Regards,

Screech

[Bhavin Yadav]

Hi Screech,

Answers:

Is the  dedicated WAE hw for central management purpose a required component?not required as WAEs can optimize even without Cntral managementbut you will not be able to collect statistics, reports and will have to manage WAEs from CLI. This a kind of highly recommended management piece you will need.

What is the difference between using a full blown WAE instead of a  Sm  SRE module: Using a fully blown WAE at DC is recommended as you are then avoiding couple of bottlenecks.

1. Bandwidth allcoation

2. SM / NM models have low capacity, disks where as fully blown models like 674s have 10k/15k SATA / SAS drives.

3. HW redundancy: you have backup PS / HD in dedicated WAEs in msot of the models.

4. HW dependency: Your SM moduels depened upon your router / switch. If for some reason, switch or router goes down, SM moule goes down at same time.

5. Additional NICs / HW availability.

There are various other reasons you might want to consider. You can ask your cisco sales engineer or one of the PDI help engineer on the forum can also punch in here.

but basicaly, I would go for fully blown WAE on DC side and central management piece as well.

Regards.

[krishnamyworld]

Hi,

We  are Planning to Deploy the WAAS in our Environment, but I am not much  aware of the waas, so please can u guide me... is WAE a Application  (Software) based or its a Hardware Device.. sorry for the foolish  question... Bcoz while googling i can only find the WAE Modules or  Appliances but my  Senior is saying something to Search WAE Software  Version 4.3.1 (think so it is for VMware) & Cisco 2900 Series Router for WCCP

Please Help me out, i m totally confused.

[ktunugun]

Hi,

WAAS is a combination of a hadrware and software. WAAS comes in multiple flavours

1. WAAS Software on dedicated WAAS appliances

2. WAAS Software on ISR G1 and G2 WAE modules such as (NME and SRE)

3. Virtual WAAS software for Virtual environments.

For more details please go through http://www.cisco.com/go/waas

Hope this helps.

Regards

Kiran