350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
A network engineer is deploying a Cisco SD-WAN solution using vManage, vSmart, and vBond controllers. The engineer must ensure that the control plane and data plane are secure and that routers can authenticate to the controllers. Which two statements are true regarding the Cisco SD-WAN controller components? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse the management plane, control plane, and data plane responsibilities among vManage, vSmart, and vBond.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
vSmart distributes control plane policies and routes to vEdge routers using OMP.
In Cisco SD-WAN, vBond orchestrates initial authentication and helps routers find other controllers. vSmart distributes control plane policies and routes using OMP. These two components are essential for establishing the secure overlay and enabling centralized control. The management plane (vManage) and data plane (vEdge routers) have different roles.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
vSmart stores the full configuration and acts as the CA for certificate management.
Why it's wrong here
vManage stores configuration and often acts as the certificate authority for the overlay. vSmart distributes control plane information and policies, but it does not store full configurations or manage certificates. This statement confuses the roles of vManage and vSmart.
- ✗
vManage is responsible for forwarding data plane traffic between branches.
Why it's wrong here
vManage is the management plane component, providing a GUI, API, and configuration management. It does not forward data plane traffic. Data plane traffic is forwarded by vEdge routers directly between sites. This statement mischaracterizes the role of vManage.
- ✗
vBond establishes IPsec tunnels for data plane traffic between vEdge routers.
Why it's wrong here
vBond does not establish data plane tunnels. It only facilitates control plane authentication and NAT traversal. IPsec tunnels for data plane are established directly between vEdge routers after they have authenticated and received policies. This option incorrectly assigns data plane responsibility to vBond.
- ✓
vSmart distributes control plane policies and routes to vEdge routers using OMP.
Why this is correct
vSmart is the controller that implements control plane policies and distributes routing information via the Overlay Management Protocol (OMP). It maintains the centralized control plane and pushes policies to vEdge devices. This is essential for SD-WAN fabric operation.
- ✓
vBond orchestrates the initial authentication and allows vEdge routers to locate vSmart and vManage controllers.
Why this is correct
vBond is the orchestrator that handles initial authentication and NAT traversal. It provides vEdge routers with the information needed to reach vSmart and vManage. Without vBond, routers cannot join the overlay. This makes it a critical component for control plane establishment.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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