Introducing Repeatable Branch Deployments & Operations with Branch as Code

In today's hyperconnected landscape, the branch network is no longer just a utility - it's a strategic enabler. Whether expanding operations on a global scale or delivering seamless experiences locally, the ability to efficiently deploy, manage, and secure branch networks has become essential. At Cisco, we understand the challenges organizations face. That is why, at Cisco Live San Diego, we announced Cisco Unified Branch-a new full-stack, integrated solution designed to simplify and streamline branch network deployments. Unified Branch delivers a curated set of products, tested and verified together, that combine routing with next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities, switching, and Wi-Fi-all managed by a common platform, the Cisco Meraki Dashboard.

This solution sets the standard for secure and reliable connectivity, but what truly sets Unified Branch apart is the inclusion of Branch as Code (BaC), a breakthrough automation toolkit that empowers organizations to standardize, automate, and scale branch network deployments and operations by moving away from manual hardware device interactions. Leveraging Cisco's expertise in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and DevOps, BaC results in defining the complete, standardized configuration and operational state of an entire branch (routing including NGFW capabilities, switching, and wireless access points) in code.

In simple terms, with BaC you can make consistent, automated, repeatable network deployments and operational changes across any number of branches, distributed across any number of locations.

From Months to Minutes: Before and After BaC

Deploying and operating branch networks can be anything but simple. The traditional GUI or CLI-based approach is manual, prone to human-based errors, inconsistent, and slow. And when you have hundreds of branches, run by different teams, spread across continents, traditional methodologies fail quickly.

To showcase the immense value of BaC, let's look at a before and after comparison.

The Challenge: Complexity, Inconsistency, and Inefficiency

Branch networks have long been the backbone of enterprise operations, but traditional approaches to their deployment and management are no longer sustainable in today's environment. Consider the challenges:

1. Manual, Error-Prone Configuration

Traditionally, configuring branch devices such as routers, switches, and access points (APs) requires manual intervention. Network administrators rely on Command Line Interfaces (CLI) or Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) to individually configure devices at each branch. This process is not only labor-intensive but also prone to human error. A simple typo in a configuration file could lead to connectivity issues, security vulnerabilities, or even branch-wide outages.

2. Inconsistent, Unreliable Policies Across Branches

With manual configurations, enforcing uniform security, Quality of Service (QoS), and access policies across all branches is a significant challenge. IT teams often find themselves dealing with policy inconsistencies, leading to compliance violations, increased attack surfaces, and degraded network performance.

3. Lack of Version Control

Tracking and auditing changes to network configurations is nearly impossible. If an error occurs, rolling back to a previous stable configuration is a cumbersome and time-consuming process. This lack of version control also makes compliance audits more challenging.

4. Rolling out changes with fragmented testing

Coordinating and implementing network changes across hundreds of branches is a logistical nightmare. Without centralized management, every change has to be manually executed and verified, increasing the likelihood of errors and outages.

5. Complex and Inefficient Troubleshooting

Network troubleshooting is a painstaking process. IT teams have to manually trace issues across multiple devices, often using disjointed tools and logs. Identifying the root cause of a problem can take hours-or even days-leading to prolonged downtime and frustrated users.

In this current manual, fragmented environment, IT teams are stretched thin, struggling to keep up with the demands of modern branch operations and enterprise demands. These challenges highlight the urgent need for a new approach - one that combines automation, standardization, and simplicity to enable faster, more reliable branch network management.

The Solution: Unified Branch with Branch as Code

Cisco Unified Branch is purpose-built to address these challenges.

1. Automated, Faster Deployments

Rapidly deploy new branch offices or configure existing ones without manual intervention. With the Branch as Code automation toolkit, IT teams can define the desired state of their network using declarative configurations written in YAML. Instead of manually configuring each device, the system automatically configures devices to align with these specifications.

2. Consistent & Reliable Configurations

The toolkit enables organizations to configure their branches identically while allowing for customizations where needed. This reduces human error, improving operational stability, while strengthening the overall security posture of the network.

3. Guaranteed Version Control and Auditability

Every change made to the network configuration is logged and tracked, creating an audit trail, preventing "tribal knowledge" and promoting collaborative development. In case of errors, rolling back to a previous stable configuration is as simple as reverting to an earlier version of the code repository.

4. Automated Testing Enabling Repeatable Deployments

By leveraging the same methodologies as Infrastructure as Code, Unified Branch integrates testing directly into the automation pipeline to ensure that network configurations match the declared state. Rather than relying on separate network management tools, it automatically inspects the network to validate consistency between the configuration and the expected operational state. This enables operators to confidently verify that network changes have been executed according to their specifications.

5. Simplified Troubleshooting That Reduces Manual Labor

The days of manually piecing together logs and data from disparate devices are over. The toolkit provides end-to-end visibility into branch networks, along with automated diagnostics. This allows IT teams to quickly identify the root cause of issues and resolve them in a fraction of the time. Engineers become guardians of the network, free to focus on higher-value tasks rather than repetitive configuration.

As an added benefit, Cisco can directly incorporate best-practice configurations for various business verticals into its BaC. This means network setups will align with specific operational needs (e.g., retail, healthcare, manufacturing) by default. Where available, Cisco will include Cisco Validated Design (CVD) recommended values as default settings, enabling organizations to deploy CVDs at scale.

Conclusion: The Future of Branch Management

Cisco's Branch as Code toolkit redefines branch networking by helping our customers achieve consistent, automated, and repeatable deployments. The toolkit is a game-changer for organizations managing distributed branch networks. By automating manual processes, enforcing consistent policies, and enabling IaC practices, the toolkit empowers businesses to achieve:

• Faster deployments
• Enhanced resiliency and security
• Greater operational efficiency
• Improved collaboration between teams
• Scalability

The Unified Branch solution empowers businesses to adapt to changing demands, enhance user experiences, and achieve their strategic goals with confidence.

As technology leaders, the choices we make today will shape how our organizations evolve and succeed in a rapidly changing environment. The question is: Are you eager to embrace a future where branch network management is faster, more reliable, and infinitely scalable?

We invite you to take the next step. Connect with our team to see the solution in action and explore how it can work for your organization.