Which Cisco SD-WAN component authenticates the routers and the vSmart controllers?

A vEdge router is a data plane device that forwards traffic and does not perform the central authentication function for other controllers or routers in the SD-WAN overlay.

vManage (Manage NMS) is the central management platform for configuring and monitoring the SD-WAN, but it relies on vBond for the initial authentication and onboarding of devices.

Analytics components are used for collecting and analyzing network data for insights and troubleshooting, not for authenticating network devices during their onboarding process.

The vBond orchestrator serves as the initial point of contact for all Cisco SD-WAN components. It performs the initial authentication and authorization of vEdge routers and vSmart controllers, securely onboarding them into the SD-WAN fabric and facilitating their connection to the vManage and vSmart controllers.