Creating device templates in Cisco vManage is an essential part of managing and automating configurations across a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN). As networks grow more complex and distributed, administrators need tools that help ensure consistency, simplify configuration, and reduce manual errors. Cisco vManage provides a centralized platform to achieve these goals, and device templates are at the core of its configuration model.
A device template is a predefined configuration that administrators can apply to one or more devices. It allows for consistency across similar devices and simplifies the process of onboarding new network equipment. Rather than configuring each device individually, administrators can create a template once and use it many times, applying it with just a few clicks.
The Role of Templates in SD-WAN Architecture
In a traditional WAN environment, configuration is often done manually on a per-device basis. This is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in large deployments. Cisco SD-WAN, managed through vManage, introduces the concept of centralized policy and configuration management. This approach drastically reduces complexity by using templates.
In vManage, device templates serve two primary functions. First, they allow administrators to define how a device should be configured in terms of its system settings, interface roles, routing protocols, and other operational parameters. Second, they provide a way to scale configuration management. When a new device is added to the network, the correct configuration can be applied immediately by assigning the appropriate template.
There are two categories of templates in Cisco vManage: device type templates and feature templates. Understanding these categories is key to creating efficient and maintainable configurations.
Device Type Templates and Feature Templates
Device type templates are used to configure settings specific to a device’s hardware model or role in the network. For example, templates may vary between branch routers, hub routers, and edge devices. These templates include details such as hostname, system IP, site ID, and the types of physical interfaces used. A template designed for a particular model ensures that the applied configuration matches the capabilities and role of that hardware.
Feature templates, on the other hand, are modular configurations for specific services or protocols. These include elements such as BGP settings, system features, logging, SNMP, and interface behaviors. Feature templates are reusable components that can be combined with others to form a complete device template. This modularity allows network engineers to build templates from reusable blocks, reducing redundancy and simplifying updates.
An advantage of separating device templates into these categories is the ability to apply changes to a single feature without needing to rebuild or reapply the entire device configuration. For example, if an organization wants to change a logging server across all devices, updating the logging feature template will update every associated device automatically.
Introduction to CLI Templates
While form-based feature templates are user-friendly and GUI-driven, there are times when administrators need more control or need to apply configurations that are not available in the GUI options. This is where CLI templates become valuable.
CLI templates in vManage allow the use of traditional Cisco CLI syntax for device configuration. Instead of selecting configuration options from dropdown menus, administrators can input raw CLI commands directly into the template. This provides greater flexibility, especially when dealing with advanced configurations, niche use cases, or newer commands that might not yet be supported in the vManage interface.
By using CLI templates, administrators can combine the flexibility of CLI-based configuration with the centralized, automated management of vManage. These templates are especially helpful during migrations or for devices that require unique settings not easily replicated through standard templates.
CLI templates also support the use of variables. These are placeholders that can be dynamically replaced with device-specific values when the template is applied. For instance, instead of entering a static hostname, a variable such as “hostname” can be used, and the actual value will be provided during deployment.
Accessing the Templates Section in vManage
To create a CLI template, the first step is logging into the Cisco vManage interface. The dashboard provides access to all the main areas of the SD-WAN controller, including device monitoring, alarms, configuration tools, and system management features.
Once inside the vManage interface, the administrator needs to navigate to the configuration templates section. This is where both device and feature templates are created and maintained. From the main menu, administrators can access this section by clicking on the navigation icon located in the upper left corner of the screen. This icon opens a dropdown menu where the “Configuration” section can be found, and within it, the “Templates” submenu.
This template area provides a centralized location to manage all configuration templates. It presents a list of existing templates, categorized by type, and includes indicators showing how many devices are attached to each one. This visibility allows for better planning and tracking of configuration deployments.
Creating a New CLI Template
Within the configuration templates section, there are options to either modify existing templates or create new ones. To create a new CLI template, the administrator should navigate to the “Device Templates” tab. This tab lists all device type templates that have been created and shows details such as template name, device model, and number of attached devices.
On the left-hand side of the screen, under the search bar, there is a “Create Template” button. Clicking this brings up options for creating different types of templates. For CLI-based configuration, the administrator selects the “CLI Template” option from this menu.
After choosing the CLI template option, vManage prompts the user to enter basic information such as the device type, template name, and a description. These fields are important for organizing and identifying the template later, especially in environments where multiple templates are used.
Below the description field is the main CLI input field. This is where the administrator types the actual configuration commands that will be pushed to the device. These commands should be written in the same syntax as if they were being entered directly into the device via a command-line interface.
Using Variables in CLI Templates
To make the template reusable across multiple devices, administrators can insert variables into the CLI configuration. Variables are enclosed in double curly braces and act as placeholders for device-specific values. For example, a line in the template might read “hostname {{hostname}}” instead of using a fixed hostname.
When the template is applied, vManage will prompt the administrator to provide values for each variable. This allows a single CLI template to be used across many devices, each receiving a slightly different configuration based on the values entered at deployment time.
Variables improve template scalability and reduce duplication. Rather than creating a separate template for each router or site, administrators can use one template with variables and supply the unique values during the association process. This also reduces the risk of errors and speeds up the configuration process.
Saving and Viewing CLI Templates
Once the CLI commands and variables have been entered, the administrator can save the template. The saved CLI template appears in the list of feature templates under the templates section. From here, it can be associated with a device type template or edited later if needed.
To verify that the CLI template has been created successfully, the administrator can navigate to the “Feature Templates” tab in the same configuration section. This tab displays all modular feature templates, including CLI-based templates. It functions similarly to the device templates tab but focuses on individual feature components rather than entire device configurations.
The feature templates tab includes options to search, view, and edit existing templates. If the newly created CLI template does not appear, administrators can use the search function to locate it by name. Once found, it can be opened for review, and any changes can be made directly in the CLI input field.
The structure and organization of templates in vManage make it easier to manage complex configurations. By grouping templates by device type and feature, administrators can maintain a logical and scalable approach to network configuration.
At this stage, the administrator has successfully created a CLI template that can be applied to multiple devices. The process began with understanding the role of templates in vManage, followed by accessing the configuration templates section, creating a new CLI template, using variables, and saving the completed configuration.
This foundational understanding prepares the administrator to apply the template, associate it with devices, and monitor its deployment. CLI templates serve as a bridge between traditional command-line configuration and the centralized management offered by Cisco SD-WAN. Their flexibility and power make them an essential tool for any network team deploying or managing a Cisco SD-WAN environment.
Applying CLI Templates to Devices in Cisco vManage
Once a CLI template has been created and saved in vManage, the next step is to apply it to one or more devices in the SD-WAN environment. This process involves associating the CLI template with a specific device template or directly deploying it to a compatible device. Applying the template pushes the configuration to the device, which then implements the commands defined in the CLI configuration.
To begin, administrators return to the “Device Templates” tab under the Templates section in vManage. This area contains a list of device templates that have already been configured, showing their associated devices and whether any recent changes have occurred. If the CLI template was built as a standalone feature, it needs to be included in a full device template before it can be applied. In this case, the administrator can either create a new device template or modify an existing one.
If creating a new device template, the administrator selects the appropriate device model and platform family, such as vEdge, cEdge, or ISR. The platform family determines which features and CLI commands are supported. Once the base template is initialized, the administrator can select various feature templates to include, one of which will be the CLI template previously created.
In the feature selection screen, the administrator assigns the CLI template to the correct configuration category, such as system, routing, interface, or policy. This assignment helps vManage understand how to merge the CLI configuration with other components during deployment. Once all desired feature templates are included, the device template can be saved and prepared for application.
Associating the Template with Devices
The next step involves associating the new or updated device template with one or more physical or virtual devices. This is done through the “Attach Devices” option found next to each device template in the list. Clicking this opens a window displaying a list of all devices that are eligible for the selected template, based on their hardware type and current configuration.
When attaching a template to a device, vManage prompts the administrator to input any required variable values. These variables correspond to the placeholders used in the CLI template and must be filled in for each device individually. This ensures that while the core configuration remains consistent, each device receives the correct hostname, interface IP, site ID, and other unique identifiers.
The input window typically includes a spreadsheet-like interface where each row represents a device and each column represents a variable. Administrators can manually input values or import them from an external CSV file. This is especially useful when deploying configurations to multiple devices at once, as it reduces manual data entry and helps prevent typographical errors.
After filling in the required fields, the administrator proceeds to validate the configuration. vManage performs a syntax and logic check to ensure the template is complete and does not contain any errors. If any variables are missing or incorrectly defined, vManage alerts the user and prevents deployment until the issues are resolved.
Once validation passes, the template can be pushed to the selected devices. This is done by clicking the “Deploy” button, which initiates the configuration process. During this phase, vManage connects to each device, sends the configuration, and monitors the response.
Monitoring Template Deployment
After the deployment process begins, vManage provides real-time status updates on each device. These updates indicate whether the configuration was applied successfully, if it was partially applied, or if an error occurred. Each device is listed along with a status icon that reflects its current state.
If the deployment is successful, the CLI commands in the template are now active on the device. The device sends a confirmation message back to vManage, and the status changes to reflect the successful application. From this point onward, the device is considered to be managed by that template, and any changes to the template will affect all attached devices upon redeployment.
In the case of partial or failed deployment, vManage provides detailed logs to help diagnose the issue. These logs may include error messages returned by the device, such as invalid command syntax, unsupported features, or conflicting configurations. Administrators can use this information to correct the template or adjust the input variables and then redeploy the updated configuration.
It is important to monitor devices after applying new templates to ensure that the intended configuration is active and functioning as expected. vManage includes dashboards and monitoring tools that allow administrators to verify connectivity, interface status, routing behavior, and system health. These tools are critical for post-deployment validation and ongoing operational assurance.
Making Template Updates and Redeploying
Networks are dynamic by nature. As new applications, services, and sites are added, templates often require updates. vManage makes it easy to modify existing templates without starting from scratch. To make a change, administrators navigate to the template list, locate the desired template, and click on the edit icon.
For CLI templates, the edit window opens the CLI text field, allowing administrators to add, remove, or change any command. New variables can also be introduced if necessary. Once the modifications are complete, the template is saved and can be redeployed to the associated devices.
When an updated template is ready, vManage highlights which devices are affected and prompts the administrator to review the differences. This preview function helps understand exactly what will change on each device, which reduces the risk of unintentional configuration issues.
After reviewing and confirming the changes, the template is redeployed, and vManage again handles the process of pushing the updated configuration to each device. This includes running validations, replacing variables, and confirming successful application. The ability to update and reapply templates on demand is one of the key advantages of centralized configuration management in vManage.
Using Templates for Bulk Deployment
One of the most powerful capabilities of templates in vManage is the ability to deploy configurations to multiple devices simultaneously. This is especially useful during large-scale rollouts, site onboarding, or software upgrades.
By using a combination of device templates and CLI feature templates, administrators can define a single configuration that can be applied across dozens or even hundreds of devices. During the attach process, each device receives the template with its variable values, ensuring that the final configuration is both uniform and tailored to the specific hardware.
Bulk deployment also supports automation and integration with external tools. Organizations that use inventory systems, provisioning scripts, or service orchestration platforms can integrate with vManage APIs to automate template assignment, variable population, and configuration deployment. This level of automation reduces administrative overhead and accelerates deployment timelines.
Even when performed manually, bulk deployment in vManage is straightforward. The input interface allows for multi-device selection, and variable values can be imported in bulk. Once deployed, vManage tracks the status of each device independently, allowing administrators to troubleshoot individual failures without interrupting the broader process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with CLI Templates
While CLI templates offer flexibility, they also require careful construction and testing to avoid misconfigurations. Because they bypass some of the built-in safeguards of GUI-based feature templates, administrators must be especially vigilant when writing and applying CLI commands.
Common issues with CLI templates include syntax errors, unsupported commands for the device platform, and variable mismatches. For example, if a variable is defined in the CLI template but not given a value during deployment, the configuration will fail to apply. Similarly, using a command that is valid on one platform but not on another will cause the deployment to stop or generate errors.
To avoid these problems, administrators should follow a structured approach to template development. This includes testing CLI commands on lab devices, using clear and consistent variable names, and reviewing configuration previews before deployment. It is also helpful to document the purpose and expected behavior of each template so that future updates can be made with confidence.
In environments where multiple administrators work together, version control and change management practices can further reduce the risk of errors. vManage maintains a history of template versions and changes, allowing teams to track who made changes, when, and why. This visibility supports both operational continuity and compliance.
Reviewing Template Results and Device State
After a successful deployment, it is important to confirm that the desired configuration is not only applied but also active and functioning correctly. vManage provides tools for reviewing the configuration on each device, monitoring performance, and validating operational parameters.
From the device dashboard, administrators can view the running configuration, interface status, routing table, and other real-time metrics. These insights help verify that the template achieved its intended outcome and that the device is operating normally.
In addition to individual device views, vManage supports system-wide dashboards that summarize key metrics such as uptime, reachability, CPU usage, and tunnel status. These dashboards are valuable for confirming that configuration changes did not negatively impact performance or connectivity.
Administrators can also schedule periodic audits to check for configuration drift, where a device’s actual configuration may differ from its assigned template. Drift can occur if manual changes are made outside of vManage or if an earlier template was applied incorrectly. vManage helps detect these discrepancies and provides options to reapply the template or synchronize the configuration.
Importance of Documentation and Template Naming
As template usage grows within an organization, maintaining clear documentation becomes increasingly important. This includes keeping track of template names, descriptions, associated device models, and the purpose of each template. Without this structure, it becomes difficult to manage and troubleshoot configurations across the network.
Templates should follow a consistent naming convention that includes relevant details such as the platform, function, and version. For example, a template for session timeout settings on cEdge routers might be named “cEdge_SessionTimeout_v1”. This format makes it easier to identify the correct template during deployments and updates.
Descriptions should be detailed enough to convey the template’s purpose and any special instructions. For CLI templates, it is helpful to include a summary of the commands included and any dependencies on other templates. This documentation saves time during audits, troubleshooting, and team collaboration.
Maintaining an internal library or spreadsheet of templates, their functions, and their current deployment status can also improve operational efficiency. This is particularly valuable in large networks with multiple teams or in regulated industries where documentation is a compliance requirement.
Expanding CLI Templates to Support Advanced Configurations
As networks grow and become more sophisticated, so do their configuration requirements. While basic CLI templates are useful for initial device onboarding and simple feature configuration, many enterprise deployments require advanced templates that support a wider range of features and operational logic.
Advanced CLI templates can be used to define complex routing policies, interface tuning parameters, QoS settings, or security configurations that are not easily supported in vManage’s graphical feature templates. These may include combinations of interface behaviors, access control lists, SNMP traps, BFD tuning, and routing redistribution rules. Instead of configuring these features separately, CLI templates allow for all configurations to be logically grouped and deployed together.
A common use case for advanced CLI templates is applying feature parity across different platforms. For example, an organization might deploy both cEdge and ISR devices and want them to behave similarly in terms of routing and security. By creating CLI templates that mimic each other’s functionality, the administrator can achieve consistent behavior even when platform-specific commands differ.
In these scenarios, CLI templates act as a bridge between GUI-driven templates and the traditional command-line approach. They allow for control and flexibility without abandoning the benefits of centralized automation and monitoring provided by vManage.
Integrating CLI Templates with Centralized Policies
Cisco SD-WAN supports the use of centralized policies to manage traffic flow, enforce security controls, and define application-level behavior. These policies are configured through vManage and applied globally or selectively to parts of the network. CLI templates play an important role in supporting these policies by ensuring that the underlying device configurations are aligned with the policy logic.
For example, if a centralized policy requires traffic to be classified based on DSCP markings and then forwarded through a specific path, the corresponding CLI template must ensure that the QoS settings and interface behaviors on each device support this logic. This might involve applying command-line instructions to configure input classifiers, shapers, or output queues on specific interfaces.
In many cases, centralized policies assume that certain device-level configurations are already present. CLI templates ensure that the required foundation is correctly set up. This coordination between device-level configuration and policy logic ensures that the policies function as intended and that devices behave predictably under all traffic conditions.
CLI templates can also assist in the application of security policies, including zone-based firewalls, control-plane policing, and interface ACLs. While these features may be partially supported in the GUI, administrators often prefer to use CLI templates to customize behaviors or apply fine-tuned rules that the graphical interface does not expose.
In practice, the integration of CLI templates and centralized policies requires careful planning. Policies must be tested in lab environments to ensure compatibility with CLI commands and avoid unexpected behaviors. The configuration order is also critical, as policies may rely on certain device settings being applied beforehand. Proper documentation and validation help ensure that both elements work in harmony.
Role-Based Access Control for Template Management
As SD-WAN environments scale, multiple administrators often share the responsibility of managing templates and deploying configurations. To maintain order and prevent unauthorized or accidental changes, Cisco vManage supports role-based access control (RBAC). This allows organizations to define who can create, modify, deploy, or view templates based on their role in the IT team.
RBAC in vManage is managed under the administration section. It allows for granular permissions to be applied to specific users or groups. For example, a senior network engineer might have full access to create and modify CLI templates, while a junior engineer may only be allowed to view templates or deploy existing ones. This hierarchy ensures that sensitive configurations are protected and that change control processes are followed.
In the context of CLI templates, RBAC ensures that only trained personnel can write or edit raw CLI configurations, which carry more risk than form-based templates. CLI commands can impact device behavior immediately and at a low level, so limiting access to experienced users is a best practice.
Organizations should also use naming conventions and template descriptions to identify the ownership and purpose of each template. This practice helps enforce accountability and aids troubleshooting efforts when issues arise. When users know who created a template and for what purpose, they can better assess its impact or determine whether a change is appropriate.
Additionally, vManage maintains a change log for templates, showing who modified them and when. This provides an audit trail for template changes and supports compliance with internal controls or external regulations. When combined with RBAC, this logging mechanism creates a secure and manageable environment for template operations.
Version Control and Template Reusability
One of the most valuable features of vManage templates is version control. As templates evolve, administrators need to track changes, compare versions, and roll back to earlier configurations when necessary. vManage maintains a version history for each template, allowing teams to view what has changed and revert to a previous version if needed.
Version control is especially important for CLI templates, where even a small syntax change can have significant effects. Having the ability to see the full command history, including added, removed, or modified lines, makes troubleshooting and auditing much easier. It also allows for the structured development of new template versions before they are deployed to production devices.
When developing templates, administrators should treat them as reusable building blocks. Instead of writing new templates for each project or location, teams can create standardized templates that apply broadly across similar device types. These templates can include optional sections or variables that adapt to specific needs while maintaining a consistent core.
Reusability also supports training and knowledge transfer. When templates are standardized and documented, new team members can learn to manage configurations without starting from scratch. Templates become part of an organizational library that accelerates deployment and ensures consistency across the network.
To enhance reusability, administrators can design templates with modularity in mind. For instance, separate CLI templates can be created for routing, security, and logging functions. These smaller templates can be included in larger device templates as needed, enabling more flexible configurations. This modular structure aligns with software development best practices and supports greater agility.
Template Lifecycle Management in Enterprise Environments
Managing the lifecycle of CLI templates involves more than just creating and applying them. It includes planning for updates, monitoring their impact, retiring outdated configurations, and preparing for new platform support or feature changes.
The template lifecycle begins with planning and design. During this phase, teams gather requirements, identify supported platforms, and map out the features to be included. Once the design is approved, templates are built in a lab environment where they can be tested under controlled conditions. This step helps identify syntax errors, compatibility issues, and functional gaps before deployment.
After testing, templates move to the staging phase, where they are applied to a subset of production devices for real-world validation. Feedback from this phase informs final adjustments before templates are rolled out to the wider network. This phased approach reduces risk and improves reliability.
During the operational phase, templates are monitored for effectiveness and maintained as business needs evolve. For example, new security standards might require changes to ACLs or encryption settings, which must be reflected in the templates. Similarly, software updates on devices may introduce new features or deprecate old ones, prompting template revisions.
As part of ongoing maintenance, templates that are no longer in use should be reviewed and retired. Removing outdated templates prevents confusion and reduces the risk of accidental deployment. Before deletion, templates can be archived or documented to preserve historical information.
The final stage of the lifecycle involves preparing templates for new platforms. As Cisco introduces new SD-WAN hardware or software capabilities, templates must be updated or created to support them. This requires keeping up to date with product release notes, compatibility matrices, and new configuration commands. Administrators must review and test templates against the new devices to ensure proper functionality.
By managing templates as assets with a defined lifecycle, organizations can maintain control over their network configuration environment, reduce downtime, and improve security and compliance. The lifecycle approach also promotes efficiency by ensuring that templates remain relevant and aligned with evolving operational goals.
Combining GUI and CLI Templates for Hybrid Deployments
In many networks, it is common to use both GUI-based and CLI-based templates together. This hybrid approach provides the best of both worlds: the simplicity of the graphical interface and the flexibility of command-line customization. vManage supports this combination, allowing administrators to build device templates that include both GUI-defined feature templates and CLI templates.
This approach is particularly useful when most of the configuration can be handled through the GUI, but specific custom commands are still required. For instance, an administrator might use GUI templates to configure system parameters, routing, and interfaces, while using CLI templates to add a few custom commands related to SNMP or device tracking.
When using a hybrid model, the order in which templates are applied matters. CLI templates are usually applied after the GUI templates, which means their commands can override or extend the existing configuration. This ordering allows CLI templates to serve as overrides for fine-tuned adjustments without rewriting the entire device configuration.
Care must be taken to avoid conflicts between the two template types. If a GUI template sets a value that contradicts a CLI command, the device may reject one of the configurations or enter an error state. To avoid this, administrators should document the intent of each template and test them together during staging.
Hybrid templates are also useful during migration projects. Organizations moving from traditional CLI-based environments to vManage GUI-based management can start by wrapping their existing CLI configurations into templates and slowly transitioning to GUI equivalents over time. This phased approach reduces disruption and allows teams to adopt the new system at their own pace.
Operational Best Practices for Managing CLI Templates
Successful implementation and ongoing management of CLI templates in Cisco vManage depend on adopting a structured and disciplined operational approach. Templates are powerful tools, but they must be treated with the same rigor as any other critical system in the IT environment. Operational best practices help avoid misconfigurations, promote reliability, and ensure smooth collaboration among network teams.
One of the most important best practices is implementing a formal change control process. Any modifications to CLI templates—whether minor syntax changes or major feature additions—should follow an established workflow that includes design review, peer validation, and testing. Even seemingly small changes can have large effects, especially when templates are applied to dozens or hundreds of devices.
Another essential practice is labeling and documenting templates consistently. Template names should include information about the platform, function, version, and environment (such as production or staging). Descriptions should explain the purpose, include a summary of the CLI commands used, and indicate any dependencies. Well-documented templates reduce confusion, speed up othe nboarding of new administrators, and make troubleshooting more efficient.
It is also advisable to maintain a template inventory or configuration matrix. This matrix maps which templates are used by which devices, identifies versions, and highlights any special cases or overrides. Such a matrix serves as a quick-reference tool for network engineers and is especially useful during audits, updates, and incident response.
Regular validation of templates and their attached devices is another core practice. vManage includes built-in features for checking whether devices match their assigned templates. Any deviations or failures can be logged and addressed promptly. This ongoing monitoring ensures that devices stay in compliance and that manual configuration drift is detected and resolved.
Performance Monitoring After Template Deployment
After CLI templates are deployed, it is critical to monitor the performance and health of the affected devices. Even when a configuration is syntactically correct and deploys without errors, it may have unintended consequences on device behavior or traffic flows.
Cisco vManage provides dashboards and monitoring tools that give real-time visibility into various metrics, including CPU usage, memory, interface status, routing stability, and tunnel availability. These metrics help administrators assess whether the new template has had any impact on network performance.
One key aspect of post-deployment monitoring is validating reachability and routing convergence. If the CLI template includes changes to routing protocols, access control lists, or interface states, it is essential to ensure that all expected paths remain operational and that traffic is flowing as intended. This can be done through built-in route visualization tools and connectivity tests available in vManage.
Application performance should also be tracked after major configuration changes. Templates that modify QoS, path selection, or WAN optimization settings can affect application latency, jitter, or throughput. Using telemetry and application visibility tools in vManage, administrators can verify that service levels remain consistent with expectations.
In case anomalies are detected, the ability to quickly compare the new configuration with the previous version is invaluable. CLI templates with version history and descriptive change logs allow administrators to trace issues back to specific updates and take corrective action quickly.
Template Auditing and Compliance Verification
In many industries, network configuration management is subject to regulatory oversight, internal security policies, or audit requirements. Cisco vManage supports compliance efforts by providing visibility into all configurations and changes made via templates.
Audit logs in vManage track when templates are created, modified, or applied to devices. These logs include details such as the username of the person who made the change, the timestamp, and the specific devices affected. This level of accountability supports internal reviews, security investigations, and external audits.
To facilitate ongoing compliance verification, organizations can implement scheduled template audits. These audits compare the running configurations on devices with the expected configurations defined by their assigned templates. If discrepancies are found, vManage can highlight these for review and remediation.
Some compliance standards require that certain network configurations remain fixed unless updated through an approved process. CLI templates help enforce these controls by making it difficult for unauthorized changes to persist. If a manual change is made outside of vManage and causes configuration drift, it can be identified and overwritten with the correct template.
Organizations that follow a security framework such as NIST, ISO 27001, or PCI-DSS can map specific CLI configurations to the control requirements of the framework. For example, templates that configure logging, SNMP community strings, or remote access restrictions can be tagged and documented to show compliance with specific security controls.
Documentation of template structure, access controls, version history, and deployment status also helps satisfy audit requirements. When auditors can see a clear, repeatable process for configuration management, they are more likely to validate the integrity and security of the network operations.
Supporting Disaster Recovery with Templates
Disaster recovery is another area where CLI templates prove their value. In the event of a device failure, site outage, or complete network loss, having pre-defined templates allows for rapid restoration of service. Rather than configuring a replacement device manually, administrators can simply apply the appropriate template, ensuring that the new device mirrors the configuration of the failed one.
Templates reduce recovery time objectives by standardizing the process and eliminating guesswork. The same CLI template that was used during deployment can be applied to the replacement device with updated variable values. This consistency also ensures that restored devices will integrate seamlessly into existing policies, routing domains, and security frameworks.
It is good practice to store critical template information off-system as part of the disaster recovery plan. Exported versions of key CLI templates can be kept in secure version-controlled repositories or backup archives, along with device serial numbers and site-specific variables.
Organizations can also simulate recovery scenarios by performing dry-run device replacements using templates. These exercises test whether templates are current, complete, and compatible with the latest hardware and software versions. Issues identified during testing can be addressed proactively rather than during an actual emergency.
By incorporating template-driven recovery into the larger business continuity strategy, organizations ensure a faster, more predictable response to failures and reduce the risk of misconfigurations during high-pressure recovery efforts.
Aligning Templates with Business Objectives
While CLI templates are technical tools, their use should ultimately support broader business objectives. Network infrastructure exists to serve the operational and strategic needs of the organization, whether that means improving service delivery, enabling remote work, supporting security goals, or reducing costs.
Templates help achieve these objectives by creating consistency, improving scalability, and supporting agility. When new sites or services are added, templates allow them to be brought online quickly with predictable behavior. This supports faster market expansion, better user experiences, and higher service availability.
Security and compliance goals are also supported through well-designed templates. By enforcing uniform configurations, organizations can reduce the attack surface, close unnecessary ports, and ensure logging and monitoring are always in place. Templates prevent deviation from policy, which is a common cause of security vulnerabilities.
From an operational efficiency standpoint, templates reduce manual labor, shorten change windows, and minimize configuration errors. This lowers operational costs and allows skilled engineers to focus on higher-value activities. Automated configuration through templates also supports IT service management and reduces the backlog of change requests.
In some organizations, template design is aligned with internal governance frameworks. For instance, each template may be reviewed and approved by a change advisory board before deployment. This alignment ensures that network changes follow the same disciplined approach as other IT systems and are consistent with organizational risk management strategies.
As networks become increasingly dynamic and software-driven, the ability to deploy infrastructure as code becomes more valuable. CLI templates in vManage can be considered a step toward infrastructure as code, supporting declarative configuration and integration with version control and orchestration systems.
Considerations for Template Strategy
The ongoing evolution of network technologies means that the role of templates will continue to grow and change. Organizations should plan for this by developing a forward-looking template strategy that considers future trends such as automation, software-defined infrastructure, and AI-driven operations.
One emerging trend is the integration of vManage with external configuration management platforms. As APIs and automation tools become more robust, templates will increasingly be created, modified, and deployed programmatically. This allows for integration with DevOps workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and service orchestration systems.
Another area of development is intent-based networking. In this model, administrators define high-level goals, and the network automatically generates and applies the necessary configurations. Templates, particularly CLI templates, will play a role in bridging the gap between abstract policy definitions and device-level implementation.
Machine learning and AI are also being introduced into network management platforms. These technologies can analyze performance data, detect anomalies, and suggest configuration changes. In the future, AI tools may help optimize templates based on real-time feedback or suggest configuration improvements that reduce latency or enhance security.
To prepare for these changes, organizations should maintain a flexible template structure, invest in documentation, and encourage a culture of collaboration between network and software teams. Templates should be treated as living assets that evolve, not static documents created once and forgotten.
Lastly, organizations should continue to monitor the capabilities of vManage and Cisco SD-WAN. As new features are introduced, the functionality of templates will expand. Staying current with release notes, attending training, and participating in community forums can help teams take full advantage of new features and improve the effectiveness of their template strategy.
Final Thoughts
Creating and managing CLI templates in Cisco vManage is more than just a technical task—it is a strategic approach to simplifying, standardizing, and scaling network configurations across a distributed infrastructure. As networks become increasingly software-defined, the ability to push reliable, repeatable, and dynamic configurations through a centralized system becomes critical to operational efficiency, security, and agility.
CLI templates empower network engineers to apply traditional Cisco configurations in a modern SD-WAN environment. They bridge the gap between CLI familiarity and the automation capabilities of vManage, offering flexibility for advanced use cases while retaining the consistency and control of centralized management.
Throughout this guide, we have explored how to design templates, apply them to devices, manage changes, integrate with policies, and support large-scale enterprise operations. We’ve covered the importance of version control, access restrictions, compliance, disaster recovery, and performance monitoring. When these elements are implemented with care, CLI templates become a powerful component of any organization’s network strategy.
The long-term success of template-based management depends on structured governance, ongoing documentation, and continuous adaptation. As the network evolves—through growth, new technology adoption, or changing business demands—templates must evolve too. With a strong foundation and thoughtful practices, CLI templates in vManage can reduce complexity, increase reliability, and accelerate how quickly networks respond to change.
In the end, templates are not just about automation—they’re about enabling teams to work smarter, scale faster, and maintain control over increasingly complex environments. Whether you’re managing a handful of branch routers or a global SD-WAN deployment, CLI templates are a valuable tool for delivering stable, secure, and consistent network experiences.