How does application-aware routing work in SD-WAN?

• A. Routing decisions are based solely on destination IP and static routes.
• B. The controller classifies traffic by application (via DPI, signatures, or ports) and applies policies mapping applications to preferred paths, QoS levels, and security requirements, adjusting routes dynamically.
• C. Application awareness is not used in SD-WAN routing.
• D. Routing decisions are random and do not consider policies.

Answer: (B)

Application-aware routing in SD-WAN identifies traffic by application (using DPI, signatures, or ports) and then uses policies to map each application to a preferred path, a QoS level, and security requirements, adjusting routes dynamically as network conditions change. The controller continuously monitors link performance (latency, jitter, loss, bandwidth) and can shift application flows to the most suitable path to meet service-level targets, balance cost, and enforce security. This means real-time traffic like voice or video can be steered over lower-latency or upper-bandwidth links, while less sensitive or bulk data can ride cheaper links, all while ensuring required security policies are applied. The other options miss the essential point: routing decisions aren’t based solely on destination or static routes, they aren’t random, and application awareness is indeed used to drive routing.