What could be the reason for SD-WAN specific columns not showing in traffic logs?

The reason that SD-WAN specific columns may not show in traffic logs due to load balancing is significant because it underscores how the underlying traffic management processes operate. When traffic flows through the network, if it is balanced according to an implicit SD-WAN rule, this can influence how the data is recorded in the logs.

For instance, if traffic is not being routed through the SD-WAN interface or is being distributed across various paths based on load balancing criteria, the entries logged may not provide separate details for individual SD-WAN paths or interfaces. Rather, the traffic may combine into entries that reflect generalized flows without the specific SD-WAN column data because it is processed before logging occurs.

Recognizing this behavior is important for network administrators who use logs for performance monitoring and troubleshooting, as the absence of detailed SD-WAN data can lead to improper assessments of network performance or issues. Understanding load balancing will help in analyzing and interpreting traffic logs effectively.