The Author Node role is assigned to the first cluster with the Multiple Catalyst Center option enabled that integrates with the Cisco ISE deployment, or the first cluster which enables the Multiple Catalyst Center option. The Author Node cluster is the administration point for the Group-Based Policy (GBP) and for Cisco SD-Access global data. The Author Node cluster manages VNs, SGTs, Access Contracts, and GBAC Policy. You can create, modify, or delete VNs and GBP components only on the Author Node cluster.

The Author Node cluster pushes VN and GBP information to Cisco ISE via ERS (REST) APIs, allowing Cisco ISE to use this information and publish to all other Cisco Catalyst Center Clusters in the Reader Node role through Cisco ISE pxGrid.

Only one cluster can be designated as the Author Node. It’s the only node where GBP and user-defined global SDA data (such as VNs or extranet policy) can be managed.

If SGTs or VNs are operational on the Author Node, it is not possible to delete them.