A computer-implemented method includes requesting, using a branch controller, an operating status of at least one application of a first plurality of applications executing in a first core site using a first User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ping, the first UDP ping being transmitted to a first network controller included in the first core site through a first VPN connection between the branch controller and the first core site; and receiving, using the branch controller, the operating status of the at least one application of the first plurality of applications using the first UDP ping received through the first VPN connection.