Definition of SD-WAN
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is a virtual WAN architecture that allows enterprises to leverage any combination of data transport services to securely connect users to applications – including MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet services.
Unlike traditional router-centric WAN architectures, the SD-WAN model is designed to fully support applications hosted in local data centers, public or private clouds, and SaaS services such as Salesforce, Workday, Dropbox, Microsoft 365, etc., while providing the highest level of application performance.
SD-WAN deployment concept
To securely connect users to applications, the SD-WAN architecture applies Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technology to Wide Area Network (WAN) connections. Some examples of WAN connections are broadband, 4G, and LTE connections. Its function is to connect business places in different locations to the same network via the internet or cloud-native private networks.
The use of SD-WAN is an upgrade from the obsolete computer network framework of the past because its use is independent of hardware-based traffic management and monitoring functions. Instead, SD-WAN is built on Edge Connectivity Abstraction, WAN Virtualization, Centralized Management, and Elastic Traffic Management.
Why use SD-WAN
Companies that persist with traditional WAN architecture should see this as the right time to switch because they cannot match the performance of modern SD-WAN upgrades. Advanced networks outperform the old ones in almost every way that includes bandwidth, security, cost, and reliability. For similar reasons, new ventures should only consider SD-WAN. Otherwise, the entire business will be at a disadvantage from the start.
Benefits of SD-WAN network solutions
The benefits of SD-WAN network solutions are many including optimizing the performance of cloud and local applications with real-time analytics, along with maximum choice and control. Businesses that do not use SD-WAN are not reaching their full potential.
In fact, the need for flawless internal communications and online facilities is no longer limited to the IT sector alone. Almost all businesses today rely heavily on computer technology while more and more require flawless communication between different end points and different geographical locations. SD-WAN is not only a great addition but also an essential feature to be able to compete in the fierce modern business world.
What are the benefits of SD-WAN?
- Improves application performance across the WAN
- Offers greater business agility and responsiveness
- Assures business objectives with advanced application visibility and control
- Offers extensibility to 3rd party products through a suite of services
- Offers robust edge-to-edge security and micro-segmentation
- Improves network security
- Reduces time requirements for administrators
Advantages of Managed SD-WAN
- Lower operational/connectivity costs
- Improves performance better for cloud applications
- Allows multiple links from different ISPs
- Makes it easy for companies to quickly set up a secure and reliable network
- Optimizes the use of resources
Advanced SD-WAN functionality for SASE
SASE combines SD-WAN with the necessary cloud-delivered security functions, otherwise known as Security Service Edge (SSE). SSE defines a suite of security services that help realize the security vision of SASE. SD-WAN with advanced networking capabilities is required to fully enable SASE. For one, it provides the freedom of choice to deploy new security innovations as they become available from any vendor to easily address unknown future threats.
