Software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) modernize traditional network architectures by introducing a dynamic and adaptable approach to running wide area networks. SD-WAN can enhance network capabilities, improve performance and provide predictable connectivity. Enterprises can see a significant 80% increase in bandwidth efficiency, a staggering 98% reduction in failover time, and an 85% improvement in overall network performance.

By decoupling network hardware, SD-WAN introduces flexibility and reduces costs. This technology helps improve application performance by prioritizing critical applications and ensures an enhanced user experience. SD-WAN also makes network management easier with end-to-end visibility and a single dashboard, allowing for better operational efficiency. Additionally, its integrated security features and native next-generation firewall capabilities for network security also prove valuable.

SD-WAN can be a strategic enabler, providing high scalability, efficient and high-quality performance, reliability and ease of management, and improved security, ultimately resulting in huge business advantages.

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Network) is a technology based on software defined networking. It provides a virtual service where data centers can be connected to branch offices and clouds. This enables organizations to securely connect users, applications and data across multiple sites and improve performance, reliability and scalability.

SD-WAN uses a centralized control plane to route traffic, enabling efficient management of the WAN and providing centralized control and visibility across the entire network. The technology separates network hardware from the control plane, making WANs more efficient and cost-effective due to lower infrastructure and transmission costs.

In other words, SD-WAN can be viewed as a transition from traditional, hardware-centric networking approaches to one that is more adaptable, smarter, more efficient, and more cost-effective.

The evolution of SD-WAN

Traditionally, WANs were created to provide a distribution network to applications running on data center servers between user locations in branch offices and campuses. Point-to-point safe and reliable connections are mainly provided by MPLS circuits.

However, SaaS and IaaS applications (multi-cloud) have changed the landscape. The cloud-centric world is moving away from the old legacy WANs that were designed for a different era but didn't meet its needs.

The growth in traffic due to cloud adoption leads to management complexity, unpredictable behavior, predictability issues with application performance, and weaknesses in data security.

One solution to contemporary IT challenges is the adoption of SD-WAN solutions.

What are the advantages of SD-WAN?

SD-WAN revolutionizes networking capabilities, providing various advantages in performance, scalability, management, and security.

Improve network performance

Intelligent routing function: SD-WAN uses intelligent routing algorithms to automatically adjust data traffic. This ensures that information is transmitted over the shortest path in real time, thereby improving the performance and responsiveness of the entire network.

Reduced latency for critical applications: By paying more attention to the organization and optimization of traffic, SD-WAN solutions significantly reduce latency, which is especially important for applications that involve immediate transfer of data. This results in a better user experience and fast and reliable delivery of essential applications.

Scalability

Adapt to changing business needs: SD-WAN has built-in scalability, allowing businesses to easily scale up or down based on their needs. SD-WAN solutions provide the flexibility to scale operations or change network configurations to adapt to changing business circumstances.

No additional hardware or software required: SD-WAN differs from other network solutions in that it operates efficiently without significant investment and requires the purchase of additional hardware or software products. It leverages current infrastructure and can adapt to different workloads, eliminating the need for expensive upgrades.

Simplify network management

SD-WAN helps simplify network management complexity.

End-to-end management of the entire WAN infrastructure: SD-WAN provides centralized control and management of the entire WAN infrastructure, increasing visibility and making monitoring and configuration tasks easier.

Single dashboard view of the network: Consolidates network management into a single dashboard, giving administrators a comprehensive view of the network. This unified interface simplifies monitoring, troubleshooting, and configuration tasks and reduces operational complexity.

Enhance security

SD-WAN solves security problems with innovative solutions.

Native next-generation firewall capabilities: SD-WAN enhances overall network security by integrating next-generation firewall capabilities directly into the network architecture, ensuring strong protection against evolving cyber threats.

Eliminate separate security appliances: SD-WAN consolidates security functions within the infrastructure, reducing the need for separate security appliances. This integrated approach increases efficiency and reduces the attack surface, thereby increasing the network's resilience against potential vulnerabilities.

cut costs

Intelligent traffic routing per SD-WAN reduces overall bandwidth consumption, saving costs associated with high bandwidth demands. The centralized management capabilities of cloud computing can save costs because there is no need for on-site IT staff at each branch.

The ability to expand the network requires virtually no additional investment in capital deployment, reducing capital and operating expenses. Due to integrated security features, SD-WAN eliminates the need for separate appliances to provide security, thereby simplifying the infrastructure while reducing overall infrastructure costs.

How does SD-WAN work?

The operational framework of SD-WAN involves several key elements:

Centralized control plane: SD-WAN solutions leverage a centralized control plane that enables administrators to establish rules and policies. These directives can be deployed uniformly across the entire network, providing a centralized mechanism for routing traffic.

Decoupling of data and control planes: SD-WAN enhances the flexibility and adaptability of network management by decoupling the data plane and control plane.

Virtualization of multiple connections: SD-WAN creates an overlay that virtualizes multiple different connections, regardless of carrier. This agnostic approach ensures seamless integration of various connections for optimal network performance.

IoT edge integration: SD-WAN supports the Internet of Things (IoT) edge, facilitating secure communications from edge devices to the network backend. This is especially important for processing data at the edge of the network, whether connected to a public or private cloud.

Utilization of multiple transmission methods: SD-WAN uses multiple transmission methods to interconnect the SD-WAN device network. This approach enhances the reliability and resiliency of network connections.

SD-WAN significantly improves application performance, provides an enhanced user experience, increases business productivity and agility, while reducing IT costs.