What is SD-WAN?

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. It is a wide area network that has been used for years. Is it the right choice for any company? How does such a network differ from a traditional WAN? What are the benefits of betting on such a solution?

SD-WAN – what is it?

SD-WAN can simplify WAN management. This is to be achieved through two important moves. Namely, this involves separating the network hardware from the control mechanism, as well as integrating network functions. It is worth noting in particular such network features as:

• advanced security system,
• extensive big data analytics,
• The option to fully integrate with an existing MPLS network.

Thus, by using SD-WAN, the problems that are associated with using WAN with traditional technology are eliminated.

Source: https://www.sdxcentral.com/networking/sd-wan/definitions/software-defined-sdn-wan/

SD-WAN is an extension of network capabilities. It makes network operations much easier to implement. What is the difference in this case compared to traditional WANs? First, let’s focus on the operation of WANs – they were developed to provide connectivity between physical company branches, data centers and headquarters, using individual and private lines. All traffic was routed through a private data center. It was not an ideal solution. Many irregularities were noted. The trouble was the slow connection, which negatively affected work in the individual branches. Such a network was a challenge when it came to making modifications quickly.

High bandwidth loads also negatively projected the cost of operating WANs – they were rising. The changing market situation meant that this form of network was associated with major limitations. Management of the entire structure was becoming increasingly problematic. The expectations of WAN users were also increasing. The use of various solutions in the SaaS model became popular, Office 365 or Google Drive being prime examples. With SD-WAN, the possibilities of using the WAN together with multi-cloud connectivity are greater. This offering provides excellent performance for applications used in branch offices. The SD-WAN mechanism guides the ideal path for traffic – MPLS, 3G/4G or broadband. The result? It gets the business access to business-critical applications in the cloud.

With SD-WAN, network services enter a much higher level. It is possible to create your own networks with direct access to SD-WAN. This makes it possible for users to use applications in public clouds, as well as SaaS applications.

Why bet on SD-WAN?

SD-WAN architecture is being chosen by more and more companies for a number of reasons. One of them is uninterrupted, seamless connectivity between users. Here are the key benefits of betting on this solution:

• High performance for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications and unified communications services.
• Cost savings – the result of multiple broadband connections, among other things.
• Simplifying the service.
• Improved cloud application performance – Business-critical applications have been prioritized.
• Easy management.

SD-WAN simplifies WAN management and gives greater flexibility. It also comes with great scalability – even across thousands of remote locations. It’s also a proposition that provides solutions in terms of analytics and quality control. Applications can be optimized in real time, and this provides the ability to solve problems faster. With SD-WAN, more physical branches of the company can be made ready for work – providing them with the right infrastructure.

Is there anything arguing against the implementation of SD-WAN? It is difficult to find such arguments. The implementation of this network is definitely worth pursuing. For a company, it’s a step toward greater productivity, security and efficiency of operations.