What is SD-WAN?

Wide area network (WAN) connections can receive virtualized resources using SD-WAN, a software-based network technology, over public and private links with standard broadband internet. By adapting the ideas of software-defined networks to WANs, SD-WAN isolates network hardware-based traffic control and monitoring to individual applications.

Compared to conventional WAN routers, SD-WAN can more efficiently route network traffic between data centers, offices, and the cloud. To provide the best user experience in even the most remote offices, SD-WAN dynamically uses various available connections to select the best delivery channel for traffic throughout the whole network, reducing jitter and missing data packages.

The traditional WAN

The traditional WAN function links users at the branch or campus to applications located on servers in the data center. To help ensure security and reliable communication, dedicated MPLS circuits were typically used. In a world where the cloud is central, this is ineffective.

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN provides a software abstraction that allows a secure, reliable, transport-agnostic network overlay by isolating networking (software) services from the underlying (hardware) resources.

How does SD-WAN work?

Businesses frequently use WANs to link branch offices to mission-critical applications, such as teleconferencing platforms, ERP and CRM applications, and others. Enterprises may build hybrid WAN architectures by combining various MPLS, mobile, and broadband connections into a unified, logical, virtualized application-delivery channel that dynamically adapts to network conditions. Additionally, unlike a traditional WAN, businesses are not required to upgrade their network bandwidth to accommodate more cloud services.

Characteristics of SD-WAN

SD-WAN provides a better user experience by optimizing traffic over multiple available connections. To ensure the ideal performance of applications, SD-WAN dynamically directs traffic to the best possible link and corrects any transmission problems.

Network agility, ease of deployment, and central management and control are all made possible by cloud-delivered and software-based SD-WAN. As some of the WAN traffic is shifted to broadband connections and cloud-based apps, it also helps businesses reduce the amount of WAN traffic on leased lines.

Companies may instantly add cloud service access, establish a new remote office, and dynamically redirect all forms of network traffic for improved application and data delivery using SD-WAN. A hybrid deployment, entirely cloud-or software-based, hardware-based, or other alternatives are just a few of the different deployment possibilities offered by SD-WAN. Additionally, a centrally placed orchestrator keeps an eye on all network activities to give real-time analytics and reports and remotely fix any problems.

Benefits of SD-WAN

SD-WAN reduces the cost of ownership while resolving network complexity. Through quick zero-touch provisioning, cloud administration, app performance optimization across any WAN link, managed on-ramps that speed up cloud adoption, and strong edge security, SD-WAN streamlines operations.

SD-WAN provides hybrid, multi-cloud, and SaaS functionality to meet the needs of today's enterprises.

With the help of comprehensive network analytics and security provided by a network overlay, SD-WAN links any device or user to any application across any location on the WAN.

An automated platform's global WAN visibility, agility, and scale simplify branch and distant site installations.

The SD-WAN platform uses end-to-end segmentation and security VNFs to achieve the highest level of cloud security possible.