Employees can keep working with secure connectivity even if their Internet or cellular connection fails. It also protects sensitive data from cyberattacks.
Unlike basic SD-WAN, a business-driven solution provides a sub-second failover that averts application interruption. It also converges WAN with network security services like CASB and FWaaS.
What is SD-WAN?
With SD-WAN, employees can stay connected to the network no matter what happens with their internet connection or physical location. It means they can continue to work from home or the airport without missing important emails or meetings.
In addition to its flexible connectivity, SD-WAN can offer secure connections between locations. Because all traffic is encrypted, only intended recipients can read it. That means no one can intercept or tamper with information sent over an SD-WAN link, vital in a world where cyberattacks are common and increasingly sophisticated.
SD-WAN can also improve security by using micro-segmentation, which allows IT teams to identify and isolate specific types of network traffic for more targeted security measures. It can also help implement Zero Trust security. This more advanced approach uses strict identity verification and blocks access to resources on the private network from any device not directly connected to it.
Finally, SD-WAN can be managed remotely through a central control function that makes it easier for IT teams to manage and monitor all connections across the WAN. It can also combine with cloud-delivered security functions, which Gartner has dubbed Security Service Edge (SASE), to make it more secure and flexible than MPLS networks and other traditional network architectures.
How Does SD-WAN Work?
In contrast to conventional enterprise WANs, which rely on command-line interfaces, SD-WAN offers a software solution that enables IT teams to design network edges using essential, user-friendly tools. We learn about SD-WAN through how it facilitates the WAN configuration process and enhances application performance by ensuring policies align with business goals.
Additionally, SD-WAN allows companies to reduce their dependency on costly MPLS circuits by shifting some WAN traffic to broadband Internet connections and cloud-based applications. This flexibility enables organizations to respond to business needs and accelerate digital transformation initiatives.
In addition, a central controller can monitor all WAN connectivity and dynamically route data according to policy. It helps to ensure that business data is transmitted over the best available path for optimal application performance. This feature also improves security by ensuring that all communications are encrypted.
Providers can offer SD-WAN as an overlay or a managed service with the hardware and software to run the technology. Customers who choose the overlay approach will receive a box with a network edge device with the SD-WAN software, and then they plug this device into their existing WAN links.
Most vendors allow IT teams to deploy SD-WAN devices with what is known as zero-touch provisioning (ZTP). It enables the devices to detect and connect to WAN links automatically, making deployment faster and easier.
What are the Benefits of SD-WAN?
Whether an organization is considering SD-WAN as a technology to enable its distributed workforce or wants better availability, network performance, and security, there are key benefits to consider. Before implementing an SD-WAN solution, however, teams should ensure they understand what to expect from this platform and align it with their business goals and current and future needs.
One key benefit of SD-WAN is increased visibility and traffic management. Unlike traditional hub-and-spoke networks, which require backhauling all traffic to headquarters, an SD-WAN solution allows branches to connect directly to the Internet, improving efficiency and performance. It also eliminates costly MPLS circuits, freeing the IT budget for other projects and initiatives.
In addition, an SD-WAN can optimize WAN capacity by offloading data from low-priority applications over public Internet connections and reserving private network capacity for high-performance, mission-critical apps. It allows organizations to reduce WAN infrastructure costs, improve application performance and agility, and empower a seamless on-ramp to the cloud with enhanced security.
An SD-WAN also simplifies management by centrally managing branch routers through a single controller and deploying policies based on real-time performance data. That means IT can automate site deployments, configuration, and operations, reducing time to market and operational expenses. Additionally, many SD-WANs provide transport independence, allowing organizations to route traffic over the best available connection, including MPLS, broadband, and 4G/LTE.
How Can I Learn About SD-WAN?
Unlike traditional router-centric models, SD-WAN identifies applications and routes traffic based on application needs. Your business performs best for your cloud and software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications.
It also allows low-cost broadband internet connections for WAN connectivity instead of expensive MPLS circuits. It reduces costs and delivers more reliable performance.
In addition to reducing costs, SD-WAN allows businesses to secure internet connectivity so that only authorized traffic can pass through it. It protects data against hacking and other threats that could be present when using public internet connections. It also helps ensure that IoT devices can connect reliably to the network.
SD-WAN also offers a more flexible architecture that can work with various hardware platforms. It allows organizations to take advantage of off-the-shelf hardware, which can help reduce capital expenses. SD-WAN is software-driven and can adapt to network changes that affect app performance.
The key to successfully adopting SD-WAN is understanding its value proposition for your business and ensuring you have the right management skills.
