What is SD-WAN?

Introduction

Software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) is a technology that enables enterprises to dynamically link data centers and branch offices on a worldwide scale. As businesses use an increasing number of cloud-hosted solutions, conventional WAN networks are not able to maintain optimized connectivity and strong speeds. Improving multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) tools to meet this challenge is time-consuming and expensive. SD-WAN is a more cost-effective technology that can give results with previously improbable efficiency and agility.

Compared to conventional routing hardware usage, SD-WAN offers more flexibility in managing connection efficiency even when there is higher network demand. The operational benefits and lower cost of SD-WAN is attracting businesses, and industry reports indicate that 25% of users will switch to this technology in 2019. As a result, the SD-WAN market is predicted to top $1.3 billion by the year 2020.

Features of SD-WAN

Intuitive User Interface

Top SD-WAN platforms provide intuitive user interfaces which enable administrators to easily make proper adjustments and quickly configure new devices that are added to the network. These interfaces provide fast access to charts, real-time info on factors related to performance, and seamless integration with other networking solutions. This gives administrators more time to focus on network tasks.

Deployment and Scalability

SD-WAN applications that have pre-configured devices are a better option than alternatives as they facilitate fast and easy deployment. In addition, devices and similar virtual appliances that use the same platform as the company’s existing hardware make it simpler for the firm to enhance their network and benefit from greater network scalability.

Automatic Outage Discovery and Fixing

Network interruptions can provide disastrous for enterprises. If connectivity is lost even for a few seconds, it can result in wrong info and wasted business opportunities. Top SD-WAN applications offer a functionality that can notice outage and automatically implement corrective steps in seconds to restore connectivity and minimize downtime.

Reduced Packet Loss

Leading SD-WAN solutions utilize sophisticated algorithms to ensure dependable packet delivery from one network point to another through the quickest paths. This helps to minimize issues due to packet loss. These systems consider elements such as bandwidth congestion and latency to check the impact on data transfer. Good SD-WAN applications more efficiently assign high-priority tools to paths with low latency, compared to manually operated SD-WAN programs.

Flexible Bandwidth Allotment

It is tedious to assign bandwidth individually for each application and with this method it can take a lot of time to set up new applications. SD-WAN solutions enable you to allocate bandwidth more dynamically. You can set a maximum and minimum bandwidth limit for apps by category, and the SD-WAN platform will perform the rest of the work. This helps you to maximize bandwidth regardless of the number of running applications.

Benefits of SD-WAN

Performance

An SD-WAN platform utilizes the internet to create high-performing secure connections. This eliminates the backhaul penalties levied by MPLS networks. Plus, SD-WANs deliver business apps cost-effectively and optimize cloud-based services such as Software as a Service (SaaS). The technology also boosts IT efficacy at branch offices by facilitating automation, and provides inexpensive and reliable connections for IoT projects.

Reliability

MPLS networks normally guarantee highly dependable packet delivery. In contrast, internet uplinks fail often. To address this issue, many enterprises that use only SD-WANs, elect to deploy multiple internet connections from several providers to maintain the guaranteed 99.99% availability even if there is link failure.

Security

SD-WAN solutions can enhance network security by ensuring encryption of WAN traffic as it travels between locations, and by grouping the network so that damage is reduced if a breach happens. The tools also enable IT administrators to detect attacks faster by offering continuous visibility on the types and amount of network traffic.

Cost

Internet connections are cheaper than carrier-level MPLS links which are impacted by expensive contracts and lengthy provisioning times. With SD-WAN technology, enterprises can efficiently use all available network links to their maximum capacity without needing to maintain idle backup connections.

Agility

Top SD-WAN tools can merge the bandwidth of several WAN connections. With this technology, you can easily remove or add WAN links as required. You can also merge fixed-line and cellular connections. Plus, you can easily add or reduce bandwidth as per evolving needs. Finally, SD-WAN technology allows you to quickly deploy WAN services to a remote location without needing to send IT staff to the place.