Centralize network control functions and connect remote locations using a single device. This is possible with managed SD-WAN, which provides a wide array of networking capabilities from leading vendors. With SD-WAN, business users can work regardless of Internet connectivity or physical location. Securely and intelligently direct traffic to prioritize critical applications.
Scalability
Modern SD-WAN solutions provide centralized management capabilities that reduce human time and effort at the network operations center (NOC). Cloud-delivered management and service orchestration also help reduce the total cost of ownership. A key requirement of any IT solution is the ability to scale and meet business requirements. SD-WAN technology makes this possible by providing a scalable and flexible WAN infrastructure that improves reliability, performance and security. Unlike traditional routing methods that route traffic based on addresses, SD-WANs are application-aware and choose the best routes to ensure optimal performance and a consistent connection. Moreover, they can utilize multiple transport links to increase agility, resilience and bandwidth efficiency.
In addition, scalability is improved by enabling a zero-touch deployment to reduce installation and operational costs. Look for a vendor that offers pre-configured virtual appliances in the AWS, Azure or Google Cloud marketplaces for a streamlined deployment process. Then, check that your selected provider supports seamless compatibility with the native management and monitoring services of each platform. This enables a simplified and unified connectivity experience for users across locations and applications.
Performance
When IT teams are overwhelmed with the work they must do to meet users’ growing reliance on cloud-based applications and data, WAN performance becomes a major concern. SD WAN solutions streamline WAN complexity and ensure critical applications are always up and running at peak potential, with reliable connections to the cloud. Instead of routing data over costly MPLS or broadband lines, which can lead to performance issues, SD-WAN allows you to prioritize and flex bandwidth according to application requirements. This can help improve the user experience and boost productivity and sales. In addition to reducing cost, SD-WAN solutions can deliver better security for remote and flexible working by encrypting data as it travels across the WAN. This helps to protect against cyber attacks that could cause the loss of valuable information like credit card details and medical records. A business-driven SD-WAN solution offers automated configuration and lifecycle management from a single dashboard. When new applications are deployed or the quality of service or security policy needs to change, the IT team can complete these changes from one central location.
Flexibility
Managing the WAN is an important yet complex network requiring specialized skills and experience. Fortunately, SD-WAN solutions offer more flexibility than traditional network technologies. For example, programmable SD-WAN devices enable IT pros to modify configurations and policies remotely and optimize scale performance. The technology can also use multiple WAN paths to improve agility, resilience and bandwidth efficiency and provide application optimization.
In addition, the technology offers centralized control and responds to real-time network conditions by automatically choosing the best path for data packets. This improves network responsiveness and reduces out-of-limit network behavior.
In addition, an SD-WAN can automatically connect branch networks and remote employees to business applications and services without requiring a physical appliance. IT teams can ship SOHO appliances to new offices or home offices, which can automatically connect over existing internet connections or cellular connectivity. This improves productivity and ensures that employees have access to critical business data regardless of their location or the state of their internet or cellular service. It also eliminates the need to send a specialist to remote areas to install hardware and can be configured by anyone with basic IT knowledge.
Security
WAN management is one of the most complex aspects of running an enterprise network. By deploying a software-based solution, operational policies can be programmed and propagated from a central location, significantly reducing the number of routers and gateways that need to be managed individually. In addition to reducing the need for local IT staff, SD-WAN solutions provide greater security capabilities. Most solutions offer basic built-in security functions, eliminating the need for hardware appliances and costly MPLS connections to secure the WAN network.
Additionally, many SD-WAN solutions support a centralized security management system to enable unified network control and monitoring from a single pane of glass. In addition, using a combination of different internet service providers (ISPs) improves security by ensuring that data is not directed through a single ISP that could become vulnerable due to network performance issues. Finally, the programmable nature of SD-WAN allows multiple types of WAN links to identify and select the best pathway for each application. This increases WAN bandwidth, improves application performance and reduces the risk of failure.
Analytics
SD-WAN analytics comb through network data to deliver unified, accessible reports that help streamline business operations and performance. An Elite SD-WAN solution is a powerful tool for reducing operational costs while boosting security.
Managed SD-WAN solutions enable centralized control functions to steer traffic in an application-driven manner based on business intent. This ensures consistent application performance and resiliency, improves network security, and simplifies the WAN architecture. An SD-WAN combines several WAN connections, including MPLS and broadband, to provide reliable centralized connectivity that’s easy to manage. This is especially important for remote locations and hybrid working environments. A streamlined network management process saves time and effort for IT teams. It also reduces costs for the organization by eliminating the need for manual rules and policies. This enables the business to deploy new technology quickly, including cloud-based applications and services, without risking disruption and poor network performance. Lastly, a consolidated dashboard provides a single-pane-of-glass view of the entire network, including SD-WAN, wired and wireless networks. This enables the IT team to identify and respond to problems in real time easily.
