Software-defined wide-area networking (SD-WAN) enables enterprises to create more flexible and agile networks. Its central management system allows policy changes to be programmed and applied to tens, hundreds, or even thousands of nodes. It also provides significant operational efficiencies while decreasing the overall attack surface to prevent security breaches.
Application traffic is encrypted over the entire network
SD-WAN, or software-defined wide area networking technology, enables organizations to create a secure, encrypted network that allows application traffic to travel throughout a vast area network. The technology can also be used to protect against cyber threats. To be secure, SD-WAN must be policy-driven and based on real-time monitoring. SD-WAN should also have load-balancing capabilities so that the network can efficiently handle multiple traffic requests. Furthermore, SD-WAN should support failover and redundancy features.
SD-WAN technology works as an overlay on existing networks using tunneling technology. In this network configuration, SD-WAN appliances are connected through encrypted tunnels. The appliances monitor network services in real-time, and traffic is classified based on its application and prioritized based on policies defined in a centralized management console. As a result, SD-WAN reduces latency and increases performance across the entire network.
End-to-end encryption over the entire network
Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) provides secure connections between different sites on the same network. This network solution uses end-to-end encryption, ideal for virtual private WANs over public networks. It has many advantages, including the ability to lower bandwidth costs.
Traditionally, businesses had to use centralized data center firewalls or rely on multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), a standard routing protocol provided by telcos at a high cost. In addition, MPLS circuits allowed businesses to maintain strict service level agreements (SLAs) and to comply with security requirements.
Centralized management
Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) is a virtual WAN architecture that allows enterprises to leverage any transport service and centrally manage network traffic. Its benefits include better application performance and reduced costs of connectivity. This networking approach can support any cloud architecture and is highly flexible, allowing organizations to quickly and easily reconfigure networks and websites as needed. In addition, it is scalable and secure and helps organizations migrate to the hybrid cloud.
SD-WAN is a multiservice solution that enables a business to re-architect its WAN and branch office networks. This solution also features zero-touch provisioning, which automates network deployment processes. This reduces the costs and complexity of IT infrastructure and opex. Without relying on on-site technicians, WAN managers can configure policies and create security rules in real-time.
Cost savings
Software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) can help enterprises reduce costs associated with traditional network infrastructure. These networks use software to automate operations and centralize management. Moreover, they make enterprise networks cloud-ready. As a result, SD-WAN can help save as much as 60% on networking costs.
With SD-WAN, IT departments can see a broader picture of the network and gain more control over bandwidth allocation. Additionally, administrators can make changes in real-time. This network can also provide a secure and highly accessible broadband Internet connection. As organizations become more dependent on remote working systems, reliable connectivity is critical. SD-WAN reduces hardware, software, and human capital costs. When used with multiple internet providers, the technology can help organizations cut costs by allowing them to leverage a value-added reseller model. In addition, SD-WAN can also improve the performance of a company’s network. While it may seem expensive upfront, SD-WAN is affordable over the long term if used properly.
