As the demand for secure and scalable enterprise networks continues to grow, software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) has emerged as a viable solution. SD-WAN provides organizations with a cost-effective, flexible, and efficient way to connect branch sites and remote workers to their corporate network. With its numerous benefits, it comes as no surprise that the SD-WAN market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which SD-WAN provider is the right fit for your organization. In this article, we will compare Cisco’s SD-WAN to other leading SD-WAN providers, including VMware, Fortinet, and Silver Peak.
1. Cisco SD-WAN
Cisco offers a robust and feature-rich SD-WAN solution that provides businesses with secure access to their applications and data. The Cisco SD-WAN architecture is based on a Viptela overlay platform that delivers a converged and optimized network for any application or workload. Cisco’s SD-WAN solution is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and scalability, enabling businesses to quickly and easily deploy and manage their SD-WAN networks.
One of the standout features of Cisco’s SD-WAN solution is its security capabilities. Cisco provides advanced security features, such as IPS and URL filtering, to keep businesses protected against threats and attacks. Additionally, Cisco’s SD-WAN solution also helps businesses reduce their WAN costs by offloading traffic to less expensive links and eliminating the need for expensive MPLS lines.
2. VMware SD-WAN
VMware’s SD-WAN offering is based on the VeloCloud technology, which VMware acquired in 2017. VMware’s SD-WAN solution provides businesses with a cloud-delivered network that is secure, reliable, flexible, and cost-effective. VMware’s solution is known for its ability to intelligently route traffic based on real-time network conditions, such as latency and packet loss.
One of the standout features of VMware’s SD-WAN solution is its support for cloud applications. VMware’s solution can integrate with cloud providers, such as AWS and Azure, to optimize application performance and reduce latency. Additionally, VMware provides businesses with advanced security capabilities, such as a stateful firewall and IPSec encryption.
3. Fortinet SD-WAN
Fortinet’s SD-WAN solution is known for its integration with Fortinet’s Security Fabric, which provides businesses with advanced security features across their entire network. Fortinet’s solution combines SD-WAN with advanced security capabilities, such as IPS and web filtering, to keep businesses protected against threats and attacks.
One of the standout features of Fortinet’s SD-WAN solution is its ability to prioritize critical applications and traffic. Fortinet’s solution can intelligently route traffic based on application type, business policies, and real-time network conditions. Additionally, Fortinet’s solution can reduce WAN costs by offloading traffic to less expensive links and optimizing bandwidth usage.
4. Silver Peak SD-WAN
Silver Peak’s SD-WAN solution is known for its ability to deliver high-quality and reliable network performance. Silver Peak’s solution uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to optimize application performance and reduce latency. Additionally, Silver Peak’s solution can improve network reliability by using multiple paths and dynamically rerouting traffic based on network conditions.
One of the standout features of Silver Peak’s SD-WAN solution is its ability to provide real-time visibility into network performance and application usage. Silver Peak’s solution provides businesses with a centralized management console that enables them to quickly and easily monitor and manage their SD-WAN network. Additionally, Silver Peak’s solution provides businesses with advanced security capabilities, such as IPSec encryption and firewalling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right SD-WAN provider can make all the difference in the success of your enterprise network. Each of the solutions discussed in this article provides businesses with a range of features and capabilities that can help them improve network performance, reduce costs, and enhance security. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your specific business needs and requirements. By carefully evaluating each SD-WAN provider’s features and capabilities, you can choose the solution that best meets your business needs.