SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) is the latest buzzword in the enterprise networking industry. It’s a new technology that is revolutionizing how companies connect their remote offices, data centers, and cloud-based applications.
Gone are the days when enterprises were limited to using expensive and complex MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) networks to connect their geographically dispersed branches. SD-WAN provides an alternative solution that allows companies to connect their branches securely, reliably, and cost-effectively.
So, how does SD-WAN work?
SD-WAN technology uses software to define the way traffic is transported across a network. By abstracting the network hardware and control plane, SD-WAN can establish a secure, high-speed connection between the branches, data centers, and cloud providers. The technology can provide a single unified network that allows all the branch offices to communicate with each other and access the central server or cloud-based applications. Consequently, SD-WAN eliminates the challenges organizations face as a result of having a disparate network.
Here are a few ways that SD-WAN is changing the enterprise networking industry:
1. Cost savings
One of the most significant advantages of SD-WAN is the potential cost savings. SD-WAN technology combines traditional broadband links such as cable, DSL, and LTE to create a more reliable, high-speed, and cost-effective WAN solution. SD-WAN hardware is also less expensive than traditional MPLS routers and switches, which translates into lower capital expenditure.
2. Improved network performance and reliability
SD-WAN technology is designed to address the performance challenges of running applications in the cloud. It provides a network overlay that can route traffic through the most efficient path to the destination. This ensures that the applications are delivered faster and with better quality, resulting in happy users and improved productivity.
3. Enhanced security
SD-WAN technology comes with built-in security features that help secure all the traffic flowing over the network. The solution provides end-to-end encryption and firewall protection to prevent unauthorized access. SD-WAN also offers micro-segmentation, which limits the ability of a network hacker to move laterally across the network and compromise data.
4. Centralized control and management
With SD-WAN, organizations can centrally manage and control all their network resources, applications, and devices. The centralization ensures that the network performance is optimized, and there is no loss of visibility across the entire network.
In conclusion, SD-WAN technology has revolutionized the enterprise networking industry by providing an alternative solution to traditional MPLS networks. SD-WAN offers cost savings, improved network performance and reliability, enhanced security, and centralized control, making it a compelling choice for businesses today. As more enterprise adopt SD-WAN in their WAN design, it will continue to disrupt the market and change the way we think about enterprise networking.