In today’s business world, networking has become an integral part of the day to day operations. With the exponential growth of multiple applications, branch offices and devices, traditional networking is struggling to keep up. Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) has emerged as a game-changer in the world of networking, providing organizations with more efficient, robust and secure networks.
So, what is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN is a virtualized networking approach that uses software to manage and optimize network performance. It simplifies and consolidates network operations and provides simplified management, efficient bandwidth utilization, and optimized application performance.
Traditionally, networks were built with proprietary hardware and complex protocols applied across a range of management systems. SD-WAN, on the other hand, leverages the power of the internet to create fully-functioning and secure networks that don’t require complex hardware. It allows network administrators to centrally manage their networks through a user-friendly interface that is secure, intuitive and automated.
How does it work?
SD-WAN works by creating a virtual overlay network on top of existing hardware. It pulls together different connections, such as broadband, fiber, or cellular, into a single virtual network. By doing this, it creates an intelligent traffic management system that ensures the most efficient use of bandwidth.
The technology optimizes application delivery by steering network traffic over the best available path. It does this by using advanced routing algorithms that can categorize and prioritize traffic, ensuring that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they require. This ensures that even in situations where there are network bandwidth limitations, the network continues to operate without interruption.
Finally, SD-WAN enhances the security of a network by encrypting traffic over both the local and wide area network. This means that even if someone intercepts data or hacks into the network, they cannot understand the data they have intercepted.
How is it changing the networking landscape?
SD-WAN is changing the networking landscape in the following ways:
Simplicity: The software-based approach to networking makes it simpler for network administrators to manage the network. With a simple user interface, network administrators can easily configure, deploy and manage their networks, saving time and resources.
Cost-efficiency: SD-WAN eliminates the need for costly appliances, proprietary hardware, and multiple management systems. This leads to significant cost savings since it operates using a virtual infrastructure that can easily adapt to changing business demands.
Improved performance: SD-WAN can optimize application delivery by prioritizing and steering network traffic allowing high-priority applications to receive the bandwidth they require to perform optimally. This leads to improved network performance, and users can access applications and data from anywhere, anytime.
Enhanced security: SD-WAN encrypts network traffic, securing the network against cyber-attacks and data breaches. This ensures that data is kept confidential, integrity is assured, and availability is maintained.
In conclusion, software-defined wide area networks are changing the networking landscape by providing organizations with more efficient, cost-effective, and secure ways to manage their networks. The benefits of SD-WAN are evident, and it is becoming increasingly popular among businesses looking for better ways to streamline their networks.