The cloud, distributed computing and remote work models have dramatically changed network traffic patterns. Traditionally, most traffic stayed within the company LAN, and networks were designed to move that traffic efficiently. Because remote users primarily accessed centralized applications and resources, WANs focused on moving traffic into and out of the LAN.
When organizations first began adopting cloud services, they treated them as an extension of their IT environments. Security was centralized, and Internet traffic was backhauled over the WAN from remote sites through headquarters. It worked well enough until the cloud started creating a deluge of Internet traffic, causing bottlenecks in the WAN.
The move to the cloud is not yet over. Organizations continue to adopt cloud applications and services, creating the need for more flexible WAN connectivity wherever users are located. This is driving increased adoption of software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) solutions.
What Is SD-WAN?
In a traditional WAN, configuration changes are made at the device level by updating individual routers. This process is time-consuming and complicated, limiting flexibility. SD-WAN moves all that to one centralized controller that uses software to manage the network in real time. This not only relieves management headaches but enables the WAN to respond dynamically to changing requirements.
SD-WAN also allows organizations to aggregate multiple WAN links, such as broadband, MPLS and even cellular or satellite. The SD-WAN will automatically route traffic over the best link based on network conditions. If a WAN link goes down, the SD-WAN will automatically fail over to a secondary link to prevent downtime. SD-WAN is also application aware, meaning that it can identify packets associated with a video conference or IP phone call and give them priority.
Centralized management reduces complexity by integrating WAN components and processes. Organizations gain a more flexible and scalable WAN that streamlines cloud migration and reduces risk. Remote sites can use the public Internet to access the cloud, cutting costs and improving performance by bringing cloud services closer to users.
Improving Security
With direct Internet connectivity, integrated security becomes critical. SD-WAN solutions provide seamless security by automatically establishing and configuring virtual private networks (VPNs) to protect data traveling over the public Internet. Best-in-class SD-WAN solutions incorporate multiple security controls, such as a next-generation firewall, intrusion detection and prevention services, and content filtering.
SD-WAN also serves as the foundation for an emerging security strategy known as secure access service edge (SASE). Pronounced “sassy,” SASE combines SD-WAN with Firewall-as-a-Service, cloud access security brokers (CASBs) and other tools in a zero-trust model. It emphasizes strong authentication and authorization of users and devices and secure connectivity to applications and services. It also allows administrators to set and manage security policies centrally and have them uniformly applied across the IT environment.
Because of these features, research firm ISG predicts growing SD-WAN adoption among small to midsize enterprises (SMEs), many of which have distributed workforces. SD-WAN enables them to take advantage of cost-effective cloud solutions while reducing concerns about performance, security and regulatory compliance.
How Verteks Can Help
Verteks engineers have decades of experience architecting network solutions and have helped organizations of all sizes take advantage of SD-WAN. We offer industry-leading SD-WAN solutions that help customers reduce costs, accelerate provisioning, enhance security and improve operational efficiency. These solutions are backed by our comprehensive managed services and responsive support.
If your organization is looking to take advantage of SD-WAN, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Put our integrated suite of consultative, professional and managed services to work to transform your WAN in the most efficient and least disruptive manner.
