Brightlio Blog

As businesses increasingly adopt cloud-based applications and services, a more efficient, secure, and flexible network infrastructure becomes advantageous. One technology that addresses these needs is Software-Defined Wide Area Networking, or SD-WAN. SD-WAN revenues are expected to reach $5.3 billion in 2023, and growing to more than $8 billion by 2026, according to Gartner. SD-WAN 101 is a deep dive into the reasons for its explosive growth. Explore SD-WAN’s components, benefits, deployment options, and trends.

Let’s get started!

Introduction

SD-WAN is an approach to network connectivity that lowers operational costs and improves resource usage for multi-site deployments. You can use networks to route traffic to branch offices and data centers, cloud instances, and remote workers. Over the past decade, SD-WAN solutions have evolved from a nascent technology to a mainstay in modern networking due to their ability to simplify network management and enhance business operations.

SD-WAN significantly differs from traditional networks in its network management and data routing approach. Traditional networks rely on inflexible, hardware-centric infrastructure where each device is manually configured and managed, a process that can be time-consuming and complex. Traditional WAN architectures also heavily depend on costly MPLS circuits to connect different office locations and data centers. In contrast, SD-WAN introduces a software layer that separates network management from the physical devices, leading to easier and more flexible network administration. SD-WAN can leverage multiple types of connectivity options concurrently, including broadband internet, LTE, and MPLS, optimizing bandwidth usage. This adaptability allows for a more efficient and cost-effective network setup that readily responds to the shifting needs of a business, a stark contrast to the rigidity of traditional networks and WANs.

How SD-WAN Works

SD-WAN architecture involves applying software-defined networking (SDN) principles to wide-area networks (WANs). SD-WAN separates the network’s control (management) plane from the forwarding (data sending) plane, a critical feature that makes the network more agile and easier to manage.

In practice, this allows network administrators to remotely program edge devices and reduce provisioning times, making it more straightforward to adapt to changes in network traffic. SD-WAN uses a centralized control function to securely and intelligently direct traffic across the WAN. This capability increases efficiency and reduces reliance on expensive MPLS circuits.

Key Components of SD-WAN

SD-WAN encompasses several critical components:

SD-WAN Edge devices: These are physical or virtual appliances that provide the network’s interface to the WAN, located at branch offices, data centers, or cloud platforms.

Orchestrator: This central component enables IT to manage network-wide policies, view infrastructure status, and analyze traffic from a single location.

SD-WAN Controllers: These serve as the brains of the operation, dictating how traffic should flow throughout the network based on policies set in the Orchestrator.

Gateways: These are essential for extending SD-WAN services to cloud platforms and connecting to other network services.

Benefits of SD-WAN

By leveraging software defined networking capabilities, companies can unlock a range of primary benefits:

Improved bandwidth efficiency – By allowing for the simultaneous use of multiple transport methods (MPLS, broadband, LTE, 5G), SD-WAN optimizes bandwidth usage and improves network performance. This is a great feature for unified communications and other latency sensitive applications.

Cost savings – Significant cost savings can be realized by reducing reliance on expensive MPLS circuits and enabling the use of more cost-effective internet connections.

Enhanced security features – Many SD-WAN solutions have integrated security features like encryption, firewall, and secure VPNs.

Greater flexibility and scalability – SD-WAN provides the ability to quickly and easily scale up or down based on business requirements.

Simplified network management – A centralized control function makes managing your network’s infrastructure more straightforward.

Use Cases of SD-WAN

SD-WAN is versatile, with a variety of use cases:

Interconnecting branch offices – SD-WAN can improve the connectivity between branch offices and the corporate network, leading to more efficient operations.

Connecting to cloud services – By facilitating direct, secure connections to cloud computing resources, SD-WAN enhances performance and user experience.

VPN Enhancement – SD-WAN offers a more efficient, secure alternative to traditional VPNs for connecting remote users to the corporate network.

Remote work and mobility support – SD-WAN provides a reliable and secure connection for remote workers, a critical feature in today’s increasingly mobile and remote workforce.

Unified Communications – SD-WAN is a great compliment to unified communications (UCaaS) technologies. UCaaS is a latency-sensitive application that benefits greatly from SD-WAN.

SD-WAN Deployment Options

Regarding deployment, customers can opt for on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid SD-WAN.

On-premises deployment gives complete control over the hardware and software, making it ideal for organizations with stringent security requirements. Cloud-based SD-WAN offers scalability and accessibility, perfect for businesses with widespread operations. A hybrid deployment, meanwhile, combines the benefits of both, offering flexibility based on varying needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an SD-WAN Solution

When deciding on an SD-WAN solution, several factors need consideration. These include compatibility with your existing infrastructure, total cost of ownership, vendor support and service level agreements, and future-proofing and adaptability. Choosing a solution that fits your business needs both now and in the future is crucial.

Future of SD-WAN

SD-WAN is a dynamic field with ongoing innovations. AI and Machine Learning are beginning to play a role in managing and securing SD-WAN. Furthermore, as businesses increasingly turn to edge computing and IoT, SD-WAN will continue to play a pivotal role in network connectivity and management.

In conclusion, SD-WAN offers a compelling value proposition for customers in today’s cloud-driven landscape. By understanding the workings, benefits, and deployment options of SD-WAN, companies can make informed decisions that drive operational efficiency, cost savings, and, ultimately, competitive advantage. SD-WAN is more than a buzzword – it’s the future of networking. It’s high time for organizations to consider how they might leverage SD-WAN to their advantage.

The Role of SD-WAN in Cybersecurity

In an era where cyber threats are a constant concern, the secure networking provided by SD-WAN becomes crucial. With inherent end-to-end encryption across the entire network, businesses can be assured of enhanced data privacy. In-built firewalls and secure VPNs further reinforce the network’s defense against potential breaches.

Moreover, SD-WAN’s centralized control function offers visibility over network traffic, enabling the detection of irregularities or suspicious activities. Through advanced analytics and AI, SD-WAN can quickly identify potential threats and take necessary precautions to safeguard the network.

SD-WAN and SASE: A Converging Path

Gartner’s concept of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) represents a growing trend in the industry, merging network and security services into a unified cloud-native service. SD-WAN plays a crucial role in this framework, as the technology’s ability to simplify WAN infrastructure aligns perfectly with SASE’s focus on simplifying network architecture. By combining SD-WAN’s flexible and efficient network management with SASE’s comprehensive security, businesses can benefit from a highly agile, secure, and efficient network infrastructure.

Selecting an SD-WAN Vendor: Things to Keep in Mind

With an array of SD-WAN vendors in the market, making a choice can be challenging. Consider the following points to make an informed decision:

1. Understand your requirements: The first step is understanding your specific network requirements, including bandwidth needs, number of network endpoints, type of traffic, and required service levels.
2. Vendor reputation and reliability: Look for vendors with a solid track record and proven reliability. Check independent reviews and client testimonials.
3. Technical support and service: Ensure the vendor provides robust technical support, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and upgrades.
4. Security: Security features should be at the forefront of your decision. The solution should include integrated firewalls, encryption capabilities, and advanced threat detection.
5. Cost: While SD-WAN can lead to cost savings, the initial investment varies. Look for transparent pricing structures, and consider both initial investment and long-term costs.

Conclusion

SD-WAN represents a profound shift in the way we think about networking. Its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and enhanced security make it an attractive proposition for customers of all sizes. As technologies such as AI, ML, IoT, and edge computing continue to advance, SD-WAN’s role in supporting these innovations will undoubtedly grow. For companies looking to stay competitive in the digital era, understanding and leveraging the power of SD-WAN is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

Brightlio Delivers SD-WAN

Brightlio cuts through the complexity of SD-WAN technology to deliver solutions that meet your needs and budget. Whether you are looking for an on-premise, managed, or cloud-based solution, Brightlio and our global network of partners can help.

In addition to connectivity solutions, we also offer colocation, cloud, unified communications, and advisory services. This allows us to deliver a complete solution for your technology needs. Get started with Brightlio today!