SD-WAN: The Evolution of WAN
The Wide Area Network allows companies to extend their computer networks over large distances, connecting remote branch offices to data centers and each other, and delivering applications and services required to perform business functions. Typically, dedicated MPLS circuits were used to help ensure security and reliable connectivity but this doesn’t work in a cloud-centric world.
During the early 2000s, application delivery over the WAN became an important topic of research and commercial innovation. Over the next decade, the increasing computing power made it possible to create software-based appliances that able to analyze traffic and make informed decisions in real-time, making it possible to create large-scale overlay networks over the public Internet that could replicate all the functionality of legacy WANs, at a fraction of the cost.
As businesses adopt the use of SaaS and IaaS applications in multiple clouds, IT is realizing that the user application experience is poor. That is because WANs designed for a different era are not ready for the unprecedented explosion of WAN traffic that cloud adoption brings. That traffic causes management complexity, application-performance unpredictability, and data vulnerability.
As a result of that, Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is designed and evolved to answer such challenges. SD-WAN simplifies the management of the wide-area network fabric with a controller-first overlay that is independent of transport layers — MPLS, Ethernet, internet, leased lines, DSL, LTE networks, and soon 5G. SD-WAN controllers intelligently choose among the available transport mediums to deliver the best application performance as defined by IT service level agreements (SLA).
SD-WAN Characteristics
According to Gartner, SD-WAN has four characteristics as follow:
- Must support multiple connection types like MPLS, Internet, LTE, etc.
- Ability to do dynamic path selection, for load sharing and resiliency purposes
- A simple interface that is easy to configure and manage
- Must support VPNs, and third party services such as WAN optimization controllers, firewalls and web gateways, etc.
Benefits of SD-WAN
Ø Better Application Experience
— High availability, with predictable service, for all critical enterprise applications
— Multiple hybrid active-active links for all network scenarios
— Dynamically routed application traffic with application-aware routing, for efficient delivery and improved user experience
— Improved OpEx, replacing expensive Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) services with more economical and flexible broadband (including secure VPN connections)
Ø Security
— Application-aware policies with end-to-end segmentation and real-time access control
— Integrated threat protection enforced at the right place
— Secure traffic across broadband Internet and into the cloud
— Distribute security to the branch and remote endpoints with NGFW, DNS security, and NGAV
Ø Optimized Cloud Connectivity
— A seamless extension of the WAN to multiple public clouds
— Real-time optimized performance for Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, and other major SaaS applications
— Optimized workflows for cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure
Ø Management
— A single, centralized, cloud-delivered management dashboard for configuration and management of WAN, cloud, and security
— Template-based, zero-touch provisioning for all locations: branch, campus, and cloud
— Detailed reporting of application and WAN performance for business analytics and bandwidth forecasting
The American marketing research firm Gartner predicted in 2018 that by 2023 more than 90 percent of WAN edge infrastructure refresh initiatives will be based on SD-WAN technology. With SD-WAN, IT can deliver routing, threat protection, efficient offloading of expensive circuits, and simplification of WAN network management.
Research firm IDC indicated that the market will grow at a 30.8 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2023 to reach $5.25 billion.
Ultimately, the decision between traditional WAN and SD-WAN depends on your organization’s situation and current infrastructure. Many organizations are making the switch to SD-WAN, but everyone’s circumstances are different. It comes down to what will be more beneficial for your short-term objectives and long-term needs.
So, Are you looking for the trusted advisor who can help you out to evaluate and implement the SD-WAN solutions for your organization?
Microlink Solutions will always be there for you.
