Enterprise networks, bogged down by traditional architectures, are struggling to keep up with the surge in the modern cloud-native applications and advancing technologies. Traditional architectures are highly hardware-centric and incompatible with the new-age network requirements. Software-defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) uses the concepts of software-defined networking (SDN) to distribute network traffic across a wide area network (WAN).
SD-WAN is protocoled to determine the best effective path to route application traffic between the datacenter and the branch locations. It virtualizes the network connections using cloud-based management and automation, simplifying the delivery of services. Traditionally, enterprises used Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks for the connections. MPLS networks are recognized to be bandwidth-constrained, expensive, and complex with the increasing demand for network efficiency. The challenges faced by enterprises are:
- Increase in the cost for MPLS-based bandwidth
- Complexity in the deployment of routing configuration and security management
- Issues in the architecture of the traditional WAN, causing challenges in the migration to cloud environments
Why Choose SD-WAN?
The more the enterprise IT infrastructure evolves, the more complex it becomes. To manage network between thousands of branches and the remote location is becoming a huge task. For improved flexibility, visibility, and control, enterprises are moving to SD-WAN.
The SD-WAN technology combines the best of cloud technology and software-defined approach for the deployment and management of the network. It uses the bandwidth of broadband with WAN to make the connections between the user and the data center more efficient and cost-effective. SD-WAN ensures the continuity in the transmission, and in case of any errors, takes immediate actions to rectify the issue and continue with the uninterrupted quality transmission.
Top Features and Benefits of an Effective SD-WAN Architecture:
- Complete deployment flexibility with an effective cloud-delivered SD-WAN solution to meet the enterprise’s unique needs
- Network agility due to the quick, adaptable nature of the cloud-delivered and software-defined WAN
- Assured application performance using WAN optimization techniques and automatic traffic management to meet the application requirements
- Central management and control with the help of a centrally located orchestrator that monitors every activity on the network, and fixes the issues for continuous service delivery
- Cost reduction due to the flexibility provided by SD-WAN as compared to traditional MPLS and WAN networks
- Improved security, automated operations, deployments, and configurations
However, SD-WAN deployment can become time-consuming and increase the complexity of the network further. Thankfully, we have some best practices to follow before deployment.
Best Practices before Deployment of SD-WAN
- Before deploying SD-WAN, it is important to study the business model of the enterprise. A detailed assessment of the mission-critical business applications, budgets, costs, and integration complexities is called for.
- Detailed testing of SD-WANs before implementation can make the implementation process easier.
- Choosing a reliable SD-WAN vendor partner like Calsoft can reduce the overall efforts in the deployment process.
Calsoft has proven expertise in providing SD-WAN value-added solutions, which cover:
- Building SD-WAN solutions: Product development, system integration, testing, and more
- SD-WAN optimization: Expertise in NFV/SDN and experience of cloud technology
- Open-source expertise: Scale up SD-WAN capabilities with open-source technologies
- Value-added offerings: Add a competitive edge to SD-WAN implementation with dashboarding, visuals, monitoring systems, and more
- Managed services for SD-WAN: Overcome existing SD-WAN limitations, with enhanced ROI
According to an IDC report, the global SD-WAN market will grow at an average of nearly 31% through 2023, making SD-WAN a new favorite of the enterprises. Its proven benefits over traditional network technologies like MPLS, Broadband, and WAN is the reason it is cannibalizing the outdated network infrastructures.
Resources: TechTarget
