The network of an enterprise is crucial especially when they have remote branches and locations to connect. The proper functioning of the network and its performance contribute to the productivity of the enterprise. But, some challenges stop the proper functioning and efficiency of the networks. One solution to all the network challenges is the implementation of SD-WAN which is especially designed to tackle them.
Let’s understand SD-WAN and its work in brief to know more about it:
What is SD-WAN?
Software designed WAN (SD-WAN) is a new WAN architecture that helps to overcome all these network problems. SD-WANs consist of both physical and virtual appliances along with software that works as a controller. These days, companies are preferring SD-WAN over traditional WANs.
It can simplify network operations by ensuring security, quality connections, and improving network performance. These days, enterprises choose SD-WAN for improving user experience, increasing performance, and reducing technology costs.
This is a next-generation technology that is suitable to meet the needs of a remote workforce. As discussed above, multiple problems such as network availability, sluggish performance, etc. cause an immediate impact on the business. So, enterprises choose SD-WAN technology to address all the network issues:
Here’s how SD-WAN can addresses all the network problems along with the solutions:
Problem1: Performance of the network
Network failure or downtime is some of the issues that impact the performance of the network. When it comes to an enterprise network, performance is something that matters the most. The performance of the network is categorized into speed and reliability. If anyone is not working fine then it will ultimately impact the network’s performance. That is why both of them are key pointers that are crucial for an enterprise network.
When an enterprise network is unstable then it causes downtime which impacts overall performance. Enterprises that use traditional WAN architecture face this kind of network problems. However, a traditional WAN is sometimes not sufficient for meeting the performance requirements of a network. There can be issues of failed devices in the network that costs both resources and time.
Solution SD-WAN can enhance the performance of the network
Precise implementation of SD-WAN across the enterprise network can help in mitigating this challenge. With SD-WAN solution, the administrator and the network engineers will get a clear view of the network. With this, they can quickly find the issues in the network that prevents the network to perform well. Along with this, it becomes easy to take immediate steps for solving the problems that cause device failure and downtime.
· SD-WAN benefits enterprises with some incredible features such as WAN Virtualization. Because of this feature of SD-WAN, enterprises will be able to utilize internet connections for optimal data transmission speeds.
· In SD-WAN architecture, there will be the usage of the internet for various purposes of the network. The Internet can remove the issues that happen with MPLS networks and ensure high-performance connections.
· Also, SD-WAN follows the WAN optimization technique that ensures the routing of the data across the network for better performance.
Problem 2: Network data security
In a traditional network, it is common to fear data security and cyber threats. The networks of an enterprise are mostly affected by various security challenges. Most of the organizations that are dependent on traditional WAN operate on bandwidth that has a less secure internet connection. Because of this, there will be a risk of cyber-attacks and data breaching.
If there’s lacking security of in the network, it becomes an entry port for the attackers. When there is a compromise on security part, it impacts data transfer between the branches and remote locations.
Solution: SD-WAN ensures data protection
SD-WAN technology also helps in solving security concerns related to the enterprise network. If an enterprise is having different locations and branches then there will be data transfer and communication. So, security is something which is of main concern for them.
· SD-WAN is a newer WAN solution that has various in-built security programs. Be it embedded security or deep integration, SD-WAN provides everything to make the network secure and safe from cyber-attacks.
· This WAN architecture can also curb the issues about vulnerable protocols and malware.
· It can provide a secure overlay to the devices in case there’s an insecure medium. Thus, by deploying SD-WAN in your enterprise’s network, you will be able to add a security layer. So, one must incorporate this WAN architecture to ensure data protection to and from the remote branches.
Problem 3: Cloud connectivity
Over the years, every enterprise has started connecting the networks to the clouds or multiple clouds. When you connect a network to multiple clouds, you get to witness some challenges.
This will also create problems in following a standard security protocol and managing all the providers. Ultimately, there won’t be any balance in the on-premises and off-premises connectivity. This is one of the reasons why enterprises prefer choosing reliable SD-WAN vendors for deployment purposes.
Solution: SD-WAN ensures a cloud-oriented approach
An SD-WAN features application identification and security capability that helps the IT practices of an organization to work in multi-cloud environments. In addition to this, this newer WAN approach allows traffic to be routed over multiple channels efficiently.
· In simple words, SD-WAN is a perfect solution for deploying and monitoring cloud WAN.
· Through SD-WAN solutions, enterprises can solve their multi-cloud connectivity challenges by connecting any application to public cloud providers.
To sum up
SD-WAN can solve most of the network problems that are an obstacle in the road of performance, product, and efficiency. In addition to this, WAN outages are one of the top reasons that impact the productivity and efficiency of enterprise networks. However, an enterprise network witnesses a lot of challenges that can be solved with the deployment of SD-WAN.