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Software-defined area network (SD-WAN) is a form of software-defined networking (SDN) that is applied to WAN connections. While WAN connections allow for enterprise networks to be connected over large distances using specific hardware, SD-WAN uses a software approach by moving more of the control into the cloud.
This can lead to businesses gaining a number of advantages when it comes to connecting branch offices to a central network or data centres that are in different geographic locations. With this in mind, here are some of the reasons there is a good chance you'll use SD-WAN in the future:
More flexible technology
The technology used for SD-WAN connections rather than WAN connections is a lot more flexible. Companies can make use of cloud-based WAN technologies instead of proprietary hardware and fixed circuits, which can be fairly expensive investments.
This also means that new technologies can be adopted much more easily, with cloud-based applications taking less time and money to start using. Many of the SD-WAN options can also help improve the a company's competitiveness by providing faster and more secure internet connectivity when compared to WAN technologies like MPLS.
Using virtualisation technology with SD-WAN, for example, can allow companies to apply virtual private networking (VPN) to their broadband, increasing security.
Pathway control
SD-WAN could see an end to WAN routing hardware, which can be incredibly pricey, as it can use the cloud to bridge the gap. You have the option of controlling connectivity to the cloud, which means software can be used to increase connectivity during peak times and so reduce the impact of slow internet.
This intelligent path control that allows SD-WAN to steer traffic based on its application. You can set up the traffic-forwarding at a centralised controller level to then push it out to all devices on the network, with the direction of traffic being based on a number of options, including port number and IP addresses. This can ensure that one aspect of the company is not hampering another's connectivity.
Easier provisioning
Organisations using SD-WAN can simply send out devices to different branches and locations without the need for pre-configuration. Once the devices are connected, it is able to download everything it needs to auto configure, saving time and effort. This includes the ability to learn set traffic patterns.
Ultimately, this can reduce the costs associated with hardware, as you no longer need to set up devices for the WAN network prior to dispatching them.
