Software Defined WAN for Dummies: Simplifying Network Management

Introduction

Welcome to our guide on Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) for dummies. In today’s digital age, businesses of all sizes are in need of effective and efficient networking solutions. Traditional Wide Area Networks (WANs) have been the go-to solution for years, but advances in technology have led to better options, with SD-WAN being one of them. In this guide, we will simplify the concept of SD-WAN and its benefits, and explain how it can be easily implemented within your organization.

As we move forward, we will begin by defining what SD-WAN is, how it works, its advantages, and why businesses should consider implementing it. We will also provide some insight into different SD-WAN solutions, their features, and an overview of how to choose the right one for your business.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of SD-WAN!

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN is a networking technology that simplifies the management and operation of a WAN by separating the networking hardware from its control mechanism. This separation enables network administrators to manage the network remotely and programmatically, allowing greater flexibility, agility, and ease of use. In other words, you can easily manage your network from a centralized location, rather than configuring each individual device separately.

The main idea behind SD-WAN is to virtualize traditional WAN services to provide a more flexible, agile, and cost-effective solution. This technology allows businesses to optimize the use of their existing bandwidth, use multiple types of WAN connections, and provide better visibility into network traffic.

How does it work?

SD-WAN works by creating a virtual overlay on top of existing WAN connections, such as broadband, MPLS, or LTE. This overlay is called a Software Defined Overlay Network (SD-Overlay).

The SD-Overlay is used to transport traffic between branch offices, data centers, and cloud services. Once the SD-Overlay is established, traffic can be steered based on policies that are defined by network administrators. These policies can be based on application types, users, or even the quality of the underlying WAN connection.

SD-WAN also includes a centralized management console that allows network administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network remotely. This console can be hosted on-premises or in the cloud, depending on your preference.

Advantages of SD-WAN

SD-WAN offers a multitude of benefits, including:

SD-WAN Solutions

There are several SD-WAN solutions available in the market, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Here’s an overview of some popular SD-WAN solutions:

Versa Networks

Versa Networks is a leading SD-WAN vendor that offers a fully integrated solution that includes routing, security, and SD-WAN. Versa’s solution is known for its scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to easily add or remove WAN connections, and scale up or down as needed.

VeloCloud by VMware

VeloCloud by VMware is another popular SD-WAN solution that provides a cloud-delivered SD-WAN architecture. VeloCloud’s solution is designed to offer reliable and high-performance connectivity to cloud and enterprise applications. VeloCloud’s solution also includes built-in security features to ensure secure data transmission over the WAN.

Aryaka Networks

Aryaka Networks is a cloud-based SD-WAN solution that offers global connectivity and application acceleration. Aryaka’s solution is designed to provide cost-effective and reliable connectivity to branch offices and data centers. Aryaka’s solution also includes built-in security features and 24/7 support.

How to Choose the Right SD-WAN Solution

Choosing the right SD-WAN solution can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the technology. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an SD-WAN solution:

Scalability:

Make sure the SD-WAN solution you choose can easily scale up or down as your business needs change. The solution should allow you to add or remove WAN connections, and scale bandwidth as needed.

Reliability:

SD-WAN solutions should provide reliable connectivity, with minimal downtime. Look for solutions that provide built-in redundancy, automatic failover, and QoS features.

Simplicity:

The SD-WAN solution should be easy to deploy, configure, and manage. Look for solutions that provide a user-friendly interface, and a centralized management console.

Security:

The SD-WAN solution should provide built-in security features, such as encryption, firewall, and intrusion detection and prevention. Make sure the solution can meet your business’s security requirements.

Support:

Look for SD-WAN solutions that provide 24/7 support, with quick response times. The solution should also offer comprehensive training and documentation.

FAQs

What is the difference between traditional WAN and SD-WAN?

Traditional WAN relies on private circuits, such as MPLS, to connect remote locations. SD-WAN, on the other hand, uses multiple types of WAN connections, including broadband, to simplify WAN management and increase flexibility.

What are the benefits of using SD-WAN?

SD-WAN offers several benefits, including cost savings, improved network performance, greater flexibility, and centralized management.

Can SD-WAN improve application performance?

Yes, SD-WAN can improve application performance by providing better visibility into network traffic and allowing network administrators to optimize performance based on policies.

What is a Software Defined Overlay Network?

A Software Defined Overlay Network is a virtual overlay that is created on top of existing WAN connections, allowing traffic to be steered based on policies.

What is a centralized management console?

A centralized management console is a software application that is used to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network remotely.

Can SD-WAN be used with cloud-based applications?

Yes, SD-WAN can be used with cloud-based applications, providing reliable and high-performance connectivity between branch offices and the cloud.

Is SD-WAN compatible with all types of WAN connections?

Yes, SD-WAN is compatible with multiple types of WAN connections, including broadband, MPLS, and LTE.

What is QoS?

QoS stands for Quality of Service. It is a feature that allows network administrators to prioritize certain types of traffic over others, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and resources.

What is automatic failover?

Automatic failover is a feature that allows traffic to be automatically rerouted to another path in the event of a network outage or failure. This ensures that the network remains up and running at all times.

How long does it take to deploy an SD-WAN solution?

Deployment time can vary depending on the size and complexity of your network. However, most SD-WAN solutions can be deployed within a matter of weeks.

What is encryption?

Encryption is a security feature that converts data into a code that can only be understood by authorized parties. This helps ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over the WAN.

Can SD-WAN help reduce network costs?

Yes, SD-WAN can help reduce network costs by using multiple types of WAN connections and optimizing the use of bandwidth.

What is the difference between on-premises and cloud-based SD-WAN solutions?

On-premises SD-WAN solutions are hosted within your organization’s own infrastructure, while cloud-based solutions are hosted in the cloud. The choice between on-premises and cloud-based solutions depends on your organization’s preferences and requirements.

Can SD-WAN improve network security?

Yes, SD-WAN can improve network security by providing built-in security features, such as encryption, firewall, and IDS/IPS.

Conclusion

SD-WAN is a game-changing technology that can simplify the management and operation of your WAN, while offering cost savings, improved performance, greater flexibility, and centralized management. By using SD-WAN, businesses can optimize their use of existing bandwidth, use multiple types of WAN connections, and gain better visibility into network traffic.

When choosing an SD-WAN solution, it’s important to consider factors such as scalability, reliability, simplicity, security, and support. With so many solutions available in the market, it’s important to choose one that meets your business’s unique needs and requirements.

We hope this guide has provided you with a better understanding of SD-WAN and its benefits. We encourage you to take the next step and start exploring SD-WAN solutions that can help simplify your network management and operations.

Closing/Disclaimer

While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in this guide, please note that it is for informational purposes only. This guide does not constitute professional advice, and we recommend that you consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided in this guide.

We also cannot guarantee the availability or functionality of any of the SD-WAN solutions mentioned in this guide, as the information provided may become outdated or inaccurate over time.

Finally, please note that we are not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from your use of any of the SD-WAN solutions mentioned in this guide.