SD-WAN: Discovering the Benefits

In today’s digital landscape, businesses are increasingly relying on cloud-based applications and services to operate efficiently. This shift has led to a growing demand for reliable and high-performing networks. This is where SD-WAN comes in.

SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network, is a technology that simplifies the management and operation of a wide area network (WAN) by separating the network hardware from its control mechanism.

This allows for greater flexibility, agility, and cost savings for businesses. In this article, we will explore the benefits and why it is becoming the preferred choice for businesses.

What is SD-WAN?

Before we dive into the benefits of SD-WAN, let’s first understand what it is and how it works.

How Does it Work?

Traditionally, WANs have been built using Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology. This involves using expensive hardware and dedicated circuits to connect different locations. 

However, with the rise of cloud-based applications and services, this traditional approach has become costly and inflexible.

SD-WAN, on the other hand, uses software-defined networking (SDN) principles to create a virtual overlay network that can be managed and controlled centrally. 

This allows for the use of cheaper and more readily available internet connections, such as broadband, to connect different locations. The SDN controller then intelligently routes traffic across these connections based on application and network performance requirements.

Benefits of SDN

Now that we have a basic understanding of how it works, let’s explore its benefits.

Cost Savings

One of the main benefits of SDN is cost savings. By using cheaper internet connections instead of expensive MPLS circuits, businesses can significantly reduce their WAN costs. This is especially beneficial for businesses with multiple locations, as they can save on the costs of dedicated circuits for each location.

Additionally, it allows for the use of multiple internet connections at each location, providing redundancy and ensuring that business operations are not disrupted in case of a connection failure. This eliminates the need for expensive backup circuits, further reducing costs.

Improved Performance

SD-WAN also offers improved performance compared to traditional WANs. By intelligently routing traffic across different connections, SDN can ensure that critical applications and services receive the necessary bandwidth and network resources. This results in better application performance and user experience.

Furthermore, SDN can also optimize traffic by using techniques such as compression and caching, resulting in faster data transfer and reduced latency.

Simplified Management

Another benefit of SDN is simplified management. With traditional WANs, managing and configuring network devices at different locations can be a time-consuming and complex task. 

All network devices can be managed and configured centrally through the SDN controller.

This allows for easier and more efficient network management, reducing the burden on IT teams and freeing up their time to focus on other important tasks.

Flexibility and Scalability

SD-WAN offers businesses greater flexibility and scalability compared to traditional WANs. Businesses can easily add or remove locations without the need for expensive hardware or dedicated circuits. 

This allows for greater agility and the ability to quickly adapt to changing business needs.

Additionally, it also allows for the use of different types of connections, such as broadband, 4G, and satellite, providing businesses with more options to connect their locations.

MPLS to SD-WAN Migration

Many businesses are now considering migrating from MPLS to SDN. This is because it offers significant cost savings and improved performance compared to MPLS. 

However, migrating from MPLS to SDN can be a complex process and requires careful planning and execution.

Benefits of Migrating from MPLS to SD-WAN

The main benefit of migrating from MPLS to SD-WAN is cost savings. By using cheaper internet connections, businesses can save on their WAN costs. Additionally, this technology offers improved performance and simplified management, as discussed earlier.

Another benefit of migrating to this network platform is the ability to gradually transition from MPLS to SD-WAN. This allows businesses to test and optimize their WAN deployment before fully transitioning from MPLS.

Here are just a few of the providers available in the SDN market:

Conclusion

In conclusion, Software Defined Networking offers businesses a cost-effective, high-performing, and flexible solution for connecting their locations. 

With the rise of cloud-based applications and services, it is becoming the preferred choice for organizations looking to improve their network performance and reduce costs.

If you are considering migrating from MPLS to SD-WAN, it is important to carefully plan and execute the migration to ensure a smooth transition. 

Additionally, choosing a reliable and secure solution can provide your organization with the added benefit of advanced security features.

By leveraging the benefits of SD-WAN, organizations can improve their network performance, reduce costs, and stay ahead in today’s digital landscape.

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