What Is SD-WAN, and Does My Business Really Need It?

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN is a technology that helps make your network connections faster, more reliable, and smarter by simplifying and optimizing how computer networks are set up and managed, specifically in wide-area networks (WANs) or networks spanning multiple locations.

According to Cisco, the traditional WAN function connects multiple locations (e.g., offices, branches, clinics) over long distances by allowing their users to access applications hosted on their data center servers.

WANs typically use the following technology to help ensure secure and reliable connectivity:

• Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) MPLS is a switching mechanism that uses predetermined “labels” to route traffic through shorter pathways, prioritizing critical data and ensuring reliable performance.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) While known for allowing secure remote access, VPNs can also optimize network connectivity by creating encrypted tunnels over public networks, allowing multiple locations to communicate and transmit data securely.
• WAN Optimization Controller (WOC) WOCs are hardware-based devices that use techniques like data compression, caching, and protocol optimization to reduce latency, minimize data transmission, and enhance application performance across the network.

However, the rise of cloud technology and cloud-based applications brought an unprecedented increase in WAN traffic. This led to management, performance, and data security challenges, which drove the need for a new network model: the SD-WAN.

Designed to enhance the overall cloud experience, SD-WAN enables businesses to fully leverage the benefits of cloud computing while maintaining a robust and efficient network infrastructure.

It allows you to manage, configure, and monitor your organization’s network (including connections to different cloud environments) from a central point.

SD-WAN controls how data travels within your network and ensures it gets to its destination efficiently and securely. It finds the best routes for the data, avoiding slowdowns and bottlenecks along the way. 

It also allows you to prioritize network traffic based on the specific needs of certain applications. Based on your configuration, SD-WAN can identify and prioritize critical applications—like a clinic’s electronic medical records (EMR) software or an office’s unified communications system—and allocate network resources accordingly, ensuring optimal performance and user experience.

Read More: Cloud Security Tips That Could Save Your Business

The Pros and Cons of SD-WAN

Of course, no technology is perfect. Although SD-WAN addresses many IT challenges and has revolutionized wide-area networking, it is not a catch-all solution. SD-WAN has its strengths and drawbacks. Here are some of them:

Performance

Pros

Connection Speed and Reliability

By finding the best paths for your data to travel, SD-WAN helps information reach its destination quickly and smoothly.

Application Performance

SD-WAN knows which applications you want to prioritize and gives them special treatment over the ones you don’t.

Connection Security

SD-WAN solutions often have built-in security features like data encryption, firewall capabilities, and integrated threat intelligence.

Con

Dependence on Internet Connection

Internet downtime and issues will affect your SD-WAN connectivity.

Pro

More Affordable Internet Links

SD-WAN saves you money since it uses less expensive internet connections instead of costly dedicated lines or MPLS networks.

Con

Compatibility Issues

Some older or specialized systems may not be fully compatible with SD-WAN, which could cost you a lot on new systems.

Pro

Centralized Control

SD-WAN allows you to control and manage your network from one central place, making setting up new connections or changing settings quicker and easier.

Cons

Learning Curve

Implementing SD-WAN will require you to learn and understand how it works and how to navigate its management interface, which will take time.

Initial Setup and Configuration

Setting up SD-WAN requires proper network configuration and optimization, which involve technical expertise and assistance.