SD-WAN can be a good fit if you want to make your business network easier to deploy and manage. This solution has the benefits of application-based routing, centralized management, and speedy provisioning. It also offers security and compliance.
Application-based routing
SD-WAN uses a centralized control function due to its application-based routing feature that allows centralized traffic management. This type of routing uses SLA policies to match traffic based on destination and source prefixes. Application-based routing can be used to prioritize traffic and minimize latency. Traffic within a group is routed using TLOC paths that meet its SLA requirements. It can also be configured to select an approach based on the user’s preference.
Another benefit of application-based routing in SD-WAN is that it allows for better network capacity utilization. A company can free up private network capacity for business-critical applications by leveraging public Internet services. It can also increase WAN resilience by creating a hybrid network environment with multiple connections. As a result, traffic can be balanced between services under normal conditions and failover to a different service if a particular link fails.
Application-based routing in SD-WAN can also support cloud migration and enable businesses to take advantage of the power of the cloud. With SD-WAN, network equipment can be deployed anywhere, including branch offices and cloud data centers. In addition, the SD-WAN controller enables operators to monitor the entire network and set policies. This controller also includes an orchestrator and a virtualized network administration component.
Speed of provisioning
SD-WAN is a powerful tool for network managers because it improves security and performance while simplifying deployment and maintenance. It monitors WAN links for health and uses dynamic path selection to prioritize traffic based on priority. The best connection can be reserved for highly critical traffic, while lower-priority traffic can be routed to a slower connection.
SD-WAN can be based on multiple technologies and platforms.
The speed of provisioning when using SD-WAN is another benefit. Unlike traditional MPLS, SD-WAN uses a centralized controller to manage and control traffic across a network. As a result, it eliminates the need for manual upgrades on hardware routers at each site. SD-WAN also increases business agility and reduces total WAN costs.
Security
As a networking tool, SD-WAN offers several benefits to help your business stay secure. However, there are several risks associated with it. For example, SD-WAN is often built across public infrastructure, leaving data vulnerable. Therefore, proper security measures are crucial.
Security is a significant concern for many enterprises. But the good news is that SD-WAN can mimic the security benefits of MPLS without the complexity and cost. Its central controls support end-to-end encryption, firewalls, and URL filtering. In addition, it allows for authentication at each endpoint.
The use of unified threat management (UTM) offers additional security. UTM devices can be virtual or physical and apply rules and policies at the user level. With a suitable threat management device, a company can route all traffic to a central point. In addition, advanced UTM firewalls provide next-generation security per user, which can help organizations secure sensitive data. Next-generation firewall services are typically hosted in a data center, but vendors can also offer a cloud-based service.
