Traditional wide area network (WAN) solutions are becoming obsolete as more and more of a company’s workflow infrastructure is relocated to the cloud. To route IP services to numerous physical locations, they require a hardware-heavy structure.
Cloud computing removes the need for costly physical infrastructure and allows users to connect from anywhere, which are just two of the many reasons why it has been the major engine driving corporate innovation over the past decade.
An SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) is an alternative to standard wide area network design. Moving from software attached to a hard drive to a cloud-based application gives cost savings and convenience gains equivalent to those given by the cloud.
What Is SD-WAN?
Combining an SDN (software-defined network) and a WAN (wide area network) creates an SD-WAN, also known as a software-defined wide area network. It is a form of computer network that allows the connection of many internet access resources or any other type of IP transport to provide reliable data channels with high throughput.
SDN, or software-defined networking, is a kind of cloud computing that is used in corporate data centers. It was designed to provide network administrators with a centralized interface that would allow them to respond quickly to changing demands imposed on enterprises.
Key Benefits
Now, let’s take a look at the advantages of using SD-WAN.
● Improve Your Performance
One of the key advantages of implementing SD-WAN is the greater performance it may bring to your network. If you employ features like intelligent traffic routing and prioritization, your most mission-critical processes will not be jeopardized in any way or form by issues like latency and bandwidth constraints. As a result, it may ensure that applications that need real-time data with minimal latency continue to operate normally. This might range from IoT sensors to VoIP services.
● Take Advantage of the Cloud
The development of software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WAN) has dramatically impacted the way businesses interact with cloud applications. Users in traditional networking systems must first connect to a data center or centralized hub before they can connect to the cloud. This increases not just the length of time but also the quantity of bandwidth needed.
SD-WAN, on the other hand, allows remote users to bypass this constraint and connect directly to cloud applications. This results in a more simplified and efficient user experience, which is especially important for enterprises that operate in complex multi-cloud configurations.
● Offer More Reliability and Responsiveness
When it comes to data transfer, connection, and speed are equally important. SD-WAN enables direct access to the internet for cloud-based applications, resulting in greater security efficiency. The general health of the links is also examined to sustain connectivity between the locations.
● Lower Costs
One of the key motivators for organizations to make the shift is the reduced overall cost of employing SD-WAN. Since SD-WAN services rely on technology that is already in place in your business, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi, there is no need for your firm to invest in costly new IT equipment or services.
Simply put, SD-WAN enables you to get the most out of the connection you already have, eliminating the need for additional overhead costs or heavy IT involvement. Only the circuits required to perform the work will be used by SD-WAN solutions.
Since SD-WAN systems have autonomous management capabilities, network engineers are no longer necessary to make system modifications, and the amount of manpower required to operate a network has been greatly reduced. All of these current functionalities result in lower consumption and labor costs for businesses.
● Provide Intelligent Path Control
Companies that want to route traffic based on an application should think about using software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN). It provides intelligent route control, which is one of the most significant benefits of employing this technology. It is possible to configure traffic forwarding at the centralized controller level and then distribute it to all SD-WAN devices. One or more elements, such as IP addresses, port numbers, application profiles, time of day, and quality-of-service indicators, might influence traffic direction. These are not, however, the only variables that may be utilized. This allows businesses to optimize their pathways by offering clarity and insight into a wide range of applications. It allows firms to be more adaptable in a market that is growing more fast-paced and competitive than ever before. When it comes to business applications that rely on connectivity, SD-WAN’s intelligent route control is a game changer.
