What is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN stands for software-defined wide area network. SD-WAN is a software-defined approach for businesses to manage wide area networks and optimize their connectivity. More than ever before, businesses are relying on on-demand applications like cloud applications, video conferencing, Voice Over IP (VOIP), and streaming video—all of which demand a lot of bandwidth and can drive up your costs. A traditional WAN can come up short, becoming unwieldy and expensive to manage. SD-WAN uses a centralized control function to securely and intelligently direct traffic across the WAN. This increases application performance and delivers a high-quality user experience, resulting in increased business productivity, agility, and reduced costs for IT.
The outcome is that IT departments are encountering more complexity in managing business needs, applications aren't performing as well as they should. Simply put, with SD-WAN, the performance of internet-based applications and hybrid wide-area networks can be vastly improved, enabling you to balance the needs of the enterprise with user experience while also experiencing the lock-tight network security you need. More, SD-WAN technology makes it easier to grow your network to remote locations and connect wired or wireless technology as necessary. With SD-WAN, businesses may also experience lower operational costs, all while better protecting their data.
The features and benefits of SD-WAN solutions
There are several ways SD-WAN technology can support businesses while reducing common IT concerns. First, SD-WAN solutions can provide powerful, integrated security features that will have your back when you're in the clutch, protect your data, and reduce downtime. More, SD-WAN configuration allows you to determine which traffic on your network is a priority, and grant it the lightning-fast connection speed it needs. In addition, SD-WAN solutions give you the power to make the most of cloud services so your staff can access cloud applications no matter where they're working from, without placing additional stress on your core network. It's important to note that with SD-WAN, bandwidth has increased elasticity—and can be increased or reduced according to business needs. And, traffic management is simplified for network managers with tools that are easy to utilize, and can even be automated. Perhaps as important as any of these features and benefits, SD-WAN can help control operating costs, even as the data traveling over a wide area network increases. SD-WAN does so by minimizing traffic over the backbone WAN, utilizing lower-cost local internet access, and optimizing cloud access.
The value of SD-WAN
SD-WAN delivers on multiple levels:
- Providing a better application experience for users
Users will enjoy dependable service when accessing applications that are critical to the organization.
- Optimizing cloud connectivity
You'll have the capability to extend the WAN to several public clouds. If your organization uses major SaaS applications including Microsoft Office 365 and Salesforce, you can rest assured these platforms will perform with the speed you need.
- Offering improved security
In today's business world, security is a vital component of your organization's sustainability. Yet leaning on a different security mechanism for different transports, or counting on a transport provider to secure your network is anything but ideal. SD-WAN actually unifies secure connectivity for all transports. SD-WAN security features are included in SD-WAN solutions, but if you need a higher level of security, they can be inserted as needed. Simply put, there are options available and SD-WAN can be as secure as your business needs dictate.
Want to learn more about SD-WAN? We can help.
As workplaces continue to balance remote and hybrid worker models, flexibility and reliability remain primary concerns. SD-WAN may be just the solution you're looking for in the next chapter of your business growth. To learn more about SD-WAN and how it can help you, call Locknet® Managed IT at 844-365-4968, or contact your Account Executive.
