Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)

Meta Commentary:

SD-WAN providers are starting to bundle up their services into SASE solutions. While this is an understandable evolution, practitioners and decisionmakers are encouraged to read our Buyer's Guide to better evaluate vendors selling SASE.

Definition:

A Software-Defined Wide Area Network is a network architecture that uses software-defined networking (SDN) technologies to manage the delivery of network services over wide area networks (WANs).

SD-WAN aims to provide a more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution for connecting remote branches and data centers to a central network. It does this by using software to dynamically control the routing of network traffic over multiple WAN connections, such as broadband, LTE, or Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), and selecting the best path for each type of traffic.

The key benefits of SD-WAN include improved application performance, simplified network management, and reduced WAN costs. With SD-WAN, network administrators can define policies and dynamically control network traffic in real-time, improving network efficiency and application performance. In addition, SD-WAN also provides security features, such as encryption and secure tunneling, to protect against threats and ensure the privacy and confidentiality of data transmitted over the WAN.

Pros:

1. Cost savings: SD-WAN can reduce the cost of WAN operations by using lower-cost internet connections instead of expensive MPLS connections.

2. Improved network performance: SD-WAN can dynamically route traffic over the best available path, improving network performance and reliability.

3. Increased flexibility: SD-WAN allows administrators to easily add or change network connections, making it easier to support remote workers or new branch offices.

4. Improved network visibility: SD-WAN provides real-time visibility into network performance, making it easier to detect and resolve network issues.

5. Simplified network management: SD-WAN simplifies network management by abstracting the underlying network infrastructure, allowing administrators to focus on application and user requirements.

Cons:

1. Security concerns: SD-WAN relies on internet connections, which can be less secure than dedicated WAN connections, requiring additional security measures to protect against cyber threats.

2. Complexity: SD-WAN can be complex to deploy and manage, requiring specialized skills and expertise to implement and maintain.

3. Interoperability issues: SD-WAN solutions may not be compatible with all existing systems and infrastructure, requiring significant effort and resources to integrate.

4. Dependence on internet connectivity: SD-WAN is heavily dependent on stable and reliable internet connectivity, which can be disrupted by network failures or congestion.

5. Limitations in network performance: SD-WAN may not provide the same level of network performance as dedicated WAN connections, especially for applications that require high bandwidth or low latency.