Options to Deploy SD-WAN
When opting for the software-defined solution, you have three available options to deploy from. One pertains to the do it yourself (DIY) model where you’ll be given all the necessary essentials in order to operate an SD-WAN and utilize your IT staff to set up and install your network. This is geared mainly towards larger organizations who have personnel with the necessary expertise in-house to deploy the solution. Another option is to utilize the hybrid network, which is a combination of the two previous models where businesses will be able to work with the vendors to design their network prior to deployment. The intricacies of the different models will be discussed farther ahead.
Option 1: Do It Yourself (DIY) Model
The DIY gives enterprises full reign over their networks but is limited based on what is able to utilize within its confines. This model is suited for larger corporations and enterprises who have the staffs with the technical know-how to deploy and configure these networks in a timely fashion. They will also be responsible for monitoring and maintaining their own SD-WAN equipment and devices along with any network connections and software. Common issues that crop up are available IT resources along with the personnel to conduct the installation when it comes to companies deploying and managing their own SD-WAN. Hence the reason why it is usually the larger business organizations that will employ this kind of network model.
One known flaw when it comes to using this specific model is that you’ll have to minimize the number of equipment providers in order not to have expended additional funding for extra bridging technologies from two different providers. This kind of model has the potential in creating a disruption period in the day-to-day workings of the SD network. Only personnel with the technical acumen required to deal with any particular issues with the system would know how to do so.
Option 2: Managed SD-WAN Model
For the SD-WAN model, providers will not only provide the equipment but will add in personnel to assist in executing the installation all the way through completion. This is tailored for smaller companies who do not have staff on hand that can do the process and needs to rely on an external vendor with the expertise necessary to handle the installation. Often these smaller entities will not have the technical acumen required to manage SD-WAN deployment, nor the financial resources to execute that particular task.
Providers will be solely responsible for deploying and installing CPE devices while managing them at the same time. They will focus on procuring the necessary access links from other service providers and handle the day-to-day operation of the SD deployment for the client. This method is geared more for smaller companies and organizations who do not have the required staff with the technical know-how in managing and monitoring the SD-WAN network.
Using the managed model is a good way for smaller companies to start their transition to software-defined networking, giving them the opportunity to study and learn about SD-WAN and SDN from their providers. This iteration of the three models will provide a unified view of the access, network and transport solutions from different providers while generating service-level agreements guaranteeing quality performance from applications and networks that are distributed across WAN locations.
Bear in mind the DIY and managed SD-WAN options are not always mutually exclusive, as the middle market has been known to utilize a mix of both, methods. The managed SD-WAN solution will help graduate the transition to the hybrid model.
Option 3: Hybrid Model
Another option that companies can opt for it the hybrid option, giving enterprises and businesses a wide degree of latitude in creating the kind of network that they want. This is a model that is agreed upon and managed by both the customer and the network service provider. It gives the added benefit of not stripping out MPLS connections entirely, as some companies still want to retain some pipelines in order to transmit and receive information between locations around the world.
The provider and the client will co-manage the network. They will have free reign in generating application and security policies for whatever they intend to do with the network. The service provider would be responsible for handling connectivity and manage the customer experience along with providing guarantees for any network SLAs.
Hybrid WANs are gaining popularity of the three deployment options available. It allows the providers to provide enhanced services such as high visibility integration and analytics, along with technical consulting services to the business managers they are working in concert with. This deployment option offers flexibility and benefits for both the provider and the client. It is very likely that companies will be seeing more of the hybrid method in the foreseeable future.
Internet WAN Branch Using SD-WAN
Another option to consider is utilizing the branching capability of the SD-WAN. SD-WAN gives the ability to branch out between locations using an existing internet connection.
