Features of SD-WAN
SD-WANs are still relatively new to the market but has revolutionized the enterprise computing environment completely. Traditional networks in enterprises today are comprised of legacy equipment that has lifespans of a decade before a tech refresh occurs. They are configured in such a way where there is little to no flexibility in how data traverses the network due to the limitation of switching of routing technology of this architecture. Over 80 percent of internet traffic is often backhauled because there is no mechanism in place for interruptions in service. The inflexible nature of the legacy architecture is no longer feasible to utilize in today’s more open environment.
The software-defined solution delivers a superior user experience that is unmatched by its predecessors. It is centered as a cloud-first architecture that is designed to be more responsive to the needs of the enterprise. SD-WANs have better application priority capability, making it easier to assign and sort applications within the network intelligently. This is achieved based on the WAN determining IP addresses, bandwidth requirements, user accesses, and other factors. System administrators only have to set minimum and maximum bandwidth limitations based on different categories and let the SD network take care of the rest. This will maximize bandwidth no matter how many applications are running at any one time.
While data is transferring across several points in attempting to build a connection, it’s possible the establishment of the session would be delayed due to the data using unnecessary routes. SD-WANs will determine the most direct path for data to traverse reliably and with minimal packet loss. The system would need to take into account other factors such as bandwidth congestion and latency to ensure that the transfer of data is not negatively affected.
SD-WAN devices that are pre-configured will be better than alternative solutions due to their ability to deploy quickly and easily. Virtual appliances and other devices that share the same platform as enterprise hardware make it easier for the enterprise to upgrade and enjoy the advantage of better scalability. Interfaces that are also tied with these devices make it easier for system administrators to make the necessary adjustments and conduct speedy configurations for new devices that will be added into the WAN.
SD-WANs that are available on the market often come in the form of software or physical appliances. The required traits that this particular architecture should have are:
- Intelligent Pathing: SD-WANs offer the ability to intelligently utilize carrier links for resilience and load balancing/sharing. Instead of relying on singular connection paths, the software-defined solution gives enterprises the ability to leverage multiple connections, such as MPLS and 3G/4G LTE, and other paths for users to connection their sessions to
- Third Party Support: Able to support WAN optimization controllers, firewalls, web gateways
- Management Simplicity: Able to manage and configure networks with the use of a simple interface. Also allows immediate access to real-time information on performance, network charts, and ease of integration of other network tools to help administrators handle more pressing issues within the WAN.
- Connectivity Support: Supports multiple connection types; ex. frame relay and MPLS circuits, and LTE communication paths and utilizes active-active mode for dynamic connection establishment
The software-defined approach gives businesses a wide array of enterprise-level features:
- Quality of Service: Gives prioritization to critical applications.
- Security: Communications within SD-WAN is encrypted via IPsec, providing end-to-end protection of data as it traverses from point A to point B. Next-generation firewalls (NSFW) are also packaged as part of the SD solution to scan and protect the network from malicious traffic.
- Optimization: Improved application delivery through caching, which stores information that was accessed recently in memory to speed future access.
- Resilience: Features real-time outage detection with failover capabilities to active connections. This is achieved through the use of a single dashboard to assist in monitoring network events as they occur.
- Deployment: The SD configuration is available to be deployed at a moment’s notice.
- Ease of oOperation: Offers simplified management. This makes it easier on IT staffs to handle administrative and troubleshooting functions through applications rather than through hardware.
