Software-defined Wide Area Networking – or SD-WAN – simplifies WAN management, optimizes traffic flow, and improves overall WAN security.
“In much the same way virtualization has fundamentally changed the data center for cloud computing, SD-WAN is transforming corporate networks.”
– Forbes
Let’s take a closer look at SD-WAN, what it is, and who can benefit from it.
The Difference Between SD-WAN and WAN
The key difference between SD-WAN and WAN is this: SD-WAN is a virtual network, where WAN requires specialized hardware at every location, as well as manual setup and deployment and individual network management.
SD-WAN works on whatever internet connections are present at a location. It puts a software layer on top of the connections to unify all locations and create what is essentially one network.
SD-WAN Is the Future of Wide Area Networks
Software-defined Wide Area Networking is displacing technology and is best suited for the evolving and dynamic demands of wide area networks today. Why? Because it connects all locations seamlessly and behaves as if it is one meshed network – all without the significant upfront and ongoing investment in hardware and setup.
Enterprise-level businesses can take advantage of reduced costs, improved scalability and security, and reduced in-house maintenance burdens – which means more time to allocate to mission-critical tasks and growth-driving activities.
Centralized, Simplified Management
Network management can be resource-intensive, especially in enterprise environments that demand complex network solutions. SD-WAN simplifies management by connecting locations and allowing them to be managed and behave like a single network. This enables greater control through a single pane of glass management, as well as control over resource allocation by location and applications. Any changes, updates, additions, and removals are made just once but are reflected company-wide.
Empowering the Multi-Location Enterprise
Many enterprises operate out of more than one location. SD-WAN makes new location network connectivity quick and easy. Since the network is software-defined, new locations can be added to the existing network, which will then reflect all pre-existing security measures and other configurations. This eliminates the need for disparate set-ups per-location.
A Networking Solution That Empowers Business Development
Technology is a strategic tool that businesses of all sizes can use to deliver a superior end-user or customer experience and drive expansion. For businesses with large user populations and several locations, SD-WAN networks are one such IT solution that can be leveraged to promote an improvement in user experience.
In short, the larger an organization’s footprint is, the better the ROI of SD-WAN. Each location that embraces SD-WAN is one less that demands an upfront hardware and setup investment – as well as ongoing and future management and replacement costs. The network solution helps teams maximize existing network resources while eliminating the need for a costly network buildout.
The result? Optimized network management and security streamlines operations, maximizes effectiveness, improves user experience, and ultimately gives teams more resources to dedicate to the tasks that matter most.
Every business benefits from a future-proof SD-WAN networking solution. Contact us to learn more about how Fidelus addresses today’s most challenging enterprise network and communication issues.
