If you’re looking to migrate to the cloud, streamline internal communications, and unify your workforce, you need a responsive and adaptable network design. That’s where SD-WAN comes in. It’s similar to traditional WAN technology, but there are significant differences that make it the superior choice for growing companies.
So, here’s everything you need to know about SD-WAN and how it can help you solve your greatest network infrastructure and communications challenges.
SD-WAN vs WAN: the basics
First, let’s be clear on what the WAN and the SD-WAN actually are.
The WAN, or Wide Area Network, connects multiple smaller networks across a large geographical area. The computers on these networks rely on hardware such as servers, circuits, and VPNs to access data.
SD-WAN, however, works differently.
Short for Software-defined Wide Area Network, the SD-WAN replaces software with hardware. It’s not limited by server capacity or the physical hardware around your office.
In other words, SD-WAN allows you to completely overhaul your network infrastructure. But why does this matter? Let’s take a look.
What you need from your enterprise network
In today’s increasingly digital world, a growing business needs at least four things from its enterprise network infrastructure:
Connectivity
Flexible working and telecommuting is more common than ever before. Your business needs a reliable way to unify communications and bring the workforce together, wherever they’re based.
Visibility
If you’re migrating to the cloud and using multiple applications, it’s challenging to keep track of everything. You need a centralized solution where you can instantly see and access the app you want.
Security
82 percent of US SMBs have experienced a cyberattack, according to recent findings. What this means is that every SMB needs a robust network infrastructure that keeps pace with evolving cyber threats.
Efficiency
40 percent of lost productivity can be attributed to task switching and performing monotonous jobs. To maximize productivity, you need to automate as many processes as possible so your employees can focus on high-value work.
So which network infrastructure lets you handle these enterprise challenges better – WAN or SD-WAN? Let’s break it down and make a comparison.
Workforce unification
With WAN, you’re relying on expensive circuits to connect your workforce. And if the network fails, you could face serious connectivity problems.
SD-WAN, however, works on the cloud, which is cheaper and more scalable than hardware. It’s also far more reliable for connectivity.
Resource distribution
WAN requires regular resources management because you can see only apps and resources installed at your physical location.
There’s no such restrictions with SD-WAN. You can see all apps and resources across the entire network, wherever the device is located.
Security preservation
When you’re on the WAN, you need hardware firewalls for each connected device to keep it safe.
SD-WAN is the firewall. And it’s agile and sophisticated enough to shield all company devices across multiple locations.
App automation
WAN requires you to install apps and programs on every device.
SD-WAN auto-deploys apps and policies to wherever they’re needed. It also lets you automate task management wherever possible.
Unify your network with SD-WAN solutions now
Ultimately, the SD-WAN is safer, cheaper, and more efficient for most SMBs now than the WAN.
Fidelus IT partners with the experts over at Silver Peak to deliver bespoke SD-WAN solutions for every business. For more information on boosting your network infrastructure using SD-WAN technology, contact us now.
