The truth about SD-WAN and how it can support businesses as they digitally transform
Businesses need nimble and secure networking solutions that support work-from-anywhere models and multi-cloud strategies, and they’re turning to software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology to achieve this. Its operational simplicity, carrier-independent WAN connectivity, and improved security features offer direct cloud access and lay the foundation for a secure access service edge (SASE) strategy. This lets companies manage their networks programmatically, rather than manually, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and return on investment (ROI). More benefits include:
- prioritising essential traffic and services, significantly cutting down on packet loss and latency to ensure users enjoy a smoother, faster experience
- supporting effortless network scaling to meet any changes in sites and traffic levels, facilitating quick organisational growth without the need for extensive planning
- leveraging diverse connectivity options like multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), long-term evolution (LTE), broadband, and 5G to optimise WAN capacity and cut down on costly bandwidth needs, translating into significant savings and a robust ROI.
Despite this, myths about SD-WAN muddy the waters, holding some businesses back from tapping into its full potential. Let’s debunk four common misconceptions:
1. Myth: SD-WAN causes latency
Far from causing latency, SD-WAN aims to reduce it through various mechanisms. It uses secondary transport options, broadband Ethernet, and WAN optimisation services to improve WAN performance and reduce latency. Cloud-based SD-WAN solutions further minimise latency by leveraging a global WAN backbone, ensuring efficient data flow and reducing network congestion.
2. Myth: SD-WAN equals uCPE plus SSE
The belief that SD-WAN is just a complex mix of technologies—universal customer premises equipment (uCPE) and security service edge (SSE)—from different vendors is incorrect. An integrated approach provided by SD-WAN includes equipment and security services as well as advanced networking capabilities, optimising overall network performance and management.
3. Myth: Networking and security must be separate
Integrating networking and security within SD-WAN solutions offers a more cohesive and robust approach to managing network traffic and threats. This integrated strategy enhances security without compromising network efficiency, demonstrating the coordination between networking and security functions in a single SD-WAN solution.
4. Myth: SASE will replace SD-WAN
This misconception misses the point that SD-WAN is a foundational component of SASE. SD-WAN is the critical foundation for SASE, providing a stable and secure base that is essential for the advanced security and network functionality SASE offers. With SD-WAN, companies can optimise their network, which is a fundamental step towards adopting SASE’s integrated security and networking approach.
Looking forward, SD-WAN will continue to be a crucial element in the evolution of network technology, leading the transition towards advanced models such as SD-Branch and SASE to ensure that networking at branch locations is both secure and efficient. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, SD-WAN significantly enhances its capability to detect and neutralise security threats, reinforcing network defences against emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Equally important is the focus on user experience. As network architectures become more complex, maintaining straightforward and reliable access to necessary resources is essential for upholding productivity and security. This emphasis on simplicity, security, and efficiency demonstrates SD-WAN’s vital role in developing a network infrastructure that is robust, responsive, and user-centric. It’s time to move past the myths and recognise SD-WAN’s ability to provide a flexible, secure, and efficient networking infrastructure that supports modern digital transformation efforts.
