SD-WAN is the biggest innovation in networking these days. So big that Gartner predicts the SD-WAN market to reach $1.24 billion by 2020, while IDC estimates it to reach a whopping $8 billion by 2021. While the basic concept of SD-WAN is understood, many of the nuances and benefits of the application are confused. To help you with your research, we’ve created this Authoritative Guide to SD-WAN. In the sections below, you’ll find the answers to many common SD-WAN questions we are asked by our clients.
Let’s get started.
Your Authoritative Guide to SD-WAN
SD-WAN is the biggest innovation in networking these days. So big that Gartner predicts the SD-WAN market to reach $1.24 billion by 2020, while IDC estimates it to reach a whopping $8 billion by 2021. While the basic concept of SD-WAN is understood, many of the nuances and benefits of the application are confused. To help you with your research, we’ve created this Authoritative Guide to SD-WAN. In the sections below, you’ll find the answers to many common SD-WAN questions we are asked by our clients.
Let’s get started.
What is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN is a new form of networking that connects a business’ locations across significant geographical distances. While traditional WAN connections rely on expensive hardware, SD-WAN utilizes the internet or private cloud networks to form its connections.
How is SD-WAN Technology different than SDN?
SD-WAN is an application of the well-known software-defined networking (SDN) technology. While they’re similar in that both are software-defined, they also have some important differences. The primary difference being that SDN is used internally for location-specific networking over the LAN (such as an office headquarters). SD-WAN, configuration on the other hand, focuses on establishing geographically dispersed WAN connections such as broadband internet, LTE, 4G, and MPLS.
How does SD-WAN work?
SD-WAN intelligently guides network traffic over the WAN based on priority and security needs.
6 Key Benefits of SD-WAN Solutions
Consider adding SD-WAN to your networking approach? Check out this simple SD-WAN explained infographic for a complete overview.
Types of SD-WAN Vendors
SD-WAN vendors of all shapes are now jumping into the game — from growing start-ups and established carriers to edge providers. Each vendor offers a different approach to SD-WAN. Choosing the right vendor will require some homework on your part to determine which provider and type of SD-WAN service are best suited for you.
1. SD-WAN via Internet:
SD-WAN run on the Internet is the most manual intensive type of SD-WAN service for a business as it requires a business to completely build and manage their infrastructure. Many companies choose to combine their Internet connections with their existing MPLS connections to gain the cost perks of the Internet and performance reliability of MPLS.
2. SD-WAN-as-a-Service:
Companies purchase SD-WAN-as-a-Service on a subscription basis similar to other Cloud SaaS offerings. Unlike Internet-based SD-WAN that requires your manual work, a provider does the heavy lifting here. This type of SD-WAN is offered by a provider on a pre-constructed private network infrastructure that makes deployment fast and budget friendly.
3. Managed Service SD-WAN
Lastly, a managed service SD-WAN is where a business hires a provider to build and manage their SD-WAN service. As we mentioned earlier, picking your provider will require some research on your part. However, when you do find the right one, it can significantly reduce the burden of managing your SD-WAN network alone. Keep in mind that most managed SD-WANs are run over the public internet.
SD-WAN and Centralized Control
One of the primary benefits of SD-WAN is the centralized control and visibility it gives you over your entire network. From a single portal, SD-WAN can help your team gain:
Migrating to SD-WAN:
Considerations when picking your SD-WAN type
Making the move to SD-WAN networking isn’t a decision to be made lightly. A move of this magnitude will have a significant impact on your business and should be fully researched before making the leap. While doing your homework, take into consideration the following:
The LinkSource Advantage
Need help deciding which SD-WAN product or service is best for you? Give us a call today for your free network assessment.