What Does SD-WAN Do?

Nowadays, many businesses face the pressing need to adapt their networks for advanced efficiency, security, and scalability. The emergence of SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) technology offers a compelling solution, promising to revolutionize the way networks are managed and operated.

Understanding the Basics of SD-WAN



Unlike traditional WAN solutions that rely on fixed circuits and manual configuration, SD-WAN brings dynamic routing capabilities that allow for the automatic selection of the most efficient paths based on network conditions, application requirements (i.e. link quality), and predefined policies.

The flexibility and control provided by SD-WAN technology mark a pivotal shift from traditional network management methods, offering a smarter, more adaptive networking solution.

» Still confused? Compare SD-WAN to SASE and IPsec here

Core Functionalities of SD-WAN



SD-WAN introduces a suite of transformative capabilities designed to optimize network performance and management:

1. Dynamic path selection: This function allows SD-WAN to assess the current network conditions and select the most efficient route for data, improving overall network performance.
2. Application-aware routing: SD-WAN intelligently prioritizes traffic based on the criticality of applications, ensuring that essential applications have the bandwidth and speed required for optimal performance.
3. More security: SD-WAN provides built-in security such as encryption, firewalls, and NAT, facilitating inspection of the traffic via enhanced security systems on-premise or on the cloud.
4. Centralized management: One of SD-WAN’s standout features is its ability to be managed from a central location, offering a comprehensive overview of the network’s health and facilitating simplified management and configuration.
5. Self healing: Due to the central management, an SD-WAN system knows about events that happen across the network and can automate tasks to recover from those events without any user intervention.
6. Highly available: SD-WAN supports multiple connections or devices and can utilize all the available paths to recover quickly from various events.
7. Zero-touch provisioning: Streamlines the deployment of SD-WAN devices, allowing for automatic remote configuration and management without the need for on-site technical intervention, a secure connection, and no mistakes.

Benefits of Implementing SD-WAN

Cost Efficiency

One of the hallmark benefits of implementing SD-WAN is the cost efficiency it brings to an organization's network management. With intelligent software, SD-WAN makes better use of existing bandwidth by dynamically routing traffic across the most efficient paths. This optimization reduces the reliance on expensive leased line connections such as MPLS, translating into substantial cost savings.

Improved Network Performance

SD-WAN can significantly improve network performance, particularly for cloud-based applications and services essential to today's business operations. This is achieved through its ability to intelligently manage and route traffic across the WAN, ensuring that data packets take the most efficient path to their destination. Such smart routing reduces latency, packet loss, and jitter, thereby enhancing the user experience.

Enhanced Security

Cybersecurity threats are ever-present and evolving, and SD-WAN offers enhanced security measures as one of its fundamental advantages. By integrating a wide range of security protocols directly into the network infrastructure, SD-WAN provides comprehensive protection for data in transit across the network.

Scalability and Flexibility

SD-WAN stands out for its unparalleled scalability and flexibility, enabling businesses to adapt their network infrastructure to meet changing demands with ease. Unlike traditional WAN setups that require manual configuration and physical changes to scale, SD-WAN allows for quick adjustments through software configurations. This flexibility supports businesses in their growth, allowing for the addition of new sites or adjustment of bandwidth requirements without the need for complex network overhauls.

» Learn more: The benefits of a multi-vendor SD-WAN strategy

Leverage flexiWAN for Simplified SD-WAN Deployment

SD-WAN represents a paradigm shift in how modern businesses approach network management and optimizations. With its dynamic path selection, centralized management, and other benefits, SD-WAN offers an agile, efficient, and secure networking solution that addresses the complexities of today's networks. The technology's benefits and flexibility underscore its pivotal role in modernizing network infrastructures.

As organizations continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation, adopting SD-WAN stands out as a strategic move to future-proof network operations. This ensures that businesses remain competitive, agile, and secure in an ever-evolving digital world.

flexiWAN is revolutionizing the SD-WAN space through a pioneering open-source approach, offering customization and integration possibilities that stand out in the market. This unique strategy allows businesses to precisely adapt their SD-WAN solution to meet specific requirements, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructures and the facilitation of applications.

Moreover, the introduction of a hybrid edge capability ensures that companies can achieve an optimal balance between on-premise and cloud-based solutions, fine-tuning performance and cost-efficiency to their exact needs. This open-source model not only democratizes SD-WAN technology but also fosters an environment of innovation and collaboration, setting a new standard for network management and optimization.