Software-defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs) have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to provide organisations with a more flexible, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional Wide Area Networks (WANs) that use hardware-based networking devices.
Improved Network Performance
One of the critical benefits of SD-WANs is their ability to improve network performance. Unlike traditional WANs that are limited by the capacity of a single circuit, SD-WANs allow organisations to optimise their network performance by using multiple WAN connections such as broadband, LTE, and MPLS.
It gives organisations greater flexibility and redundancy, ensuring their network remains up and running even if one of the circuits fails.
SD-WANs also allow organisations to dynamically steer traffic over the best available path based on real-time network conditions, providing a more reliable and efficient network. It can reduce network latency, increase bandwidth, and improve the overall quality of network services.
Simplified Network Management
Another benefit of SD-WANs is their ability to simplify network management. SD-WANs provide a centralised management and control platform, allowing administrators to easily configure, monitor, and manage their WAN from a single console. Simplified Network Management reduces the need for specialised networking skills and helps to simplify network management, allowing organisations to focus on more strategic initiatives.
In addition, SD-WANs can automate many of the manual processes associated with traditional WANs, such as network configuration, policy management, and troubleshooting. It reduces the risk of human error and improves network operations’ efficiency.
Increased Agility
SD-WANs also offer increased agility compared to traditional WANs. SD-WANs allow organisations to quickly and easily deploy new branches, remote offices, and other locations without needing specialised hardware or technical expertise. Increased agility can help organisations to respond swiftly to changing business requirements, such as supporting remote workers or new business initiatives.
In addition, SD-WANs can help organisations to better support cloud-based applications and services by providing a more flexible and efficient network. Businesses can take advantage of the benefits of cloud computing, such as reduced costs, increased scalability, and improved access to new technologies.
Cost Savings
SD-WANs can help organisations reduce their WAN costs by using cheaper broadband connections and eliminating the need for specialised hardware and dedicated WAN circuits. In addition, the centralised management and automation capabilities of SD-WANs can help reduce network operations costs by reducing the need for manual processes and the risk of human error.
Here are some ways in which SD-WAN can help organisations save money:
Reduced WAN costs: With SD-WAN, businesses can leverage multiple network connections, including low-cost broadband internet, to reduce WAN costs. SD-WAN can automatically route traffic over the most cost-effective path based on the type of traffic, application priority, and link availability.
Improved Application Performance: SD-WAN uses intelligent traffic steering to route traffic over the best available link based on application requirements. This can improve application performance, reduce latency, and improve the end-user experience, increasing productivity and revenue.
Simplified Network Management: SD-WAN provides a centralised management console that simplifies network management and reduces the need for on-site IT staff. With SD-WAN, businesses can easily configure, monitor, and troubleshoot their network from a single pane of glass, reducing operational costs.
Improved Security: SD-WAN can provide better protection than traditional WAN architectures by encrypting traffic, segmenting traffic, and providing advanced security features like firewalls, intrusion detection, and prevention. Better security reduces the risk of data breaches and security incidents, saving businesses the cost of remediation and lost revenue.
Improved Security
SD-WANs can also provide improved security compared to traditional WANs. SD-WANs can offer better security by encrypting all traffic and applying security policies, reducing the risk of data breaches and other security threats.
Here are some of the key security benefits of SD-WAN:
Encryption: SD-WAN can encrypt traffic between different sites, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept and read data. Encryption can help protect sensitive data and reduce the risk of data breaches.
Segmentation: SD-WAN can segment traffic between different sites or applications, which can help prevent unauthorised access or lateral movement within the network. By separating different types of traffic, SD-WAN can reduce the risk of a single compromise affecting the entire network.
Policy-Based Access: SD-WAN can enforce access policies to control who can access different network parts. For example, SD-WAN can restrict access to specific applications or resources based on user identity, location, or other factors. Policy-Based Access can help reduce the risk of insider threats or external attacks.
Threat Detection and Prevention: SD-WAN can integrate with advanced security technologies like firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence. By detecting and blocking malicious traffic, SD-WAN can help prevent cyber attacks before they can cause damage to the network or applications.
Centralised Management: SD-WAN provides a centralised management console that monitors network activity and alerts administrators to potential security threats. It can help IT staff quickly identify and respond to security incidents, reducing the risk of data breaches or other security events.
By providing these security features, SD-WAN can help organisations protect their network and applications from cyber-attacks. By reducing the risk of data breaches or other security incidents, SD-WAN can save businesses the cost of remediation and lost revenue.
NETLOGiX can assist you with a more flexible, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional WANs, allowing them to support their businesses’ growing demands. Get unbreakable internet. Contact us today.
