The advancement in technology in this digital era, makes businesses source more effective network solutions than they had in previous years. Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SDWAN) is a competent solution that has shown its efficiency to provide a more efficient network. SD-WAN makes use of the modernized method to connect networks through software and makes use of different network carrier options, which helps to reduce its dependency on certain hardware.
For organizations seeking to improve their network structure, choosing the correct SD-WAN provider is of utmost importance. Different SD-WAN providers come up with a different solution that differs in structure, features, management, and compatibility with the already laid down infrastructure. While some SD-WAN companies set out to offer certain features, and some provide comprehensive solutions. This work is out to explain SD-WAN and some of the important factors to keep in mind when selecting SD-WAN service providers, its advantages and some of its challenges.
What is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network is a Wide Area Network (WAN) architecture with enhanced scalability that can make use of various hardware platforms and connectivity choices.Read on.
Criteria for selecting an SD-WAN Provider
In selecting an SD-WAN provider, several important factors must be considered to ensure the solution aligns with businesses’ needs and intentions.
It is crucial to assess the provider’s capacity to maintain minimal delay and maximum data transfer speed in order to guarantee optimal performance of essential applications. Scalability and security are also crucial factors, as the selected provider must have the capability to adjust the solution accordingly to the company’s expansion and changing needs in a secure manner.
Assessment of integration and compatibility with current infrastructure is also necessary. The SD-WAN solution needs to smoothly blend with the current network setup and work well with the existing hardware and software. This guarantees a more seamless transition and decreases the probability of interruptions during implementation.
Effective management and monitoring features from the SD-WAN provider are crucial for preserving network performance and security. An intuitive management interface that provides live monitoring and analytics can assist IT teams in promptly detecting and solving problems, enhancing network performance, and guaranteeing adherence to security policies.
Another important factor is the cost. It is crucial to assess both the initial deployment costs and the continuous operational expenses. A cost-efficient option should offer a good mix of affordability and effectiveness, delivering a strong ROI.
Finally, having customer support and SLAs in place is crucial to guaranteeing dependable and timely assistance for any problems that may arise. A provider that has a proven history of outstanding customer service and well-defined SLAs can offer reassurance and guarantee quick resolution of any issues.
SD-WAN Service Providers
Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN
Aruba’s EdgeConnect SD-WAN provides a modern and easy-to-use solution for connecting employees securely over the network, no matter the size of the business or the devices and locations being used. This SD-WAN uses zero-trust principles to maintain network security and offer centralized and streamlined control. Users can manage and enforce policies centrally and enhance network performance as necessary. This SD-WAN solution is user-friendly and guarantees that businesses of any size or expertise level benefit from SD-WAN implementation.
Aryaka SmartConnect
Aryaka provides a completely managed private network necessary for dependable, uniform, secure, and effortless connectivity among various cloud networks and locations. Operating out of San Mateo, Aryaka has been overseeing the Secure Access Service Storage (SASE) and SD-WAN industry for over a decade now. The automation and orchestration features provide valuable control and analysis of WAN performance and simplify the implementation of network-wide changes. Aryaka SD-WAN is suggested for organizations with various sites that want a simple solution, providing a secure and effective network while reducing administrative tasks… Continue Reading.
Benefits of using SD-WAN Providers
One main benefit is that it makes the network more flexible. This means businesses can quickly and easily change their network settings to fit new needs or expand as they grow. This is especially helpful for companies with many branch offices or remote locations because it makes managing the network simpler and less complicated.
Another important advantage is saving money. SD-WAN can reduce the need for expensive traditional network connections by using cheaper internet connections without sacrificing performance. This can lead to significant cost savings, allowing businesses to spend money on other important projects.
SD-WAN comes up with the flexibility to tailor its features and include additional security or monitoring devices which helps to provide customized networks for certain needs. It prevents latency and congestion by adequately routing traffic through different connections like cellular, MPLS and broadband. This enhances faster bandwidth, reduces latency and improves network experience for users.
SD-WAN enhances cloud firewalls to offer added security for cloud-based applications. Also, traditional networks often send data back to headquarters for security checks, SD-WAN eliminates this by enabling direct and secure connections to the cloud from any branch. This feature simplifies security and saves time by managing security for all locations from a single platform.
Administering the network is simplified with SD-WAN and it makes It possible for IT teams to control and monitor the network from a central location, which in turn, allows for faster recognition and resolution of issues with more effective policy enforcement. This helps the IT staff to reduce their workload and concentrate on tasks that are more important.
Finally, SD-WAN enhances overall business efficiency. Employees can gain entry into important applications and services effortlessly by keeping the network performance dependable and well-structured, which in turn leads to better work efficiency and participation.
Challenges
While it is safe to say SD-WAN providers offer various benefits, there are still numerous challenges that businesses may face. One of the major challenges is cost-effectiveness, which can be huge, especially for small-scale enterprises. Also, including SD-WAN with existing network structures can be hard and might require enough time and resources.
Another major challenge is the ongoing operation and preservation of the SD-WAN solution. Even though all areas of the SD-WAN network management are simplified, it still requires constant monitoring and troubleshooting from skilled personnel for any issue that might arise. This might mean more work for the organization and the IT staff.
SD-WAN can prove to be defenseless if not properly designed and managed, which makes security another major concern. Ensuring that the SD-WAN solution is in line with the organization’s objectives and regulations is important to protect sensitive data.
Furthermore, there might be the issue of vendor lock-in which is a major challenge for businesses, and switching service providers can be hard and expensive because of exclusive technologies and dependencies. Lastly, network performance can vary and can affect the overall functioning of the SD-WAN solution, depending on the dependency of the underlying internet connections.
