What Is SD-WAN? Software-defined networking (SDN) is a type of network architecture that uses virtualization to deliver applications and services to users in a wide area network. Wide area networks (WANs) are tools that enable organizations to extend the reach of their computer networks. Regular WANs use conventional routers to direct traffic. With cloud or hybrid environments, this causes backhaul and delays.
SD-WAN virtual architecture centralizes the control function into a software application to direct traffic through the WAN. By replacing branch routers with a virtual network (overlay), the SD-WAN provides more visibility and improves network management. Since it is separated from hardware, it is more flexible than a traditional WAN.
A typical SD-WAN architecture consists of an SD-WAN Edge, a Controller, and an Orchestrator.
SD-WAN stands for Software Defined Wide Area Network. The centralized software model provides an overlay over the WAN network, supporting applications wherever they are hosted. This includes on-premises data centers, SaaS (software as a service), public or private clouds, or hybrid on-premises/cloud environments.
SD-WAN (software defined wide area network), as a virtualized architecture, is software that sits on top of a router, improving the WAN router functionality. An SD-WAN mitigates router risks, like application performance degradation, by optimizing and remediating poor quality routes. You can add an SD-WAN solution to an existing WAN infrastructure or replace it to simplify operations.
Until the widespread adoption of the cloud, companies connected the different parts of their enterprise environment through physical routers. WAN routers were used to connect different branch offices with data centers, manufacturing facilities, and retail outlets. This is a reliable option but highly expensive because of infrastructure costs. It often requires dedicated bandwidth and on-premise box routers to ensure the traffic works smoothly.
Since they are not designed for the cloud, WANs may have operational challenges, including:
Expanding WAN capabilities usually means replacing expensive MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) with VPNs. Still, many times the VPNs come from different providers, making the network more complex to manage.
SD-WAN addresses these problems by optimizing the functionality of WAN routers through virtualized appliances. Some ways SD-WAN solves network challenges include:
SD-WANs benefit businesses by reducing hardware costs and giving companies the flexibility to access multi-cloud services. Organizations adopt SD-WAN solutions to address networking challenges coming from their digital transformation.
Benefits of SD-WAN include: