SD-WAN or a software-defined wide-area network is the automatic and programmatic approach to effectively managing the enterprise network connectivity and circuit costs. Its work is to turn SDN, software defined networking into an application for enterprises that want to quickly come up with a smart and hybrid WAN. Hybrid WAN is comprised of a business-grade IP VPN, wireless services and a broadband connection.
Hybrid WAN solutions require advanced equipment that creates customized high-end PCB. Such a solution offers better connectivity and security. In terms of business WAN use, the hybrid option is the most suitable.
Traffic generated for the network is immediately routed across to the WAN path that is deemed most appropriate depending on the condition of the network. Other determinants of the traffic routing include the level of security and the QoS requirements (quality-of-service) of the application traffic on the network and finally the cost of the circuit. The enterprise customer has full control over the routing policies.
Some of the most important Attributes of SD-WAN include:
• It is compatible with many different types of connections.
• The connections on the network can enjoy cross load-sharing.
• SD-WAN allows the automated provision of premium network services. It also supports switching to services like WAN optimization, VPN, firewall, and application delivery control.
• It supports zero-touch provisioning
The emergence and growth of Cloud technology have led to the demand for WAN technology among ordinary consumers. This has led to the emergence of new start-ups which have undertaken the provision of WAN cloud services using a software-only model. This has made provision of WAN services in Cloud easier to provide and deploy. The Cloud offers better security, WAN optimization and very good Internet; you could say business class internet.
WAN on the cloud is also called SD-WAN which denotes software-defined WAN. It is generally designed to the effect that WAN services are easier to consume and manage. This service is currently one of the leading trends in the networking world. This includes software-defined networking, SDN and the increased consumer demand and provision of enterprise technology for the average consumer.
The same trend reflects how broadband services became more automated and easier to provision and home-based consumers have increased such that it is now a necessity to pre-install broadband in buildings. The services can now also be deployed via the internet once the hardware has been installed. Faster provisioning and easier management is the goal of internet service providers and IT Managers. Therefore, with the advance of SD-WAN, consumers will no longer need to be encumbered by CLIs and proprietary lock-ins. Getting the WAN technology is increasingly getting fast and convenient.