5 advantages of SD-WAN: briefly summarized

Why SD-WAN is the future of Site Connectivity

Point-to-point networks, Internet VPN, MPLS: there have always been new trends in the field of corporate networks in the past. SD-WAN networks, on the other hand, are a real evolution in the field of Site Connectivity. With its innovations, SD-WAN technology is now adapting better and better to the requirements of companies. Examples include security, the availability of applications and the diversity of end devices.

1st advantage: The independence of the underlay network

As with Internet VPN, SD-WAN is a private network within which data is exchanged via encrypted “tunnels”. Regardless of whether it is a dedicated Internet line, MPLS line or mobile Internet, as long as there is an IP connection, SD-WAN can use it. An SD-WAN network can therefore be rolled out in the remotest corners of the world without having to invest in expensive infrastructure such as dedicated lines. SD-WAN is based on the existing infrastructure. This means that SD-WAN is cost-efficient and quick to set up.

2nd advantage: Security through SASE

Security through SASE means that the user is authenticated at the edge of the network and not in the core. And this authentication is not done for all areas, but on a case-by-case basis, with a list of permissions that determine which applications can be used or seen. SD-WAN can be perfectly combined with a SASE model; this is one of the main differences between SD-WAN and Internet VPNs.

3rd advantage: A perfect network for the cloud

Companies of all sizes are moving inexorably towards the cloud. A user doesn’t care where the SaaS solution is located as long as they can use it. SD-WAN optimizes the data flow. Network traffic is routed in such a way that the most efficient path is always taken.

4th advantage: SD-WAN creates the same conditions for all users

Even before the pandemic, there were employees who worked from home or on the road. The problem was that these early VPNs created a two-tier society within the company. The connection of a traveling sales employee was nowhere near as good as that of his colleague at the company headquarters. With today’s broadband or mobile connections, users outside the office often have access to equivalent bandwidths. This means that an SD-WAN can provide remote or mobile employees with the same resources as everyone else in the organization.

5th advantage: SD-WANs are flexible and adaptable

As SD-WAN is not tied to a fixed infrastructure, it can quickly adapt to new requirements and specifications. For example, company takeovers can be realized quickly. New locations can be easily integrated into the company network with SD-WAN. SD-WAN gives your network the opportunity to grow with your requirements. It can change and develop in line with customer requirements and market conditions, just like your business. The benefits of SD-WAN are too numerous to list. As the above shows, the decision to adopt SD-WAN doesn’t have to be a purely technical one.