SDN and SD-WAN

A robust and more flexible network is an important platform that enables companies to overcome uncertainties. But how can companies make their network truly stable, secure and future-proof? And in such a way that it supports their innovation strategy? Distributed locations need to be connected, cloud environments integrated, data and connection security guaranteed and wired and wireless networks integrated. A network must be able to handle the different requirements of these various network participants (users, servers, IOT sensors). This integration is one of the most important tasks of an IT department today and SD-WAN can be the key to success.

Companies need a cloud-centric architecture

A cloud-centric architecture is the need of the hour as it enables organizations to make the best use of their networks. Building agility at the cloud edge with easy deployment of various virtual network functions at these edges enables better connectivity to critical applications across multiple clouds. Companies therefore often rely on providers with a global presence to get as close as possible to the cloud and thus optimally route business-critical data traffic to the cloud applications.

SD-WAN as a software-controlled network solution

A high degree of scalability is required to successfully cope with unforeseen circumstances. Scalability is often severely limited by a hardware-centric model. Therefore, the use of software-driven network solutions is increasingly important. Faster provisioning of network functions and routing policies is necessary. SD-WAN has emerged as an important solution here.

SD-WAN has many advantages. But does this approach automatically work as a panacea for various network problems? The answer is no, because not every company has the technical capabilities to make the most of this approach. For implementation in an environment where other technologies are already in use, companies need a mature and methodical migration strategy. This is the only way to turn the use of SD-WAN into a success story.

Secure network infrastructure through SASE

Security and reliability play a crucial role for companies when choosing the right network solution, alongside rapid deployment and flexibility. A secure network infrastructure is very important for the complete digital transformation of a company. And this is where another trend comes into play – Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). SASE is not entirely new, as it is an amalgamation of many existing tools. SD-WAN and VPN technologies are combined with cloud-native security features such as Zero Trust and firewalls.

Conclusion

All of this is intended to reduce complexity on the one hand and increase security on the other. If the integration of security solutions into SD-WAN is not seamless, the complexity will remain and SD-WAN will not deliver the value that organizations expect. There are many use cases for which a software-defined network makes sense. For enterprises, a software-defined hybrid network can secure all locations and ensure maximum availability through load balancing. With the proliferation of hybrid workplaces, virtualized networks allow companies to run the functions of their network in the cloud and change their IT architecture as needed without changing hardware.

The – justified – hype surrounding SD-WAN and SASE clearly shows one thing – the industry and companies have begun to view and accept security and the network as a single entity in order to achieve maximum security and flexibility at the same time. To be truly innovative as a company, this is now more important than ever.