{"id":16866,"date":"2022-11-29T10:45:11","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T09:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.savecall.de\/11-steps-to-network-transformation-with-sd-wan\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T08:50:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T06:50:20","slug":"11-steps-to-network-transformation-with-sd-wan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.savecall.de\/en\/11-steps-to-network-transformation-with-sd-wan\/","title":{"rendered":"11 steps to network transformation with SD-WAN"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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11 steps to network transformation with SD-WAN<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Trusted Advisor for IT & Telecommunications Sourcing<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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SD-WAN: the path to successful network transformation<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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In 11 steps to successful network transformation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN network transformation in eleven steps: from stakeholders and goals through topology and security to service management.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN replaces or complements classic MPLS access technologies and gives companies control, visibility and the flexibility to quickly bring connectivity online at new locations. The path there breaks down into eleven clearly defined steps, from stakeholder alignment to ongoing service management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In a nutshell:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Stakeholders & goals:<\/strong> Involve the right internal stakeholders and define clear SD-WAN goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Solution scope & provider:<\/strong> Define scope, delivery model and provider<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Topology & access:<\/strong> Evaluate network topology, access types and application landscape<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Security & operations:<\/strong> Define security requirements, virtual network functions and service management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
The solution:<\/strong> SAVECALL guides companies vendor-neutrally through the complete SD-WAN network transformation, from goal-setting to ongoing operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What this article covers:<\/strong> This article shows, in eleven concrete steps, how an SD-WAN network transformation succeeds, from stakeholder alignment through solution scope and provider choice to security and service management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Table of contents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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1. Consult the right stakeholders<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
2. Define your SD-WAN transformation goals<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
3. Define the scope of your SD-WAN solution<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
4. Decide on delivery model and provider<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
5. Define your network topology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
6. Define your access types<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
7. Evaluate your application landscape and QoS prioritization<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
8. Define your location profiles<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
9. Security requirements<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
10. Requirements for virtual network functions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
11. Requirements for service management<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
How SAVECALL supports<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Organizations are increasingly using the Internet alongside or instead of private MPLS access technologies to access cloud-based services and reduce connectivity costs. SD-WAN<\/a> provides a way to gain control, visibility and the flexibility to quickly bring connectivity online in new locations. But what steps do you need to take to define your network transformation<\/a> strategy and ensure it meets your digital business objectives?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Consult the right stakeholders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It is very important to consult the right internal stakeholders at the start of the network transformation to ensure that your strategy supports the overall digital business objectives of the organization. This means understanding the expectations and needs of the CEO and business application owners. The concerns of end users, network, IT and security management teams also need to be considered. Only when all stakeholders are on board and rowing in the same direction can you successfully implement your strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Define your SD-WAN transformation goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to recent industry surveys, the most important reasons for companies to introduce SD-WAN are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Ensuring 24\/7 availability and business continuity of network and applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Enforcement of security policies for applications and users<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Achieving outstanding application and WAN performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Greater flexibility, especially in the provision of connectivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Greater flexibility when adapting security controls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It is important that you are clear from the outset about the problems you want to solve and the business goals you want to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Define the scope of your SD-WAN solution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The next step is to define the scope of your SD-WAN solution. After the network transformation, most organizations want to be able to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Create and automate the setup of site-to-site VPNs that connect branch offices to the cloud or the company’s data center<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Use cost-effective broadband access connections<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Enable dynamic path selection to balance traffic loads across the various access technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Access a self-care portal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Decide on delivery model and provider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You need to be able to rely on the providers on your shortlist to deliver robust, business-grade services and be able to meet end-to-end service level agreements (SLAs) to securely execute your network transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN deployment models range from self-operated, where the organization procures and deploys the solution and manages ISPs directly, to fully managed services with various forms of co-management in between. The decision depends on whether the organization has the staff and expertise to operate in-house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Define your network topology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You must decide whether each function should be provided on a universal CPE (uCPE) on site. Alternatively, functions can run on a virtualized CPE, in the corporate data center or in the data centers of communication service providers (cloud SD-WAN). For example, a company may choose to scan all its internet traffic in the cloud, avoiding the need for an on-site device to slow down employee browsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Define your access types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
SD-WAN is inherently access agnostic and supports any type of local access technology (copper, fiber, cable coaxial, wireless and even satellite). Using existing connections can make sense, especially in some exotic regions of the world, if you are happy with the service provided and don’t want to switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Evaluate your application landscape and QoS prioritization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It makes sense to use tools to monitor the applications before the network transformation. This will allow you to determine which applications are consuming which bandwidth and what quality of service (QoS) issues exist. At this stage, it is also worth identifying the most business-critical applications that need to be prioritized in your new SD-WAN network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Define your location profiles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The company must check each location to determine the number of employees, user profiles and applications used. Investigate the bandwidth requirements of specific locations, such as production sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Security requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From the outset, the network and security teams need to work together to consider the security policies and future requirements of the business. The security elements<\/a> of an SD-WAN service can drastically change the design of your entire network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Requirements for virtual network functions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your service provider should be able to support a wide range of virtual network functions (VNFs). This allows you to remotely set up and manage communication services such as VPNs, WAN optimization, VoIP and next-generation firewalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Requirements for service management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There is little doubt that organizations increasingly need to be able to manage SD-WAN functions and policies, as well as other virtualized network functions for security and acceleration. Your SD-WAN management console must be easy to use and provide a sufficient level of monitoring and visibility to provide a means of control. The best portals have an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that allows you, or your managed service provider, to configure the devices in your branch offices and set policies. The portal should also produce highly visual, easy-to-understand reports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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How SAVECALL supports your SD-WAN transformation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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SAVECALL guides you vendor-neutrally through all 11 steps of your SD-WAN transformation, from goal-setting through provider selection to ongoing service management, with access to more than 80 carrier and manufacturer partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion on network transformation with SD-WAN<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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SD-WAN enables companies to take advantage of the benefits of Internet connectivity (high speed, low cost, broad availability) while minimizing the disadvantages (unpredictable reliability, high latency, limited security). It promises fast, secure and reliable access to public and private cloud services for remote users. Connectivity is crucial for any digital business today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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$\"Frank$ <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Written by<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frank Frommknecht<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Account Consultant, SAVECALL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Has supported companies for over 20 years in selecting and optimizing their connectivity solutions. His focus: making complex telecommunications understandable from the customer’s perspective and strategically finding the right solution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Why<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Telecom & IT sourcing. Worldwide. Carrier-independent.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Selection & operation of worldwide connectivity & cloud infrastructure. Without vendor risk & unnecessary costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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80+ carriers worldwide<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One point of contact<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One SLA<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One portal: mySAVECALL<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Min. 20% savings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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25+
years of experience<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Learn more<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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40+
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1400+ Clients<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n
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Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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SAVECALL, “SD-WAN for Businesses: Providers, Cost & Benefits”, savecall.de\/sd-wan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
SAVECALL, “SD-WAN: Cisco vs Fortinet vs VeloCloud”, savecall.de\/sd-wan-cisco-fortinet-velocloud<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
SAVECALL, “Zero Trust for SMEs”, savecall.de\/zero-trust-im-mittelstand<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Frequently asked questions about SD-WAN network transformation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Who should be involved when planning an SD-WAN transformation?<\/strong>
Beyond IT, this includes leadership, the owners of key business applications, end users, and the network, IT and security management teams. Only when all these stakeholders are involved from the start and the strategy supports the overall digital business objectives can the transformation succeed. If any of these groups is missing, friction over operations or security approvals often shows up later.<\/p> <\/div>
What goals do companies typically pursue with SD-WAN?<\/strong>
Common goals include ensuring 24\/7 availability and business continuity, enforcing security policies for applications and users, achieving better application and WAN performance, and gaining more flexibility in both connectivity and security controls. Which of these goals take priority should be clear before the transformation starts, so success can be measured afterward.<\/p> <\/div>
What should be defined as part of the SD-WAN solution scope?<\/strong>
Typical scope includes automated site-to-site VPNs between branch offices and the cloud or data center, the use of cost-effective broadband connections, dynamic path selection to balance traffic loads across different access technologies, and access to a self-care portal for administrators. These elements form the technical foundation on which provider selection and network design are then built.<\/p> <\/div>
Self-operated or managed service: which SD-WAN deployment model fits?<\/strong>
Deployment models range from self-operated, where the organization procures and manages the solution and ISPs itself, through various forms of co-management, to fully managed service. The choice depends on whether the organization has enough staff and expertise to operate in-house. Regardless of the model, providers should be able to deliver robust, business-grade services with end-to-end SLAs.<\/p> <\/div>
How does security affect the SD-WAN design?<\/strong>
Network and security teams should define security policies and future requirements together from the outset, since the security elements of an SD-WAN service can drastically change the entire network design. This includes, for example, centralized cloud-based security functions that scan internet traffic for all sites instead of burdening local devices. If security is only considered afterward, costly rework on the network design often follows.<\/p> <\/div>
What makes a good SD-WAN management console?<\/strong>
A good SD-WAN management console is easy to use and provides sufficient monitoring and visibility across all sites. The best portals have an intuitive graphical user interface that lets organizations or their managed service provider configure devices in branch offices and set policies, along with easy-to-understand, visual reports. This makes both day-to-day operations and managing security and acceleration features easier.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n
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